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Arts + Entertainment

The annual Memorial Day parade kicks off on Main Street in Sarasota at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 25. Rebecca Souders, 10, Jessica Wilhelm and Beth Duranceau watch the parade in 2023.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for May 21-27

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

  • Arts + Culture
A camper explores hands-on marine science during Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Mote SEA STEM Camp.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • May 19, 2026
Let the kids blossom creatively this summer at one of these art camps

These summer camps for children and teens open the door to self-expression, skill-building and the joy of discovery.

  • Arts + Culture
An aerial view of Sarasota Orchestra's future Music Center, a 32-acre campus that will be located at 5701 Fruitville Road, near Interstate 75.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 18, 2026
Sarasota Orchestra announces anonymous $12 million Music Center donation

Close to $87 million in donations have been publicly announced toward the Fruitville Road campus.

  • Arts + Culture
  • By Observer Advertising Content Staff
  • May 18, 2026
Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House - Lakewood Ranch, FL

Fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails and a lively waterfront atmosphere in Lakewood Ranch. Perfect for drinks, dinner and sunset views.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Spotlight Partners
Sponsored Content
  • By Observer Advertising Content Staff
  • May 18, 2026
Duff's Famous Wings

Bringing an authentic taste of Buffalo New York to the Gulf Coast, Duff’s serves up the legendary wings that made Buffalo famous.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Spotlight Partners
Sponsored Content
Samantha Bennett and George Nickson are the co-founders and co-artistic directors of ensembleNewSRQ.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 13, 2026
Two Sarasota arts groups team up to present an opera for our times

Artist Series Concerts and ensembleNewSRQ join forces for Matthew Aucoin's "Music for New Bodies."

  • Arts + Culture
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
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Latest in Arts + Entertainment

1
Balos Restaurant will be located on the ground floor of The Edge Sarasota in a 7,200-square-foot space.
  • August 14, 2026
Mediterranean restaurant to make Florida debut in downtown Sarasota
Sponsored Content
2
  • August 13, 2026
Siesta Classics
3
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's Sheldon Rhoden stands in front of an image of the American flag as he sings Marvin Gaye's rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner."
  • August 12, 2026
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe takes its Marvin Gaye show on the road
4
John Guerrasio and Laura Gardner star in "The Last Romance," which runs at Florida Stuudio Theatre through Aug. 16.
  • August 11, 2026
The best things to do this weekend in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat
5
Lena Cambis is the co-founder of the Sarasota Music Conservatory.
  • August 11, 2026
A music conservatory grows in Sarasota

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