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Arts + Entertainment | Things to Do

Richard Thomas stars in "Mark Twain Tonight!" at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Dec. 19-20.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 16, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Dec. 18-24

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Many holiday events took place the first weekend of December, but there are still plenty of opportunities for festive fun to have on the keys.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • December 11, 2025
Catch Santa on Longboat Key before Christmas

It's not too late to share those holiday wishes with Saint Nick before Christmas.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
A Kwanzaa display rests on the table during the event.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 11, 2025
Kwanzaa celebration prepares community for the holiday

The Kwanzaa Community Celebration will be followed by the 7-Day Candle Lighting Ceremony and Celebration from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Paul Nicholas and David Cantor form an unlikely friendship in Florida Studio Theatre's "A Tailor Near Me."
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 9, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Dec. 11-17

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Jolly (Flynn Nolen, center) is surrounded by the other characters including Candy (Christiana Allison), Mrs. Claus (Jillian Hurley), Jangle (Ray Barber), Tinsel (Vanessa Smith), Jingle (Mareece Love) and Santa Claus (Dellan Short).
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 9, 2025
'Deck the Halls' celebrates the holidays, Sarasota-style

The annual production by Florida Studio Theatre has become a holiday tradition for audiences.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Samantha Bennett and George Nickson are the co-founders and co-artistic directors of ensembleNewSRQ.
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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.
  • May 12, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for May 14-20
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Marina and Vladislav Yeliseyev pose in front of one of Vlad's paintings in their home in The Landings.
  • May 12, 2026
Sarasota artist travels the globe painting outdoors
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Costello’s Neighborhood Pizza owner Kenny Palin takes a pie out of the oven at the Longboat Key branch of Costello’s.
  • May 12, 2026
Owner rebrands Longboat, Gulf Gate pizza joints to Costello's Neighborhood Pizza

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