Venues & Event Spaces in Sarasota, FL

“The Powel Crosley is absolutely stunning inside and out! We got married here in April 2024 and, I can assure you, that you won't find many venues that are more beautiful, especially if you get a gorgeous day and a sunset in the evening like we did! Our guests couldn't get over it!!

I only have a few complaints / pieces of advice for other couples:

1) You WILL need a day-of coordinator if you plan to hold your event here. This isn't spelled out in the contract or by anyone during the planning process, but trust me...budget it in. I honestly don't know what we would have done if we hadn't opted to get one at the last minute.

The Crosley's event manager was great to work with leading up to the big day, but I only saw her once on our actual wedding day. My coordinator subsequently told me that the Crosley's staff were there more to 'police' the catering team and other vendors rather than help with anything. They were apparently even giving the catering team a hard time about which tables they could use.

2) Because the venue is owned by the county there are a lot of rules and regulations - especially surrounding alcohol. We signed a form ahead of our wedding saying we wouldn't bring any of our own booze to the venue - which we abided by even though we were going to be there all day taking photos. However, my husband got lectured about the venue's strict alcohol rules when he asked for a beer from the bar a couple hours before our ceremony (eye roll). My maid of honor was also given a hard time when she asked to grab one of the glasses of champagne set out for our guest's arrival so that I could take the edge off before walking down the aisle. Overall, just silly little things that made us feel more like they were doing us a favor by allowing us to hold our wedding there - Rather than that we had paid thousands to be there.

3) On that note, they will nickel and dime you wherever they can. We were told a couple weeks before our wedding that we would have to pay an extra $200 or so because the lighting team (which was one of the Crosley's preferred vendors) needed to come early in the morning to set up the chandelier and outdoor lighting for our 5 p.m. ceremony. The Crosley's event manager then emailed me about a week before our wedding to say that we would be receiving another invoice because the caterer had let her know that they would need an extra hour to move-out. I pushed back and asked why we were just finding this out last minute when our event timeline had been set for a year. I'm glad I asked questions instead of just automatically paying since I never heard another word about it.

4) Last, if you're planning on taking photos prior to your ceremony and have a lot of people coming early, I'd highly recommend renting the Gwendolyn suite or one of the extra rooms that the Crosley has available. They do provide a bridal suite downstairs and a separate grooms suite upstairs. However, once our family arrived to take photos everyone was inside downstairs - basically taking over my bridal suite since there was nowhere else inside to sit. It would have been nice to have a separate room to utilize for just myself and some of my bridal party.”

“We had a fabulous time celebrating my 70th birthday. Michelle was AWESOME! She guided each of us and also explained the process step by step. Each of our projects turned out fantastic. I would recommend this not only for ladies, but also men!!”

“Planned this for my BFFs bachelorette trip. Claudia was a super fun, laid back, and extraordinarily accommodating. The group had a lot of fun! HIGHLY recommend for a giggly group yoga class if that’s the vibe you’re looking for! 11/10 would recommend!”

“Cool spot for a private party. It gets a nice breeze through there in the evenings. I suppose it's also the observation deck for all of the rowing competitions that occur here, but my experience was at night, when you couldn't see anything other than the lit tower and party attendants.”

“The unicorn party is the CUTEST!! We had my daughter's birthday party here and it was a hit. The unicorn pony rides were so precious. The grounds have a big treehouse, swings, and a petting zoo so the kids were occupied. There is also a nice covered patio area with 6 picnic tables and electric power. We had an absolute blast.”

“Four of us went to See "Always Patsy Cline" last night Feb 10, 2023. The theatre is very welcoming and cozy, and seats were perfect.However, I felt that the show should have billed "Louise & her Honky Tonk Band" with special guest Patsy Cline. I say this because every thing was loud and clear except for Patsy. It wasn't just one song, it was every song. She is the star!Our seats were directly in front of the sound booth, so we were hearing exactly what the sound techs were hearing. The mic'ing technique was something I've seen before (at the hairline above the nose) and Louse's mic seemed much closer to being set properly, but Louise didn't have a band playing while she was speaking.Other than that easily correctable problem we found the show to be very enjoyable.”

“Great place to bring the family. There is plenty of stuff for the kids and the adult kids as well. Do visit the Detwilers performance stage. Ron Diamonds' Hypnosis and magic as well as some top-notch musical entertainment to enjoy. Fun, fun, fun.”

“A classy, traditional private yacht club with excellent cuisine, a friendly and attentive staff, all in a fabulous location overlooking Sarasota Bay and the always changing impressive Sarasota skyline.”

“We walked into AlexArt last Saturday and I must say, this is an absolute gem for anyone passionate about photography. The owners are wonderfully friendly and had a very interesting story to share.AlexArt is a delightful discovery for all who appreciate the power of photography in combination with art. Definitely will be back again”

“I thought I had been to just about all aquariums and seen it all. Boy was I wrong when I went to this aquarium. Very very educational. A wealth of information regarding sea life and opportunities to see them up close as they may be in recovery or a permanent residents due to injuries matters. I probably could have stayed there from the time they open till they closed. I highly recommend this place for anyone, whether you're single dating married or on a family vacation. Definitely stop by this place!”

“We held a beautiful wedding celebration at the golf club and everything exceeded all of our expectations, from the food, to the service, to the extraordinary newly renovated rooms and scenery. The course and grounds accommodated our ceremony and cocktail hour, and the ballroom was perfect for a lovely night of dancing and celebration. Liz and her team are top notch professionals and we highly recommend TPC Prestancia for any event.”

“I do work in the industry to be transparent, but I think its unfair to judge the event by things such as what products at what price the exhibitors display. In terms of the supply and demand, boating is not the only industry still in the process of regaining balance. The folks in the show pay to be there to make contact with people looking to buy what they sell, and many are willing to talk to you even if you are a year away from buying a boat. There is always a list available online of who has signed up to be exhibiting, check the list so you know if there is someone who might have what you want and pre-buy your tickets. Its a beautiful location surrounded by restaurants and shopping for when you are done walking the show.”

“Nice clean bowling alley, friendly staff at the front desk. Snack bar staff? Not so friendly... and ask for drink pricing at the bar prior to ordering.... two drinks, $33.00.....”

“Lido Beach Resort is incredible. They hosted my husband and I’s wedding in May of this year, and Cassidy (and team) did an amazing job bringing our dream wedding to life. If you are looking for a stunning and private beach wedding with exceptional food - this is the place! Our guests loved the food, beach, reception space, and how kind the serving staff was. Our wedding guests who stayed at the hotel too absolutely loved it and all said they would be back for family vacations in the future. The Tiki Bar on site was also a favorite. Thank you Lido Beach Resort for hosting and organizing our wedding. My husband and I will be back again to enjoy the private beach and pools!”

“My husband and I stayed here on our honeymoon. The rooms were modern and clean along with a pristine bathroom. The location can't be beat - in a quiet neighborhood, but easily walkable to Downtown. Staff was always extremely friendly and helpful. We were here during Hurricane Helene and the hotel made every effort to inform the guests of hurricane policies and safety measures. We would definitely stay here again.”