Sarasota is often called the Cultural Coast of Florida — and it earns that title. For residents of CitySide, living in downtown Sarasota means having world-class arts and culture within walking distance or a short drive. Here's your guide to making the most of it.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
The iconic purple clamshell building on the bay is one of Florida's premier performing arts venues. Located just 0.6 miles from CitySide, Van Wezel hosts Broadway touring productions, orchestra performances, comedy acts, ballet, and international artists throughout its October–May season. Tickets range from $30 to $150+ depending on the show. As a local resident, you'll want to get on their mailing list for early access to the best seats.
The Ringling Museum
About 3 miles from CitySide, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is one of the finest art museums in the Southeast. The collection includes European Masters, a Baroque art collection, and rotating contemporary exhibitions. The museum grounds — including the historic Ca' d'Zan mansion overlooking the bay — are stunning to walk even if you don't enter the galleries. Free admission on Mondays.
Sarasota Opera
The historic Sarasota Opera House on Pineapple Avenue is a jewel of downtown — an intimate, beautifully restored 1926 opera house that produces professional opera at a level that rivals major American companies. Resident artists perform from February through March each year. The scale of the venue means every seat is a great seat.
Burns Court Cinema
Just a few blocks from CitySide, Burns Court Cinema is a beloved independent art house theater showing foreign films, documentaries, and indie features that you won't find at the multiplex. Comfortable seats, a real concession stand, and the kind of film programming that makes you excited about movies again.
Sarasota Art Museum
Housed in the beautifully renovated Sarasota High School building on US-41, the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College is a contemporary art museum with a rotating program of exhibitions focused on emerging and mid-career artists. Admission is free on select days.
Street Art & Galleries
The Burns Court neighborhood, a short walk from CitySide, is a cluster of independent art galleries, studios, and boutiques. First Fridays bring gallery openings, street performers, and food trucks to the area each month — it's the social event of the downtown arts calendar.
Life at CitySide puts all of this on your doorstep. Explore available floor plans and see what it means to live at the center of Sarasota's cultural scene.