- November 7, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
‘Lucky Stiff’
7 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
$39-$59
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Based on the humorous murder mystery, “The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo,” Florida Studio Theatre’s “Lucky Stiff” tells the story of an English shoe salesman whose $6 million inheritance depends on passing off a recently embalmed body as his live uncle. What could go wrong? Directed by Ben Liebert. Runs through Dec. 28.
‘Purlie’
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.
$54 adults, $24 students 25 and under and active military
Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.
In this WBTT production of the rollicking Broadway play by Ossie Davis, Raleigh Mosely II stars as a Black preacher who returns to his home in the Jim Crow South to save his community church. Sarasota audiences will see such local favorites as Jannie Jones, Chris Caswell, Patric Robinson and Jazzmin Carson as well as WBTT newcomers Cody Farkas and Marcey Green. Runs through Nov. 9.
‘Feeling Good’
7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
The latest musical revue created by Rebecca Hopkins and Richard Hopkins, “Feeling Good” pays tribute to contemporary crooners like Michael Bublé and Bette Midler. A dynamic trio — Haley K. Clay, Andrew Leggieri and Russell Mernagh — makes its Florida Studio Theatre debut with such swingin’ hits as “Come Fly With Me,” “It Had to Be You” and “Me and Mrs. Jones.” Runs through Feb. 8.
‘Monsters of the American Cinema’
7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St.
$5-$44
Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.
In Christian St. Croix’ haunting play, Remy (Jon Gentry), a gay Black widower bonds with his late husband’s straight, white teenage son Pup (Tyler Geva) over scary monster flicks. But the cozy domestic scene gets disrupted when ghastly cinematic creatures seemingly escape the silver screen. Runs through Dec. 7.
Jazz at Two with Hot Club SRQ
2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalists Church, 3975 Fruitville Road
$15-$20
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
If you’re a fan of Gypsy Jazz in the style of Django Reinhardt, you won’t want to miss this performance of Hot Club SRQ at the weekly Jazz at Two series sponsored by Jazz Club of Sarasota. The jazz string ensemble of Keven Aland on violin and vocals, Jon McLaughlin on guitar and Glenn Stevenson has been together for more than a decade. Their repertoire includes tango, bebop, Afro Cuban and the Great American Songbook.
Arts on Palm
7-10 p.m. at N. Palm Ave.
Free
Visit DowntownSarasotaDID.com.
Fresh Fridays celebrates the local art scene. The Alan Grant Band will provide a blend of rock, soul and funk music, while guests can explore the numerous art galleries along Palm Avenue and enjoy complimentary treats.
Living This Moment in Time
7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St.
$40; students $10
Visit ViaNovaChorale.org.
Join Via Nova Chorale, the successor to Choral Artists of Sarasota, in its kickoff program of the season as it honors Joseph Holt, who retired after 16 seasons as artistic director of Chorale Artists. The program, conducted by Via Nova Director Steven Phillips, features music by G.F. Handel, Jerome Kern, Bob Dylan and many more performed by more than 50 singers.
‘Emma’
7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
$15-$30
Visit AsoloRep.org/Conservatory.
See FSU/Asolo Conservatory students in their second year of a three-year program perform Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel about a clever but self-satisfied young woman in early 19th-century England who fancies herself a skilled matchmaker. “Emma” is directed by Ariel Bock. Runs through Nov. 23.
Masterworks: 'Symphonic Dances'
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 7777 N. Tamiami Trail
$39-$109
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Sarasota Orchestra’s Masterworks concert “Symphonic Dances” brings new music director Giancarlo Guerrero to the stage at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The program features Jennifer Higdon’s “blue cathedral,” a percussion-heavy composition that was delayed by Hurricane Milton in 2024. The program gets its title from Rachmaninoff’s final orchestral composition. Italian pianist Alessio Bax performs Tchaikovsky’s demanding Piano Concerto No. 1, considered by many to be the greatest piano concerto of all time. Runs through Nov. 9.
A Tale of Two
8 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court
$25
Visit WSLR.org.
Described as a “swamp pair of retro raconteurs," vocalist Stephanie Adlington and guitarist Aaron Lessard have opened for Mary Gauthier, Grayson Capps and Peter Mulvey. They’ve attracted notice for their songs of love, betrayal and heartache as well as for their snappy banter.
Rise & Shine Saturday
9 a.m. at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail
Free
Visit SarasotaRising.org.
The second marquee event of the sophomore edition of the Living Arts Festival Sarasota takes place all day at the Municipal Auditorium. The free, family-friendly jamboree includes hands-on activities, entertainment, food and arts education. Come for an hour or the entire day. Festival continues Nov. 9 with "You Raise Me Up" closing performance.
The Orchid Show 2025: Rebecca Louise Law
10 a.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St.
$30; $28 online
Visit Selby.org.
This year’s Orchid Show explores the theme of survival and features an immersive art installation of preserved flowers by British contemporary artist Rebecca Louise Law in The Richard and Ellen Sandor Museum of Botany & the Arts. Law’s installation is juxtaposed with a vibrant display of live orchids and other plants in the living museum’s Display Conservatory. The end result is the blurring of lines between art and nature. Runs through Dec. 7.
Hungarian Festival
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd.
Free
Visit SarasotaMagyarFesztival.com.
This festival aims to connect the Hungarian diaspora and Americans of Hungarian descent with the local community and with Hungary, while sharing Hungarian culture with the community through activities, games, music, shows and Hungarian food. Continues noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Veterans Concert
2 p.m. at Pine Shores Presbyterian Church, 6116 Crestwood Ave.
$20, students $10, veterans free
Visit LWRWindEnsemble.org.
Join the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble and Ring Sarasota, the area’s premier handbell choir, for a patriotic concert celebrating courage and sacrifice. Founded in 2019 by Joe Miller, who is now director emeritus, the LRWE is led by Joe Martinez, who spent 35 years as a music teacher in Miami and Sarasota.
Rhinestone Cowboys & National Heroes
3 p.m. at SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St W, Bradenton
$35-$65
Visit ThePopsOrchestra.org.
The Pops Orchestra, led by Robyn Bell, kicks off its 50th season with a tribute to the golden age of country music and a tribute to veterans featuring Nashville singer Ralph Curtis. This musical salute to cowboys and heroes showcases the music of Grand Ol’ Opry stars such as George Jones, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell and more. Continues at Riverview Performing Arts Center in Sarasota on Nov. 9 and returns to SCF Neel on Nov. 10.
Santa's Grand Arrival Parade
4 p.m. on Cattlemen Road at the Mall at University Town Center
Free
Visit MallAtUTC.com.
The Santa's Grand Arrival Parade event begins with a concert by NoFilter at 4 p.m., followed by a veterans' tribute at 5:45 p.m. Then comes a special tree lighting, which features a crisscross high-wire act by siblings Nik and Lijana Wallenda, at 6 p.m. The parade, which features more than 60 entries that include floats and marching bands, starts approximately at 6:30 p.m. A fireworks show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and the post-parade concert by We The Kings begins at 8 p.m.
Town 70th Anniversary
4-6 p.m. at the Karon Family Pavilion, 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
Free
Visit LongboatKey.org.
Help the town of Longboat Key ring in its 70th anniversary and celebrate the community's veterans. The festivities will feature live jazz by Michael J. Ross & Company, refreshments and community speakers.
Brundibár
5 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$15-$30
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
A cast of 80 to 100 young people between the ages of 8 and 18 take the stage for the Sarasota Youth Opera’s production of "Brundibár.” The tale of resilience and hope features music by Jewish Czech composer Hans Krása and libretto by Adolf Hoffmeister. It was originally performed by children at a concentration camp during World War II. Runs through Nov. 9.
New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players
7:30 p.m. at Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way
$40
Visit GPACTix.com.
Sarasota loves pirates, especially those from Penzance. This year, New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players comes to the Glenridge Performing Arts Center with a one-act production of “Pirates of Penzance.” Gilbert and Sullivan fans will revel in NYGASP artistic director James Mills’ rendition of the famous “patter” song, “I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General.” The concert also includes a medley of favorites from the G&S repertoire.
Suncoast Concert Band Veterans Day Concert
3 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3131 61st St.
$5
Visit SuncoastConcertBand.org.
Now in its 93rd season, the Suncoast Concert Band of seasoned musicians delivers a rousing tribute to our nation’s veterans. Call 941-907-4123 to reserve tickets and please be sure to dial the right number.
Monday Night Jazz: Scotty Wright Quintet
7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$34-$39
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
Jazz singer Scotty Wright performs his debut concert at Monday Night Jazz at the Cabaret, sponsored by Jazz Club of Sarasota. Wright will be accompanied by Pete Carney on sax, Chris Neville on Piano, Paul Gormley on bass and Mark DeRose on drums. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for dinner and beverage service.
Veteran's Day Parade
10 a.m. at Main St. and Orange Ave.
Free
Visit SarasotaFL.gov.
The Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee and City of Sarasota host the annual Veterans Day parade, which begins at Main Street and Orange Avenue and concludes at J.D. Hamel Park, where it is followed by a ceremony.
Legacy x Response
10 a.m. at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail
Free
Visit ArtSarasota.org.
Art Center Sarasota is marking its 100th anniversary with an exhibition exploring the legacy of the center's artists through fresh eyes. SARTQ Artist Collective's "Legacy x Response" is one of four exhibitions currently on display at the gallery, where artworks are for sale. The other shows are "Earthly Glyphs" by Juan Alonso-Rodriguez, Njeri Kinuthia's “Reconstruction” and the juried exhibit, "small works." The four fall shows run through Nov. 15.
‘Così fan tutte’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$32 and up
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
Sarasota Opera revives fall opera with Mozart’s “Così fan tutte.” The humorous tale follows two soldiers who test the fidelity of the sisters to whom they are engaged. Sarasota Opera is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Opera House and “Così fan tutte” kicks off what promises to be a festive season. Runs through Nov. 15.
‘Art Deco: The Golden Age of Illustration’
10 a.m. at the Sarasota Art Museum campus of Ringling College, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail
Free for museum members; $20
Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
The Sarasota Art Museum celebrates the 100th anniversary of the exposition that kicked off the Art Deco movement. More than 100 eye-catching posters from the Crouse Collection as well as industrial furniture, home furnishings and other objects loaned by the Wilsonian-Florida International University are on display. Through March 29, 2026.
Thankful Thanksgiving with Chef Warren
11:30 a.m. at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd.
Free
Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.
Chef Warren will offer kitchen tips and funny stories about Thanksgiving meal prep, answering questions and offering a healthy cooking demo to be followed in 15 minutes.
