NOVEMBER
Top events of the week: 3 To Do: Old World Christmas Bazaar; Joe Turkey Ride; Shell Club sale
Lindsey Sterling performs
YouTube star and “America’s Got Talent” quarter finalist Lindsey Sterling, singing, dancing and playing violin on her new holiday-themed Snow Waltz Tour: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. Cost: $75-$337. Information: 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com.
Rotary Christmas Tree Tent
After 36 years of serving the community from Bonita Beach Road, the Rotary Club of Bonita Springs is moving its Christmas Tree Tent to downtown Bonita Springs. Starting at 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 28, you can find over 500 Fraser fir and Noble trees, plus wreaths and poinsettias for sale at 10450 Ragsdale Street, right at the intersection of Ragsdale Street and Old 41 Roundabout. The tent will be open from 10 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, and from 4 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on weekdays. For more, visit BonitaSpringsRotary.org or call 239-572-2339.
Holiday Lights on the Lawn
Kevin Herrera at Off the Hook
The comedian performs Nov. 28-30 at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. Cost: $25 general admission, plus a fee. 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, 6 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. Information: offthehookcomedy.com or 239-389-6901.
50th Annual Holiday Nights at Edison & Ford Estates
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates shine with thousands of holiday lights and decorations for this 50th-annual event. The milestone event includes new light displays, visits with Santa Claus (select nights), guided or self-guided Estates tours and a Children’s Tree Trail with dozens of trees decorated with handmade ornaments from Lee County school children. Holiday Nights takes place 5:30-9 p.m. daily from Nov. 28-Jan. 4, except for Dec. 24-25. $23 admission ($13 for ages 13-19, $3 for ages 6-12, free for younger). Lee County residents get a $5 discount every Monday (ID required). Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Information: 334-7419 or EdisonFord.org.
Cultural Park car show in Cape Coral
The monthly Classic Car Fests show features more than 150 classic cars and trucks, music, food trucks, a vendor village and free museum tours. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 29. Free. Classic vehicle entry is $10. Cultural Park behind Cape Coral Museum of History, 544 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. Information: 772-7037 or capecoralmuseum.org.
The Festival of Misfit Toys
Local and touring rock and metal bands share the stage for this new festival that doubles as a toy drive for local children. The musical lineup includes DONEFOR, We’re Wolves, Alyk, Discord Theory, Dirty Rivals, Twin Rova, Bargain Bin Heroes and more. Plus games, contests, raffles and more. Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29. Free admission. Donations of new, packaged toys will be collected. Bay Street Yard, 2136 Bay St., downtown Fort Myers. Information: tinyurl.com/36ff73xp.
Stand-up comedian Hannah Berner
At 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. Cost: $48-$173. Information: 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com.
Pearl Jam tribute Given to Fly
At7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 at Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Cost: $54-$64. Information: 495-8989 or artsbonita.org.
Naples Ballet & Philharmonic
The Nutcracker: A festive performance perfect for kicking off the holiday season 7 p.m. Nov. 29 and Nov. 30 at Artis–Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. Information: artisnaples.org.
‘The Nutcracker’ at Artis―Naples
Naples Ballet & Philharmonic: The Nutcracker: A festive performance perfect for kicking off the holiday season 7 p.m., Nov. 29, and Nov. 30 at Artis–Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. Information: artisnaples.org.
Hurricane benefit concert
ONE LOVE hurricane benefit concert for Jamaica at two Fort Myers venues, featuring Rock Republic, Red Hannah, School of Rock House Band, Last Train, Chasing Denver, Smack Daddy, Charlie Pace and more Southwest Florida musical acts. Starts at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. Cost: $19. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers (plus next door at Lumber Axe Whiskey Bar & Grille). Information: 985-9839 or theranchfortmyers.com.
ONGOING
‘The Wildlife Art of Ron Orlando’
Marco Island Center for the Arts presents “The Wildlife Art of Ron Orlando” in La Petite Gallery from now through Dec. 2. Growing up in New Jersey, Orlando developed a lifelong love of nature while exploring the wooded lot behind his childhood home. That early fascination with the natural world evolved into a passion for painting, leading to a career that beautifully merges art and conservation. The Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island. Information: marcoislandart.org.
‘Once Upon a Christmas Time’ at The MACC
This new, original musical celebrates the holiday season in a land far away, where fairytale creatures search for the meaning of Christmas to the tune of beloved holiday songs. Written by Southwest Florida Theatre Company’s music director, Julie Carver. Nov. 19-Dec. 6. Cost: $65-$74. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, south Fort Myers. Information: 277-1700 or gulfcoastsymphony.org.
‘White Christmas’
Experience a production based on Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” the 1954 film that comes to life on Moran Mainstage, Baker Theatre and Education Center, 100 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples. The show runs now through Dec. 21. Tickets start at $44. Information: 239-261-7529 or gulfshoreplayhouse.org.
‘A Christmas Story’ at Broadway Palm
The musical version of the massively popular holiday movie, complete with the infamous leg lamp, the Red Ryder rifle, pink bunny pajamas, an irritable department-store Santa and a triple-dog dare to lick a freezing flagpole. Nov. 21-Dec. 28. $78-$98 ($43-$48 for ages 12 and younger). Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.
Tamara de Lempicka
Her art is now on view at The Baker Museum in Naples through Feb. 8. Exhibition explores artist’s singular contributions to modern art through a selection of her most striking paintings and drawings, tracing her rise to prominence in 1920s Paris and her later years in the United States and Mexico. Information: artisnaples.org.
‘Marco on the Move’ exhibit
The Marco Island Historical Society presents the island’s early modes of transportation from boats and bicycles to wheels and wings with a new exhibit, “Marco on the Move,” at the Marco Island Historical Museum. The exhibit runs through March 21. The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive and is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. 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.
Marco Island Farmers’ Market
The highly anticipated return of the Marco Island’s farmers market is Wednesday. It’s from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., every Wednesday through April 15 at Veteran’s Community Park, 901 Park Ave., Marco Island. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.
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.
AAUW
American Association of University Women (AAUW)) meets at 10 a.m., the third Thursday of the month at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 350 S. Barfield Dr., Marco Island.
In the news: 3 To Know: Manatees on the move; postal increase; holiday deadlines
DECEMBER
Gulfshore Opera’s ‘Carmen’
The regional opera company brings Bizet’s timeless tragedy to three Southwest Florida venues: Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in south Fort Myers (Tuesday, Dec. 2), Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda (Thursday, Dec. 4) and Artis—Naples in Naples (Sunday, Dec. 7). They’ll be joined by the Naples Philharmonic in Naples and The Florida Philharmonic in Punta Gorda and Fort Myers. All shows start at 7 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Information: gulfshoreopera.org/carmen.
Calusa Waterkeeper on human source tracking
Calusa Waterkeeper recently announced the completion of a two-year investigation into fecal bacterial contamination in Manuel’s Branch and they’re inviting the public to learn more about these findings by reading the full report and attending an upcoming meeting on Dec. 2 at Fort Myers City Hall. Read the report here: calusawaterkeeper.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CWK-Manuels-Branch-Report-v2-4.pdf. The meeting will be from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m., Dec. 2, at Fort Myers City Hall, 2200 Second Street, Fort Myers.
12th Annual Festival of Trees
Marco Island Center for the Arts is inviting artists, creatives, families, businesses and organizations — everyone — to help “spread holiday cheer” and participate in the 12th Annual Festival of Trees, Dec. 2-5. Tree installation takes place on Dec. 1, with the festival and silent auction running from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Dec. 2-4. The auction closes at 4 p.m., Dec. 4, and trees must be picked up on Dec. 5. Visitors are invited to stroll through the festive gallery, vote for their favorite tree, and bid in the silent auction. Proceeds are shared between the decorator and Marco Island Center for the Arts or may be designated as full donation to support the nonprofit’s mission. For details or to register, visit marcoislandart.org or call 239-394-4221.
Boater’s Local Knowledge-Backwater Edition
‘Tinsel Tuesdays’ at Marco museum
Shop gift items at the Marco Island Historical Museum Gift Store this holiday season. The Marco Island Historical Society presents “Tinsel Tuesdays,” now through Dec. 23 at the gift shop. The store is open from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. On “Tinsel Tuesdays,” visitors will enjoy 10 percent off on merchandise with some exclusions. There also will be a drawing for a Golden Shell Giveaway.
- Tuesday, Dec. 2 — Feature local artist Tara O’Neill
- Wednesday, Dec. 10 — “Tinsel Tuesday” on a Wednesday featuring Hannah Ineson Fine Art
- Tuesday, Dec. 16 — “Reimagining Glass: The Art of Cindy Colligan”
- Tuesday, December 23 — Final “Tinsel Tuesday”
The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive and is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. until 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.
‘Holiday Hootenanny’
Southwest Florida artist Paul Arsenault receives top billing for the “Holiday Hootenanny” from 2 until 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5 at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center’s nature store, 300 Tower Road, Naples. From 2 to 4 p.m., Arsenault will sell and sign the recently published book, “An Artful History of Naples and Collier County,” created by Arsenault, his wife Eileen Arsenault and Donna Murphy. The Hootenanny will feature discounts on many items. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free with a gift shop purchase or $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. Learn more at rookerybay.org or call 239-530-5972.
FGCU Athletics’ Night
‘Ho! Ho! Ho! The Christmas Show
The original music revue returns with more laughs, holiday cheer and favorite holiday songs. Dec. 5-21 (discount previews Dec. 2-4). $40-$55. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Information: 800-3292 or playerscircletheater.com.
Calusa Nature Center’s ‘Holiday Lights’
Stroll a 1/3-mile walking trail decorated with more than a million Christmas lights and holiday decorations. Plus you can listen to holiday music, sip hot chocolate or eat roasted marshmallows and other treats. Proceeds benefit Calusa Nature Center’s wildlife conservation programs, including the rehabilitation of injured animals and environmental education efforts. 6-9:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Dec. 5-28. $13 ($7 for children). Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. Information: 275-3435 or facebook.com/CalusaNature.
Holiday offerings on the Marco stage
In December, Arts Center Theatre offers two events. “Selections from Holidays on Ice” by David Sedaris, directed by Brett Marston is on stage Dec. 5 through 14 and delivers “wickedly funny holiday tales.” “Singing and Swingin’ – The Holiday Songbook” is Dec. 21 and 22 with Charlie Blum and featuring guest Kristyn Estes. Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online at marcoislandart.org or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186.
GoldenFest XV
Celebrate golden retrievers and other dogs at this 15th-annual event with pet vendors, dock-diving dogs, a big raffle, live music and more. Hosted by Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. Free. Open to well-behaved leashed dogs of all breeds. Hammond Stadium at Lee Health Sports Complex , 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers. Information: 369-0415 or grrswf.org/goldenfest.
‘Wild About Wildlife’
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is inviting students in grade school through high school to participate in “Wild About Wildlife: A CCFW Youth Experience,” an educational and hands-on event designed to “inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.” This free program introduces students to our natural world through interactive activities, science experiments and creative projects. The event is free, but space is limited, so an RSVP is required at ccfriendsofwildlife.org/events/2025/wild-about-wildlife/. The events if from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, at Cape Coral – Lee County Library, 921 SW 39th Terrace, Cape Coral.
Cape Coral Holiday Festival of Lights
The annual event attracts thousands of people to ring in the holidays with a snow slide, photos with Santa and the lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree. Other activities include a Tiny Tots Train ride, food and vendors and pictures. 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Free. Cape Coral Parkway between Del Prado Boulevard and Candia Street, downtown Cape Coral/South Cape. Information: holidayfestivalcc.com.
Holiday market at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Everyone’s welcome to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s Holiday Market on Dec. 7. The event is from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., with the last admission at 1 p.m. All activities, except for the sleigh rides, are included in the regular admission price: $17 for adults, $6 for kids aged 6-14, and free for members and children under 6. Adult tickets cost $25, while child tickets for ages 3 to 17 are just $5. You can grab your admission and sleigh ride tickets at Audubon.org/corkscrew/events.
Navigating Everglades National Park
Wonder Gardens to host annual ‘Wine & Wonder’
Wonder Gardens is hosting its annual Wine & Wonder event from 6 until 8:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12. Guests are invited to “sip, stroll and savor” a curated selection of fine wines from local and international vineyards while encountering friendly animal ambassadors on their journey through the gardens. All proceeds from the fundraiser will support the Wonder Gardens mission and its master plan renovations. Tickets are $60 for Wonder Gardens members and $65 for the general public, and VIP tickets are $75 for members and $80 for the general public. This is an alcohol-focused event, so all guests must be of legal drinking age and present an ID for entry. To purchase tickets, visit WonderGardens.org/WineWonder/.
Boat America
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.
Marco Island Christmas decoration contest
Committee Chairman Dave Rice announced the dates and plans for the 32nd Annual Marco Island Christmas House and Business Contest on behalf of this year’s committee. The dates are as follows: Dec. 15-17 – Preliminary judging on all three nights from 6:30- 9:30 p.m.; Dec. 19 – Final judging trolley ride to select the winner. The Island is divided into nine zones and judging teams select the top contenders in each zone by visiting every street on the island. For further information contact Committee Chair Dave Rice at [email protected].
Rookery Bay Science Nite Series: ‘Oceans, Plastics and Peace of Mind’
Rookery Bay will offer three after-hours programs this fall, blending science and conservation. Topics include ocean and weather Q&A with humor (Nov. 25) and nature’s role in boosting well-being (Dec. 17). Programs run from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at the Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Cost is $10, $ for students, free for teachers. Register at rookerybay.org/events.
JANUARY
‘Four Old Broads’ on the Marco stage
“Four Old Broads: Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Beauty Pageant” by Leslie Kimbell, directed by Christi Lueck-Sadiq is at the Marco Island Center for the Arts from Jan. 8-25. “Southern sass and outrageous antics return as Lurleen Dupree hosts her seventh annual pageant, with rival retirees ready to compete, cheat, and charm their way to the crown in a riotous comedy full of surprises.” Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online at marcoislandart.org or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186.
‘Moonlight and Magnolias’ on the Marco stage
“Moonlight and Magnolias” by Ron Hutchinson, directed by Marlene Strollo is at the Marco Island Center for the Arts from Feb. 5-22. “Go behind the Hollywood curtain to witness the chaotic, true-to-life creation of ‘Gone with the Wind,’ when three men are locked in a room and given five days — and a diet of bananas and peanuts — to write the screenplay that became an American classic.” Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online at marcoislandart.org or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186.
MARCH
‘California Suite’ on the Marco stage
“California Suite” by Neil Simon, directed by Paula Keenan is at the Marco Island Center for the Arts from March 5-22. “A quartet of comedic tales unfolds in a single hotel suite, from custody battles to romantic mishaps and vacation disasters. Simon’s wit shines in this heartfelt and hilarious look at human relationships.” Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online at marcoislandart.org or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186.
APRIL
‘You’ve Got Hate Mail’ on the Marco stage
“You’ve Got Hate Mail” by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore, directed by Joan Gerberding is at the Marco Island Center for the Arts from April 2-19. “In this fast-paced comedy, digital drama explodes when an extra-marital affair unravels through a series of misdirected e-mails. Told entirely through digital communication, this play offers a modern twist on classic farce.” Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online at marcoislandart.org or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186…