Are you on the hunt for cultural activities in Sarasota? Sarasota is full of amazing cultural activities.
“New York, London, Paris, Sarasota?” You bet!
There’s a reason many folks call the Sarasota area “Florida’s Cultural Coast.” This small cosmopolitan city offers numerous activities for museum lovers, art aficionados, wine connoisseurs and history enthusiasts. Plus, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump away from historic Venice Beach.
Are you ready to discover 8 unforgettable cultural activities in Sarasota?
The Circus Arts Conservatory
How many cities boast a training facility that is wholly dedicated to circus arts? Not many. The Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) offers incredible training opportunities and captivating year-performances. World class stars like seventh-generation circus performer Nik Wallenda have teamed up with CAC.
The nonprofit also offers classes on many exciting aspects of the circus, including: trapeze, flexibility & contortion and aerial hammock. (Wow!) As the CAC puts it, “ run away and join the circus — at least for a few hours”).
Tip: Check out a Sailor Circus Academy performance. Often referred to as “The Greatest ‘Little’ Show on Earth, students between the ages of 8 and 18 train at the facility.
Sarasota Art Museum
A part of Ringling College, Sarasota Art Museum is recognized for its vast contemporary art collection that includes both well-known and up-and-coming artists. The museum showcases photography, sculpture, paintings and multimedia pieces. Further, visitors can take in informative lectures and attend exciting events.
Theaters Galore
Sarasota has long been recognized as the heart of Florida’s performing arts scene. Whether you’re looking for a Broadway musical or a thrilling play, you’ll find it here. Multiple well-known theater companies call Sarasota home, including: Asolo Repertory Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre and the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. In addition, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall hosts touring shows and performances year-round.
The Sarasota Opera
Known for its phenomenal productions and gifted artists, the Sarasota Opera presents a captivating selection of operatic works throughout the season, including classics and lesser-known gems.
As the Sarasota Opera puts it, “Welcome to our world of kings and queens, heroes and villains, passionate love, intense drama, and the inextinguishable power of the human spirit. This is Sarasota Opera.”
The Ringling Museum
Dive into the legacy of John and Mable Ringling at The Ringling Museum. Visitors can explore Ca d’Zan (the Ringling’s former winter home), the Museum of Art and the Circus Museum. Dedicate a full day to this experience. It takes quite some time to explore the 66- acre campus.
Tip: The Museum of Art, Bayfront Gardens, and Glass Pavilion are free to the public on Mondays.
Selby Gardens
To say that Selby Gardens is exquisite simply doesn’t do it justice. It’s one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the United States. Both campuses (Downtown Sarasota and Historic Spanish Point) are incredible. In addition, the history of Selby Gardens is quite notable. Marie Selby was one of the pioneering women of Sarasota and is often described as being “ahead of her time.” Her goal was to make sure visitors could enjoy her downtown property forever (pretty amazing, right?). Thus, she bequeathed it “for the enjoyment of the general public.”
Tip: Don’t miss “Lights in Bloom,” Selby’s holiday light festival that showcases more than one million lights.
Sarasota Film Festival
This international film festival, which takes place in Sarasota every spring, is a Gulf Coast favorite. In fact, it’s one of the largest regional film festivals in the country. You can catch over 200 films in any given year, and even participate in panels with actors and creators. Selections include: features, shorts, documentaries and child-friendly films.
The Sarasota Ballet
Founded in 1987, The Sarasota ballet is celebrated worldwide for its phenomenal choreography, artistry and expansive repertoire. In fact, it has received rave reviews from renowned publications such as The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. It has also performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC and the Joyce Theater in NYC.
Tip: The Sarasota Ballet offers a beloved Nutcracker performance in December. It’s a magical experience for all ages.
Your Sarasota Cultural Activities Adventure Awaits
In Sarasota, cultural activities abound. Whether you’re a ballet enthusiast or an anthophile (a person who loves flowers), you’ll adore this cultural mecca. It really is a culture lover’s dream.