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Arts + Entertainment

Carla Noack, Ashley Raymond, Sally Wingert and Zach Harris star in Asolo Repertory Theatre's production of "The Unfriend."
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 23, 2026
A British comedy of manners pops up at Asolo Repertory Theatre

Peter Rothstein shares his take on directing Asolo Rep's production of Steven Moffat's "The Unfriend."

  • Arts + Culture
Bob Gardner Park offers a mile of trails, sports courts, frisbee golf, pavilions, a kids’ gravity rail and dog parks, all set against peaceful wetland preserves.
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • February 19, 2026
A few of our favorite (Lakewood Ranch) things

Here is a short list of cool pleasures, delightful encounters and only-in-the-Ranch moments.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Observer Advertising Content Staff
  • February 18, 2026
Sarasota Festival of the Arts™

Looking for exciting activities to add to your calendar? Make sure to visit us on February 28th – March 1st, 2026 for the Sarasota Festival of Arts.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Spotlight Partners
Sponsored Content
An artistic life in a Parisian garret ends in death for Mimi (Ashley Milanese) in Puccini's "La bohème," which runs at the Sarasota Opera House through March 28.
    By
  • Gayle Williams
  • February 18, 2026
Sarasota Opera's 'La bohème' skips sentimentality in favor of realism

Each on- and off-stage decision creates warmth and intimacy in Puccini's beloved tale of love and loss.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
"La bohème," which runs through March 28 at Sarasota Opera House, is the first of four productions in the Sarasota Opera's 2026 Winter Festival.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • February 18, 2026
For Sarasota Opera, it's a season to remember

The 2026 Winter Opera Festival will be filled with emotion, on and off the stage.

  • Arts + Culture
General manager Desmond Hill brings warmth and ease to Lucky Pelican’s welcoming, neighborhood vibe.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 18, 2026
Lucky Pelican's general manager shares how he keeps the restaurant flying high

What makes the Lucky Pelican Bistro so good? No bad days. And the lobster roll, of course.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Nate Jacobs directs the gospel revue, "How I Got Over," for Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe from Feb. 19 to March 29.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 17, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Feb. 19-25

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Julia Graziano, co-chair of this year's Royal Rummage Sale, shows some of the adorable items to be found at the upcoming sale.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 17, 2026
Special finds await at this year's Royal Rummage Sale

The highly anticipated sale has repeatedly broken record attendance in recent years as treasure hunters have lined up in droves.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sunshine, salt and tequila — what else does this foodie need to find the best margaritas in town? Oh, a side of Bad Bunny blaring too.
    By
  • Emma Burke
  • February 15, 2026
A Floridian's guide to National Margarita Day

Come Feb. 22, you'll find me celebrating this holiday with salt on the rim.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Sarasota Orchestra Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero.
    By
  • Gayle Williams
  • February 14, 2026
Sarasota Orchestra refracts an American milestone in a multihued Masterworks

Conducted by Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero, "Variations on America" celebrates the nation's 250th anniversary with emotional depth.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
A motorcycle and car show is part of the planned activities at the 2026 installment of Thunder by the Bay.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 11, 2026
Sarasota's Thunder by the Bay features music, motors and more

The 28th annual event on Feb. 13-15 benefits Suncoast Charities for Children.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jamie Saunders, Corrie Owens and Alan Kim star in FSU/Asolo Conservatory's production of "Exit, Pursued by a Bear."
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 11, 2026
A wolf enters and a bear exits in twin FSU/Asolo Conservatory plays

"Wolf at the Door" and "Exit, Pursued by a Bear" follow women who escape the shackles of domestic abuse.

  • Arts + Culture
Conference Chair Katherine De Young shows off a winning image. She created the photo using mannequin heads. It was featured in the 2019 "Embracing our Differences" exhibit in Sarasota.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 11, 2026
Manatee Technical College to host photography conference

The conference will feature 30 award-winning photographers and the latest photography equipment.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Harry's Continental Kitchens General Manager Hal Christensen said his family has been glad to support the Longboat Key Garden Club through all the iterations of Taste of the Keys. The event celebrates 15 years of raising funds for local scholarships this year.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 11, 2026
Tasty treats promised for Taste of the Keys 2026

The Longboat Key Garden Club's main fundraiser celebrates 15 years of tantalizing taste buds by partnering with Longboat's premier eateries.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Circus Sarasota runs from Feb. 14 through March 8 at the Big Top in Nathan Benderson Park.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 10, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Feb. 12-18

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
Gary Love of Gary Love Photography shows an art festival-goer how the various places the light hits the shell-covered beach give the up-close image depth. He was one of several new artists featured at the Feb. 21-22 art festival on Longboat Key.
  • March 26, 2026
Art show upcoming this weekend
2
The Sarasota Ballet will perform George Balanchine's "Stars and Stripes" in its "Life and Liberty" program March 27-28.
  • March 25, 2026
Sarasota Ballet stages star-spangled extravaganza for America's 250th birthday
3
Co-owner Chris Carter works with a barista behind the counter of the second location of Sips, which opened at 3172 Gulf of Mexico Drive this month.
  • March 25, 2026
Second Sips debuts on Longboat Key
4
Speaks Clam Bar, pictured after its 2018 opening, closed on St. Armands Key earlier this month.
  • March 24, 2026
Speaks Clam Bar shutters St. Armands location
5
"A Beautiful Noise," a musical that tells the story of Neil Diamond's life through therapy sessions, comes to the Van Wezel from March 31 to April 4.
  • March 24, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for March 26-April 2

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