Sarasota Entertainment Directory

Welcome to your guide to Sarasota's vibrant entertainment scene. From world-class performing arts and live music to intriguing museums and unique local attractions, our directory showcases the diverse range of experiences available. Whether you're planning a night out, a family excursion, or a cultural deep dive, discover the best places to be entertained in Sarasota.

Cultural & Performance Venues

1. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall: This iconic hall on Sarasota Bay is a premier venue for Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts. Its unique purple seashell design is a local landmark.

   • Address: 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236

   • Phone: (941) 953-3368

2. Sarasota Opera House: A beautifully restored historic theater that has been home to world-class opera performances since 1984. It is known for its acoustic excellence and elegant ambiance.

   • Address: 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

   • Phone: (941) 328-1300

3. Florida Studio Theatre: A professional theater company in downtown Sarasota with a reputation for producing innovative and contemporary works. It operates multiple venues, offering a mix of mainstage productions, cabaret shows, and improv comedy.

   • Address: 1241 North Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

   • Phone: (941) 366-9000

4. Asolo Repertory Theatre: One of America's leading regional theaters, producing a diverse repertoire of classic and contemporary plays. It is located on the grounds of The Ringling Museum.

   • Address: 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243

   • Phone: (941) 351-8000

5. McCurdy's Comedy Theatre: A top-tier comedy club that has been bringing national headliners to Sarasota for decades. It's the go-to spot for live stand-up comedy and a great night out.

   • Address: 1923 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236

   • Phone: (941) 925-3869

Museums & Attractions

1. The Ringling Museum of Art: A sprawling 66-acre estate that includes the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, Ca' d'Zan Mansion, and stunning gardens. It is a cultural landmark and a must-visit destination.

   • Address: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

   • Phone: (941) 359-5700

2. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: This working marine research lab and public aquarium features a diverse collection of marine life, including manatees, sea turtles, sharks, and a 135,000-gallon shark habitat.

   • Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236

   • Phone: (941) 388-4441

3. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: A beautiful bayfront botanical garden specializing in epiphytes, such as orchids and bromeliads. The gardens offer a serene escape with beautiful walking paths and a historic home.

   • Address: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236

   • Phone: (941) 366-5731

4. Sarasota Classic Car Museum: One of the oldest continuously operating classic car museums in the U.S. It features a rotating collection of over 75 vintage cars from around the world.

   • Address: 5500 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243

   • Phone: (941) 355-6228

5. Circus Arts Conservatory: Dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of the circus and offering world-class performances. It provides a variety of shows and classes for all ages.

   • Address: 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239

   • Phone: (941) 355-9805

Theaters & Venues

1. Sarasota Orchestra: This professional orchestra performs over 125 concerts a season, including classical, pops, and family-friendly concerts at various venues throughout the area.

   • Address: 709 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236

   • Phone: (941) 953-3434

2. Sarasota Ballet: The Gulf Coast of Florida's only professional ballet company, known for both classical and contemporary performances. They often perform at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts and the Sarasota Opera House.

   • Address: 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243

   • Phone: (941) 359-0099

3. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe: As one of Florida's only professional black theaters, this troupe celebrates and preserves the African-American experience through music, drama, and dance.

   • Address: 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

   • Phone: (941) 366-1505

4. Sarasota Contemporary Dance: This professional dance company brings cutting-edge and innovative dance performances to the Sarasota community. They perform at various locations and offer dance classes.

   • Address: 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236

   • Phone: (941) 260-8438

5. Burns Court Cinemas: An independent movie theater that showcases foreign and art-house films in a charming, intimate setting. It's the perfect spot for film lovers.

   • Address: 506 Burns Ct, Sarasota, FL 34236

   • Phone: (941) 955-3456

6. Regal Hollywood - Sarasota: A modern movie theater with stadium seating and a wide selection of new releases. It offers a classic movie-going experience with the latest blockbusters.

   • Address: 1993 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236

   • Phone: (844) 462-7342

7. AMC Sarasota 12: This popular theater features a variety of new films, comfortable seating, and amenities like IMAX and RealD 3D. It's a great spot for the latest Hollywood movies.

   • Address: 8201 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34238

   • Phone: (941) 922-4900

8. Sarasota Art Museum: The first museum in the region dedicated to contemporary art. It features rotating exhibits and installations in a beautiful, renovated historic building.

   • Address: 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236

   • Phone: (941) 309-4300

9. Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary: A non-profit safe haven for big cats and other exotic animals. Visitors can see a variety of lions, tigers, and other rescued animals while learning about conservation.

   • Address: 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240

   • Phone: (941) 371-6377

10. Sarasota Jungle Gardens: An old Florida attraction since 1939, this park features tropical gardens and animal exhibits. Visitors can enjoy bird shows, feed flamingos, and interact with a variety of animals.

    • Address: 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234

    • Phone: (941) 355-5305