JULY
Huey Lewis & The News tribute show
Detroit tribute act Power of Love brings back the fun pop-rock of “Hip To Be Square,” “Workin’ for a Livin’” and more hits from ’80s superstars Huey Lewis & The News. At 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 25. Cost: $48-$58. At Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Information: 495-8989 or artsbonita.org.
‘The Pirates of Penzance‘
The Opera Naples musical “The Pirates of Penzance” comes to Wang Opera Center, 2408 Linwood Ave., Naples, at 7 p.m., July 25 and July 26, and at 2 p.m., July 27. A Summer Youth Camp production. Tickets $28 plus a fee. Information: operanaples.org or 239-963-9050.
Mosquito Control District’s free mosquitofish distribution
Naples Jazzmasters
The Naples Jazz Society will have free summer concerts at Norris Community Center from 1-3 p.m., July 12 and 26. At 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples. Information: thenaplesjazzsociety.com.
Foreign Films for Everyone – ‘Jean DiFlorette’
Greed and betrayal result in a devastating chain of events amid the bucolic splendor of early-20th century Provence when an outsider and his family arrive. A commercial and critical success it features gorgeous cinematography, keen insights into human nature and superb performances from icons of French cinema, Gérard Depardieu, Yves Montand and Daniel Auteuil. This free program is at 6 p.m., July 29, at Baker Senior Center Naples, 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane, and is open to the public, aged 60-plus. Reservation required. Call 239-325-4444.
Celebrate Ford’s birthday
Celebrate National Tequila Day
Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach is celebrating National Tequila Day. A “Toast to Tequila Tasting Dinner” begins at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 30, at JWB Grill. It “blends upscale dining with a tropical twist.” The tasting dinner is $125 per person and includes valet parking, tax and gratuity. Learn more at MargaritavilleResorts.com/Margaritaville-Beach-Resort-Fort-Myers-Beach/Eat-Drink/JWB-Grill/Wine-Dinner.
Have fun and support sea turtle conservation
Join the Sea Turtle Conservation Night Party from 5 until 8 p.m., Thursday, July 31, at Ankrolab, 3555 Bayshore Dr., Naples, for beer, cocktails, trivia, games, prizes, live music, a food truck and more. One dollar from each Turtle Season beer and special cocktail benefits sea turtle protection at Rookery Bay Research Reserve. You can also adopt a sea turtle nest at Akrolab Brewing Company, Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center or rookerybay.org/make-a-difference and receive a one-time 20% off your tab at Ankrolab. Individuals or companies who adopt a nest also get a tag on a cage acknowledging their support. A threatened species, loggerhead sea turtles nest from May 1 through Oct. 31 along Rookery Bay Research Reserve’s 110,000 acres, which stretch from Keewaydin Island through the Western Everglades. Learn more at rookerybay.org or call 239-530-5972.
‘Paint the Town’
Join us on July 31 at Baker Senior Center Naples (BSCN), 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., July 31, for a paint party hosted by a fun and engaging artist. All supplies will be provided. Tickets cost $40 for BSCN members and $50 for non-members (must be 60-plus). Refreshments included. Reservation required. Call: 239-325-4444.
Cirque du Soleil’s ‘OVO’ at Hertz Arena
The psychedelic circus’s 16-year-old hit returns with new acrobatic acts and reimagined costumes, music and set design. “OVO” — the Portuguese word for “egg” — features 53 acrobats and musicians bringing to life bouncing crickets, a spider in her web and more creatures from the insect world. July 31-Aug. 3. $60-$160. Parking on site is $30, plus taxes and fees (no cash). Free parking next door at Miromar Outlets. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. Information: 948-7825 or hertzarena.com.
Top events of the week: 3 To Do: ‘Erma Bombeck,’ waterway cleanup and a ‘Happy Hour for Hope’
In the news: 3 To Know: Tegus approaching, password problems and snail kites’ comeback
ONGOING
Goodland Holiday Bazaar: Call to artists, crafters and vendors
The 15th Annual Goodland Holiday Bazaar, organized by the Goodland Civic Association, will be held from a10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 15 and 16, at MarGood Harbor Park. The event will feature arts, crafts and other unique market items. Fees for 10′ x 10′ booth are $80 for GCA members, and $110 for non-members. The deadline for applying is Oct. 28.There will be a limited number of single-day booths available at reduced rates on a first-come, first-served basis. For details and applications, contact Tara O’Neill at [email protected].
‘Sweeney Todd’ at The Naples Players
The Naples Players announce the opening of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical, running through July 27, 2025, at the Kizzie Theater. Tickets are available online at NaplesPlayers.org or by calling the TNP Box Office at 239-263-7990. Prices range from $50-$55. Shows run Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Information: NaplesPlayers.org or 239-263-7990.
‘Love to Learn’ at Marco Center for the Arts
“We Love our Art Center Teachers” will be on display in La Petite Galerie at Marco Island Center for the Arts through July 29. This exhibition features art by past and present instructors at the art center. Open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1010 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island. Information: marcoislandart.org or 239-394-4221.
South American Trail at Naples Zoo
Head to Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens to discover the South American Trail, featuring many new species, including two new residents: Izel, a young capybara, and Manu, a toco toucan at the Naples Zoo. The trail runs through July 31. Information: napleszoo.org.
‘Wildlife and Wild Places’ at Rookery Bay
Friends of Rookery Bay and the art program at Florida Gulf Coast University is hosting “Wildlife and Wild Places in SWFL,” a collaborative art exhibition. Students created the original photographs and sculptures. These artists were enrolled in the history of photography course by Professor Hannah Harley or sculpture course by Professor Steve Hughart. It will be on display until Aug. 1 at The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Admission to the reception is complimentary but registration requested at rookerybay.org/events. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, with admission of $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 4-12). Learn more at rookerybay.org or call 239-530-5972.
Exhibits at Naples Art
Naples Art Institute Exhibitions: “Imogen Cunningham: a Timeless Lens on Nature,” “Form & Identity” and “Robert McCabe: Images of an Enchanted Land” on display through Aug. 3. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. At 585 Park St., Naples. Information: 239-262-6517 or naplesart.org.
‘Moonlight on the Boardwalk’
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is inviting the public to “Moonlight on the Boardwalk” on Aug. 7. Under a nearly full moon, guests can “explore the 2.25-mile boardwalk through an ancient bald cypress forest with trees more than 500 years old.” A variety of activities are planned on the boardwalk: A sound ID station; storytelling with flashlights and shadow puppets; a biofluorescent station; spotting scopes in the wet prairie for wildlife and night sky viewing and a bat station. There will also be a touch table on nocturnal animals from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m.; a moth station on the lower patio (starting at 7:30 p.m.), and the Nature Store will be open from 6:30 until 9:30 p.m. with snacks, drinks and merchandise. General admission begins at 6:30 p.m. The moon rises at 7:10, with sunset at 8. The event ends at 9:30 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults; $3 for kids 6-14; 5 and under enter for free. Online tickets for “Moonlight on the Boardwalk” can be purchased at audubon.org/corkscrew/visit/programs-and-events.
‘STEMsational’ summer camps
‘Backstage Hollywood’ Marco Historical Society
The Marco Island Historical Society is hosting a new traveling exhibit organized by Mid-America Arts Alliance, “Backstage Hollywood: The Photographs of Bob Willoughby.” The exhibit is open now through Aug. 9 at the Marco Island Historical Museum. Willoughby, a widely recognized 20th century photography pioneer, was the first outside photographer invited by studios to take photos on film sets. The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and the site is fully ADA compliant and accessible to all visitors. For information call 239-389-6447 or visit themihs.org.
Broadway Palm musical ‘Annie’
Leapin’ lizards! Everyone’s favorite orphan and her dog Sandy are back in Southwest Florida. The classic musical “Annie” is packed with memorable songs, too, including “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street” and “Tomorrow.” On stage now through Aug. 9. Cost: $65-$85 ($45 for ages 12 and younger). Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Information: 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.
Marine Science Summer Camp
Be a Marine Scientist this summer with Rookery Bay Research Reserve! Join Rookery Bay Research Reserve for a perfect marine science camp for 7th to 10th grade students who want to get hands-on with marine life and learn from real scientists. This flexible camp is filled with nature and science activities including time in Rookery Bay’s labs. Discover the birds, sharks, sea turtles and other amazing wildlife that call Rookery Bay’s amazing coastal habitat home. Camp scholarships are available. From 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Fridays, from June through August. For students in grades 7 through 10. Cost: $75 (camp scholarships available). Locations vary. Registration is required at rookerybay.org/calendar.
‘Legends of the Everglades’
“Folklore, Fish Tales, & Family Stories: Legends of the Everglades at Museum of the Everglades” is a collaboration with the local K-12 school to create an exhibit that celebrates a specific aspect of this unique community. It’s on display now and goes through Sept. 6 at 105 West Broadway, Everglades City. Information: colliermuseums.com.
Face of Immokalee exhibit
Civil Air Patrol
Marco Civil Air Patrol meets the first and third Mondays of every month, starting at 6:30 p.m., at 2003 Mainsail Drive, Marco Executive Airport, in our hangar, on the left of the terminal. Volunteers welcome. Visit FL376.CAP.GOV.
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is located at 300 Tower Rd., Naples. It features aquariums, touch tanks with marine critters, natural history, environmental and wildlife exhibits, an art gallery, picnic area, guided walking trails, butterfly garden and a scenic overlook bridge. Special events and activities for all ages are held year-round including watercolor and photography classes, gallery nights, presentations about wildlife and conservation, birding field trips, marine science camps and more. The hours are 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $10 for adults,$5 for children ages 4-12 and 3 and under are free.
Rookery Bay Eco Kayak & Boat Tours
Rookery Bay Research Reserve also offers guided boat tours or kayak adventures into the tranquil waters of Rookery Bay Reserve. Guests can choose from a variety of tours including shelling trips to deserted white sand islands, sunset tours or bird rookery excursions. Visit RookeryBay.org or call 239-530-5972.
AUGUST
‘Behind the Scenes of the Reserve’
Explore the Reserve and the wildlife that calls it home. See where Rookery Bay’s research takes place, learn about the work being done to monitor the coastal habitat and complete a scientific study. At Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples, Aug. 1. More at rookerybay.org.
Fort Myers Art Walk
The monthly event features new art exhibits at downtown Fort Myers galleries, receptions and art vendors outside on First Street. August’s exhibits include “Not Just Another Day in Paradise,” a Davis Art Center show featuring work by five tattoo artists from Fort Myers Beach’s Paradise Tattoo. 5-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1. Free. Art Walk takes place on the first Friday of each month. Downtown Fort Myers. Information: facebook.com/fortmyersartwalk.
Mullet Madness Weekend on Fort Myers Beach
Celebrate the popular Florida fish with this new three-day event featuring mullet-themed activities all over Fort Myers Beach, including mullet tosses, a Joe Dirt look-alike contest, raffles, giveaways, selfie stations, live music and more. Tickets are $20 and include a Mullet Madness tank top and a trail card to track your progress at participating venues. Friday through Sunday, Aug. 1-3. Various locations on Fort Myers Beach. For the full schedule, visit fortmyersbeach.org/events/mullet-madness.
Stage 2 Improv
Stage 2 Improv, the Naples-based group, returns for three performances. Shows will be June 28, Aug. 2 and Sept. 20. At the Marco Island Center for the Arts’ Arts Center Theatre. More at marcoislandart.org or call 239-394-4221.
‘Through the Lens of Nature’
“Through the Lens of Nature: A Celebration of Flora, Fauna and Culture” -presented by the local artist group Collective 5, is a mixed media exhibit features the work of Giampaolo Curreri, Lin Nesdale, Jody Futteman, Peggy Keigley and Lisett Lloren, offering “a rich tapestry of art inspired by nature and local culture.” There will be a free opening reception that will include wine, beer, light bites and an artist award presentation from 5:30 until 7 p.m., Aug. 7 at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center Art Gallery, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Information: RookeryBay.org.
The Downtown Showdown semifinals at Sugarshack
Winners from Sugarshack Downtown’s new weekly singing competition perform in the semifinals in front of a live audience and local celebrity judges. The top singers advance to the Aug. 12 finals and compete for the $2,500 grand prize. 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5. Free admission. Sugarshack Downtown, 27421 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. Information: 301-4321 or sugarshackdowntown.com
Encore series: ‘Til Death’
Peter Fogel returns with “Til Death Do Us Part … You First” at 2 and 6 p.m., Aug. 6. “The Swingset” by Krystyn Estes will return for a limited engagement Aug. 28 and 29. Tickets are available now through the Marco Island Center for the Arts website marcoislandart.org/arts-center-theatre/ or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186.
Shell Museum lecture series
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium will present a free lecture series this summer and fall. “South Florida’s Seasonal Seas” by Gabriel Jensen, photographer, is 5:30 p.m., Aug. 21. The presentation tells the story of South Florida’s underwater seasons through photographs. “What Can Oysters Tell Us About the Restoration of the Everglades?” by Stephen Geiger, Ph.D., Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, is 5:30 p.m., Sept. 18. He explains the environmental conditions that allow oysters to thrive and why they are a good metric for water quality. “Gulf Seafood: Sustaining Wildlife and Our Way of Life” by John Fallon, Audubon Nature Institute, is 5:30 p.m., Oct. 16. His talk, held during National Seafood Month, explains what makes Gulf seafood sustainable, the challenges facing fisheries in the region. Although free of charge, pre-registration for lectures is required. To register, visit ShellMuseum.org/learn-and-experience/lectures.
SEPTEMBER
Adam Sandler at Hertz Arena
The actor-comedian will perform his funny songs and stand-up comedy Monday, Sept. 8, at Hertz Arena. Tickets start at $70, plus applicable taxes and fees, according to the arena’s website. Parking on site is $30. Sandler’s “Your My Best Friend” Comedy Tour follows his sold-out tours in 2022 and 2023, according to Hertz Arena’s announcement. The comedian is known for his stint on Saturday Night Live — including popular characters Opera Man, Cajun Man and Canteen Boy — as well as hit movies “Billy Madison,” “Happy Gilmore,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Grown Ups” and the “Hotel Transylvania” movies. For tickets and more information, visit hertzarena.com or ticketmaster.com.
Shy Wolf Sanctuary golf scramble
The 5th Annual Shy Wolf Scramble, a charity golf event to benefit the sanctuary’s mission of rescuing captive-bred exotic and un-releasable wild animals, is slated for Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Heritage Bay Golf and Country Club in Naples. The scramble will feature a four-person, best shot format. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in various challenges and contests, including a hole-in-one contest sponsored by Porsche Naples, tee advancement hole, a putting contest, longest drive, and closest to the pin. Registration for this event starts at $200 for individuals and $800 for a foursome. The registration fee includes a round of golf, lunch, and drink tickets. All proceeds will directly support Shy Wolf Sanctuary’s efforts in providing rescue, sanctuary and education for captive-bred exotic and un-releasable wild animals. To register for the Shy Wolf Scramble or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit givebutter.com/c/swsgolf25 or email [email protected].
NOVEMBER
Wine & Wildlife Gala
DECEMBER
Darius Rucker returns for Naples’ Live Fest
Country star Darius Rucker will headline Naples’ sixth-annual Live Fest on Saturday, Dec. 13, on the driving range of Tiburon Golf Club at The Ritz Carlton Golf Resort. The outdoor show is part of the Grant Thornton Invitational, a mixed-team golf event featuring PGA and LPGA pros. Rucker returns to Live Fest for the first time since playing the inaugural event in 2019 with co-headliners Lady A (formerly Lady Antebellum). He’ll share the stage with Southwest Florida band Rock Republic and “American Idol” semifinalist Casey Bishop. Two more acts will be announced later this summer. Tickets are on sale now. General-admission tickets for the concert are $150. Admission is free for ages 9 and younger. Other ticket packages are available, including VIP tickets starting at $355.For tickets or more information, visit livefest.com…