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Arts + Entertainment

Spike the bearded dragon was a popular guest at the 2024 Community Open House.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 2, 2026
Community open house scheduled

The Town Green will welcome Longboaters with food trucks, bounce houses, community organizations, live music and town staff March 7.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
My best bud ordered her Southside Italian just the other day and let her camera take the first bite.
    By
  • Emma Burke
  • March 1, 2026
Ditch National Pack Your Lunch Day for a sandwich from a Sarasota deli

These eateries make it nearly impossible for me to brown-bag it like a responsible adult.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Insomnia Cookies is now open at 2264 Gulf Gate Drive.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • February 26, 2026
Late-night cookie chain opens its first store in Sarasota

Insomnia Cookies is now open at 2264 Gulf Gate Drive.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Florian Blummel shows off his artistic bicycle moves that you should not try at home in your driveway.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • February 25, 2026
Circus Sarasota is still the one

This year's edition features stars with awards, TV appearances and Guinness World Records.

  • Arts + Culture
The Martha Graham Dance Company comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall from Feb. 27 through March 2.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 24, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Feb. 26-March 4

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

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

1
Kojo's incredibly delish truffled chicken wontons ($14).
  • April 20, 2026
Live large with a tiny taste of the best truffle dishes in town
2
Sarasota Orchestra Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero.
  • April 18, 2026
Sarasota Orchestra ends its season on a high note with Masterworks 7
3
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and the Sarasota Police Department will take part in the 2026 Torch Run.
  • April 16, 2026
Sheriff's Office leads off Sarasota Torch Run for Special Olympics
4
Element Steak.Seafood.Pasta is at 1413 Main St. in Sarasota.
  • April 16, 2026
Sarasota restaurant closing on Main Street seeks new space
5
In "Rooted in Nature," a trio of gargantuan sculptures mimic the roots of Selby’s iconic Moreton Bay fig tree.
  • April 15, 2026
Selby trails Alexander Calder's restless creativity with a stunning exhibition

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