Guide to Living Arts Festival in Sarasota

The Living Arts Festival, hosted by local arts organization Sarasota Rising, will be the first of its kind — bringing together a vibrant array of local and international artistic talent, creating a one-week celebration of Florida's Cultural Coast®. In a collaborative display of inaugural events, running November 8-17, the festival will showcase Sarasota’s legacy as a world-class arts destination by featuring performances, exhibitions and hands-on experiences from various art forms and spanning multiple venues throughout the area.

Living Arts Festival Event Itinerary:

Pre-Festival Fête at Art Ovation Hotel

Kick off the Living Arts Festival at the Art Ovation Hotel in Downtown Sarasota with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the festival, on Friday, November 8th, 5:30pm to 7pm. Enjoy performances from local artists such as Azara Ballet and The Indigenous Dance Troupe. Tickets are available here!

A World of Entertainment - Opening Party

The Living Arts Festival officially begins at a free opening night party in the lobby of Art Ovation Hotel that same Friday evening. Experience a global perspective of Sarasota County's incredible arts and culture offerings at “A World of Entertainment”. The event will be an exciting glimpse of the international and local arts programming throughout the week—from theater and dance to fine art and music—all with an inclusive world beat. Enjoy live performances by Sarasota Jewish Theater, Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota, a premiere dance performance by Tania Vergara’s Endedans Contemporary Ballet and more. 

Rise and Shine Saturday

The following day, head out to the civic green near the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium for a family-friendly, free arts exposition, featuring youth performances from local schools and educational organizations. Both indoor and outdoor stages will host student performances from various area dance schools, performing arts schools, and public and private school. Stop by to catch a performance or support a day of young talent and expression. Or take part in one of the many interactive arts and crafts, including hands-on mask making, creative drawing, Improv workshops, acting classes and an opportunity to own an original piece of art from an area artist. This day aims to ultimately encourage arts engagement among children of all ages and backgrounds to pursue their artful passions!

All Roads Lead to Venice

The festival continues later in the week in the neighboring city of Venice to showcase its thriving cultural community. On Thursday, November 14th, starting from 1pm to 8pm, head down to South Sarasota County for a day-long immersion of Downtown Venice's visual and performing arts scene. Watch performances from local arts groups, such as The Venice Symphony and a Venice Institute of Performing Arts concert. Join a Venice Art Center Art Walk featuring various Venice galleries and take a tour of the nationally-acclaimed Venice Theatre. Finally, catch live band ensembles play at Centennial Park and participate in gift giveaways, thanks to the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Surprise Pop-Ups Downtown

That following day, Friday, November 15th, keep a look-out for unique, surprise events. Downtown Sarasota will play host to pop-up surprises and ‘happenings’ with live acts, food and spirits! 

Film Premiere & Arts Roulette

On Saturday, November 16th, at 10am, catch a special film premiere of Clowns Like Me by local actor Scott Ehrenprise. The film tells the heartfelt story of one man's struggle with mental illness in the most comical of ways. The showing of this off-Broadway production will take place in the historic Burns Court Cinema, with an informal talkback with the actor taking place after the film.

The rest of the day, Sarasota Rising will be out in the downtown community encouraging passersby to spin the wheel and win tickets to the many organizations participating in Living Arts Festival. Should you be walking around on Main Street that Saturday, and see the Arts Roulette wheel, don't hesitate to walk over for a spin! 

A Celebration of Youth - Closing Performance

The festival concludes on Sunday, November 17th, with a grand Celebration of Youth showcase at The Circus Arts Conservatory, starting at 7pm. The show is set to feature up-and-coming performers from Sarasota Contemporary Dance, The Cuban Ballet School, Rise Above Performing Arts, The Sarasota Youth Opera, Venice & Riverview High School Choirs, Westcoast Black Theater Troupe, Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota, The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company and Trainees, Key Chorale and the Student Scholars and the acclaimed Circus Arts Conservatory. Expect a finale sure to behold an all-inclusive celebration of Sarasota’s future artistic stars, blending circus acts with music, theater and dance!

How to Get Tickets:

The Living Arts Festival offers both free and ticketed events throughout the week, ensuring something for everyone. Tickets are available through Sarasota Rising, and prices vary by event, so it's recommended to check descriptions on the website for admission details as well as sponsorship and donor information.

Why the Living Arts Festival Matters:

The Living Arts Festival is more than just a series of events that come around once a year—it’s a unified movement aimed at promoting Sarasota’s vast cultural contributions. With a weeklong itinerary of performances, exhibitions, community collaborations and public engagements, this festival brings together everyone from art enthusiasts to casual visitors to appreciate and support the arts. It’s a chance for the city to shine on the national stage, further solidifying Sarasota’s reputation as a vibrant arts destination.