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Arts + Entertainment

Sarasota Contemporary Dance founder and artistic director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe founder and artistic director join forces for SCD + WBTT May 15-16 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 12, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for May 14-20

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Marina and Vladislav Yeliseyev pose in front of one of Vlad's paintings in their home in The Landings.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 12, 2026
Sarasota artist travels the globe painting outdoors

With his studio in The Landings, Vladislav Yeliseyev's world knows no boundaries.

  • Arts + Culture
Costello’s Neighborhood Pizza owner Kenny Palin takes a pie out of the oven at the Longboat Key branch of Costello’s.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • May 12, 2026
Owner rebrands Longboat, Gulf Gate pizza joints to Costello's Neighborhood Pizza

As the franchise contract reached expiration, owner Kenny Palin decided to personalize his two pizzerias with a family name.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Pastitsio ($25) made with Greek macaroni with ground beef, fresh herbs topped with a creamy béchamel sauce.
    By
  • Emma Burke
  • May 11, 2026
Make it a Mediterranean (meal) May

These local dishes remind us that eating well doesn’t have to feel restrictive.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Il Panificio is now open at 1995 Main St. in Sarasota.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • May 9, 2026
Il Panificio opens new downtown Sarasota restaurant

The pizza restaurant now has two locations on Main Street and one on Siesta Key.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Saucy! is expanding on the Gulf Coast, with a Lakewood Ranch and Trinity location opening May 4 and 5, respectively.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 7, 2026
Saucy new chicken spot opens in Lakewood Ranch

As the name of the KFC spinoff suggests, dipping sauces are front and center in the restaurant on Lena Road.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Rod Brogan and Rachel Moulton star in Florida Studio Theatre's "Birthday Candles."
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 6, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre actor is a woman for all seasons

In "Birthday Candles," Rachel Moulton ages from 17 to 107 as she bakes a cosmic confection.

  • Arts + Culture
Several characters in Sarasota Players' "Assassins" think they deserve credit for saving the life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 5, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for May 7-13

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Richard and Rebecca Hopkins are longtime leaders of Florida Studio Theatre.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 30, 2026
Leadership changes coming to Florida Studio Theatre

With the new McGillicuddy Arts Plaza under construction, longtime Florida Studio Theatre leaders Richard and Rebecca Hopkins have assumed higher leadership roles.

  • Arts + Culture
In The Sarasota Players' production of "Assassins," Brian Finnerty (upper left) plays The Proprietor, Caitlin Ellis is Squeaky Fromme, Craig Weiskerger is John Wilkes Booth and Jason Ellis is the Balladeer.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • April 29, 2026
In 'Assassins,' Sarasota Players shines light on America's dark side

Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman's tragicomic musical is a sideshow of colorful characters who took aim at the president.

  • Arts + Culture
Hot Club SRQ plays Gypsy Jazz in the style of Djano Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 28, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for April 30-May 6

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
A vehicle representing the Historic Aircraft Society arrives at the Main Street and Orange Avenue roundabout during the Memorial Day parade in 2024.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 28, 2026
Memorial Day Parade set for May 25

Sarasota's annual Memorial Day Parade will will be held May 25, concluding with a ceremony at J.D. Hamel Park.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota William Kelley has traveled the world to create his rainbow-hued paintings.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • April 27, 2026
Sarasota artist William Kelley paints the colors of his mind

The canvas of the world traveler is big and his palette is bold.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota's Axel Neff is glad to welcome community members who are both familiar and unfamiliar with Tim Horton's brand to bond over food and coffee.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 26, 2026
Tim Hortons blazes a Florida path with Manatee County restaurant

Tim Hortons, a Canadian breakfast chain, wants customers both familiar and unfamiliar with the brand to walk away with a smile.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Original Hob Nob Drive-In is back at 1701 N. Washington Blvd. in Sarasota.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • April 25, 2026
The Original Hob Nob Drive-In reopens in Sarasota

The open-air restaurant on Washington Boulevard has returned and has future plans to offer online ordering.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
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Latest in Arts + Entertainment

1
Rise Above Performing Arts Artistic Director Jacob Ruscoe stands in front of the theater company's new space.
  • August 5, 2026
Rise Above Performing Arts finds a new home
2
Duo Transcend, made up of "America's Got Talent" finalists Mary Wolfe-Nielsen and Tyce Nielsen, bring their roller-skating and trapeze artistry to the Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling.
  • August 4, 2026
The best things to do this weekend in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat
3
Grae Productions founder Stephanie Grae (center) is flanked by dancers who are part of her entourage of artists that create ArtLab parties.
  • August 3, 2026
ArtLab toasts its fourth anniversary in new venue
4
Herrig Center for the Arts, formerly ArtCenter Manatee, opened its new building in April.
  • July 29, 2026
The Herrig Center for the Arts is worth a trip to Bradenton
5
The Orlando improv troupe Forgotten Broadway plays Florida Studio Theatre's Bowne's Lab July 31-Aug. 1.
  • July 28, 2026
The best things to do this week in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat

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