Location: Sarasota
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Things to do in Sarasota, Florida (FL): The Best Performances
What kind of beachgoer are you? Chances are, you’ll find something in the Sarasota area that appeals to you. Soft sand, fishing piers, shells—you can find it around here. Just don’t go looking for a nude beach—that’s the one thing they don’t have.
Restaurants in Sarasota
1. Sailor Circus
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 190 reviews
The Sailor Circus in Sarasota, Florida is known worldwide as "The Greatest 'Little' Show on Earth." Sailor Circus Academy is one of the top circus schools in the USA. More than a hundred students from Sailor Circus Academy perform for the public in full-length circus shows. You'll see circus acts on the high wire, hand balancing, flying trapeze, juggling, clowning and much more. Great family entertainment! Circus classes and lessons are available year-round for children and adults who want to get into the act!
Reviewed By LitProfessor - New York City, United States
The most interesting thing that I took from seeing the show, is that all of the performers are all high-school kids and younger. The silk performers were stunning, and it was interesting that they had a slight deviation for the one male performer, then the rest of the seven or so females doing the same routine. It was interesting and refreshing at the same time. We went to the 12 days after Christmas show and it was a cute concept. Great for audience participation, since they have you do the 12 days song at the beginning of the performance. The trapeze artists were my personal favorite. The amount of skill and talent these performers have is astounding. Go see them if you have the chance. For $25 a ticket, you are seeing an absolute professional performance. The show is fantastic, but they also offer various lessons for those that may live in the area. They advertised camps/workshops in their facility, so that might be something to research if one is interested.
2. Bluegrass jam at Bee Ridge Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
3. Modern Marimba
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Modern Marimba is a cultural destination for the performing arts featuring marimba, vibraphone, and other mallet percussion keyboard music in Southwest Florida – land once inhabited by the Indigenous Calusa, Tocobaga, and Seminole territory, and once inhabited by Black Seminoles and an Angolan community of maroons. With generous support grounded in equity, we offer a unique range of programs — including concert music, virtual lectures, and outdoor exhibitions featuring internationally acclaimed artists. Our projects naturally cultivate diversity and inclusion for art in its many forms. There are fewer and fewer opportunities where people can come together and listen to this music, so we welcome everyone to join us in experiencing the creativity of Modern Marimba.
Reviewed By wyattevans
It was such a wonderful experience attending the inaugural performance curated by Modern Marimba (ModMa)! Some of ModMa's founders and leaders - Tihda Vongkoth, Michael Jones, and Dean Anderson - shared beautiful, inspiring, and meditative musical art with a vibrant community in Sarasota. Their partnership with artists, educators, and unique community organizations makes the experience all the more enriching. This first performance had a casual, inviting, yet sophisticated vibe that felt just right for the occasion. I look forward to retuning to Sarasota for all of the upcoming performances!
4. Sarasota Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By fconorozzo - Cape Coral, United States
First time here, Real treat. 2 pm Sunday Show, next to Mote Marine. Get there early One hour at least, for parking and seating under the canopy bleechers. Have small snack bar. Great views everywhere. Terrific show, very talented water ski show! Great for all ages. Access could be a little challenging for handicapped, , but they do have some parking spots close by.Itwas a full house when we saw show. Commentator can be easily heard and was very descriptive, play by play. Hidden Gem, of Area. Donations appreciated.
5. Circus Sarasota
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Sarasota, Florida is known as the “Circus Capital of the World,” and Circus Sarasota is our resident hometown circus. Annual professional performances are showcased in a one-ring, five-star, European-style Big Top tent. Circus Sarasota is acclaimed around the globe for world-class artistry and entertainment. Ticket prices vary according to seat selection. We invite you to visit our website and sign up for emails to stay current on performance dates and Circus Sarasota events.
Reviewed By davidsJ935QB - Cape Coral, United States
We found the performers were very entertaining, loved the comedy at the beginning and between the acts. A little over 2 hours time but it passed very quickly. They do have a break about half way through for concessions.
6. The Players Centre for Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
The Players Centre for Performing Arts is Sarasota’s community theatre, dedicated to delivering quality productions and keeping the community engaged with the arts. The Players seeks to provide an artistic outlet for locals and visitors alike to experience live theatre and live theatre training. The Players is a non-professional community theatre, located on the “Cultural Coast.” This location gives us an incredible talent pool to work with. From our Artistic Director to our stagehands, half of the volunteers working on a production have at one time been professionally paid performers. Many professional performers retire and are drawn to the area thanks to all of Sarasota’s arts offerings. These professionals bring their experience, training, families and often their extensive resumes with them to our stage.
Reviewed By SandyK31784 - Marblehead, United States
I had the pleasure of seeing, "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike" recently and was blown away by the talent onstage and the quality of the production overall. On entering the theatre, we were greeted by a stunning set -- I completely believed I was in their house looking out at the pond. The acting was meticulous. All of the emotions were true and believable. I look forward to attending many more productions!
7. Siesta Key Drum Circle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
Reviewed By MikeS533 - Franklin, United States
Have to see this on a Sunday evening. Good luck finding a parking spot in the huge lot. We stayed at the Best Western in Sarasota and Jonny's Free Ride service will drop you off in front of beach. (Should tip at least $4/person riding. What a blast listening to the beat of the drums and bongos. A steady beat that I enjoyed. Must have been over 600 people gathering around. I worked my way into the middle ring to dance to the beat. The crowd becomes friendly and excited. Starts about 1 hour before sunset and I guess it goes for a few hours. This beach has been ranked #1 in the entire U.S. two times in the last 28 years. Hard to beat Hawaii every year.
8. Peace Education and Action Center - Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center
9. Cirque Italia
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By AustinArmacost - Leeds, United Kingdom
A traveling show like you’ve never seen before. Forget the phrase “under the big top...” as the words (normal circus) are turned upside down. While many of the acts may be similar to what you’ve seen, have you ever witnessed them in the middle of a 35,000 gallon tank raining from the ceiling and shooting from the stage? NO, you have not. Watch the water dance in stunning patterns, symbols, and choreographed magic. The performers bring a level of elegance and beauty with each act. From the contortionist shooting a bow and arrow popping a balloon all while upside down shooting with her feet. To a man jumping rope on a 30 foot swinging pendulum. The father/son team showing super human strength with holds, to the beautiful aerial acrobats hanging by ankles, necks, and wrists more than 30 feet above the aquatic stage. The ringmaster, Alex, brings a whole sense of community, comedy, & cheerfulness throughout the entire show. When a show combines beauty, imagination, strength, technology, wander, and a whole lot of laughs... you have the makings for a 5 Star SPECTACULAR ! An absolute MUST SEE❗️ *PS* the venue offers full toilet services, hot snacks, cold snacks, soft drinks, children’s light up toys, blow up toys, and more.
10. Sarasota Municipal Auditorium
An icon in the heart of downtown Sarasota’s cultural district, the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium stands out as a premier event space for formal and corporate events. From elegant galas to business meetings, seminars, tradeshows, and private parties the auditorium offers 10,000 square feet of unobstructed floor space and excellent acoustics.
