Looking for some fun in Southwest Florida?
Here are our top things to do this weekend and beyond, including Disney on Ice, a 9/11 exhibit and comedian Adam Sandler (although tickets are limited for that one). Plus a look at what’s ahead in September.
To submit events, email the details to reporter Charles Runnells at [email protected].
1. Disney on Ice at Hertz Arena
The touring show returns to Southwest Florida with Disney characters skating across the arena floor, including favorites from “Toy Story,” “Zootopia,” “Frozen,” “Moana 2” and more. Sept. 4-7. $38-$115. Parking on site is $20, plus taxes and fees (no cash). Free parking next door at Miromar Outlets. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 948-7825 or hertzarena.com
2. Field Notes from Ground Zero: The 9/11 Journal of the Late Jerry Sanford
This new exhibit showcases the handwritten 9/11 journal of retired New York firefighter and press secretary Jerry Sandford, written in the days following the terrorist attacks. Sandford — who later went on to work for the North Collier Fire Rescue District and serve on the board of the Bonita Springs Historical Society — died in March 2025 from a 9/11-related illness. The exhibit also draws attention to regional 9/11 memorials. The exhibit will be shown for two weekends: 2:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6-7 and 13-14. Admission is free, although an RSVP is strongly encouraged due to limited space. Bonita Springs Historical Society, 27451 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. BonitaSpringsHistoricalSociety.org/event
3. Hot Wheels, Stars Wars and more at Ft. Myers Collectorfest
Two days of Hot Wheels, Lego, Funko POP!, American Girl, G.I. Joe, Star Wars, Marvel and more brands of vintage to modern toys, comics and games to buy. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6-7. $15 admission Saturday, $10 Sunday. Kids ages 11 and younger get a free Hot Wheels. Caloosa Sound Convention Center, 1375 Monroe St., downtown Fort Myers. facebook.com/floridatoyshows
4. Folk singer-songwriter Nate Currin
The Southern folk troubadour has won several awards, including Songwriter of the Year at the International Music and Entertainment Awards (more than once). The Georgia native recently released his ninth studio album, “Ghost Town.” Carlene Thissen opens for this Americana Community Music Association concert. 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. $15-$20. The ACMA Listening Room at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 691-4069 or americanacma.org
5. Free murder-mystery cocktail show ‘Funeral for a Gangster’
Traveling theatrical troupe GibsonHouse Mystery Performers bring their gangster-themed whodunnit to South Cape’s Rack’em Spirits & Times. The story involves a memorial service for gangster Vito “The Gut” Marzetti, who was gunned down last week in a gangland slaying. The audience attends the service and helps solve the murder. 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. Free admission. Standing room only. Specialty cocktails are available to purchase for each scene. There will also be a food truck selling spaghetti and meatballs. Rack’em Spirits & Times, 1011 S.E. 47th Terrace, downtown Cape Coral/South Cape. facebook.com/RackemspiritsandTimes
MORE THINGS TO DO: Adam Sandler, Art Walk, Dave Brubeck
Fort Myers Art Walk, monthly event features new art exhibits at downtown Fort Myers galleries, receptions and art vendors outside on First Street: 5-9p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, in downtown Fort Myers. Free. facebook.com/fortmyersartwalk…