Arts & Entertainment

Orchids and Art

In Selby Gardens' Orchid Show, Live and Imagined Beauties Mingle

Artist Christian Sampson has collaborated with the gardens on this year's show paying homage to the orchid.

10/12/2026 By Kay Kipling

Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

Pumpkin festivals, orchids, racing corgis, a zine fest, a chili cook off, Ferraris and Patti Smith: This week’s lineup pairs fall traditions with a few welcome surprises.

10/08/2026 By Kim Doleatto

ArtsBeat

Sarasota Contemporary Dance Turns 21

The upcoming season will celebrate company's roots and break new ground.

10/05/2026 By Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org

Hall of the Future

Sarasota Orchestra Music Center Tunes Up

Orchestra leaders and design team members share updates on the multimillion project with Architecture Sarasota audiences.

10/02/2026 By Kay Kipling

Young at Heart

Manatee Performing Arts Center Focuses on Youth and Education

The Manatee Performing Arts Center and its resident community theater, the long-running Manatee Players, are breaking new ground this season, in more ways than one.

10/01/2026 By Kay Kipling

ArtsBeat

Supporters Outraged by Ouster of Circus Sarasota Co-Founder Dolly Jacobs

The legendary aerialist announced she was removed from the board of directors and fired from her position with the Circus Arts Conservatory.

09/18/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

ArtsBeat

Sarasota Players Launches Campaign to Outfit New Theater Home

After years of financial losses, new leaders are working toward balanced budgets as they try to raise $500,000 for renovations at Payne Park Auditorium

09/16/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

Big Top Breakup

Circus Arts Conservatory and Its Co-Founder Dolly Jacobs Part Ways

In a shocking turn, the CAC has terminated Jacobs' employment and board position.

09/15/2026 By Kay Kipling

Sempre Libera

Selby Gardens' 2027 Goldstein Exhibition Heads to the Opera

"Verdi: Composer & Farmer" features a collaboration with Maestro Victor DeRenzi.

09/15/2026 By Megan McDonald

Preview

Selby Gardens Announces 2026-27 Programming

The gardens will open its 2026 Orchid Show next month with an installation by artist Christian Sampson. Plus: a multi-sensory tribute to poet Emily Dickinson, a performance by Patti Smith, and more.

09/10/2026 By Kendall Southworth

ArtsBeat

Conductor Leads Key Chorale Into His 20th Season

Joseph Caulkins plans concerts that tell stories through music 2026-27 season programs.

09/08/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

Book Club

Here's Who's Coming to This Year's 'Off the Page' Festival

This year's featured authors include Anthony Horowitz, Brad Meltzer, Nathaniel Philbrick and Kate Quinn.

09/04/2026 By Megan McDonald

Laugh a Little

The Hit British Series 'Taskmaster' Returns on Thursday

The hit British series ‘Taskmaster’ gave me the shot of joy I needed during a tough time. It returns tomorrow night.

09/02/2026 By Megan McDonald

In Full Flower

Take a Break and Scroll Through the Winners of Selby Gardens' Juried Photographic Exhibition

Nearly 250 entries were submitted as part of this year's competition, with photos capturing unique moments across the gardens' downtown and Historic Spanish Point campuses.

08/27/2026 By Megan McDonald

ArtsBeat

FST Offering Hope and Positivity With New Season Selections

New plays and award-winning musicals, plus original cabaret shows, are part of the 2026-2027 lineup.

08/25/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

ArtsBeat

Urbanite Theatre Navigates Changing Arts Scene as It Plans 13th Season

The downtown playhouse will offer four new plays and a female-focused new play festival.

08/17/2026 By Jay Handelman/ArtsBeat.org

Pop a Wheelie

Sarasota Unicycler Is Featured in 'Ripley’s Believe It or Not' Book

Ivan Arestov performs on the "ultra wheel," a seatless unicycle with just pedals—no seat, frame or handle.

08/12/2026 By Jules Telfort

Suncoast Searchlight

Florida’s New Anti-DEI Law Threatens Sarasota Arts Groups’ Funding

Sarasota County arts organizations seeking a share of $2.1 million in public grant funding this year are facing a new requirement to sign an acknowledgment tied to Florida's restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

08/11/2026 By Christian Casale/Suncoast Searchlight and Carrie Seidman/ArtsBeat.org