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Arts + Entertainment | Trending

Speaks Clam Bar, pictured after its 2018 opening, closed on St. Armands Key earlier this month.
    By
  • S.T. Cardinal
  • March 24, 2026
Speaks Clam Bar shutters St. Armands location

The original Lakewood Ranch location of the Italian and Seafood restaurant will remain open.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
"A Beautiful Noise," a musical that tells the story of Neil Diamond's life through therapy sessions, comes to the Van Wezel from March 31 to April 4.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 24, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for March 26-April 2

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
When he's not painting, artist Tom Stephens makes fishing rods.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • March 23, 2026
Sarasota artist lives the life aquatic

Sarasota artist and fishing rod craftsman Tom Stephens plugs into the currents of life.

  • Arts + Culture
Try these true bread winners for National Sourdough Bread Day
    By
  • Emma Burke
  • March 21, 2026
Try these true bread winners for National Sourdough Bread Day

Six years after the sourdough craze, local loaves still rise with surprising ingredients like Key Lime Pie.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Zachary Keller and Helen Krushinski star in "Water for Elephants," which comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Feb. 12-14, 2027.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 19, 2026
'Water for Elephants,' 'Six' and 'Hell's Kitchen' lead Van Wezel's 2026-27 lineup

Ten Broadway shows are making their way to Sarasota's Purple Palace.

  • Arts + Culture
Storytelling is one of the events planned at the Enchanted Gardens Family Festival at Historic Spanish Point.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 19, 2026
Selby Gardens sets dates for Enchanted Garden Festival

The event is planned March 28-29 at Historic Spanish Point.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament has raised more than $108,000 for the Tidewell Foundation. With the final event, the goal is to reach the $150,000 mark.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 18, 2026
Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament prepares for final fundraiser

The tournament has raised $108,000 for the Tidewell Foundation and the goal is to reach $150,000 with one last tournament.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Artist Alissa Silvers created the poster to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Art Center Sarasota.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 18, 2026
Arts Center Sarasota turns 100 and brings back its Beaux Arts Ball to celebrate

The gallery and education center has served as a magnet for artists of all ages and abilities for a century.

  • Arts + Culture
Former Boston Symphony Orchestra Ann Hobson Pilot plays the harp during Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company's tango-inspired program, "SCD + Piazzolla."
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 17, 2026
Put these two Sarasota dance companies on your radar

Sarasota Contemporary Dance is celebrating its 20th season while Azara Ballet is finishing its third.

  • Arts + Culture
Verdi's "Il Trovatore" is one of four operas in the Sarasota Opera's Winter Festival, which runs through March 29 at the Sarasota Opera House.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 17, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for March 19-25

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Soprano Hanna Brammer plays the lead in Sarasota Opera's production of Carlisle Floyd's "Susannah," which runs through March 28 at the Sarasota Opera House.
    By
  • Gayle Williams
  • March 15, 2026
Carlisle Floyd's opera 'Susannah' comes home to Florida

Sarasota Opera reminds us why the stark American tragedy continues to resonate.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
Art in the Park will take place on March 14-15 at the University Park Country Club. It will feature different mediums of art from 50 artists including Michael Parkinson, a co-chair for Art in the Park.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • March 12, 2026
University Park's Art in the Park to showcase 50 local artists

The annual event enters its 26th year and gives professional and amateur artists a chance to showcase their work.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The Wahlberg brothers -- Donnie, Paul and Mark.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • March 11, 2026
Wahlburgers opens in SRQ's B Concourse

The celebrity-connected airport eatery also includes a full bar.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Sarasota Jazz Festival Music Director Terell Stafford performs.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 11, 2026
Sarasota Jazz Club wants a building of its own

As the curtain goes up on the 2026 Sarasota Jazz Festival, the jazz club is planning for a permanent venue for all its events.

  • Arts + Culture
The cast of Urbanite Theatre's "The Apiary" includes (clockwise from left), Christina Mei Chen, Terri Weagant, Dekyi Ronge and Ariel Blue.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • March 11, 2026
Urbanite Theatre's 'The Apiary' asks the question, 'To bee or not to bee'

Director Summer Dawn Wallace talks about staging a dark, futuristic comedy without getting stung.

  • Arts + Culture
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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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