Attractions

Founded in 1949, the Florida West Coast Symphony is the oldest continuing orchestra in the state of Florida.  A dynamic, multi-faceted organization dedicated to excellence in both performance and education, the Symphony’s performing ensembles include the Florida West Coast Symphony and four resident chamber ensembles. The season includes approximately 75 concerts each year. 

• Presenting over 100 concerts every season
• Performing masterworks programs, light classics, popular tunes, and chamber music
• Themed events, including the “Great Escapes” and “Symphonic Pops” series

The Ballet boasts a repertoire that includes the great classics, works of internationally recognized contemporary choreographers such as Alvin Ailey and Ben Stevenson, as well as works from Florida artists Todd Allen, Demetrius Klein, Jimmy Gamonet de los Heros, and James Buckley. Its repertoire also includes such beloved classics as Swan Lake and Giselle, and original works as Madame Butterfly, Echo & Narcissus and Zal & Rudabeh - ballets that have received outstanding critical acclaim.

• Ballet season is November through April
• Ballet academy

 

Set along Sarasota's beautiful bayfront, the landmark Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has been entertaining audiences with a variety of music, dance, theater and comedy for more than 35 years.  The Van Wezel's educational and outreach programs have also touched the community, reaching out to everyone from toddlers to senior citizens.

• Dazzling performing artists from every genre
• Delightful family events
• Frank Lloyd Wright architecture
• Views of the picturesque Sarasota Bay

A world-renowned acting company known for producing the highest quality professional theatre in true rotating repertory. Once a shared dream of many regional theatres, rotating repertory is a now rare method of performance that challenges everyone involved, especially the artists. 

• As many as four different plays performed in a single weekend
• Presenting classic and new works
• The Asolo Theatre Festival is the only winter theatre destination in the country
• Performs primarily in the Harold E. and Esther M. Mertz Theatre

Sarasota Opera produces outstanding opera true to the vision of the composer to entertain, enrich, and educate our communities, as well as patrons from across the state and around the world.  The Sarasota Opera House has become the cornerstone of Sarasota's Theater Arts District and The Sarasota Opera has come to merit accolades from all over the world.

• Host of the 2007 Winter Opera Festival, featuring Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly," Moniszuko’s “Halka, ”Verdi’s “Attila”
• Performing a litany of classics and new favorites

Florida Studio Theatere (FST) operates three theatres: the 173-seat Keating Mainstage Theatre, the 160-seat Gompertz Theatre and the 109-seat Goldstein Cabaret Theatre.  FST produces world premieres and contemporary works which have been produced on or off-Broadway within the last five years.  By focusing on the works of contemporary writers, FST has been able to offer plays to its audiences that are not normally produced by other area theatres.

• The Mainstage presents the finest in contemporary theater
• The Cabaret offers fine dining and a one-of-a-kind theater experience
• Host to the Sarasota Festival of New Plays, held each May
• Historic architecture located downtown

Recognized as the official State Art Museum of Florida, The Ringling Museum of Art offers 21 galleries of European paintings as well as Cypriot antiquities, Asian Art, American paintings, and contemporary art. The estate features the spectacular Cà d'Zan ("House of John"), a waterfront mansion that was restored in 2002. The Circus Museums, including the Tibbals Learning Center, display the world's largest miniature circus, costumes, wagons, performance equipment, and other artifacts chronicling the history of the Circus. The estate also features Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden, completed in 1913, and beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay. 

• Cultural and educational programs
• Traveling exhibitions throughout the year
• Courtyard concerts
• Lectures, workshops, training sessions, public tours
• Children's programs
  

Located in a quaint area of downtown, The Towles Court Artists Colony consists of more than 40 artists’ studios, galleries, restaurants and more, offering art classes and featuring “Art Walk Evenings” with an open studio tour.