Sarasota Opera House
The historic Sarasota Opera House is at 61 North Pineapple Avenue, across the street from the Selby Library in the heart of downtown Sarasota. Valet parking is available in front for all Opera events from one hour before curtain, and more parking sits just behind the house. The theater is historic, so its temperature can run cool and food and drink are not allowed in the auditorium.
Before you go
- Next festival here
- Sarasota Opera Winter Opera Festival, Feb 6 to Mar 21, 2027
Worth knowing before you go
- The auditorium temperature is sometimes hard to regulate, so bring a wrap or sweater.
- Latecomers are seated at the first safe opportunity, not necessarily when they arrive.
- Cameras, recording devices and cell phones are prohibited during performances.
- Do not park in the Selby Library lot or the ground floor lot next to Whole Foods, where cars may be towed or ticketed.
- Operas tend to run between 2 1/2 and 3 hours, and every patron needs a ticket, whatever their age.
Festivals here
Venue basics: Downtown Sarasota, 61 North Pineapple Avenue · Valet parking from an hour before curtain · Orchestra seating is wheelchair accessible.
Is it for you
Choose it if
- You want a historic downtown opera house with valet parking out front.
- You use a wheelchair and can sit at orchestra level.
Think twice if
- You need wheelchair-accessible second-floor seating: it is not available.
- You are bringing a young child: operas run 2 1/2 to 3 hours and a minimum age of 8 is recommended.
Getting there and parking
Festival-specific · Sarasota Opera Winter Opera FestivalThe historic Sarasota Opera House is at 61 North Pineapple Avenue, just across the street from the Selby Library, in the heart of downtown Sarasota. Pineapple Avenue takes you right up in front of the Opera House, where valet parking is available for all Opera events from one hour before curtain.
Festival-specific · Sarasota Opera Winter Opera FestivalParking is available northwest of the Palm Avenue and Main Street intersection, just behind the Opera House. The Palm Avenue Garage is gateless: park forward, because back-in parking is not allowed, and pay before you leave through the ParkMobile or Passport app, Text to Pay or the pay station on the first floor near the elevator. You need your license plate number to pay.
Festival-specific · Sarasota Opera Winter Opera FestivalDo not park in the William G. Selby Library lot or in the ground floor lot next to the Whole Foods Market, where cars may be towed or ticketed.
Festival-specific · Sarasota Opera Winter Opera FestivalLatecomers and anyone who leaves during a performance are seated at the first safe opportunity, because seating patrons once the house lights have lowered can be unsafe.
Accessibility
Festival-specific · Sarasota Opera Winter Opera FestivalThe Opera House and Pavilion are accessible, with elevator service to all floors. The orchestra-level seating in the William E. Schmidt Opera Theater is accessible to wheelchair users, but second-floor seating is not, because of the historic nature of the theater and local fire regulations.
Festival-specific · Sarasota Opera Winter Opera FestivalAll restrooms in the Opera House have facilities for disabled patrons, and there is a family restroom on the first floor of the lobby, next to the ticket kiosk.
Festival-specific · Sarasota Opera Winter Opera FestivalFor wheelchair-accessible seating, contact the box office at (941) 366-8450 ext. 1 so it is available on the night you plan to attend.
Confirm your specific needs with the venue before you travel (sarasotaopera.org).
Camping
We don't yet have confirmed information about camping at Sarasota Opera House.
Food, water and what you can bring
Festival-specific · Sarasota Opera Winter Opera FestivalFood and beverages are not permitted inside the auditorium. Cameras, recording devices and cell phones are not allowed during performances, and electronic devices should be turned off.
Sound and sensory
Festival-specific · Sarasota Opera Winter Opera FestivalSupertitles, a hearing loop and hearing devices are provided as free services.
Quick answers
Where is the Sarasota Opera House?
At 61 North Pineapple Avenue, just across the street from the Selby Library, in the heart of downtown Sarasota.
Is there valet parking at the Sarasota Opera House?
Yes. Valet parking is available in front of the Opera House for all Opera events from one hour before curtain.
Where else can I park near the Sarasota Opera House?
Parking is available northwest of the Palm Avenue and Main Street intersection, just behind the Opera House. Do not park in the Selby Library lot or the ground floor lot next to Whole Foods, where cars may be towed or ticketed.
Is the Sarasota Opera House wheelchair accessible?
Partly. The building has elevator service to all floors and wheelchair-accessible orchestra-level seating, but second-floor seating is not wheelchair accessible.
How do I book wheelchair-accessible seating?
Contact the box office at (941) 366-8450 ext. 1 so it is available on the night you plan to attend.
Are there hearing devices at the Sarasota Opera House?
Yes. Supertitles, a hearing loop and hearing devices are provided as free services.
Can I take photos or use my phone during a performance?
No. Cameras, recording devices and cell phones are prohibited during performances, and electronic devices should be turned off.
Can I bring food or drinks into the auditorium?
No. Food and beverages are not permitted inside the auditorium.
What if I arrive late?
Latecomers are seated at the first safe opportunity, because seating patrons once the house lights have lowered can be unsafe.
Is the Sarasota Opera House suitable for children?
Fans of all ages are welcome, but operas tend to run between 2 1/2 and 3 hours and a minimum age of 8 is recommended. Every patron, regardless of age, needs a ticket.