FORT MYERS & FORT MYERS BEACH AREA
WHAT’S UP SPOTLIGHT IS ON:
HOLIDAY NIGHTS
NOV 25-JAN 1
Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers: This event has become a “must see” holiday tradition in Southwest Florida. During the holidays the homes and gardens of the Edison and Ford families are seasonally decorated with millions of lights and historic decorations. There is also food service at the Ford Cottage Shoppe, sunset river cruises and the Edison and Ford estates, museum and lab are open nightly until 9:00 p.m. (except for Christmas eve and Christmas day). For information call 239-334-7419 or visit www.edisonfordwinterestates.org
Ongoing through Dec 31
Downtown Car Cruise In
River District, Fort Myers:
From classic to cool, downtown streets are lined with the sight of show cars on the fourth Saturday of every month from 4 to 8 pm. Music, food, drinks, and more! Free to the public with many venues featuring additional specials.
www.myriverdistrict.com
Ongoing through Dec 31
Art Walk
River District, Fort Myers:
Art galleries and venues in the Fort Myers River District present this free downtown art celebration on the first Friday evening of every month from 6-10 pm.
www.fortmyersartwalk.com
Through Oct 29
The Odd Couple (Female Version)
Off-Broadway Palm Theatre, Fort Myers: The men are out and the ladies are in with this twist to Neil Simon’s classic hit. The male leads are replaced with females, and the hilarity remains the same as a neurotic, neat freak moves into the home of an uncouth and messy friend after a marital split. Their differing ways start taking their toll and the two find out that even the best of friends can make the worst of roommates. For showtimes & tickets call 239-278-4422 or visit
www.broadwaypalm.com
Thru Oct 22
Outside Mullingar
Florida Rep ArtStage Theatre, Fort Myers:
From the Pulitzer Prize and Tony-Winning author of Doubt and Moonstruck comes a delightful romantic comedy set in the Irish countryside that follows the unlikely romance of two lovable misfits, Anthony & Rosemary, who are farmers and haven’t got a clue when it comes to love. These hopeless singletons will need to overcome a bitter land feud, a familial rivalry, and their own romantic fears to find happiness. This tenderhearted portrait reminds us it’s never too late to take a chance on love. For tickets call 239-332-4488 or visit www.floridarep.org
Oct 12-Nov 18
PIPPIN The Musical
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Fort Myers:
Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including “Best Musical Revival”, this magical, unforgettable tale follows a young prince’s journey to be extraordinary! This new circus-inspired production features an acrobatic troupe of performers, led by the charismatic leading player. For tickets call 239-278-4422 or visit www.broadwaypalm.com
Oct 24-Nov 15
Sylvia
Florida Rep Historic Arcade Theatre, Fort Myers:
The Wall Street Journal called Florida Rep’s 2011 production of this classic “clever and cute in all the right ways!” Empty nesters find themselves at a crossroads, with his career winding down and hers ramping up, and so they move to Manhattan to escape the suburbs. One brings home a street-smart labradoodle named Sylvia and soon their marriage gets tested with hilarious and touching effect. For tickets call 239-332-4488 or visit www.floridarep.org
Nov 17-26
Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship
Wyndham Garden Hotel, Fort Myers Beach:
Master sand sculptors will hit Fort Myers Beach to form tons of sand into works of art – featuring sculptors from several different countries. The event ranks among the 10 best sand sculpting competitions in the world. There will be live bands, special demonstrations and plenty of photo ops. For information visit www.fmbsandsculpting.com
Nov 23-Dec 25
A Christmas Story – The Musical
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Fort Myers:
Based on the wildly-popular holiday movie, a bespectacled boy named Ralphie wants only one thing for Christmas – an “Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle”. From the infamous leg lamp, to the outrageous pink bunny pajamas, the iconic scenes from the movie, delightful songs and splashy production numbers make this the perfect holiday treat for the whole family!.
For reservations call 239-278-4422 or visit www.broadwaypalm.com
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA AREA
WHAT’S UP SPOTLIGHT IS ON:
Oct 15-21
Ding Darling Days
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel:
A Family Fun Day Sunday, Oct 15 kicks off a full week of eco-activities with all-free refuge tram tours, live wildlife presentations, hot dogs, kids crafts, and other family activities. Birding, boating, tram, paddleboarding, and kayaking activities fill the week. For information call 239-472-1100 Ext 4 or visit www.dingdarlingsociety.org
Dec 7-29
A Christmas Carol
BIG ARTS Strauss Theater, Sanibel:
This lovely adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ classic by Christopher Schario features traditional English folk tunes and fiddle. A child’s reading of A Christmas Carol becomes a magical transformation when he is ushered into the real world of Dicken’s much loved characters. For showtimes & tickets call 239-472-6862 or visit www.bigarts.org/theater.html
CHARLOTTE HARBOR AREA
WHAT’S UP SPOTLIGHT IS ON:
Ongoing Through Dec 31
Third Thursday Alive After Five
Downtown Historic Punta Gorda:
Every 3rd Thursday of the month there is live entertainment, food and drink samplings, and of course lots of art – a great evening of fun from 5 to 8pm with plenty of free parking. Call 941-639-3720 or visit
www.puntagordachamber.com
Ongoing Through Dec 31
Farmers Market
Historic Downtown Punta Gorda:
Every Saturday you can make it a great way to start your day. Drop by to enjoy fresh local produce, warm hospitality and family fun every Saturday from 8am-1pm in front of the old Historic Courthouse on Taylor Street.
Oct 13-15
Florida International Air Show
Punta Gorda Airport:
There’ll be fun for the family and aviation enthusiasts alike, with a parachute team, a Kid Zone, helicopter rides, military jets & training demonstrations, a jet truck, fireworks, food vendors and more! For information visit www.floridaairshow.com
Oct 18-Nov 5
Later Life
Lemon Bay Playhouse, Englewood:
The chance encounter of depressed Austin with wildly unpredicatble Ruth at a party rekindles a romance of almost thirty years ago. Friends hope the renewed relationship will bring the much needed changes in their lives, as comically and sometimes painfully, the two rediscover themselves. For tickets visit
www.lemonbayplayhouse.com
Oct 28
Throwback to the 50’s
Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda:
Dress in your favorite 50’s attire and enjoy fun games, dance contest, prizes and live music throughout the village including Nick Dattilo and The Legends Band paying tribute to such stars as Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Ritchie Valens, The Beach Boys, and many more. For more information visit www.fishville.com
Nov 18-Dec 31
Holiday Lighting of the Village
Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda:
The official kick-off on Nov 18th starts at 5:30pm and includes live entertainment by the Lee County Pipes and Drums as well as Shane Duncan Band and Barbershop Harmony by the Suncoast Statesmen. Ther’ll be many family friendly festivities and of course a visit from Santa! Over one million lights and decorations will be on display until Dec 31st. For more information visit www.fishville.com
Dec 2-31
Christmas Lights Canal Cruises
Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda:
King Fisher Fleet offers cruises three times nightly from Fishermen’s Village dock that tour the residential canals to view Christmas lights, displays and decorations on homes, boats, seawalls and docks. For reservations call 941-639-0969 or visit www.kingfisherfleet.com
Dec 31
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda:
Enjoy live music and family friendly festivities beginning at 5 pm and continuing until 12 midnight. For more information visit www.fishville.com
NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND & THE EVERGLADES AREA
WHAT’S UP SPOTLIGHT IS ON:
STONE CRAB FESTIVAL
Oct 27-29
Port-O-Call Marina & Tin City, Naples:
This annual festival is a weekend of food and fun for the entire family, starring of course the stone crab. It’s also your chance to explore the beautiful Naples waterfront with activities on land and in the water, in and around the Naples Bay area. For more information visit
www.stonecrabfestival.org
Through Nov 28
Florida Artists Group
Marco Island Historical Museum:
This exhibition features Southwest Florida artists whose work has attained national or state-wide recognition. The works included in this show range from acrylic paintings, etchings, mixed media to sculptures. For information visit www.colliermuseums.com
Through Dec 31
Kids Ride Free Saturdays
Pure Florida, Tin City, Naples:
Cruise through the calm waters of Naples Bay, see luxurious waterfront mansions, catch a glimpse of dolphins, manatees, bald eagles and coastal birds while discovering the history of Naples and the Gordon River. Every Saturday morning “Kids 12 & Under Are Free” with a full paying adult on their 10am cruise. The whole family will be sure to enjoy all the fun playing “Scavenger Hunt” while out on the Bay, spotting all the different wildlife there. For information call 239-263-4949 or visit
www.purefl.com
Oct 7-12
2017 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Golf Championship
Quail Creek Country Club Naples:
The U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur is a national championship for female amateurs age 25 and older, and the field will feature 132 players competing in two rounds of stroke play, after which the field is cut to the low 64 scorers for match play. The winner is determined by an 18-hole final. For information call 908-234-2300 or visit
www.usga.org
Oct 13-14
Naples Boat Show
City Dock & Crayton Cove, Naples:
This premier in-water recreational show will feature displays by marinas, boat dealers, other marine related businesses, food vendors and more. Admission is free. For more information visit www.miacc.org
Oct 21
Village People
Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee:
One of disco’s most recognizable and energetic hit-makers, this legendary group has sold more than 100 million records worldwide since the 1970s with such career defining hits as Macho Man, Y.M.C.A, In the Navy and Can’t Stop the Music. For tickets & information visit www.moreinparadise.com
NOTE: Concert attendees must be 21 years of age or older.
Nov 11
Charlie Daniels Band & Marshall Tucker Band
Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee:
Charlie Daniels has so many memorable hits such as Long Haired Country Boy, In America, The Legend of Wooley Swamp” and his signature Grammy-Award winner The Devil Went Down to Georgia. The same night will also feature The Marshall Tucker Band with more than 40 years of hit singles like Heard It In a Love Song, Fire On The Mountain, Can’t You See and Take The Highway. For tickets & information visit www.moreinparadise.com
NOTE: Concert attendees must be 21 years of age or older.
Nov 18-19
Old Florida Festival
Collier County Museum, Naples:
Travel back in time over 10,000 years of South Florida history at one of the largest living history gatherings in the state, featuring over 90 historical re-enactors, craft-workers, demonstrators, folk musicians and storytellers depicting everyday life on the Southwest Florida frontier, from the Calusa and Sem-inole Indians to World War II. For more information call 239-262-6525 or visit
www.colliermuseums.com
Dec 9
Naples Christmas Boat Parade
Naples Bay:
Pick your spot along Naples Bay to enjoy the colorful and sparkly annual Christmas Boat Parade. The many viewing points include Pinchers Crab Shack and The Boathouse restaurants, Naples City Dock, Bayview Park and Naples Landing. The event starts at 6:15pm and ends at 8:30pm. For more information visit www.miacc.org
Dec 15
Today’s Contemporary Hits with Brett & Lola Naples
Princess Cruises, Naples:
In a rare public performance, Brett and Lola of the Foreman 5 perform today’s top hits as well as some of your old favorites. On this cruise, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner as you cruise the waters of Naples Bay and into the Gulf of Mexico. For sailing schedules & reservations call 239-649-2275 or call
www.naplesprincesscruises.com
Dec 31
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Naples Pier, Naples:
Find a spot anywhere along Naples Beach for the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks, blasting off from Naples Pier. Bring the entire family – the show starts at 7:30pm.
Dec 31
New Year’s Eve Bash
Naples Princess Cruises, Naples:
Ring in the New Year with style aboard the Naples Princess. We offer several cruises on New Year’s Eve featuring a gala celebration with an open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres and plated dinner, dancing to live entertainment, party favors, and – of course – a champagne toast at midnight! For reservations call 239-649-2275 or visit
www.naplesprincesscruises.com
ELSEWHERE IN FLORIDA
WHAT’S UP SPOTLIGHT IS ON:
TAMPA BAY
Oct 21-22
48th Annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival
Cedar Key:
Historic Cedar Key kicks up its heels with bluegrass, banjos and over 200 vendor booths, a Saturday morning parade and lots of great local seafood. Takes place from 9am – 5pm in downtown Cedar Key. For information call 352-543-5600.
DAYTONA BEACH
Nov 4-5
55th Annual Halifax Art Festival
Historic Beach Street Area, Daytona Beach: The second oldest continual art festival in Florida features a unique blend of fine arts, crafts, music, food, and fun for visitors to view and purchase the works of over 250 fine artists and artisans from all over the country! Live music on both Saturday and Sunday, with plenty of seating available in Riverfront Park on the Halifax River to enjoy the music or a snack. It’s free to the public with plenty of free parking. More info call 386-255-0285 or visit www.HalifaxArtFestival.org
KEY WEST & THE KEYS
Dec 1-31
Key West Holiday Fest Key West:
Each year a wide range of seasonal celebrations takes place throughout Key West during this month-long celebration that include the lighting of the Harbor Walk of Lights, tours of historic decorated inns, a holiday parade and much more. For more information visit
www.KeyWestHolidayFest.com
EDITOR’S NOTE:
DESTINATION Magazine makes every effort to provide up-to-date and accurate information regarding all the events listed on these pages before going to press. However we urge you to either call or check the websites of each event to ensure its correct date, schedule and related information.