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Arts + Entertainment

The musical "Waitress," with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, runs through Jan. 5 at FST's Gompertz Theatre.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 29, 2024
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Oct. 31-Nov. 6

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
CEO Maribeth Phillips says Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee serves 96 agencies in the county. This year's Empty Bowls will be critical to support increased demand due to hurricanes.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 29, 2024
Empty Bowls in Lakewood Ranch will support hurricane relief

Meals on Wheels Plus' CEO Maribeth Phillips says hurricanes have increased the need.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Many bars and restaurants on Anna Maria Island were damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The Drift Inn sits empty on Oct. 27 as repairs are being done. A benefit concert will raise funds for service workers.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 28, 2024
Lynyrd Skynyrd rocks Manatee County to help service industry employees

Proceeds from the Nov. 15 concert will support service industry employees who have been displaced by the hurricanes.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Venice photographer Clyde Butcher is flanked by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden after receiving the National Medal of Arts on Oct. 21.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 28, 2024
Photographer Clyde Butcher wins National Medal of Arts

The honor is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the federal government.

  • Arts + Culture
The Columbia Restaurant is seen boarded up, bracing for Hurricane Milton, just two weeks after Hurricane Helene flooded it with storm surge. The St. Armands landmark is set to reopen Oct. 26.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 25, 2024
Columbia Restaurant on St. Armands to reopen Oct. 26

Cha Cha Coconuts is also back after nearly a month of work to repair damage from hurricanes.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Kinsey Robb at Art Center Sarasota
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 23, 2024
Art Center Sarasota executive director departs for national nonprofit

After helping revitalize Art Center Sarasota as executive director, Kinsey Robb now brings her experience to Art Dealers Association of America.

  • Arts + Culture
Jessica Lang rehearses with Sarasota Ballet's Macarena Gimenez and Maximiliano Iglesias for the world premiere of "A Time of Beauty."
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • October 23, 2024
Sarasota Ballet calls on angels

Choreographer Jessica Lang found celestial inspiration for her world premiere, "A Time of Beauty."

  • Arts + Culture
The Headless Horseman haunts the Sarasota Polo Club grounds.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 22, 2024
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Oct. 24-30

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Tom Rokosz said the 1964 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport is considered a "muscle car."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 22, 2024
Lakewood Ranch resident adds muscle by buying an Impala

Tom Rokosz's classic muscle car is just one of many to be showcased at the Knights of Columbus Car Show and Cookout.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Enlightened Monkey Arts will provide a haunted tunnel at BooFest. The theme of the tunnel has yet to be determined.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 21, 2024
Lakewood Ranch's BooFest to add new features while supporting hurricane relief

New to BooFest this year is a haunted tunnel and more variety to its stage performances.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Atria Cafe is a bakery by day and pizzeria by evening.
    By
  • Emma Burke Jolly
  • October 19, 2024
Celebrate National Pizza Month with a slice of heaven

A savory slice from one of these restaurants is guaranteed to steal a pizza your heart.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Average White Band with opener Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe “Sistas in the Name of Soul” will be held Oct. 18.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 17, 2024
Sarasota events move ahead despite Milton damage

Some events the public can still enjoy are the Pumpkin Festival at Fruitville Grove and the second anniversary celebrations at The Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Grayson Tullio, Monika Oberer and Grayson's dog Panda head to the finish line of the 2022 Boo Run 5K. They dressed in a "Wizard of Oz" theme.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 16, 2024
Boo Run gives charities a boost

Race director has no fear Boo Run will continue to be successful in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens kicks off its fifth season on Thursday, Oct. 17, with "Let the Music Set You Free" featuring Hermitage Fellow Britton Smith.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 15, 2024
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Oct. 17-23

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Mary Bensel has been executive director of the Van Wezel for nearly 17 years.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • October 14, 2024
Mary Bensel keeps the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on an even keel

The executive director of the Van Wezel knows how to go with the flow.

  • Arts + Culture
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Latest in Arts + Entertainment

1
CEO Mike Bisaha says the new equipment will at least triple Big Top Brewing Co.'s beer production.
  • December 3, 2025
Big Top to open expanded brew house at Sarasota's Fruitville Commons
2
Anne Vose and Jackie Donnelly peruse the works of artist Marie Therese Lacroix, center.
  • December 3, 2025
Check out these artists at Lawn Party by the Bay
3
Lijana Wallenda perches on a chair balanced on a shoulder bar carried by her brother Nik Wallenda and Paul Matthew Lopez in the "Wonderland: Believe" circus, which runs through Jan. 4 in a big top near the UTC Mall.
  • December 3, 2025
At the Wonderland circus, it's a Wallenda-ful life
4
The Shaelyn Band, which opens the Lakewood Ranch Blues Fest Dec. 6 at Waterside Place, is led by singer Shaelyn Mulberry.
  • December 2, 2025
This musical soul search leads to Lakewood Ranch
5
Sarasota Opera Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi and General Director Richard Russell.
  • December 2, 2025
Sarasota Opera artistic director will step down after 44 years

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