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Arts + Culture

Stephanie Zandra plays the Archangel who looks down over Joseph (Eustace Williams) and Mary (Maicy Powell) in Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's "Black Nativity," which runs through Dec. 21.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • December 1, 2025
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents holiday pageant in living color

Director Nate Jacobs discusses his latest take on Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity" and why it matters more than ever.

  • Arts + Culture
Keep the wonder alive during the most wonderful time of the year
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 26, 2025
Keep the wonder alive during the most wonderful time of the year

From twinkling lights to festive music to caroling on a trolley, there's something for everyone in this holiday sampler of eight events.

  • Arts + Culture
Nathan Benderson Park bridge, Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 25, 2025
Hermitage fellow is fixing the world one song at a time

Tom Lubben, the middle member of The Lubben Brothers, will perform with clarinetist Shawn Allison at Benderson Park in a Hermitage Sunsets concert.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota actor Alan Kitty is launching a Mark Twain Festival at the Crocker Memorial Church, home of the Sarasota Historical Society, in Pioneer Park.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • November 24, 2025
Mark Twain is alive and well and living in Sarasota

Twain impersonator Alan Kitty is launching a festival to honor the noted author's 190th birthday.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota arts scene serves up holiday classics, explores the modern 9-to-5
    By
  • Su Byron
  • November 21, 2025
Sarasota arts scene serves up holiday classics, explores the modern 9-to-5

Across the region, creativity is flourishing — from bold new theater and centennial celebrations to music and dance that lift the spirit.

  • Arts + Culture
Anxious travelers are desperate to contact loved ones after they are stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, in Asolo Rep's production of "Come From Away."
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • November 19, 2025
Asolo Rep tells a story of Canadian hospitality with 'Come From Away'

When 7,000 travelers were grounded in Gander on 9/11, locals opened their homes — and their hearts.

  • Arts + Culture
Hermitage Artist Retreat programming includes events on the beach adjacent to its campus.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 18, 2025
Artist retreat receives more than $300,000 in grants

The grants will help fund Hermitage Artist Retreat's operations, storm recovery and programming.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
A crowd scene of Cypriot art acquired by John Ringling in 1928 is the centerpiece of the new Gallery 12 at The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • November 18, 2025
John Ringling's Cypriot treasures get a permanent gallery for the first time

Consulting curator Joanna Smith discusses a decadelong journey to open Gallery 12 at The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

  • Arts + Culture
Architecture Sarasota's MOD Weekend 2025 kicks off with a party at the Umbrella House, designed by Paul Rudolph in 1953 for Philip Hiss. Both were members of the Sarasota School of Architecture.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 12, 2025
Architecture Sarasota makes a MODest proposal

Learn about signature Sarasota buildings and have fun along the way during Architecture Sarasota's MOD Weekend.

  • Arts + Culture
Daredevil clown Johnny Rockett, the Grinch and superstar aerialist Nik Wallenda pose in front of Wonderland's new tent near UTC.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 11, 2025
Nik Wallenda teams up with LECOM for holiday circus

The medical college bought three-year naming rights to the new Wonderland tent.

  • Arts + Culture
Asolo Repertory Theatre Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein and Michael Saunders, founder and CEO of her eponymous real estate firm, at the Hulaween gala in New York City on Oct. 24.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 8, 2025
Asolo Rep costume shop wins second at Bette Midler's Hulaween

A Sarasota team dressed by Asolo Repertory Theatre won second place in the costume contest at Bette Midler's annual fundraiser for the New York Restoration Project.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota Orchestra Music Director will conduct a Masterworks concert at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall from Nov. 7-9.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 5, 2025
Sarasota Orchestra's new maestro is the man of the hour

Giancarlo Guerrero's arrival as the seventh music director of the Sarasota Orchestra heralds a period of expansion.

  • Arts + Culture
Under the leadership of Steven Phillips, Via Nova Chorale merged with Choral Artists of Sarasota.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 4, 2025
Via Nova Chorale finds a new way following its merger with Choral Artists

Under the leadership of Steven Phillips, the organization has emerged as Sarasota's second largest choral group.

  • Arts + Culture
Jacqueline Morales, Alan Kim and Corrie Owens star in Kate Hamill's adaptation of Jane Austen's novel, "Emma," which runs at FSU/Asolo Conservatory from Nov. 7-23.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • November 3, 2025
FSU/Asolo Conservatory brings Jane Austen's 'Emma' to life

Kate Hamill's play features students in their second year of a three-year master's program.

  • Arts + Culture
"Cosi fan tutte" runs at Sarasota Opera from Oct. 31 through Nov. 15.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • October 29, 2025
Sarasota Opera revives a fall tradition with 'Così fan tutte'

The production of Mozart's playful look at infidelity ends a hiatus of two years for full-blown fall shows.

  • Arts + Culture
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1
Everything from fun fashion to deals on furniture can be found at the upcoming Trash to Treasure rummage sale.
  • February 7, 2026
Trash to Treasure sale making its return
2
Suncoast Waterkeepers regularly tests water quality at 12 sites in Sarasota Bay and its adjacent waters, including the Linley Street boat ramp on Longboat Key.
  • February 7, 2026
Sarasota, Manatee bayside beaches graded for water safety
3
Three comedians including Bradenton's Tim Boyd will perform at the “Hearts of Hope: A Valentine’s Comedy Night” fundraiser to benefit Harbor 58, Foster the Family, and Bring on the Ministry on Feb. 13.
  • February 6, 2026
Nonprofits to host Valentine's comedy fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch
4
Sarasota nonprofit Casting For The Kids helps children with cancer and their families breathe a little easier.
  • February 6, 2026
Annual fishing tournament casts for a cause
5
Work by Janet Echelman in “Radical Softness” at Sarasota Art Museum through April 26.
  • February 6, 2026
New creations, global voices, celebrations light up our cultural horizon

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