Nightlife

A Flair for Drama

If you’re a regular theatergoer, the Suncoast has everything you need to enjoy an entertaining evening – every evening. A vibrant drama scene in Sarasota includes The Players Centre for Performing Arts, Urbanite Theatre and The Florida Studio Theatre — the largest subscription theater in Florida with more than 230,000 live attendees annually.  Venice Theatre is also one of the most active community theaters in the nation and North Port’s John W. Engeman Theatre has offered year-round Broadway performances for more than 15 years.

It’s All About the Vibe

From Bradenton to Englewood, nightclubs and lively bars create an energetic atmosphere where you can almost feel the workday wash off your back. Listen to your favorite regional bands, take in a burlesque show or sing some karaoke at The Gator Club in Sarasota. Whether you’re out for some excitement or a low-key evening, St. Armands Circle offers a host of restaurants and bars. World famous for its frozen drinks, Daquiri Deck promises a casual time out with friends along with mouthwatering oysters, scallops, shrimp and more at its raw seafood bar.

Or you could check out the island vibes of Cha Cha Coconuts — where chilling in beach attire at an outdoor umbrella table is as welcomed as the sunsets.

Headlining Entertainment

While it’s not always the best idea to follow the crowds, it can be on Florida’s West Coast. Festivals like the Bradenton Blues Fest bring amazing live performances from award-winning musicians with good food and local craft beer to boot. If film and cinematography are more of your thing, the annual Sarasota Film Festival is an event that is viewed from around the world. And every January the Manatee County Fair brings excitement for all ages with live music entertainment, a smorgasbord of food, amusement rides and more.