The Official Visitors Guide of Sarasota County® - 2025

See What’s On Stage

Sarasota is home to a vibrant performing arts scene, with a range of theaters that offer outstanding performances. From the classic screenplays at Venice Theatre and Asolo Repertory Theatre to the modern productions at Urbanite Theatre and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, there’s something for everyone who loves thespian pursuits. The Sarasota Players and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall are also popular destinations for theater-goers. From contemporary works to classic dramas and interactive improv shows, audiences come to life at Florida Studio Theatre.

Witness precision and embodied emotion at the International Ballet of Florida, The Sarasota Ballet and the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School. Or enjoy a broader range of styles, like jazz and modern dance, at Sarasota Contemporary Dance. No matter the venue you choose, you’re sure to see a unique and unforgettable performance that will leave you in awe.

There’s no shortage of live music in Sarasota. Treat your ears and move to the beat with live music at WSLR+Fogartyville, Jazz Club of Sarasota, Venice Mainstreet’s Friday Night Concert Series and Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota. Or, if you enjoy plays and musicals, get tickets for a show at Venice Institute for Performing Arts.

Spend an evening at The Venice Performing Arts Center to hear the Venice Chorale sing or the Venice Symphony play in perfect harmony. In Downtown Sarasota, the Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra and Key Chorale are must-visit destinations for fans of classical music. The Sarasota Concert Association brings world-class musicians from across the globe to our city, while the Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota offers performances that highlight the beauty of classical music in an intimate setting. The Pops Orchestra and North Port Symphony entertain audiences with instrumental takes on contemporary music and popular musicians you know and love. Hear emerging artists and young musical talent play at Perlman Music Program Suncoast or discover a community connected by the work and legacy of composer Fryderyk Chopin at The Chopin Project If you’re looking for a laugh in Sarasota, grab your friends and head to McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre & Humor Institute in Downtown Sarasota. After the show, you’re perfectly positioned to grab dinner or hit the town! At Lemon Bay Playhouse in Englewood, you can expect comedy as well as dramas and mystery shows. In Lakewood Ranch, you’re sure to have a rip-roaring time at Knock Out Comedy & Events’ clean comedy shows and interactive experiences with proceeds going to nonprofits.

Explore the Visual Arts

Get lost wandering the corridors of the Sarasota Art Museum in the historic, former Sarasota High School building or explore the impressive galleries and exhibitions at The Ringling (the expansive courtyard gives you a quintessential Sarasota photo backdrop!). To experience a living art exhibit, enter Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, where winding pathways show you everything from exotic orchids to towering banyan trees and serene koi fish ponds. Awaken your creative side with a visit to the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy where you’ll admire fun and eclectic paintings and sculptures full of color and life.

There’s no shortage of artistic adventures in Sarasota. The Venice Art Center is a must-visit destination for fans of the visual arts, showcasing local artwork and offering art classes for teens and adults. Stroll through the sculpture garden at Art Center Sarasota before appreciating the four exhibitions or joining a workshop. You don’t want to miss the unique exhibits at Creative Liberties Artist Studios & Gallery, a space dedicated to helping artists thrive. For fans of photography, the Clyde Butcher Fine Art Black & White Photography gallery in Venice is a must-visit destination, featuring stunning images of the natural world. Browse the masterpieces or pick something out for your home at Madeby Gallery - Ringling College of Art + Design, a shop featuring handmade items created by students at the prestigious art and design college.

Enjoy works of art as you get some sunshine and fresh air walking through Downtown Sarasota. Even if you don’t have time for a stroll, you can’t miss the roundabout sculptural art as you drive around Main Street and its intersecting side streets. Spot larger-than-life wall murals in the Rosemary District, as well as Avenue of Art sidewalk paintings in Historic Burns Court Historic District. Down in Venice, you’ll love the Endangered Animal Bronze Sculptures in West Blalock Park and the underwater tile artwork in Centennial Park.

Cultural Tours & Experiences

Sarasota is the “Circus Capital of the World” and we have multiple venues dedicated to keeping the circus alive. At the Circus Arts Conservatory, watch the show or “run away and join the circus” with different circus arts classes for both children and adults. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like being in the circus at The Ringling, plus learn the history and legacy of the circus in Sarasota. Watch a world-class show with international artists under the European-style big-top tent at Circus Sarasota in Nathan Benderson Park.

Explore Sarasota’s African-American history with historian Vickie Oldham on the Newtown Alive Trolley. You can also become a member of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, which is working towards establishing an African-American cultural center in Newtown. Uncover Sarasota’s rich history dating back to the native tribes who lived here with the Historical Society of Sarasota County via educational lectures, trolley tours and historical bay tours on the LeBarge cruise boat.

For historical and themed tours (including haunted and holiday ones!), snag tickets for Discover Sarasota Tours, an open-air trolley that runs year-round. Get active with Venice Florida Tours, offering bicycle tours and a Haunted History Walking Tour. In Osprey, Historic Spanish Point’s group tours provide a peek into the past by highlighting history, archaeological research and native plants. At the Venice Museum, learn all about the history of Venice, Florida from more than 30,000 historical artifacts on display.