Municipal Auditorium

801 N Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236

The City of Sarasota has extended the suspension of Municipal Auditorium and Bayfront Community Center rentals through February 28, 2021. This decision was made as a protective measure for the health and safety of the Community during these unprecedented times.  Sponsors may submit lease requests for rentals after February 28, 2021, those leases would be subject to cancellation due to COVID-19 and applicants are doing so at their own risk and expense. 

An icon in the heart of downtown Sarasota’s cultural district, the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium stands out as a premier event space for formal and corporate events. From elegant weddings to business meetings, seminars, and tradeshows, the auditorium offers 10,000 square feet of unobstructed floor space and excellent acoustics.

Key Building Features

Built in 1938 and designed in an amazing Art Deco style by Chicago architects Thomas Reed and Clarence A. Martin, the Municipal Auditorium has been painstakingly remodeled to maintain its iconic charm while providing the infrastructure needed for modern events. The tall ceilings and stunning hardwood floors create an elegant aesthetic while enhancing the quality of acoustics. Audio, visual, and lighting equipment upgrades were designed and executed to create the ideal atmosphere for both personal and professional events. The facility boasts a 39-foot ceiling, and seating can be planned to accommodate both small groups and large parties.

We offer our hosts and their guests free on-site parking, in-house concessions, and an ATM located within the facility. The auditorium’s location grants easy access to downtown Sarasota’s finest theaters, museums, hotels, and restaurants. To help your event run smoothly, we offer a front breezeway for ticket sales or registration along with a staging area for catering.

Plan Your Event

Our event space offers the versatility of planning your event the way you want, as our clients are free to design the space to suit their specific event needs. With the help of our management team and support staff, you'll enjoy a stress-free planning process that ensures a successful event. Our well-equipped spaces provide the foundation you need for a truly spectacular event. We also offer other facilities that specialize in smaller events. The John Chidsey Bayfront Community Center is a 2,000-square-foot space attached to the west side of the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. It can accommodate 80 guests for a sit-down dinner or up to 175 with theater-style seating. In downtown Sarasota, our Payne Park Auditorium is 4,000 square feet and is ideal for weddings.

Auditorium Events

The Sarasota Municipal Auditorium has hosted the Sarasota Youth Orchestra’s Debutante Ball, the Miss Florida pageant, and the renowned West Coast Symphony. Within the walls of its modern design hide whispers of the past. From numerous high school proms and elaborate receptions to concerts, fundraisers, trade shows, exhibits, and business meetings, our staff will meet your event needs and exceed all expectations. Theatre, banquet, trade show, and open floor plans are all available.

If you're interested in viewing this dynamic event space in action, consider attending the Vintage & Collectables Fair or contact us to schedule a visit. Let us help you make your next event or expo a success! Inquire online today so that we can get started.

803 N Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236

The City of Sarasota has extended the suspension of Municipal Auditorium and Bayfront Community Center rentals through February 28, 2021. This decision was made as a protective measure for the health and safety of the Community during these unprecedented times.  Sponsors may submit lease requests for rentals after February 28, 2021, those leases would be subject to cancellation due to COVID-19 and applicants are doing so at their own risk and expense. 

The "John Chidsey” Bayfront Community Center is attached to the west side of the historic Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. This quaint little venue has stunning views of the Sarasota Bay and offers a 2,000 square foot facility that is ideal for dances, church socials, meetings, parties and seminars. The space can accommodate 80 guests for a sit down catered function or up to 175 theater seating style!