Art Center Sarasota
Art Center Sarasota is the hub of local culture in all its richness and diversity, and that includes you! They are the sum total of Sarasota’s artistic energy. At ACS you can have your vision seen and your voice heard. They welcome artists, art enthusiasts and the entire community.
ACS continually puts on popular, culturally significant exhibitions. Their classes, workshops, artist demonstrations, lectures, discussions, critiques, receptions and special events attract thousands of people just like you. Each year 20,000 visitors walk through their doors. They are open to all ages and to all art forms!
Towles Court
You will find all styles and mediums of art from realism to abstraction at Towles Court Artist Community- a colorful collection of “Old Florida” bungalows that house galleries and studios and cafes. Located just three blocks south of Main St. between Washington Blvd and Osprey Ave
Over the years Towles has evolved to include interior and graphic designers, innovative art therapists, event planners, internet services and even massage!
Ceramics, jewelry, photography, painting, prints as well as fiber and glass are found in formal galleries and gift shops as well in artist’s studios. You can commission a portrait, a mural or a fountain or take an art class.
Burns Court Cinema
Just off Orange Avenue is the well known Burns Court Cinema which features many smaller release and is home to the Sarasota Film Society Cine-World Film Fest presentations.
The Sarasota Film Festival debut’s some of the most famous small films to ever hit theatres. Burns Court Cinema is in the heart of downtown and gives you that old time feel.
Sarasota Opera
Based in Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast, Sarasota Opera is in now in its 50th season.
In 1960 the group, then called the Asolo Opera Guild was formed to present the touring Turnau Opera in chamber-sized productions in the historic 320 seat Asolo Theater on the grounds of Sarasota’s Ringling Museum of Art. In 1973 the company began mounting its own productions. Recognizing the need for a theater more conducive to opera, the company purchased the former A.B. Edwards Theater in downtown Sarasota in 1979. Renovations began in 1982 and the theater, now on the National Register of Historic Places, opened in 1984 as the Sarasota Opera House, the company it housed now being called Sarasota Opera.
The Van Wezel
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 presents a broad spectrum of the world’s finest performing artists in order to meet the diverse cultural needs of all of Southwest Florida’s residents and visitors. They bring visiting artists into the community for meaningful education and outreach programs that help develop new audiences.
For years the Van Wezel has brought many artists such as Kathy Griffin, The Beach Boys, Broadway plays, and orchestras.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of the oldest continuously operating attractions in the State of Florida. Open to the public in December of 1940, the “Gardens” has retained its old Florida charm and very little has changed over the past sixty-eight years. A visit to the Gardens will bring back the memories of Florida days gone by.
Many of the animals that you will see at Sarasota Jungle Gardens came to them through many sources. Some were rescued from adverse or inhumane conditions and some were donated by pet owners who could no longer care for their charges.
It’s a very exciting experience to view hundreds of animals you’ve never seen before.
McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre
Comedians from all over the world come to the infamous McCurdy’s Comedy theatre as they make their way around the nation.
Established 16 years ago, McCurdy’s is located in a 4,000 sq. ft. showroom, surrounded by a gated courtyard. The theatre – with no obstructed views – is the perfect size and shape for today’s Stand-up and Improvisation performances. Even at the very back of the room, seats are no more than 40 feet away from the stage. With a sound system second to none, each customer is provided the same brilliant auditory experience. In addition, we are excited to feature a brand new, state-of-the-art, digital projection system.
The Ringling Museum of Art
John and Mable left their legacy in Sarasota, Florida for generations to enjoy. Learn about their life and history by visiting the Ringling Museum and touring their Sarasota Home. Also take a tour of their infamous Ringling Museum which showcases 19th century sculptures and paintings.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum is one of Sarasota’s landmarks. Be sure to visit the many sites on the Museum’s property such as the Historic Asolo Theater, the Ca d’Zan Terrace, Museum Courtyard, and the Ringling International Arts Festival.
Selby Gardens
Selby Gardens is perhaps best known for its living collection of more than 6,000 orchids. Selby’s 11 bay-front acres are an open-air and under-glass museum of more than 20,000 colorful plants, many collected in the wild on nearly 100 scientific expeditions to tropical rainforests by the Selby Gardens’ research staff. Seven greenhouses are the heart of botanical research and plant identification, for which Selby is internationally recognized.
The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is the leader in the study, conservation, and display of epiphytes and their canopy habitats. Our collection of epiphytes is the best in the world. Our visitors see beautiful horticultural displays and learn from our educational programs. They take away with them a better understanding and greater appreciation of the natural world and the challenges it faces.
Hollywood 20 Movie Theatre
Hollywood 20 Movie theatre is located in the heart of Downtown Sarasota and showcases the most recent and popular movies that are out.
To see local showtimes please visit their website or call the Hollywood 20 phone number.
The Players Theater of Sarasota
The Players Theater of Sarasota offers a variety of performances throughout the year including musicals, concerts and plays as well as a performing arts school for both children and adults. The theater is a not-for-profit organization.
The Players Theatre is dedicated to presenting a diverse and entertaining slate of high quality, volunteer driven theatrical productions that are educating, stimulating and enriching to the entire community.
Le Barge of Sarasota
LeBarge Tropical Cruises. Located in downtown Sarasota, the cultural center of Florida’s west coast. LeBarge offers a variety of cruises to suit your interests such as Dolphin Watch, Narrated Sightseeing Cruise, Sunset Entertainment Cruise, and more.
In addition to regularly scheduled cruises, LeBarge offers private Charters, Special Events, Discount Coupons with local musicians.
The LeBarge has a full bar and a light food menu. Reservations are always recommended for regularly scheduled cruises.
