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Arts + Entertainment

LaMichael Leonard Jr.'s dance career has taken him to New York and Paris and back to Sarasota.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • February 10, 2026
International dance star comes home to Sarasota

Booker High alum LaMichael Leonard Jr. debuts his "Hot, New Dance" at The Ringling.

  • Arts + Culture
Puerto Rican singer and rapper Bad Bunny poses with Sarasota Orchestra maestro Giancarlo Guerrero and Guerrero's wife, Shirley, before Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8 in Santa Clara, California.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • February 9, 2026
Sarasota Orchestra maestro performs at Super Bowl LX Halftime Show

Giancarlo Guerrero joined Puerto Rican singer and rapper Bad Bunny on the field to conduct young string musicians.

  • Arts + Culture
  • By Observer Advertising Content Staff
  • February 9, 2026
2026 Designer Event Lineup

The Giving Tree Gallery's 2026 lineup brings together globally recognized designers and true artisans, each with a clear point of view and a dedicated following.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Spotlight Partners
Sponsored Content
"Baby Wings" and other glass art by Tom Marosz will be on display at Chasen Galleries' International Weekend of Glass from Feb. 13-15.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 9, 2026
International Glass Weekend celebrates many facets of glass art

The International Glass Weekend celebrates a mercurial radiance at Chasen Galleries at The Mark in downtown Sarasota from Feb. 13-15.

  • Arts + Culture
Everything from fun fashion to deals on furniture can be found at the upcoming Trash to Treasure rummage sale.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 7, 2026
Trash to Treasure sale making its return

The Gulfshore of Longboat Key mobile home park is making preparations for the upcoming rummage sale.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 6, 2026
Nonprofits to host Valentine's comedy fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch

Three local comedians will perform stand-up comedy to raise funds for Harbor58, Foster the Family and Bring on the Ministry.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Work by Janet Echelman in “Radical Softness” at Sarasota Art Museum through April 26.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • February 6, 2026
New creations, global voices, celebrations light up our cultural horizon

Whether it's contemporary art from America, folk music from the Nordics or greatest hits from the radio, there's something for everyone this season.

  • Arts + Culture
Chefs Justin Kurtz and Ismael Flores showcase some of Mar Vista’s signature dishes.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 6, 2026
Innovative chef at Mar Vista honors tradition — and keeps reinventing it

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub Executive Chef Justin Kurtz shares how he reinvents the classics at the iconic Longboat Key restaurant.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Lido Island Grill's lobster roll, filled with chilled Maine lobster and served with tortilla chips and lemon.
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • February 5, 2026
Meet the island kitchens setting the standard for a seriously good lobster roll

Although it's not a local, lobster remains a much-loved treat — especially on a roll.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club Butterfly Symposium will take place at 9 a.m. on Feb. 7 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • February 4, 2026
Butterfly symposium lands at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall

The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club will host the free event Feb. 7 and will feature butterfly enthusiasts Gilbert Daigneau and Joyce Samsel.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Danny Bernardy demonstrates research with a theatrical flair to Greg Ball in Florida Studio Theatre's "The Blue-Sky Boys."
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 4, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre shoots for the moon with 'The Blue-Sky Boys'

Deborah Brevoort's play takes audiences on a mind-bending journey of joyful exploration.

  • Arts + Culture
Sisterhood for Good members Nikki Pelier-Simon, Samina Morrow and Allison Adams show off some fashions that will be in the spotlight at Tropical Escape July 27 at the Sarasota Polo Club.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 4, 2026
Lakewood Ranch fundraiser is a hula for moolah

Sisterhood for Good's Tropical Escape presents the ultimate luau at the Sarasota Polo Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
  • February 3, 2026
Alexander Calder - The Nature of Movement

Alexander Calder: The Nature of Movement brings art, motion, and nature together at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, February 8–May 31, 2026.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Spotlight Partners
Sponsored Content
Temple Beth Israel named Suzan and Barry Friedman as this year's honorees for its 47th annual gala happening this month.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 3, 2026
Longboat Key temple celebrates multigenerational family

Temple Beth Israel named Barry and Suzan Friedman as this year's honorees of its 47th annual gala.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
"The Choir of Man" brings a performing pub to the stage of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Feb. 5-11

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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