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Arts + Entertainment

A flamingo by Peggy Roberts
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 9, 2025
Artist of palm frond creations to hold exhibition at Art Ovation Hotel

Peggy Roberts started creating animals from palm fronds in her retirement, as a showcase of upcycling.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The iconic Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota's "Purple Palace," kicked off its delayed season with "Menopause the Musical 2," on Jan. 4.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • January 8, 2025
Van Wezel reopens after hard work by employees and contractors

After being postponed for more than two months, Sarasota's "Purple Palace" kicks off a sparkling season.

  • Arts + Culture
Ute Vela competes in the Observer Challenge held Feb. 3-5, 2023. She and her husband, Enrique, have won the tournament four times.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 8, 2025
Observer Challenge hopes different format will attract more players

The beloved Longboat Key tennis tournament is back for its 25th year with a new format and surprise criteria for its grand prize.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Manatee County is gearing up for the RUN Manatee 5K Series in 2025. Three races will be held across the county at different locations from April through November.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 8, 2025
Manatee County gears up for new 5K series

The races will take place at Tom Bennett Park, Coquina Beach and Rye Preserve from April through November.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Windjammers Unlimited, more formally known as the Circus Music Historical Society, will perform with the Sailor Circus on Jan. 11 after their weeklong convention in Sarasota.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 7, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Jan. 9-15

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Terri Weagant starts in "Spaceman," which runs through Feb. 16 at Urbanite Theatre.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • January 6, 2025
Urbanite's 'Spaceman' is out of this world

Summer Dawn Wallace directs a human story in a science-fiction universe.

  • Arts + Culture
Rickey Tedesco, Tron Montgomery, William Ashburn and Yinoelle Colon starred in "The Florida Highwaymen" by Don Salvo in 2024 Ten-Minute Play Festival.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • January 5, 2025
Theatre Odyssey celebrates 20 years of its Ten Minute Play Festival

After a modest start, the festival has become a mainstay of the Sarasota arts season.

  • Arts + Culture
Michelle Heera Kim and Rona Figueroa star in "The Heart Sellers," which runs through Feb. 16 at FST's Keating Theatre.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • January 4, 2025
FST's 'The Heart Sellers' talks turkey about Asian immigrant experience

The recipe for Lloyd Suh's tale of unlikely friendship may sound heavy, but it's leavened with humor.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
Step out in 2025 with these Sarasota arts events
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • January 1, 2025
Step out in 2025 with these Sarasota arts events

From "Funny Girl" to "Figaro," here are eight shows that you won't want to miss in the new year.

  • Arts + Culture
The Whitney Houston tribute show, "The Greatest Love of All," comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Jan. 3.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 31, 2024
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Jan. 2-8

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Don't miss these Sarasota events in 2025
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 31, 2024
Don't miss these Sarasota events in 2025

Here are some of the top picks to mark on your calendar for the new year.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Attendees get busy in a Lego building zone.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 30, 2024
BrickUniverse event will showcase the creative possibilities of Lego

The Lego fan expo event offers a place for both major artists and hobbyists.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Save these dates in 2025 for Longboat Key events
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 30, 2024
Save these dates in 2025 for Longboat Key events

2025 is a packed year of classic Longboat Key events for all residents.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
New year, new liver. Maybe it is time to take that holiday detox breather — and head to Siesta Key Oyster Bar to kick off that healthy 2025 mantra!
    By
  • Emma Burke
  • December 28, 2024
These mocktails won't leave you missing the buzz

Let's raise a glass of a booze-free beverage and toast to hangover-free mornings.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Sara Esty performs in Asolo Rep's "Crazy For You," which wrapped Jan. 4.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • December 25, 2024
For Sarasota arts groups, 2024 was the year of fancy footwork

Cultural institutions showed agility as they dealt with everything from grants cuts to hurricanes.

  • Arts + Culture
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Latest in Arts + Entertainment

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
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
3
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
4
Chefs Justin Kurtz and Ismael Flores showcase some of Mar Vista’s signature dishes.
  • February 6, 2026
Innovative chef at Mar Vista honors tradition — and keeps reinventing it
5
Lido Island Grill's lobster roll, filled with chilled Maine lobster and served with tortilla chips and lemon.
  • February 5, 2026
Meet the island kitchens setting the standard for a seriously good lobster roll

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