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Arts + Entertainment | Trending

Leon S. Pitts II and Ariel Blue star in Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's "Big Sexy: The Fats Waller Revue," which runs from Aug. 22 through Sept. 7.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 20, 2025
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe pays tribute to Fats Waller with 'Big Sexy'

The musical revue showcases the talents of Leon S. Pitts II and Ariel Blue.

  • Arts + Culture
Rita Lewis, owner of Linger Lodge, has worked nearly every role in the house. Today, she's the heart and soul of the operation.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • August 20, 2025
Linger Lodge serves up a heaping portion of Old Florida

Rita Lewis shares the magic behind one of Florida's most storied and beloved riverfront restaurants.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Lily Kren and Gil Brady star in Florida Studio Theatre's "Don't Dress for Dinner," which runs through Sept. 7.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • August 19, 2025
Florida Studio Theatre's 'Don't Dress for Dinner' serves up a frenetic farce

When the play's lying lovers start to lose, they double down with more prevarication.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
Lily Kren and Gil Brady star in "Don't Dress for Dinner," which runs through Sept. 7 at Florida Studio Theatre.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 19, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Aug. 21-27

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
The Klassika Ensemble is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. on Aug. 19 at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church as part of the free Midsummer Concert Series. Members include Chris Romeo, Stephanie McCranie, Jolanda Nel and Derek Roura.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 16, 2025
Catch free summer concert nights on St. Armands Key

The four-part, free concert series aims to promote activity on St. Armands Circle while offering enlightening tunes for the public.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Arthur Bosage is the new artistic administrator of the Sarasota Opera.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 15, 2025
Sarasota Opera names new artistic administrator

Arthur Bosarge, who recently served as chorus master and director of the Apprentice Artists Program, has been named artistic administrator of the company.

  • Arts + Culture
Carole J. Bufford stars in the summer cabaret "Too Darn Hot." Her band includes Angela Steiner on piano and Isaac Mingus on bass.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 13, 2025
The heat is on at Florida Studio Theatre's summer cabaret 'Too Darn Hot'

Carole J. Bufford's sizzling ode to summer contains some familiar favorites and some unexpected discoveries.

  • Arts + Culture
"A Band Called Honalee: A Tribute to Peter, Paul and Mary... and friends" plays at Florida Studio Theatre's Goldstein Cabaret from Aug. 19 through Oct. 26.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 12, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Aug. 14-20

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Amy Blair, the manager at the Old Salty Dog on City Island, said visitors often enjoy seeing dolphins, sharks, seabirds and other wildlife from the waterfront seating.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 12, 2025
Old Salty Dog celebrates post-recovery recognition

Not long after reopening from a five-month closure caused by hurricane damage, the longstanding Sarasota bar is celebrating a new national commendation.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Ventura’s Italian Kitchen's menu ranges from a Margherita Pizza to Chicken Piccata.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 12, 2025
Longboat Italian eatery to open second Manatee County location

The owner says Ventura’s Italian Kitchen "promises a warm, welcoming atmosphere."

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Peppercorns Steak and Seafood opens on State Road 70
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 9, 2025
Peppercorns Steak and Seafood opens on State Road 70

Owner Justin Boudreau is eager to perfect the menu at the Bradenton restaurant.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Linn Torres, All Angels by the Sea administrative assistant and art sale coordinator, holds up a decorative glass piece, one of the many art items for sale at this summer's New to You art sale at the church.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 9, 2025
All Angels by the Sea Episcopal kicks off summer art sale

The Longboat Key church is holding a smaller-scale version of its spring New to You art sale through September, featuring jewelry, decor and more.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Cheryl Medow's 2014 photo "White Ibis with Fish" overlooks Sarasota Bay in "The High Life" exhibition at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 6, 2025
An eye-catching exhibition of bird photography lands at Selby Gardens

"The High Life" captures our feathered friends in nature, museums and studios.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota Ballet School names new principal
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 5, 2025
Sarasota Ballet School names new principal

Alberto Blanco succeeds Jennifer Welch Cudnik, who has moved to Kansas City Ballet School.

  • Arts + Culture
Ethan Jack Haberfield and Alice M. Gatling star in "Dorothy's Dictionary," which runs through Aug. 10 at Florida Studio Theatre.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 5, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Aug. 7-13

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
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Latest News

1
Jeremy Gandon tees off on the first hole of the Commander Course at Lakewood National Golf Club. The 29-year-old Frenchman carded six under par in the third round.
  • April 4, 2026
Race tightens in third round of 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic
2
Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key President Danielle Gladding welcomes guest speaker Longboat Police Chief Russ Mager to update members about his approach to leadership since he assumed the role last autumn at the April 2 meeting.
  • April 4, 2026
Longboat police chief talks digital security with Kiwanians
3
Lakewood Ranch's Jerry and Marilyn Schneider, who have been married for 63 years, enjoy the live music at Music on Main April 3.
  • April 4, 2026
Dancers show off their moves at Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch
4
St. Regis at Longboat Key is a gulf-facing resort and condo development on the barrier island of Longboat Key. The Unicorp-developed property opened in 2024 at the former site of the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.
  • April 4, 2026
St. Regis on track to receive permanent certificate of occupancy, eyes tennis courts
5
The Fruitville Townhomes site plan to replace the vacant former Sarasota Lanes bowling center.
  • April 4, 2026
Fruitville bowling alley submits plans to redevelop into 4-story townhomes

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