Sarasota offers abundant and diverse events which make living in and around Sarasota appealing for anyone drawn to the arts and culture scene.  Downtown Sarasota and many other areas around town are home to the multitude of venues. Explore the city footprint and discover art exhibits, festivals, concerts, opera shows, and live theatre.

Branch out and experience the culinary scene with diverse restaurants and cafes ranging from classic American fare to international cuisine. Take a stroll through the beauty of Bayfront Park and enjoy stunning views of The Sarasota Bay. Visit the Sarasota Farmers Market to sample an array of tasty local produce. Additionally, several winter and annual events take place in and around downtown Sarasota every year, including the Sarasota Jazz Festival, the Sarasota Film Festival, and the Sarasota Chalk Festival. No matter what you are in the mood to do, you can find it just minutes away. Check out a sampling of the many performances and venues happening now or coming soon during the 2024 season.

Various 2024 venues and performances

Sarasota Farmer’s Market

Open year-round on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Farmer’s Market is conveniently located near downtown, local shopping, and luxury condos. This popular, family-friendly attraction offers fresh produce from local farms along with organic produce, plants, and artisanal goods. In addition to the vendors, the market also features great coffee and pastries, live music and other entertainment, making it a fun and lively place to spend a Saturday morning.

The Sarasota Opera House

Opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike will bask in some of opera’s most enticing musicals. With two stunning production halls, opera enjoys a well-represented place in Sarasota. This facility was built in 1926 and has been beautifully restored to its original grandeur. The Sarasota Opera House offers an intimate and immersive experience for theatergoers. The venue is known for its fantastic acoustics, making it a favorite among performers and audiences alike. If you’re looking for a beautiful and historic venue to enjoy the arts, the Sarasota Opera House is worth a visit. Start planning your calendar now with one or more shows. Visit http://www.sarasotaopera.org  for this year’s show selections.

Carmen by Georges Bizet – Date: February 17 – March 23, 2024

Lucia di Lammermoor by Gaetano Donizetti – Date: February 24 – March 23, 2024

Luisa Miller by Giuseppe Verdi – Date: March 9 – 24, 2024

Deceit Outwitted by Joseph Haydn – Date: March 15 – 23, 2024

61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL

Events at the Van Wezel Performing Arts

This major cultural institution adjacent to downtown hosts a wide variety of performances, including Broadway shows, dance performances, symphony orchestra, and concerts. A steady flow of shows take place at the Van Wezel venue every month.  The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is a great place to experience a show and is a favorite among locals. Experience an engaging artistic venue during a vacation getaway while searching for that perfect home. Be sure to visit the schedule page here for the seasons performances or call the box office at 941-263-6799.

Sarasota Art Museum

Visit the local art scene – a staple in Sarasota since 1980 – with varied art exhibits and styles throughout the year. This contemporary art museum is housed in the historic Sarasota High School building on Tamiami Trail just South of downtown, and it has been beautifully renovated and transformed into a stunning exhibition space. In addition to its galleries, the museum also includes a sculpture courtyard, a cafe, and a shop. A great addition to Sarasota’s vibrant arts scene. Visit http://www.sarasotamuseum.org for more of this year’s art exhibits.

Juana Valdes: Ancestral Histories – Date: February 11

Selection from the Bash Glass collection – Date: February 11

Judy Pfaff: Picking up the Pieces – Date: March 24

Sarasota Circus Heritage Days

Come and experience Sarasota’s rich and colorful circus history that continues to inspire and influence the area’s arts and culture scene. The Circus Museum features a variety of exhibits related to circus history, including circus wagons, costumes, posters, and more. The Historic Asolo Theater is a beautifully restored theater that was originally built in 1798 in Italy and moved to Sarasota in the early 1950s. The theater hosts a variety of performances, including circus-themed shows. Another venue that celebrates Sarasota’s circus history is the Circus Arts Conservatory, which is in downtown Sarasota. The conservatory offers a variety of circus-themed classes and workshops, including trapeze, aerial silks, juggling, and more. The conservatory also hosts a variety of circus-themed performances throughout the year, including the annual Circus Sarasota show. Visit https://www.circusringoffame.org/news/sarasota-circus-heritage-days/ for this year’s events.

Dates: Friday, February 9 – Saturday, February 17, 2024

5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL

26^th Annual Thunder by The Bay Music Festival

Thunder by the Bay is an annual motorcycle festival that takes place in Sarasota. The three-day festival features a variety of events including live music, bike shows, vendors, and more. The festival is held downtown and draws thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from around the country. Visit https://thunderbythebay.org/ for this year’s music and vendor selections.

Dates: February 16 – 18, 2024

3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL

Jewish Film Festival

The Mort Skirboll Jewish Film Festival screens will be featuring more than 17 films. The festival showcases the best films, celebrating Jewish life. In addition to bringing the community together, the festival also includes activities before and after the shows. The Jewish Federation of Sarasota and Manatee is an organization that promotes film festival and other events during the year that strengthen the community. If you’re a film fan or interested in learning more about the Jewish film industry, this is the place. Visit https://www.jfedsrq.org/Jewish-film-festival/ for this year’s film selections and tickets.

The Catskills Date: February 18th, 2024 at 4:30pm Venue: Temple Emanu-EL

The Rhapsody Date: March 3rd, 2024 at 7:30pm Venue: The Ora

Sarasota hosts numerous events and great performances in world-class venues. Imagine living here and immersing yourself in the performing arts in a myriad of styles.  Residing in or near Downtown Sarasota with its truly opulent real estate and dazzling array of options for all preferences holds vast appeal. If you are thinking of buying real estate, I have assisted many of my clients with successfully purchasing some of the most sought-after luxury real estate in this area, with their preferred features and within their desired price range.

If you are interested in buying or selling in the Sarasota and Manatee area, please feel free to email me now at stacyhanan@michaelsaunders.com or call me at 941.266.0529 with any questions.