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Arts + Entertainment

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
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
« 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 »
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Latest in Arts + Entertainment

1
Il Panificio is now open at 1995 Main St. in Sarasota.
  • May 9, 2026
Il Panificio opens new downtown Sarasota restaurant
2
Saucy! is expanding on the Gulf Coast, with a Lakewood Ranch and Trinity location opening May 4 and 5, respectively.
  • May 7, 2026
Saucy new chicken spot opens in Lakewood Ranch
3
Rod Brogan and Rachel Moulton star in Florida Studio Theatre's "Birthday Candles."
  • May 6, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre actor is a woman for all seasons
4
Several characters in Sarasota Players' "Assassins" think they deserve credit for saving the life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
  • May 5, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for May 7-13
5
Richard and Rebecca Hopkins are longtime leaders of Florida Studio Theatre.
  • April 30, 2026
Leadership changes coming to Florida Studio Theatre

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