VAN WEZEL ANNOUNCES SPECTACULAR 2026–2027 SEASON FEATURING
LEGENDARY MUSIC ICONS, COMEDY FAVORITES AND UNFORGETTABLE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Sarasota, FL (August 31, 2026) – The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is raising the curtain on an unforgettable 2026–2027 season, bringing an extraordinary lineup of Broadway’s biggest national tours, legendary musicians, acclaimed comedians, dazzling theatrical productions and holiday favorites to Sarasota.
“There’s never been a more exciting time to be in Sarasota!” says Mary Bensel, Executive Director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. “From our rich history and scenic beaches to our thriving arts and cultural scene, the Van Wezel is proud to bring our community, which has recently been named the #1 town to visit by CNN Travel, the best in live entertainment.”
From Tony Award®-winning musicals and iconic recording artists to family-friendly spectacles and one-of-a-kind live concert experiences, the new season celebrates the power of performance for every generation.
Broadway takes center stage this season with one of the Van Wezel’s most exciting lineups to date. Audiences can experience the Sarasota premieres of SIX (Mar. 16-21), the international pop phenomenon; Hell’s Kitchen (Apr. 13-18), Alicia Keys’ Grammy and Tony Award®-winning musical; the Tony Award®-winning comedy Shucked (Feb. 8-9); the critically acclaimed Water for Elephants (Feb. 12-14); Mystic Pizza (Jan.6 – Jan. 8), and The Bodyguard (Nov. 30 – Dec. 2). The Broadway series also features audience favorites The Wiz (Jan. 15- Jan. 16), MAMMA MIA! (Jan. 26 – Jan. 31), Waitress (Feb. 23 – Feb. 25), and Legally Blonde (Mar. 30 – Apr. 1), bringing an exciting mix of fresh hits, beloved classics, and award-winning productions to Sarasota. Broadway subscription packages remain available for guests interested in purchasing four or more shows.
Music fans can enjoy an incredible season spanning decades and genres, beginning with Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Boz Scaggs (Oct. 11). Other highlights include Rumours of Fleetwood Mac (Oct. 17), The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA (Oct. 18),
The Phil Collins Story (Nov. 5), Blank Space – The Unofficial Taylor Swift Tribute (Nov. 13), Air Supply – A Matter of Time Tour (Jan. 24), The Temptations (Feb. 16), The Commodores (Feb. 18), Don McLean (Apr. 8), Get the Led Out (Mar. 9), The Simon & Garfunkel Story (Mar. 29), and Stayin’ Alive (Mar. 4), along with acclaimed performances by David Foster & Katharine McPhee (Nov. 14), Chris Botti (Feb. 3), and the Allman Betts Family Revival: A Decade of Revival (Dec. 13).
Comedy returns in full force with Emmy Award-winning comedian John Mulaney (Dec. 10), television icon Jay Leno (Jan. 14), ventriloquist Terry Fator (Mar. 2), while Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue (Oct. 31) brings its adults-only comedy to the Van Wezel on Halloween.
Audiences looking for unique live experiences will find plenty to enjoy throughout the season, from the thrilling spectacle of The Vampire Circus (Oct. 25) to cinematic concert experiences including Ghostbusters in Concert (Oct. 29), ROCKY™ in Concert (Nov. 22), and
Outlander in Concert (Dec. 12). Spectacular productions such as Cirque Kalabanté – World of Words (Feb. 4), Cirque Alice (Mar. 11), and Burn the Floor presents Maks & Peta Live! (Apr. 11) adds even more excitement to the lineup.
The holiday season shines with festive shows including Cirque Dreams Holidaze (Nov. 21),
The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical (Nov. 23), Home for the Holidays (Nov. 27) featuring All-4-One, Sheena Easton, Lindsey Webster, and Ruben Studdard, Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour (Dec. 3), Tony Award®-winner Leslie Odom Jr. The Christmas Tour (Dec. 14), A Very Broadway Christmas (Dec. 21), Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
(Dec. 20), Jim Brickman: A Christmas Celebration (Dec. 22), Straight No Chaser – Making Spirits Bright Tour (Dec. 28), and the beloved Salute to Vienna: New Year’s Concert (Dec. 30).
Additional performances and special events will be announced throughout the season.
Photos and the full list of 2026-2027 shows with descriptions can be downloaded here.
Tickets for shows go on sale to the general public on Saturday, September 12 at 10 a.m. EDT, with presales happening for subscribers and e-club members prior. Tickets 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 on Saturday, September 12 between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Box Office is regularly open Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and beginning 9/19/26 on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726.
