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Arts + Culture

Andrii Padkovskyi plays the titular role in Asolo Rep's "Fiddler on the Roof," which runs through May 24.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 20, 2026
A Ukrainian fiddler finds his roof in Sarasota

After a musical family escaped war in Ukraine, two brothers land at Asolo Repertory Theatre.

  • Arts + Culture
The annual Memorial Day parade kicks off on Main Street in Sarasota at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 25. Rebecca Souders, 10, Jessica Wilhelm and Beth Duranceau watch the parade in 2023.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for May 21-27

Don't miss these arts and entertainment events around Sarasota and Manatee counties this week.

  • Arts + Culture
A camper explores hands-on marine science during Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Mote SEA STEM Camp.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • May 19, 2026
Let the kids blossom creatively this summer at one of these art camps

These summer camps for children and teens open the door to self-expression, skill-building and the joy of discovery.

  • Arts + Culture
Samantha Bennett and George Nickson are the co-founders and co-artistic directors of ensembleNewSRQ.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 13, 2026
Two Sarasota arts groups team up to present an opera for our times

Artist Series Concerts and ensembleNewSRQ join forces for Matthew Aucoin's "Music for New Bodies."

  • Arts + Culture
Marina and Vladislav Yeliseyev pose in front of one of Vlad's paintings in their home in The Landings.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 12, 2026
Sarasota artist travels the globe painting outdoors

With his studio in The Landings, Vladislav Yeliseyev's world knows no boundaries.

  • Arts + Culture
Rod Brogan and Rachel Moulton star in Florida Studio Theatre's "Birthday Candles."
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 6, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre actor is a woman for all seasons

In "Birthday Candles," Rachel Moulton ages from 17 to 107 as she bakes a cosmic confection.

  • Arts + Culture
Richard and Rebecca Hopkins are longtime leaders of Florida Studio Theatre.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 30, 2026
Leadership changes coming to Florida Studio Theatre

With the new McGillicuddy Arts Plaza under construction, longtime Florida Studio Theatre leaders Richard and Rebecca Hopkins have assumed higher leadership roles.

  • Arts + Culture
In The Sarasota Players' production of "Assassins," Brian Finnerty (upper left) plays The Proprietor, Caitlin Ellis is Squeaky Fromme, Craig Weiskerger is John Wilkes Booth and Jason Ellis is the Balladeer.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • April 29, 2026
In 'Assassins,' Sarasota Players shines light on America's dark side

Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman's tragicomic musical is a sideshow of colorful characters who took aim at the president.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota William Kelley has traveled the world to create his rainbow-hued paintings.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • April 27, 2026
Sarasota artist William Kelley paints the colors of his mind

The canvas of the world traveler is big and his palette is bold.

  • Arts + Culture
Nearly every member of the Sarasota Ballet will be on stage for “Checkmate” May 1-2 at the Sarasota Opera House.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • April 22, 2026
Sarasota Ballet stages a dramatic death dance in 'Checkmate'

The Black Queen battles the Red Knight in Dame Nanette de Valois' chess-inspired ballet.

  • Arts + Culture
In "Rooted in Nature," a trio of gargantuan sculptures mimic the roots of Selby’s iconic Moreton Bay fig tree.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • April 15, 2026
Selby trails Alexander Calder's restless creativity with a stunning exhibition

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' horticultural ode to Alexander Calder's sculptures and mobiles creates an adult playground.

  • Arts + Culture
The New York City improv troupe Shitzprobe creates musicals on the fly based on audience suggestions.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • April 13, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre puts its summer improv festival on ice for a year

The wildly popular weekend event will return in 2027 with a spring date.

  • Arts + Culture
This year the Sarasota Opera House is turning 100. To celebrate, the Sarasota Opera is holding a special concert and dinner on April 11.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • April 8, 2026
Sarasota Opera fetes Opera House on its centennial

The Opera plans an epic celebration for the Med-Rev masterpiece's 100th anniversary.

  • Arts + Culture
From left to right, Maya Carpentiere, Amanda Gonzalez, Christiana Allison, Grayson Buchanan, Sheila Wallis and Ryan Duga star in Florida Studio Theatre's children's production, "The Pirate Ship and the Sea Monster and Other Winning Plays."
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 7, 2026
Three Sarasota theaters jump on the trolley

Asolo Rep, Florida Studio Theatre and the Van Wezel will offer a free family tour.

  • Arts + Culture
The cast of Asolo Rep's "Fiddler on the Roof" poses with instruments.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • April 7, 2026
Asolo Rep's production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' plays a timeless tune

Director Peter Rothstein brings the music onstage with actors who not only sing but also play instruments.

  • Arts + Culture
1 2 3 4 5 »
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Latest News

1
A new fire pit area awaits campers, along with the playground that was moved from Camp Flying Eagle, where camps used to be held.
  • May 21, 2026
Dream Oaks Camp opens near Rye Preserve just in time for summer
2
A massing model of The Bay phases 3A and 3B show a parnking deck to the right, to the left the Sarasota Performing Arts Center location flanked by two restaurant spaces and the current parking lot converted to green space. The Van Wezel is at the bottom left corner.
  • May 21, 2026
Bay Park Conservancy reveals final phase concepts for The Bay park
3
A floating day dock has been built along the refurbished south seawall in the 10th Street boat basin as part of The Bay park Phase 2.
  • May 21, 2026
No fees for day docks at The Bay park
4
The new Kompose Hotel at SRQ Airport will be built behind this Hampton Inn along University Parkway.
  • May 21, 2026
New hotel will complete three-facility campus at SRQ airport
5
A black skimmer incubates its eggs.
  • May 21, 2026
Colony of black skimmers continues to thrive on Lido Key; here's how to respect their space

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