SARASOTA — Celebrate the back-to-school season at the Van Wezel’s annual Family Fest, a free, one-day celebration featuring live performances, literacy activities, food trucks, games, a photo booth, and more. Back by popular demand, Family Fest will take place on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the back lawn and in the Grand Foyer of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
As part of the day’s festivities, the Van Wezel will present two sensory-friendly performances of Asolo Rep on Tour’s “Beanstalk: The Adventures of Jack and the Giant.” The performances will begin at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Designed to create an inclusive theater experience, the performances feature flexible seating, with headphones, fidget tools, and other sensory supports available. A designated quiet space will also be provided for families who need a break during the performance.
Families can also enjoy Florida Studio Theatre Improv as they lead fast-paced, family-friendly games at 11:30 a.m. where kids and adults can laugh, play, and create stories together in the moment.
Throughout the day, young entrepreneurs with Kids Market will provide shopping and activities with a Jack and the Beanstalk theme.
Community partners participating in Family Fest 2026 include Asolo Rep, Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, Visit Sarasota County, Cat Depot, Innovation Academy SRQ, The Ringling Museum, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Sarasota Art Museum, Embracing Our Differences, and more.
For updates on upcoming performances and events, visit VanWezel.org or follow the Van Wezel on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Information about education and community engagement programs is available at https://www.vanwezel.org/education-community and on the department’s Facebook and Instagram channels.
Family Fest is made possible by the Van Wezel’s Education and Community Engagement Department and through the generous support of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation.