Sarasota Opera House Tours and Activities

Sarasota Opera House
Sarasota Opera House
Sarasota Opera House
Sarasota Opera House
Sarasota Opera House


Here, 1920s style meets 21st-century luxury in a fully restored Mediterranean Revival opera house and cultural institution, complete with its own opera company.

The Sarasota Opera House is a historic theater, home to the Sarasota Opera company. The grand 1920s theater combines extravagant Mediterranean Revival architecture with modern theater facilities. Get a taste of Sarasota’s cultural talent and see exciting operatic performances at the heritage venue. With two levels and just over 1,000 seats, the Sarasota Opera House is an intimate setting for seeing familiar classics and little-known gems.

The venue was founded in 1926 as the Edwards Theater, a cultural complex complete with luxury shops and apartments. It then became known as the Florida Theater and was once host to Elvis Presley and Ziegfeld Follies shows. The Sarasota Opera House underwent almost 20 years of renovations and emerged in the 21st century as a state-of-the-art opera venue.

Since 1984, the company has performed over 70 different operas, including 25 by Verdi. The Sarasota Opera House aims to make opera accessible to anybody and the company caters its performances to a wide audience. Real-time English translations of the performances are projected above the stage and informative programs are provided with every production.

Attend a pre-performance introduction and learn about the plot lines and characters of the opus. These helpful introductions are included with your ticket purchase and guide your opera experience so you can concentrate on the music and the performances.

Call the box office or check the website to see the Sarasota Opera’s schedule for the season. The opera house regularly hosts opening night events, extravagant dinners and gala balls so you can join in on an exciting night out with first-time opera-goers and seasoned patrons. Book your tickets in advance and indulge in a dinner at one of the nearby downtown restaurants. Limited “student rush” discount tickets are available for purchase half an hour before the performance with a valid student ID. Snacks and refreshments can be purchased before the show and during intermissions.

The Sarasota Opera House is located in the heart of downtown Sarasota. Two public parking lots are available and complimentary valet parking is offered one hour before the performance begins.

Plan a trip to see Sarasota Opera House

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Best Lodging Options Near Sarasota Opera House

The Westin Sarasota

The Westin Sarasota

4 out of 5
100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, FL
The Westin Sarasota
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL

Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL

3.5 out of 5
202 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection

Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
1255 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection
Aloft Sarasota

Aloft Sarasota

3.5 out of 5
1401 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL
Aloft Sarasota
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

5 out of 5
1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
voco Sarasota by IHG

voco Sarasota by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1223 Boulevard Of The Arts, Sarasota, FL
voco Sarasota by IHG
The Sarasota Modern, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

The Sarasota Modern, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

4 out of 5
1290 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL
The Sarasota Modern, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Kompose Boutique Hotel

Kompose Boutique Hotel

3 out of 5
965 University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Very tropical, private and peaceful, short walk to everything happening downtown

Very tropical, private and peaceful, short walk to everything happening downtown

Sarasota
Very tropical, private and peaceful, short walk to everything happening downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Sarasota Opera House

Experience the vibrant cultural scene at the Sarasota Opera House, where you can enjoy live opera performances and explore the venue through guided tours. The opera house is one of the finest performance venues in the area, hosting a variety of music concerts. Additionally, don't miss the opportunity for birdwatching and appreciating stunning sunsets nearby, making your visit to Sarasota truly memorable.

Shopping

For shopping near the Sarasota Opera House, visit Bay Isles Shopping Center, just 322m away, offering a family-friendly vibe. Artisans' World Marketplace, also 322m away, features unique gifts. Northeast Plaza Shopping Center, 4.8km away, has a vibrant atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, consider exploring more shopping options further afield.

Recreation

Ed Smith Stadium, a vibrant sports venue 3.2km away, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Nearby, Nathan Benderson Park, located 9.7km from the opera house, provides a tranquil setting for relaxation and wellness activities amidst beautiful landscapes. For a laugh, visit McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, also 3.2km away, perfect for family fun.

Adventure

Explore the scenic Sarasota BayWalk, a delightful hiking trail 3.2km from the Opera House, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For a thrill, head to Desoto Speedway, 19.7km away, and experience the excitement of motor racing. Alternatively, conquer the TreeUmph! Adventure Course, a zipline ropes course located 24.1km from the venue.

Nightlife

Enjoy a captivating evening at the Florida Studio Theatre, just 161m from the Sarasota Opera House, where you can immerse yourself in culture and entertainment. For a different vibe, visit the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 644m away, offering romance and family-friendly shows.

Find the best attractions near Sarasota Opera House

During your visit to the Sarasota Opera House, explore a variety of attractions nearby, including beautiful beaches, urban parks, and vibrant streets. Ideal for families and those seeking a city experience, you can enjoy performances at the Sarasota Opera or attend events at the Sarasota Theater. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and outdoor activities that Sarasota has to offer.

  • Siesta Key Beach: Known for its powdery white sands and turquoise waters, Siesta Key Beach offers a quintessential beach experience. Relax under the sun, take a refreshing swim, or enjoy beach volleyball. The laid-back atmosphere makes it a fantastic spot for families and couples alike.
  • St. Armands Circle: A vibrant shopping and dining district, St. Armands Circle boasts an array of boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. With its charming streets and lively city vibes, it’s perfect for leisurely strolls, indulging in gourmet treats, or people-watching.
  • Marina Jack: This picturesque marina provides outdoor adventures, including boat rentals and dining with stunning waterfront views. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze while exploring the beautiful Sarasota Bay or simply relax at the outdoor seating area.

Best time to go to Sarasota Opera House

Visitor numbers around Sarasota Opera House is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Sarasota Opera House can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Sarasota Opera House falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Sarasota Opera House falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February65.5°F (18.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April73.8°F (23.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July83.1°F (28.4°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August83.5°F (28.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September81.5°F (27.5°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October77.0°F (25.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sarasota Opera House

When visiting the Sarasota Opera House, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Siesta Key Beach and Lido Beach. For budget-friendly accommodation, plan your trip between September and November for lower rates, with Tuesday being the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia’s search tool to find affordable hotels, filtering by price and eco-friendly options. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package for added savings. Keep an eye out for last-minute deals and flexible booking options to maximize your budget while enjoying your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Sarasota Opera House are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sarasota Opera House is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Sarasota Opera House is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Sarasota Opera House with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.