Frequently Asked Questions

You've got questions, we've got answers!

We are continually striving to improve your experience at The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. In our continuing efforts, we've listened to your most common questions and have tried to answer them for you as best we can. We understand that there will always be something we've not thought of, in the spirit of communication, we encourage all our patrons to lean in, sound off and reach out to us by contacting us via email, phone, online and of course, in person.

 

A Few of Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

  • Smoking is forbidden in any part of the Hall. Smoking areas with ash urns are located outside all doors.

  • Elevators are available in both lobbies for easy access to all levels of the Hall, including the Grand Foyer and Auditorium.

  • Valet parking is available for a fee.

  • The parking lot accommodates 850 vehicles and is accessible from 10th Street and Sixth Street (Boulevard of the Arts) from U.S. 41 (North Tamiami Trail). Please note: Regulations for designated parking areas are posted throughout the parking lot. Violators will be ticketed.

  • Lost and found articles should be turned in or claimed at the information desk in the Main Lobby. Items are held for 30 days. The management IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for personal apparel or other property of patrons. Patrons are advised to take coats and other personal items with them whenever they leave their seats.

  • Bags will be screened prior to entering and are subject to search. Bags must fit under your seat and not take up a seat or cause obstruction. Diaper bags for accompanied families with small children and bags with required medical items are permitted.

  • Although there is no formal dress code, patrons typically wear smart casual clothing.

  • The visiting act, performance or artist determines the policy. Some performances allow for drinks in the hall. In the case of Broadway, Classical and Dance shows, it is generally recognized in the industry that drinks are prohibited. For Concerts and musical performances, artists sometimes allow for patrons to bring their drinks into the hall. Immediately prior to every performance, a general announcement is made in the hall which outlines the policy for the act.

  • Tickets for season performances can be purchased with convenient 24-hour at-home ticketing. Simply choose a show in the Event Calendar section and click "Buy Tickets."

  • The box office is available for purchases, in-person or over the phone, on weekdays between the hours of 10am and 6pm. Longer operating hours, plus Sunday sales, are available on the day of a show. The box office remains open through the intermission during all hall-sponsored performances.
    Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, cash and local checks are accepted. A service charge is added to each order.

    Call us at (941) 263-6799 or toll-free (800) 826-9303.

    Get Directions

  • Gift Certificates to all hall-sponsored events are available in any denomination. Visit the Van Wezel box office or call us at (941) 263-6799, or Toll-Free (800) 826-9303. You can also purchase them online.

  • All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges.

  • Patrons unable to use tickets to a Van Wezel-sponsored performance may donate them through the box office. Proceeds support the Van Wezel's Education and Outreach programs, which last year served over 36,000 students in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.

  • Always buy your tickets directly from the Van Wezel box office or from your licensed group/travel leader. There are many reasons to avoid buying from a secondhand ticket broker or scalper:

    • We cannot guarantee that your tickets are genuine.
    • You will always pay more than face value.
    • We cannot replace lost or stolen tickets.
    • We cannot contact you with information about show cancellations, time changes, road closures / traffic updates, upcoming shows or other useful pieces of information.
    • You are supporting businesses that make it more difficult for true fans to see their favorite performers without paying a premium charge.
    • None of the additional money goes to the performers or to the Van Wezel.

  • The safety of staff and patrons is a priority and at the forefront of operational policies and procedures. Screening will take place before entering the venue.

    Prohibited Items Include:

    • Illegal drugs

    • Outside food or beverages
    • Aerosols
    • Fireworks
    • Audio/Video recording devices
    • Lasers, airhorns, noisemakers, etc.
    • Animals/Pets (with the exception of service animals as outlined by the ADA)
    • Weapons*

    *Weapon policies vary by show and are subject to change. Guns are not permitted at some productions, including but not limited to Ringling Town Hall, Sarasota Orchestra, and Sarasota Concert Association.

We're Social!

In a globally connected world communication is key and that means being 'social' is an important part of bridging the divide between us and our customer. We actively respond on our social media channels as a means to provide you with relevant, up-to-date information in a quick and effective way to give you the information you need right away. Follow us on Facebook, tag us on Instagram or Tweet about us from the show!

We're here to entertain you with the best Broadway shows, Classical Orchestras, Laugh out loud Comedy and of course great music from some of the best artists, bands and performers.

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