Sarasota-Bradenton - 8

Sarasota is often called the gem of Florida’s Cultural Coast! Are you looking for ‘laid-back’ Florida? Head over to Sarasota, located along Florida’s west coast. A small city of 55,000 people, Sarasota is a short drive from St. Petersburg and Tampa. Nearby, the barrier islands of Siesta Key, Long Boat Key and St. Armand’s Key are known for their gorgeous whitesand beaches, as well as shopping, dining and galleries.

Having such a variety of entertainment, culture, dining and nightlife makes Sarasota a great travel destination and an LGBTQ-friendly community in which to work and live. And we haven’t even mentioned the weather! Downtown boasts the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Sarasota Opera House and several unique restaurants. As a city that celebrates diversity and inclusiveness, there are several festivals including Harvey Milk Festival in May and Sarasota Pride in October.

LGBTQ+ Sarasota-Bradenton

Antoine’s Restaurant

Intimate locale offering refined Belgian, French & Italian food, including mussels prepared 10 ways. 1100 N Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL

Bijou Garden Cafe

Upscale cafe by the opera house delivering a long list of unique wines & modern Continental dishes. 1287 1st Street, Sarasota, FL

CasAntica Ristorante

Italian favorites served in an outdoor garden or homey dining room with a fireplace & bar. 1213 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL

Der Dutchman

Casual Amish kitchen featuring a buffet and a bakery with pies & other treats. 3713 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL

Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood. High-end seafood dishes & choice meats are prepared in sleek, contemporary surroundings. 1435 Main St, Sarasota, FL

First Watch

Health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options. 1395 Main St, Sarasota, FL

Heinrich’s German Grill

Bratwurst, schnitzel & other traditional grub, plus German brews, in relaxed surroundings.

8420 Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL

Indigenous Restaurant

Innovative, American cuisine served in a warm, sophisticated restored home. 239 S Links Ave, Sarasota, FL

Isan Thai Restaurant

Serving Thai favorites, plus dishes from the region of Isan, in exotic surroundings.

5758 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL

Jpan Sushi & Grill

Sushi & other Japanese fare are served in a modern dining room or on the outdoor patio. 3800 S Tamiami Trail #3, Sarasota, FL

Kam’s Bubble Tea & Sushi

Unassuming spot with a sushi menu, bubble teas & fruit smoothies, plus grab-&-go containers of maki.

1813 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL

Knick’s Tavern & Grill

Neighborhood watering hole with dark wood decor offering fine American fare & a full bar. 1818 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota, FL

La Mucca Ballerina

Family-owned eatery offering the most authentic Italian food in Sarasota 1668 Main St, Sarasota, FL

MADE Restaurant

Locally sourced American comfort food is served in an airy, colorful setting. 1990 Main Str, #112, Sarasota, FL

Madison Avenue Cafe & Deli

Bright deli/bakery offering sandwiches, breakfast & coffees, plus a wine shop & a few tables.

28 N Boulevard of the Presidents, Sarasota, FL

meLange

Modern dining, offering eclectic options such as rabbit tacos & quail, plus cocktails.

1568 Main St, Sarasota, FL

Michael’s On East

Sophisticated New American plates in a modern setting with a chic piano lounge.

1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL

Mona Lisa Italian Restaurant

Traditional pasta, veal, chicken & seafood served in a cozy environment with outdoor seating. 4989 Ringwood Meadows, Sarasota, FL

Origin Craft Beer & Pizza Cafe

Casual eatery serving pizza, stromboli, wings & craft beers in a modest space. 1837 Hillview St, Sarasota, FL

Owen’s Fish Camp

Bustling locale serves up imaginative takes on seafood dishes. 516 Burn’s Lane, Sarasota, FL

Pangea Alchemy Lab

Chic, glowing cocktail bar with a Euro vibe & nightly comfort-food plates served cafeteria-style. 1564 Main St, Sarasota, FL

Selva Downtown Sarasota

Peruvian eatery dishes up inventive ceviches & cocktails in a chic elegant decor setting.

1345 Main St f4, Sarasota, FL

Toasted

Mango Cafe

Eatery providing breakfast & lunch classics.

430 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL

Walt’s Fish Market Restaurant

Seafood spot in an industrial space with mounted fish & an outdoor bar. 4144 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL

Yoder’s Restaurant & Amish Village

Old-fashioned locale known for hearty American & Amish cuisine, including homemade pies. 3434 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL

EVENTS SCHEDULE

Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy®, and thousands of standing ovations.

For more info visit: vanwezel.org/boxoffice/chicago

DECEMBER

DEC 2

DRAG CULTURE FESTIVAL

We are thrilled to celebrate drag performers, kings, queens and all that is beyond.

The Sarasota Opera House is a wonderful venue to celebrate our first ever Drag Culture Fest. Our opening act will be “Awaken Your Inner Drag” with community members performing for the first time. You will experience performers from all over the country, as well as local and regional artists we have grown to love and support. We invite you to help us celebrate and support these wonderful drag performers.

For more info visit: bit.ly/3Uj6Yjy

DEC 2-4

SIESTA BEACH SEAFOOD

For more info visit: bit.ly/3EfYkN9

DEC 23

THE NUTCRACKER

Experience the timeless story of The Nutcracker in this grand production, performed by pre-professional and professional dancers of the International Ballet of Florida (IBF).

Audiences of all ages will marvel at the magic and wonderment of this stunning holiday presentation.

For more info visit: bit.ly/3fQWb18

JANUARY

JAN 4-5

LEGALLY BLONDE – THE MUSICAL

Based on the beloved movie, awardwinning Legally Blonde – The Musical takes you from the sorority house to the halls of justice as Elle Woods tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams.

For more info visit: bit.ly/3DQnWiq

JAN 27-29

EVENTS SCHEDULE

diversity of styles, techniques and materials guided by the unique and compelling visions of each artisan.

For more info visit: bit.ly/3fMXMoz

MARCH

MAR 11-12

LAKEWOOD RANCH

WINTER FINE ART FESTIVAL

Come enjoy browsing and purchasing fine arts and crafts from a fascinating and diverse palette of original, handmade arts, crafts and specialty products by artisans from across America at the Lakewood Ranch Winter Fine Art Festival on March 11-12, 2023 on Main Street in downtown Lakewood Ranch, FL.

For more info visit: bit.ly/3TpIOCK

MAR 18-19

BRADENTON RIVERWALK

FINE ART FESTIVAL

March is a beautiful time to come enjoy browsing and purchasing fine arts and

For more info visit: bit.ly/3hpETZk

APR 18-20

CATS

CATS, the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and15 languages, is now on tour across North America! Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater— ”Memory”.

For more info visit: vanwezel.org/boxoffice/cats

BAR GUIDE

Cork’s Cigar Bar

A great place to enjoy a long burn and a cold Guinness 424 Old Main St, Bradenton, FL

Michael’s On East

Sophisticated New American plates & monthly specials in a modern setting with a chic piano lounge. 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL

Oasis Restaurant & Bar

Sarasota’s Premier LGBT+ Venue 1525 4th St, Sarasota, FL

O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill

Breezy outpost offers casual food & drinks in an open-air, tropical themed joint on the beach. 5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota, FL

Pangea Alchemy Lab

Chic, glowing cocktail bar with a Euro

Purple Rhino

Awesome Staff, Great Bar, and Quality Entertainment! 2920 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL

The Beach Club Nightspot featuring live bands 7 days a week, a rotating roster of DJs & weekly theme nights. 5151 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, FL

The Gator Club Chill outpost in a historic building features bands & DJs in a cozy space with a trendy bar scene. 1490 Main St, Sarasota, FL

LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY

ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS

CAN Community Health

Providing the best care for those affected by HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted diseases. cancommunityhealth.org 4440 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL

Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota

Through songs of hope and inclusion, our LGBT chorus celebrates all of humanity and inspires our community to embrace equality. diversitysarasota.org

Equality Florida

The largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s LGBTQ+ community. eqfl.org

GLSEN

A national organization fighting for every student’s right to a safe,

PFLAG Sarasota

PFLAG Sarasota offers education, resources, and support serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. pflagsarasota.org

Prism

PRISM aims to provide LGBTQ+ youth in South Florida and beyond with the education and support they need to live a happy, healthy life. prismfl.org

Project PRIDE

We celebrate and unite Sarasota’s diverse community by providing social connection and by supporting Sarasota’s LGBTQ+ people, businesses and organizations. ppsrq.org