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Arts + Entertainment

Kelsey Stalter, Katharine McLeod and Kraig Swartz star in "Dog Mom" at Florida Studio Theatre through Aug. 8.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 30, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for July 2-8

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Andy Sandberg is artistic director and CEO of the Hermitage Artist Retreat, an artist incubator based in Englewood.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • June 29, 2026
Hermitage Artist Retreat strengthens its ties with Broadway

The Englewood arts incubator announces non-exclusive development deal for musicals with Manhattan Theatre Club.

  • Arts + Culture
The historic Sarasota County Courthouse.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 29, 2026
Sarasota County offers primer program on workings of local government

Registration is open for Sarasota County's 12-week Civics 101 class.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Observer Advertising Content Staff
  • June 29, 2026
Songbirds of the Seventies

At Florida Studio Theatre from July 7 - September 6, 2026.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Spotlight Partners
Sponsored Content
The lunch and dinner buffet at Der Dutchman is available from 11:45 a.m. to close. The breakfast buffet is offered from 7 to 11:15 a.m.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • June 27, 2026
Sarasota Amish eatery ranks as No. 2 buffet restaurant in US

Der Dutchman is on the USA Today’s 10 Best list for best buffet restaurants.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A visitor to Sarasota Art Museum takes a photo of David Hockney's "Inside It Opens Up As Well," which collector Stanton Storer loaned to the museum for "Something Borrowed, Something New."
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • June 24, 2026
Collectors lend their treasures to Sarasota Art Museum for blockbuster exhibition

"Something Borrowed, Something New" features works by contemporary artists David Hockney, Ai Weiwei, KAWS, Louise Bourgeois, Richard Serra and others.

  • Arts + Culture
Chophouse285, located at 285 West Dearborn Street in Englewood, was among the 68 restaurants participating in the 2026 Savor Sarasota campaign.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • June 23, 2026
Nearly $1.02M in sales generated during Sarasota restaurant weeks

Visit Sarasota County spearheaded the initiative to promote dining out during the summer.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Hand balancer Yelitza Vivas wows the crowd at the Summer Circus Spectacular, which runs through Aug. 8 at The Ringling's Historic Asolo Theater.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 23, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for June 25-July 2

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
The pizzeria offers mostly 13-inch and a handful of 8-inch pies.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • June 23, 2026
Michelin-recommended pizzeria opens at University Town Center

Mister 01 Extraordinary Pizza is known for its artisanal star-shaped pizzas.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Jerome and Kathryn Chesley pose in their living room surrounded by colorful glass art that they've collected over the years.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • June 22, 2026
Sarasota couple are cultural ambassadors, together and separately

Retired educators Jerome and Kathryn Chesley lead trolley rides, usher at theaters, teach and lecture about arts and history.

  • Arts + Culture
Attendees were impressed by the fireworks across Sarasota Bay.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 19, 2026
Fourth of July 2026 events in Sarasota, Longboat Key and Lakewood Ranch

From parades to the classic fireworks, check out these events to help you celebrate Independence Day right.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Class participant Michael Hartman begins to put on the AED pads to the CPR mannequin.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • June 18, 2026
Learn a life-saving skill this summer

The next scheduled CPR and AED training workshop date is set for July 8 at Longboat Key Fire Rescue's Station 91.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Most of the action in Asolo Repertory Theatre's "Lady Disdain" takes place in a studio where romantasy audiobooks are recorded.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • June 17, 2026
Asolo Rep's 'Lady Disdain' brings the Bard into age of romantasy, revenge porn

Lauren Gunderson's reimagining of William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" is a rolling world premiere.

  • Arts + Culture
Waves of red, white and blue flooded Bay Isles Road for the 2024 Freedom Fest parade. While the patriotic display was impressive, organizers of the upcoming Fourth of July festivities believe the activities planned for this special 250th edition will be bigger and better than ever.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • June 17, 2026
Get ready for a special edition of Longboat's 'shortest parade in America'

For the country's 250th birthday, Longboat Key is adding some memorable touches to its Fourth of July celebration.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
JP Soars and the Red Hots will perform a free Father's Day concert at The Bay on Sunday, June 21.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 16, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for June 18-24

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
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Latest in Arts + Entertainment

1
Rise Above Performing Arts Artistic Director Jacob Ruscoe stands in front of the theater company's new space.
  • August 5, 2026
Rise Above Performing Arts finds a new home
2
Duo Transcend, made up of "America's Got Talent" finalists Mary Wolfe-Nielsen and Tyce Nielsen, bring their roller-skating and trapeze artistry to the Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling.
  • August 4, 2026
The best things to do this weekend in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat
3
Grae Productions founder Stephanie Grae (center) is flanked by dancers who are part of her entourage of artists that create ArtLab parties.
  • August 3, 2026
ArtLab toasts its fourth anniversary in new venue
4
Herrig Center for the Arts, formerly ArtCenter Manatee, opened its new building in April.
  • July 29, 2026
The Herrig Center for the Arts is worth a trip to Bradenton
5
The Orlando improv troupe Forgotten Broadway plays Florida Studio Theatre's Bowne's Lab July 31-Aug. 1.
  • July 28, 2026
The best things to do this week in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat

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