Living in Longboat Key means being surrounded by beautiful beaches, relaxed luxury, and vibrant culture. While the island itself is a peaceful retreat, residents and visitors don’t have to travel far to enjoy an exciting music scene. From waterfront bars with acoustic sets to historic theaters showcasing world-class talent, the Sarasota area offers a variety of live music venues to suit every taste.
Whether you’re a fan of jazz, rock, classical, or local singer-songwriters, these are the top places near Longboat Key where you can enjoy live performances and unforgettable nights out.
1. Sarasota Opera House – Downtown Sarasota
Just a short drive from Longboat Key, the Sarasota Opera House is a stunning venue that blends history, elegance, and acoustics. Originally opened in 1926 as a vaudeville and movie theater, this beautifully restored space is now home to the Sarasota Opera and also hosts concerts, ballets, film festivals, and special performances throughout the year.
While its primary focus is on opera, the venue occasionally features guest artists and musical ensembles in a grand, intimate setting. It’s a must-visit for fans of classical music, dramatic vocals, and impressive architecture.
While its primary focus is on opera, the venue occasionally features guest artists and musical ensembles in a grand, intimate setting. It’s a must-visit for fans of classical music, dramatic vocals, and impressive architecture.
2. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall – Sarasota Bayfront
Perched on the shores of Sarasota Bay, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is one of the most iconic entertainment venues on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Known for its distinctive purple exterior and bayfront views, this venue draws internationally acclaimed performers in music, comedy, and theater.
Van Wezel’s concert lineup regularly includes jazz greats, symphony orchestras, rock legends, and touring Broadway acts. The combination of top-tier entertainment and stunning sunset backdrops makes this a favorite for Longboat Key residents looking for an upscale night out.
Van Wezel’s concert lineup regularly includes jazz greats, symphony orchestras, rock legends, and touring Broadway acts. The combination of top-tier entertainment and stunning sunset backdrops makes this a favorite for Longboat Key residents looking for an upscale night out.
3. The Blue Rooster – Sarasota
For fans of blues, soul, funk, and Southern cooking, The Blue Rooster is a hidden gem in Sarasota’s Rosemary District. This cozy venue offers live music several nights a week in a laid-back setting with great food and a vintage Southern vibe.
The atmosphere is lively but unpretentious, and the lineup features a mix of local musicians and national touring acts. Whether you’re in the mood for a solo guitarist or a full brass band, The Blue Rooster delivers rich sound and Southern hospitality just 20 minutes from Longboat Key.
The atmosphere is lively but unpretentious, and the lineup features a mix of local musicians and national touring acts. Whether you’re in the mood for a solo guitarist or a full brass band, The Blue Rooster delivers rich sound and Southern hospitality just 20 minutes from Longboat Key.
4. The Gator Club – Downtown Sarasota
Located in a restored 1913 building, The Gator Club is one of Sarasota’s oldest and most beloved nightlife spots. Known for its exposed brick, hardwood floors, and energetic vibe, it’s a go-to destination for live music, dancing, and cocktails.
The Gator Club regularly features live bands and DJs playing rock, blues, funk, and modern hits. It’s especially popular on weekends and ideal for anyone looking to dance the night away in a stylish, historic space. Its central downtown location makes it easy to pair with a dinner reservation or nightcap nearby.
The Gator Club regularly features live bands and DJs playing rock, blues, funk, and modern hits. It’s especially popular on weekends and ideal for anyone looking to dance the night away in a stylish, historic space. Its central downtown location makes it easy to pair with a dinner reservation or nightcap nearby.
5. Sarasota Jazz Club Events – Various Locations
Longboat Key and Sarasota have a strong jazz community, and the Jazz Club of Sarasota is at its heart. This nonprofit organization promotes jazz through year-round concerts, festivals, and educational events across multiple venues, including Holley Hall, the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, and other intimate locations.
Attending one of their events is a great way to experience local and regional jazz musicians in an approachable, relaxed setting. The annual Sarasota Jazz Festival draws nationally recognized performers and is a favorite among music lovers in the region.
Attending one of their events is a great way to experience local and regional jazz musicians in an approachable, relaxed setting. The annual Sarasota Jazz Festival draws nationally recognized performers and is a favorite among music lovers in the region.
6. Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub – Longboat Key
If you prefer your live music with toes in the sand and a drink in hand, Mar Vista offers casual performances in a scenic waterfront setting right on Longboat Key. While it’s more known for its fresh seafood and charming Old Florida ambiance, the venue occasionally hosts acoustic musicians who enhance the relaxed coastal atmosphere.
It’s a wonderful spot for a low-key evening with friends or a romantic date night as you listen to live guitar and watch the boats drift by on Sarasota Bay.
It’s a wonderful spot for a low-key evening with friends or a romantic date night as you listen to live guitar and watch the boats drift by on Sarasota Bay.
7. Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse – Sarasota
Stottlemyer’s is a family-owned open-air venue in northeast Sarasota that offers a great mix of music, food, and Florida character. With live music several days a week, this laid-back spot features a tiki bar, picnic tables, and a lineup that includes classic rock, country, and Americana.
Popular among locals, Stottlemyer’s delivers a casual vibe and consistent entertainment. It’s perfect for a Saturday afternoon with friends or a midweek pick-me-up. The pulled pork and brisket are local favorites and pair well with the easygoing tunes.
Popular among locals, Stottlemyer’s delivers a casual vibe and consistent entertainment. It’s perfect for a Saturday afternoon with friends or a midweek pick-me-up. The pulled pork and brisket are local favorites and pair well with the easygoing tunes.
8. Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center – Sarasota
For those seeking a more intimate and eclectic experience, Fogartyville is a creative hub that hosts live music, art exhibitions, and cultural events. With a focus on folk, world music, and socially conscious performances, this nonprofit venue provides a welcoming and inclusive space for artists and audiences alike.
The setting is low-key and community-driven, making it ideal for those who appreciate music with a message and performances that may not be on mainstream stages. It’s a thoughtful venue that reflects Sarasota’s diverse and artistic spirit.
The setting is low-key and community-driven, making it ideal for those who appreciate music with a message and performances that may not be on mainstream stages. It’s a thoughtful venue that reflects Sarasota’s diverse and artistic spirit.
9. Mattison’s City Grille – Downtown Sarasota
Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Mattison’s City Grille is a lively open-air restaurant and bar with live music seven nights a week. From classic rock and pop to jazz and reggae, the performers change nightly, creating a vibrant and ever-evolving musical atmosphere.
With its prime location on Main Street, Mattison’s is a favorite for happy hour, dinner, and evening entertainment. It’s easy to grab a table, enjoy a fresh seafood dish or cocktail, and stay for the music while soaking in the lively downtown energy.
With its prime location on Main Street, Mattison’s is a favorite for happy hour, dinner, and evening entertainment. It’s easy to grab a table, enjoy a fresh seafood dish or cocktail, and stay for the music while soaking in the lively downtown energy.
10. The Ringling Courtyard Concerts and Events – Sarasota
For a more elevated and cultural experience, The Ringling occasionally hosts concerts and events in its stunning outdoor courtyards and historic venues. From chamber music and opera to world music performances, these events blend art, architecture, and sound in a uniquely inspiring setting.
These concerts often align with museum events or seasonal programs and offer a more refined take on live music in Sarasota. They are ideal for Longboat Key residents looking for something elegant and immersive.
These concerts often align with museum events or seasonal programs and offer a more refined take on live music in Sarasota. They are ideal for Longboat Key residents looking for something elegant and immersive.
Let the Bruce Myer Group Help You Find the Rhythm of Longboat Key Living
Whether your idea of the perfect night out is dancing to a live band or enjoying jazz with a glass of wine, Longboat Key places you within easy reach of Sarasota’s vibrant music scene. With so many venues offering a rich variety and high-quality performances, there’s always a new sound to discover just a short drive away.
At the Bruce Myer Group, we believe in helping our clients find the perfect home and a lifestyle that reflects their passions and personality. If you’re ready to live in a place where music, culture, and natural beauty come together effortlessly, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Reach out today to explore Longboat Key properties that put you close to the action while offering the peace and luxury of coastal living. Whether you’re a music lover, a performer, or someone who enjoys a night out under the stars, your next chapter starts here.
At the Bruce Myer Group, we believe in helping our clients find the perfect home and a lifestyle that reflects their passions and personality. If you’re ready to live in a place where music, culture, and natural beauty come together effortlessly, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Reach out today to explore Longboat Key properties that put you close to the action while offering the peace and luxury of coastal living. Whether you’re a music lover, a performer, or someone who enjoys a night out under the stars, your next chapter starts here.
