The spotlight is back and brighter than ever as the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall brings another exciting season of shows to Sarasota. The 2025-2026 season includes electrifying Broadway productions, hilarious comedians, world-class musicians, and fun for the whole family to enjoy. 

Kicking off the season is viral comedy star Trevor Wallace (Oct. 14), whose online humor has garnered billions of views. Another viral comedian coming to Sarasota, who is no stranger to the Van Wezel stage, is Jerry Seinfeld (May 2). Known for his sharp wit and relatable humor, he’s had a career spanning decades in stand-up, film, TV, and books, and he continues to perform across the U.S. and internationally. But hurry; if you want to see Seinfeld, only a few tickets remain.

Music fans of every generation can find something to love this season, from the high-energy group The Doo Wop Project: Echoes of the Street (Mar. 12) to the orchestral brilliance of Twilight in Concert (Oct. 17). Those looking for nostalgia will enjoy shows like Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock ‘n’ Roll (Nov. 13), Revisiting Creedence (Jan. 15), Stayin’ Alive – A Bee Gees Tribute (Mar. 8), One Night of Queen (Nov. 28), and the heart-pounding tribute show Get the Led Out (Mar. 10). 

Opera and classical fans will be thrilled by the arrival of Renée Fleming (Jan. 9), one of the most acclaimed sopranos of our time, bringing her new concert program Voice of Nature to Sarasota for one night only. Other music legends on the schedule include Paul Anka (Mar. 11), smooth jazz star Chris Botti (Feb. 17), David Foster and Katharine McPhee (Feb. 19), and Il Divo by Candlelight (Feb. 24), combining timeless vocals with a romantic, candlelit setting.

This season also features a variety of interactive and family-focused shows, including Wheel of Fortune LIVE! (Dec. 17), the wildly adorable dog show Mutts Gone Nuts – Unleashed (Jan. 10), The Price Is Right Live! (Feb. 18), and the Halloween-ready magic extravaganza Haunted Illusions (Oct. 26).

There’s no shortage of holiday festivities either. Families will be delighted by Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (Nov. 14–16), Straight No Chaser: Holiday Road Tour (Dec. 29), and the jaw-dropping acrobatics of Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland (Dec. 21). The Van Wezel’s holiday tradition continues with Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert (Dec. 30) and Dave Koz and Friends 2025 Christmas Tour (Nov. 30). 

Broadway lovers are in for a treat with several national tours making a stop in Sarasota. This year’s lineup is headlined by the Sarasota Premiere of MJ, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. The Broadway series also includes the hilarious, nine-time Tony Award® winner The Book of Mormon (Dec. 9–14), the Sarasota Premiere of the toe-tapping crowd favorite Some Like It Hot (Jan. 21–25), and Neil Diamond’s story brought to life in A Beautiful Noise (Mar. 31–Apr. 4), another Sarasota Premiere. Rounding out the Broadway season is the Sarasota Premiere of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical (Feb.20–22), The Music Man (Apr. 10–11), Mrs. Doubtfire (Sarasota Premiere: Apr. 14–15), and Mark Twain Tonight (Sarasota Premiere: Dec.19–20) starring Richard Thomas, the only actor authorized to play the role since Hal Holbrook, who wrote the show and starred in it. 

Tickets for most shows are on sale now and can be purchased at VanWezel.org, by calling 941-263-6799 or by visiting the Veteran Air Box Office at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The box office is open Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726. Pre-show dining with grab and go selections are available through Mattison’s at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre’s grand foyer. Select shows may have a seated dinner available. 

Stay tuned because the Van Wezel is sure to announce a few more shows this season!