America 250

Only 17 Southwest Florida arts organizations to share in $65.9 million in arts funding approved by Legislature for 2026-2027. Again this year, some major arts organizations in Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties have been left on the outside looking in.

A drone show will take place in Punta Gorda to honor Flag Day and America's 250th anniversary.

No living photographer does a better job of capturing the emotion of the American landscape than Clyde Butcher - that feeling you experience when you turn a corner on a hike and spy a pristine lake or cascading waterfall, or a valley suddenly opens up beneath your feet. So, Marco Island Historical Museum decided to observe the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by exhibiting Clyde Butcher's "America the Beautiful" photo exhibition.

Beginning May 30, Gulf Coast Symphony is bringing Southwest Florida the “Sounds of America” in observance of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Gulf Coast Symphony producing "1776 the Musical" as part of its America250 celebration. The show reminds us of the importance that compromise played in the negotiation and adoption of the Declaration of Independence

Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Wynton Marsalis asks the question that confronts us as a nation: “Do we want to find a better way?” He answered that in the eight songs that comprise his 2022 album “The Democracy! Suite.” The Gulf Coast Jazz Collective – Paul Gavin, Zak Bartholomew and Brandon Robertson – will perform it on April 18.

Gulf Coast Symphony is celebrating America250 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall with a fully staged production of “1776” on April 18 and 19.

The Marco Island Historical Society is commemorating America250 with a large-format photography exhibition by Clyde Butcher. An opening reception takes place April 9th in tandem with a performance by the Marco Island Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Marco Island Historical Society Reenactors of an original play titled “Founding Mothers.”

Sarasota Ballet commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States this weekend with “Stars and Stripes,” a ballet frequently performed at national events, including presidential inaugurations. Also on program is “’Still Life’ at the Penguin Café,” a cautionary tale about our seeming indifference to the survival of our environment.

Composer George Gershwin is best known for “Rhapsody in Blue” and “An American in Paris.” But he also partnered with his brother, Ira, to write the greatest of all American operas, “Porgy & Bess.” Gulfshore Opera is bringing a condensed version of the witty, gritty story of unshakable love to the stage to celebrate America250.