Arts & Entertainment

Boom Town

Where to Watch Fireworks This Fourth of July

Get your lawn chairs ready! It's time to celebrate America's 250th birthday.

06/24/2026 By Staff

ArtsBeat

Venice Symphony Grows Into New Season

Audiences are responding to the symphony's orchestral concerts mixing classics and pop music.

06/23/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

A Blooming Friendship

Selby Gardens' 'Shared Light' Features Lynn Goldsmith's Floral Images Alongside Portraits of Patti Smith

In the show, Goldsmith juxtaposes intimate photos of Smith—some from the ‘70s, others more recent—with close-up images of flowers.

06/22/2026 By Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org

Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

From soccer watch parties to pirate-themed beer releases, Juneteenth, jazz jams, brunch burlesque and Father’s Day laughs, here’s what’s happening around Sarasota and Bradenton this weekend.

06/18/2026 By Kim Doleatto

ArtsBeat

Artist Finds Human Figures in Fabric

Fabric artist Maria A. Guzmán Capron's work is part of the "Penumbra" exhibit at Sarasota Art Museum.

06/16/2026 By Sarah Goebel/ArtsBeat.org

Review

Romance Gets Raunchy in Asolo Rep's 'Lady Disdain'

The show offers a steamy 21st-century take on "Much Ado About Nothing."

06/15/2026 By Kay Kipling

Simply the Best

Vote for Your Favorites in the Best of Sarasota 2026!

From your go-to coffee shop to the hidden gems you tell your friends about, it’s time to celebrate what makes Sarasota so special.

06/12/2026

Simply the Best

Something Big Is Happening on Friday

Get ready to spread the local love.

06/10/2026

ArtsBeat

A Grown-up Girl Scout Earns a New Badge

In Lifeline Productions' "Begin Again Badge," Cristela Carrizales shares her story of trauma, addiction and joyful recovery.

06/09/2026 By Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org

The New New College

John Oliver Takes Aim at New College of Florida

"It's not going great," the late-night host said of the political takeover and institutional upheaval that have transformed New College's campus since 2023.

06/08/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Art News

Ringling Executive Director Steven High to Retire After 15 Years

High joined The Ringling in 2011 and stewarded the museum through major additions and restorations, including the opening of the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art and James Turrell's Skyspace, "Joseph's Coat."

06/08/2026 By Staff

Review

Review: FST's 'Honky Tonk Women' Puts Some Country Twang in Your Summer

The show is packed full of country songs you’ll remember, from the likes of Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Bobbie Gentry, Tammy Wynette and KT Oslin.

06/04/2026 By Kay Kipling

Review

Who Was Eartha Kitt? Urbanite Theatre Gives Us the Answer.

The theatre's season-closing production, "Who Is Eartha Mae?," brings the performer to life.

06/03/2026 By Kay Kipling

Fest Forward

The Venerable Sarasota Music Festival Returns This Month

And there are some changes in store for audiences and musicians alike.

06/01/2026 By Kay Kipling

Stats

Sarasota County Libraries Offers Far More Than Books

It's a community hub that offers all sorts of learning services, from birdwatching backpacks, mobile hotspots, children’s Launchpads and more.

06/01/2026 By Kim Doleatto

ArtsBeat

Squeaky Wheel Fringe Gives Artists a Platform to Experiment and Play

Nine new local and national shows will be presented in Squeaky Wheel's fourth festival.

05/26/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

The Heart of Art

Artists Return to Burns Square Streets

Artists and community leaders are working to “bring the heart of art to the heart of the city” through daily public painting, spontaneous performances and community connection.

05/21/2026 By Kendall Southworth

Walker Run

Sarasota School Icon Paul Rudolph’s Walker Guest House Is for Sale for $2 Million in L.A.

The original Sanibel retreat, designed by Rudolph in 1952, has resurfaced in Los Angeles, reopening memories of Rudolph's timeless design as well as a beloved replica that once stood on The Ringling Museum grounds.

05/19/2026 By Kim Doleatto