Art is the soul of Sarasota. Galleries are scattered throughout the city. There always seems to be a festival going on somewhere and the grass roots effort to keep it going has created an endless supply of vibrant world-class creativity. As you plan your trip to Sarasota, surf on over to sarasotaarts.org to see what’s happening. Make sure you pick up a copy of The Arts Trail online.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art has become ubiquitous in Sarasota. John Ringling’s original gallery of personal artifacts is now a sprawling art complex covering 66 acres and including 21 galleries containing over 10,000 pieces of American and European art, as well as a library of 60,000 volumes exploring all periods of art.

Circus Museum at Ringling
Established in 1948, the Ringling Museum of the American Circus was the first museum of its kind to document the rich history of the circus. The museum has an outstanding collection including “the world’s largest miniature circus” replica, complete with eight main tents and original carved parade wagons. Learn more about both Ringling museums at ringling.org.

Circus Sarasota
Founders of Circus Sarasota originally debuted with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Circus Sarasota presents exciting professional family entertainment in winter performances under the big-top and special events and classes throughout the year. For its winter performance schedule or more information, go to circussarasota.org.

The Ringling College of Art and Design has been training the next generation of artists for over seven decades. Founded in 1931, this private, well-known 4-year college offers degrees in fine art, computer animation, graphic communication, illustration, interior design and photography. Learn more at ringling.edu.

Performing arts opportunities include the Asolo Theater Company, a professional theater group that performs at the Mertz Theater (asolo.org). For Broadway-style musicals, world-renowned sym­phony orchestras and dance troupes, visit the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The venue itself is an artistic feat—a purple, seashell-shaped building designed by prominent architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Visit vanwezel.org.

Locals and tourists alike delight in the variety and quality of the performances at the Sarasota Opera House. Fully renovated in 2008, the opera house opened in 1926 as a mixed-use facility, showing movies and vaudeville productions. In its early years, entertainers such as Will Rogers, Sally Rand, the Ziegfeld Follies, and Elvis Presley graced its stage.

In a classic episode of life imitating art imitating life, Edwards Theater hosted the world premiere of Cecil B. DeMille’s blockbuster movie, “The Greatest Show On Earth.”

Today, the Sarasota Opera House has returned to its roots as a mixed-use entertainment paragon. Guests can see anything from opera, symphonies, and classical ballet to film festivals, pop concerts, comedy shows—and clowns. This is Sarasota, after all. Check out sarasotaopera.org for shows and times.

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Fans of community theater should check out The Player’s Theater. This group has been going strong for seven decades offering musical theater, concerts, and specialized programs presented by people who do it “because they love it.” Visit theplayers.org. for more information.

Every fall, music fans throng to Sarasota for the Sarasota Blues Festival. This annual event gives festival goers a chance to see blues legends such as Gregg Allman and Buddy Guy as well as up and coming new acts. Check out sarasotabluesfest.com.  

Of course, not everyone in Sarasota sings the blues. Musicians from America’s leading orchestras flock to Sarasota each June to be showcased in a 3-week event known as the Sarasota Music Festival.

Sarasota remembers its roots every year at the Sarasota Highland Games & Celtic Festival. Hosted by the Scottish Heritage Society of Sarasota, the festival is a fun time of kilted shenanigans including dancing, bagpipe bands, axe throwing, games for kids and even a Border Collie exhibition.

Another type of cultural heritage, one with far fewer shenanigans and much better food, is celebrated daily at Yoder’s Amish Restaurant. The food is always fresh, the desserts homemade and everything on the menu is worth coming back for. Check out the menu at yodersrestaurant.com or call 941.955.7771. Yoder’s is just one Amish restaurant in a town with a thriving Mennonite community. The Pinecraft community in Sarasota has been around since the mid–20th century.  Not only will you find plenty of incredible food, but you can also shop for quality Amish furniture and other superior handmade crafts.