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Arts + Entertainment

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
  • By Observer Advertising Content Staff
  • April 21, 2026
Our Lady of Guadalupe Wine Dinner

Each course is crafted to complement the character of every pour, creating a refined and memorable dinner from start to finish.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Spotlight Partners
Sponsored Content
Maxim Chlumecky is at the center of the action in this scene from Asolo Rep's "Fiddler on the Roof," which runs through May 24 at FSU Center for the Performing Arts.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 21, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for April 23-29

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
The golf course at Longboat Key Club, which is accessible by membership or stay at the resort, has 45 holes to play.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • April 21, 2026
Charity golf tournament will return to Longboat Key

The Phil Galvano Golf Classic benefits Manatee County public schools and is being held for the 30th year in 2026.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Brandon Billings and Katriana Vélez star in FSU/Asolo Conservatory's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," which runs through April 26 at FSU Center for the Performing Arts.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • April 21, 2026
'A Midsummer Night's Dream' takes flight at FSU/Asolo Conservatory

MFA students transform Shakespeare’s fever dream into an aerial playground.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
Kojo's incredibly delish truffled chicken wontons ($14).
    By
  • Emma Burke
  • April 20, 2026
Live large with a tiny taste of the best truffle dishes in town

We've rooted out some affordable ways to celebrate National Truffle Day.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Sarasota Orchestra Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero.
    By
  • Gayle Williams
  • April 18, 2026
Sarasota Orchestra ends its season on a high note with Masterworks 7

Conducted by Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero, the Bernstein-Mahler program demonstrates the orchestra's growing artistry.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and the Sarasota Police Department will take part in the 2026 Torch Run.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 16, 2026
Sheriff's Office leads off Sarasota Torch Run for Special Olympics

The city's police department will do its own run on April 24.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Element Steak.Seafood.Pasta is at 1413 Main St. in Sarasota.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • April 16, 2026
Sarasota restaurant closing on Main Street seeks new space

Element will shutter its current location downtown in late April.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
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
A record number of guests attend Longboat Key Garden Club's Dinner and a Movie.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • April 15, 2026
Check out these Longboat Key events celebrating local creatives

This month, the Longboat Key Foundation, town of Longboat Key and Longboat Key Garden Club are organizing events spotlighting some of the area's best painters, performers, sculptors and more.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's "Lies, Spells, and Old Wives Tales" runs through May 17 at WBTT's Donelly Theatre.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 14, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for April 16-22

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Lakewood Ranch's Phil Orapallo and Sarasota's Kendra Simpkins Walsh are eager to welcome veterans and golfers alike to the Operation Warrior Resolution Golf Classic at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club on April 27.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 14, 2026
Operation Warrior Resolution Golf Classic to benefit local veterans

The second annual Operation Warrior Resolution Golf Classic was founded by a Lakewood Ranch resident who knows the kind of trauma veterans can go through.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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
Rod Brogan and Rachel Moulton star in Florida Studio Theatre's "Birthday Candles."
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • April 10, 2026
Today and tomorrow take the stage in Florida Studio Theatre's 'Birthday Candles'

FST blows out the candles on a lifetime of birthdays during a single play.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 »
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Latest in Arts + Entertainment

1
Il Panificio is now open at 1995 Main St. in Sarasota.
  • May 9, 2026
Il Panificio opens new downtown Sarasota restaurant
2
Saucy! is expanding on the Gulf Coast, with a Lakewood Ranch and Trinity location opening May 4 and 5, respectively.
  • May 7, 2026
Saucy new chicken spot opens in Lakewood Ranch
3
Rod Brogan and Rachel Moulton star in Florida Studio Theatre's "Birthday Candles."
  • May 6, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre actor is a woman for all seasons
4
Several characters in Sarasota Players' "Assassins" think they deserve credit for saving the life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
  • May 5, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for May 7-13
5
Richard and Rebecca Hopkins are longtime leaders of Florida Studio Theatre.
  • April 30, 2026
Leadership changes coming to Florida Studio Theatre

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