On your next Siesta Key vacation, you’ll probably want to plan all kinds of fun activities.
You may want to hang out on the beach or spend your day shopping, and there are plenty of opportunities to do both. But you should also consider making a trip over to Sarasota to experience a show at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center.
Here’s what to know before you go!
Plan Your Visit to Van Wezel
Located about 20 minutes away from Siesta Key in mainland Sarasota, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center is not to be missed. Attending a performance here has long been hailed as one of the best things to do in Sarasota. Throughout the season, various events are sure to offer something for everyone, so you can attend a show with your sweetheart, your best friends, or the entire family.
Arrive before your chosen performance to attend a pre-show dinner and cocktail event. You can enjoy a unique drink while you dine on indulgent prime rib, cheeses, seafood, seasonal produce, and house-made desserts. Be sure to make your reservations at least two days before the performance.
You’ll find Van Wezel at 777 North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.
Season Ticket Packages
If you plan to be in the area for a while or return to our Siesta Key rentals multiple times throughout the season, you may consider purchasing a season ticket package. These packages are often customizable, allowing you to only pay for the shows you’re truly excited about seeing.
Consider the Make-Your-Own-Series packages to personalize your experience. The A Package allows you to select six or more shows throughout the season and comes with an overall savings of up to 15%. If you don’t want to see quite so many performances, you can opt for the B Package, which allows four or five shows and an overall savings of up to 10%.
If you’re strictly interested in Broadway shows, then consider the Full Broadway Series package. You’ll gain entrance to all nine Broadway shows throughout the season and will save up to 20% compared to purchasing separate tickets for each event. For the 2022-23 season, you can experience shows like Mean Girls, CATS, Legally Blonde – The Musical, My Fair Lady, and others.
Perhaps you’re only interested in the dance performances held at Van Wezel. If so, you can purchase tickets for the Dance Series, which grants entrance into all three dance shows held throughout the season. Experience savings of up to 20% as you enjoy shows like Momix – Alice, Ailey II, and Pilobolus – Big Five-OH!
Education and Community
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is about more than simply putting on an entertaining show. The facility is also dedicated to staying active in its community and spreading art education to locals and visitors alike.
Bringing the arts to local schools is a top priority for Van Wezel. The Center has worked with the local school board for decades now, helping to bring unique educational opportunities to local educators and their students, both inside and outside the classroom. The hope is that local students will grow up with a vested interest in supporting, and even being involved in, the arts as they age.
Of course, you don’t have to be a student here to take advantage! Van Wezel also offers community events that bring a unique perspective to all attendees. Attend events like Van Wezel Family Nights, Summer Friday Fests, and Access to the Arts Programs to learn more about the performing arts and how you can integrate the arts into your daily life.
Plan Your Siesta Key Vacation
Come to experience Van Wezel and all the other fun things to do in Siesta Key including our unbeatable Siesta Key Village rentals. Contact Vunique Vacations today to learn more!
Upcoming Affiliated Projects
Van Wezel in Sarasota has been making some exciting moves lately. In conjunction with the City of Sarasota, Van Wezel plans to open a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center in the coming years.
The Van Wezel Foundation (soon to be known as the Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation) is bringing in theatre experts from around the globe to collaborate on the project. The new center will be located in Bay Park and will serve as “a preeminent destination for the performing arts in the nation,” according to CEO Cheryl Mendelson.
This project is being partially funded through the local Bed Tax, which is the tourism development tax in Sarasota County. You can feel good knowing that the taxes you pay during your stay are going toward a great cause: encouraging tourism in the area and bringing incredible new venues like this one!
Where to Stay
After you’ve enjoyed a fun class or phenomenal show at Van Wezel, you can return to one of our Siesta Key vacation rentals to relax and unwind for the evening.
Vunique Vacations Siesta Key is your premier resource for Siesta Key luxury rentals. We strive to provide one-of-a-kind vacation experiences that go far beyond your typical stay. Enjoy vacation homes that can sleep a dozen guests or more, offering breathtaking backyard oases, gorgeous chef’s kitchens, Smart TVs throughout, and more. You’ll also have the dedicated service of our team during your stay; we’re always available for questions about your rental or things to do in the area.
