Downtown · America/New_York
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About this venue
Sarasota’s iconic purple performing arts hall on the waterfront.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is one of Sarasota’s most recognizable landmarks and a central hub for performing arts on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Located along Sarasota Bay and surrounded by Bayfront Park, the hall has hosted world-class performances since opening in 1969.
Known for its distinctive purple seashell-shaped exterior, the Van Wezel serves as a major cultural venue for the region, presenting Broadway tours, concerts, comedy shows, dance performances, and community events throughout the year.
With seating for over 1,700 guests, the theater attracts both national touring productions and internationally recognized performers while remaining a beloved venue for local audiences.
Outside the venue, a commemorative plaque marks the theater’s founding in 1969, the year the Van Wezel officially opened to the public. Since then, the building has become a lasting symbol of Sarasota’s vibrant arts scene and long-standing commitment to cultural programming.
The hall was named after Lewis and Eugenia Van Wezel, local philanthropists whose support helped make the performing arts center possible.
The Van Wezel stands out not only for its programming but also for its distinctive design and waterfront setting.
Over the decades, the theater has welcomed countless performers and touring productions, making it one of the most important cultural venues in the region.
Inside the hall, visitors enter a large auditorium designed to provide excellent acoustics and clear sightlines from nearly every seat. The theater’s curved architecture helps project sound naturally, making it well suited for everything from orchestral music to Broadway musicals and stand-up comedy.
The venue regularly hosts touring productions from major theater circuits, bringing nationally recognized performances to Sarasota audiences.
Just outside the theater, visitors can explore the peaceful mangrove bayou walkway that winds through the surrounding bayfront landscape. This scenic path offers views of Sarasota Bay, native mangrove ecosystems, and the parklands that surround the performing arts hall.
Many visitors arrive early for shows to enjoy a walk along the waterfront or watch the sunset over the bay before heading inside for a performance.
Location: Sarasota, Florida
Opened: 1969
Capacity: ~1,741 seats
Setting: Sarasota Bay waterfront
Experience: Broadway, concerts, comedy, dance
Next two weeks at this venue.
Tue, Mar 17 · 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Get swept away in the enchanting harmonies of theCeltic Angelsin this gloriously evocative journey through the History of the Emerald Isle. Feel the raucous rhythms of Celtic Knight Dancers as the traditional Celtic and contemporary melodies captivate audiences and bring them to their feet.Sing along, laugh, cry and deeply connect to the inspiring heritage of the homeland.
Thu, Mar 19 · 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
We are happy to continue our new dance class series designed especially for seniors! Golden Groovers is designed to engage and challenge our adult learners.Taught by dynamic Van Wezel teaching artists Deb Lombard and Eric van Baars, participants will warm up their bodies and groove to original choreography connected to a theme for each class. Although this is not a ballroom dance class, couples are encouraged to attend.
Thu, Mar 19 · 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Three Dog Night, now in its 6th decade, remains one of music’s most iconic bands. From 1969–1974, they topped charts with 21 consecutive Top 40 hits, including “Joy to the World” and “Mama Told Me (Not To Come).” With seven Platinum singles and twelve Gold albums, their music continues to reach global audiences. Founded by Danny Hutton in 1968, the band tours year-round, performing for multi-generational fans and showcasing new material like the a cappella favorite, “Prayer of the Children.”
Fri, Mar 20 · 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
The program features Beethoven’s iconic Fifth Symphony, whose four opening notes are recognized the world over and whose sheer power remains unmatched. One of the most popular symphonies of all time, every performance brings something memorable to enthusiastic audiences. Brahms composed hisAcademic Festival Overtureas a musical thank-you for his awarding of an honorary doctorate. The lighthearted work incorporates several student “beer hall” songs and spotlights Brahms’ sense of humor. Cellist Zlatomir Fung performs Dvořák’s glorious Cello Concerto, adored for its nobility and sentimentality.
Sat, Mar 21 · 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
The program features Beethoven’s iconic Fifth Symphony, whose four opening notes are recognized the world over and whose sheer power remains unmatched. One of the most popular symphonies of all time, every performance brings something memorable to enthusiastic audiences. Brahms composed hisAcademic Festival Overtureas a musical thank-you for his awarding of an honorary doctorate. The lighthearted work incorporates several student “beer hall” songs and spotlights Brahms’ sense of humor. Cellist Zlatomir Fung performs Dvořák’s glorious Cello Concerto, adored for its nobility and sentimentality.
Sun, Mar 22 · 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
The program features Beethoven’s iconic Fifth Symphony, whose four opening notes are recognized the world over and whose sheer power remains unmatched. One of the most popular symphonies of all time, every performance brings something memorable to enthusiastic audiences. Brahms composed hisAcademic Festival Overtureas a musical thank-you for his awarding of an honorary doctorate. The lighthearted work incorporates several student “beer hall” songs and spotlights Brahms’ sense of humor. Cellist Zlatomir Fung performs Dvořák’s glorious Cello Concerto, adored for its nobility and sentimentality.
Mon, Mar 23 · 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Members and GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement winners,The Temptations and The Four Tops, are coming for a night of classic Motown hits, harmonies, flashy wardrobes, and original choreography! Celebrating 60 years, The Temptations have prospered, propelling popular music with a multitude of award-winning and chart-topping songs and albums, and sold-out performances throughout the world. The Four Tops have been thrilling audiences with their infectious blend of pure vocal power and sweet harmonies since 1954.
Thu, Mar 26 · 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
We are happy to continue our new dance class series designed especially for seniors! Golden Groovers is designed to engage and challenge our adult learners.Taught by dynamic Van Wezel teaching artists Deb Lombard and Eric van Baars, participants will warm up their bodies and groove to original choreography connected to a theme for each class. Although this is not a ballroom dance class, couples are encouraged to attend.