Back

Save the Date: Sarasota Arts and Entertainment for Fall 2017

From opera to pop culture-icons, the Sarasota arts scene blends the classical with contemporary.

October 17 | Willie Nelson and Friends

Country royalty Willie Nelson takes the stage at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to perform some of his award-winning classics like “Georgia on my Mind” and “On the Road Again,” plus duets with a few of his surprise guests.

October 22 | Conversation with Greg Hall

As a part of Bookstore1Sarasota’s ongoing lecture series, local architect Greg Hall – winner of 50 awards for his architecture designs – sits down with Tony Souza, a local historic preservationist to talk about the components that go into creating Southern Florida’s unique architectural landscape.

November 10–12 | Dvořák and Mahler

The Sarasota Orchestra is starting its season with a bang. The first concert features Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 and Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, which showcases the skill of Raval Prize-winning guest cellist Adolfo Gutierrez Arenas.

November 3–21 | La Traviata

Sarasota Opera opens its season with Verdi’s most popular work: La Traviata. Soprano Elizabeth Tredent brings the love and loss of this classic to life with her creamy and richly colored take on Violetta Valery.

November 5–January 21 | Approaching the Border

In a special exhibition, The Ringling takes a look at the border between the US and Mexico through the video work of five international artists. These pieces looks at the political inflections of both sides, the importance of cultural identity, and the actual landscape of the boarder.

Where to Stay Lido Beach Resort | The Resort at Longboat Key Club

Why Sarasota Is America’s #1 Town to Visit in 2026, According to CNN

In July 2026, CNN Travel named Sarasota County No. 1 on its list of America’s Best Towns to Visit. The beaches certainly helped, but the real answer lies in an unusual mix of circus history and serious arts, rare botanical…

Aerial view of a coastal town with sandy beaches, ocean waves, buildings, parked cars, and a bridge connecting the shoreline to the city.

Your Guide to John’s Pass in Madeira Beach, FL

Beyond the souvenir shops and sightseeing cruises, this historic Madeira Beach fishing village still has a working-waterfront soul. Here is a rundown of the best boardwalk spots you can’t miss during your trip to John’s Pass. Just north of Treasure…

Modern hotel room with a large bed, fireplace, wall-mounted TV, armchairs, and glass doors leading to a balcony with trees and a lake view. Decor includes a geometric rug and elegant lighting.

The Asticou Hotel: 3 Ways to Stay Near Acadia National Park

The Asticou Hotel’s 17 new Hillside Terrace Rooms complete the historic Northeast Harbor retreat with a stay inspired by Mount Desert Island’s earliest summer visitors. Here’s how they compare with the property’s Historic Main Inn and Harborside Cottages – and…

People stand along a seaside boardwalk, watching a bright yellow sunset over the ocean, with long shadows cast on the ground and sailboats visible in the distance.

Fall in Key West, Florida: How to Time Your Trip

Fall in Key West unfolds in three distinct acts: a quieter, still-sultry September, an exuberant October, and a breezier November packed with events. Here’s what each month brings and what to know to plan the fall getaway that best fits…

For Select Dates Through December 24