Arts & Culture in Sarasota
Sarasota is home to a world-class art museum, a major opera company, a circus heritage dating back to John Ringling, and a thriving independent theater scene — an unusual breadth for a city this size.
Museums & Galleries
From world-class collections to specialized and regional museums worth an afternoon.
The Ringling Museum
A 66-acre estate combining a world-class art museum, the gilded Ca' d'Zan mansion, a circus museum, and beautiful bayfront gardens.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
A stunning downtown waterfront garden with world-renowned orchid and bromeliad collections, plus rotating art installations woven through the plantings.
Sarasota Art Museum
Contemporary art museum housed in a beautifully converted old high school, with rotating exhibitions and a solid bistro. Free on second Sundays.
Art Center Sarasota
A nonprofit community art center in The Bay Park with rotating exhibitions, art classes, and a gift shop — showcasing local and regional artists since 1926.
Performing Arts Venues
The theaters, concert halls, and performance spaces that drive Sarasota's performing arts scene.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Sarasota's iconic purple seashell-shaped performing arts hall on the bayfront, hosting Broadway tours, concerts, comedy acts, and the Sarasota Orchestra.
Asolo Repertory Theatre
One of Florida's premier professional theaters performing on the Ringling campus with a mix of classics, new works, and musicals year-round.
Florida Studio Theatre
Sarasota's contemporary theatre with five intimate stages in the heart of downtown, known for new plays, cabarets, improv, and its popular Winter Fest.
McCurdy's Comedy Club
Sarasota's go-to comedy club featuring touring national headliners and local talent, with a full bar and intimate showroom setting.
Sarasota Opera House
A nationally recognized opera company performing in a beautifully restored 1926 Mediterranean Revival opera house downtown.
Film & Literature
Independent cinemas and libraries that anchor Sarasota's film and literary culture.
Burns Court Cinemas
Sarasota's go-to for indie, art-house, and foreign films, operated by the Sarasota Film Society. A small, beloved theater in the heart of downtown's Burns Court district.
Lakewood Ranch Cinemas
The Sarasota Film Society's Lakewood Ranch location, showing a mix of independent, foreign, and mainstream films. A great alternative to the standard multiplex experience.
Selby Public Library
Sarasota's main downtown library with free WiFi, community meeting rooms, a maker space, and regular programming for all ages.
Lakewood Ranch Library
A modern, spacious library serving the Lakewood Ranch area with a strong kids' programming calendar — storytimes, summer reading programs, LEGO clubs, and craft workshops.
Fruitville Library
A well-loved neighborhood branch in eastern Sarasota with regular kids' events, a large children's section, and a quiet study area for adults.
Gulf Gate Library
A cozy neighborhood library in the Gulf Gate area with weekly storytimes, tech workshops, and a surprisingly robust calendar of community events.
Upcoming Shows & Art Events
Shows, performances, art festivals, and other cultural happenings in the coming weeks.
The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling partner up for the Summer Circus Spectacular, bringing a stacked lineup of international circus artists. Expect juggling, aerial acts, clowning, hand balancing, and duo trapeze from performers who've competed at Monte Carlo and appeared on America's Got Talent.
A traditional two-hour big-top show under ringmaster Justin Loomis, with tigers, elephants, and trapeze. Newer thrills include a teeterboard act, motorcycle daredevils, and a wheel of destiny.
Six-time *Dancing with the Stars* champion and four-time Emmy winner Derek Hough brings his Symphony of Dance show to Van Wezel for a night of world-class choreography, live music, and spectacular performances.
An all-day anime convention with vendors slinging manga, toys, cosplay gear, and Pokémon merch. Meet voice actors Adam Gibbs (Eminence in Shadow) and Brian Mathis (One Piece), then catch the cosplay contest, a lip sync battle, and a Super Smash tournament with cash prizes.
Recurring Arts Events
Ongoing arts programming at local museums and art centers.
- Every Saturday
Family Saturdays at Art Center Sarasota
Hands-on art projects for kids and grown-ups, led by professional teaching artists. Each week brings something new — from vision boards to comic books. RSVP required.
- Thu, Fri & Sat Today
Laser Light Nights
A summer-long laser show series with performances synced to iconic artists across rock, pop, and everything in between. Queen, The Beatles, Elton John, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Foo Fighters, and more — plus special themed nights so no two shows feel the same.
- 2nd Sundays
Free Second Sundays at Sarasota Art Museum
Free admission every second Sunday—plus art-making in the studios, live music, and a performance from Asolo Rep. All ages, no ticket needed.
- 1st & 3rd Thursdays
Cultural Crafts
A casual quilting gathering for all skill levels — bring your current project, swap techniques, and connect with fellow fabric arts enthusiasts who share a love of the craft and its history.