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Arts + Entertainment

Potbelly specializes in sandwiches. It also sells salads, soups, shakes and cookies.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • May 22, 2025
Potbelly opens first Sarasota location

The Sarasota Potbelly will be the 14th for the brand in Florida.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Artist Stephen Harlan offers a glimpse into his creative process this weekend at Wyland Gallery Sarasota on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 22, 2025
Self-taught digital artist shakes up high-end art world

Florida-based artist Stephen Harlan met with fans this weekend at Wyland Gallery Sarasota on St. Armands Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Urbanite Theatre's "From 145th to 98th Street" follows a Black family who changes neighborhoods in New York City.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 21, 2025
Urbanite's 'From 145th to 98th Street' follows a family's search for a better life

Nia Akilah Robinson's world premiere challenges stereotypes with sharp storytelling and lyrical language.

  • Arts + Culture
Arts Advocates honors Andy Sandberg with Luminaire Award
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 21, 2025
Arts Advocates honors Andy Sandberg with Luminaire Award

The prize celebrates outstanding contributions to Sarasota arts.

  • Arts + Culture
Heather Saunders and the cast of "Jesus Christ Superstar," which runs through June 28 at Asolo Repertory Theatre.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 20, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for May 22-28

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Joshua Stayton has been hired as artistic director of Azara Ballet.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 20, 2025
Azara Ballet adds artistic director position

Joshua Stayton joins the company for its third season.

  • Arts + Culture
  • By Observer Advertising Content Staff
  • May 19, 2025
Your Weekly Taste: Lakewood Ranch Deli

You can order their signature breakfast sandwiches, like the Saus, Egg n Cheese or Ham, Egg n Cheese, all day long.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Spotlight Partners
Sponsored Content
Mary Magdalene (Sarah Kay) mediates a showdown between Judas (Heath Saunders) and Jesus (Jesse Nager) in Asolo Rep's "Jesus Christ Superstar."
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 19, 2025
Asolo Rep stages a stirring 'come to Jesus' moment

Josh Rhodes' "Jesus Christ Superstar" delivers a fast, punchy rendition of the greatest story ever told.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
Co-owners Zach Zeller and Chef Evan Percoco design their latest restaurant to feel like a backyard.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 19, 2025
Twisted Pit BBQ opens on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

The Twisted Pit is Zach Zeller and Chef Evan Percoco's third establishment to open on Main Street.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Nate Jacobs and members of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will host the third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival on June 22.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2025
WBTT to host third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival

The festival takes place June 22 at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's campus.

  • Arts + Culture
These summer camps inspire future artists, performers and cultural connoisseurs
    By
  • Su Byron
  • May 16, 2025
These summer camps inspire future artists, performers and cultural connoisseurs

Wondering what to do with the kids this summer? Arts camps abound for a variety of interests.

  • Arts + Culture
Tsunami's Sashimia appetizer mixes sashimi, crunch and color for a dish that's as fun to admire as it is to devour. The tuna tartare is artful and flavorful — wrapped in avocado, crowned with a quail egg and an edible flower and served in a savory ponzu sauce.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 16, 2025
Tsunami Sushi continues to evolve with menu items aimed to please everyone

Jeffrey Karasawa and Jason Klamson share their recipe for excellence at Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill's Lakewood Ranch location.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Benny Sato Ambush is the artistic director of the Venice Theatre.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 15, 2025
Benny Sato Ambush steps down as artistic director of Venice Theatre

Ambush helped the community theater rebound from COVID and Hurricane Ian.

  • Arts + Culture
Flower Child is known for its customizable bowls, wraps, salads and overall healthy menu.
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • May 15, 2025
New restaurant seeks local following with fresh-first take on casual dining

An Arizona restaurant concept popular with yogis, foodies and lots of health-conscious people in between choose the Lakewood Ranch area to make its Florida debut.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Isabella DuCharme brings island energy to every espresso pull at Bad Ass Coffee, where each cup starts with beans grown in paradise.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • May 15, 2025
Check out these cafes to get a creative caffeine fix

Wake up and smell the coffee! Here's what's brewing in Lakewood Ranch.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
« 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 »
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Latest in Arts + Entertainment

1
Paul Nicholas and David Cantor star in "A Tailor Near Me" at Florida Studio Theatre through Feb. 15.
  • December 18, 2025
Florida Studio Theatre's 'A Tailor Near Me' stitches threads of friendship and art
2
Justin Gomlak helps bring big city glamour to the Sarasota stage in "A Very Broadway Christmas," which plays Monday, Dec. 22, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
  • December 17, 2025
The Van Wezel wants you to have 'A Very Broadway Christmas'
3
Richard Thomas stars in "Mark Twain Tonight!" at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Dec. 19-20.
  • December 16, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Dec. 18-24
4
Trevor Stalcup and Jessica Assef star in George Balanchine's "Mozartiana," in Sarasota Ballet's Program Three, "Masters of Movement," which runs Dec. 19-20 at the Sarasota Opera.
  • December 16, 2025
Sarasota Ballet taps a Balanchine disciple to stage his final major work
5
Tree Fort Productions takes a recovery road trip, one classic car at a time
  • December 15, 2025
Tree Fort Productions takes a recovery road trip, one classic car at a time

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