JULY
Top events of the week: 3 To Do: Fireworks on Marco; parade in Naples and more
Mario Ramil at Off the Hook
The comedian performs July 3 and 4 at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. Cost: $29 general admission, plus a fee. At 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., Friday, July 3, and 6 p.m., Saturday, July 4. More at offthehookcomedy.com or 239-389-6901.
Gulf Coast Symphony performs America at 250: A Symphonic Celebration
The orchestra opens its 2026-27 pops season with a night of patriotic and American music, including “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Aaron Copland’s “Rodeo,” George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and “Hymn to the Fallen” from the movie “Saving Private Ryan.” At 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 3. Cost: $56-$155. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com.
‘America 250: From our roots to the future’ art exhibit
A group art show featuring patriotic work celebrating America’s 250th birthday and the country’s past, present and future. July 3-30. Free with a suggested donation at the door. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., downtown Fort Myers. 333-1933 or sbdac.com.
Fireworks at Naples Pier
Bring chairs and blankets to watch the fireworks launch at 9 p.m., Saturday, July 4, from near Naples Pier. The fireworks show typically lasts about 30 minutes. Personal use of fireworks and sparklers is prohibited. Parking is limited, so visitors are urged to plan ahead and find parking on the street or in downtown parking garages; or to walk, take bicycles or use a ride service. Free. Naples Pier, 12th Ave. S. More at fifthavenuesouth.com/events-calendar.
Fourth of July parade in Bonita Springs
Star Spangled Bonita
Fourth of July Celebration in Estero
Go back in time at this Estero Historical Society event from 9 until 10:30 a.m. It’s the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence with historian Jacob Winge in full period costume. The free celebration also includes fresh watermelon slices, a patriotic fire truck display with a large American flag and 250th Celebration bags from the Village of Estero. It’s at the Estero Historical Society Cottage Museum, 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd. Estero. More at esterohistoricalsociety.com/event/annual-4th-of-july-celebration
Downtown Fort Myers ‘250 America’ Fourth of July Celebration
Downtown Fort Myers’ “250 America” party includes live music from blues-rock band Deb & The Dynamics and a fireworks-and-drone show at 9:15 p.m. (weather permitting). Bring your own chairs and blankets. Starts at 7 p.m., Saturday, July 4. Free general admission, $15 for premium seating in the amphitheater. Many downtown Fort Myers venues are also selling tickets for rooftop and waterfront events with a better view of the fireworks-and-drone show. Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, 2000 W. First St., downtown Fort Myers. Information: myriverdistrict.com.
Bay Street Yard’s third-annual Fourth of July Party
The outdoor entertainment venue celebrates July 4th with live music, a deejay, a dunk tank, street-side grilled hot dogs and burgers on Bay Street, and festive food and drink specials (such as red, white and blue Jell-O shots). Visitors can also enjoy Bay Street Yard’s usual food trucks and yard games. From 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 a.m., Saturday, July 4. Free admission. Bay Street Yard, 2136 Bay St., downtown Fort Myers. Information: BayStreetYard.com/Specials-Events.
Freedom 5K
Participants run or walk across the Cape Coral Bridge in this annual event. 7-10 a.m. Saturday, July 4. Registration starts at 6 a.m. and costs $20-$40 (or $15 for the Kids Fun Run, ages 12 and younger). Race starts at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge, 2051 Cape Coral Parkway E., Cape Coral. Information: freedom5kcc.com.
Red, White & Boom on Cape Coral Parkway
Country singer Chris Lane headlines Cape Coral’s annual Independence Day celebration. The fun includes fireworks at 9:30 p.m., food, vendors and more live musical acts. From 5-10 p.m., Saturday, July 4. Free. Tickets for the VIP Boom Zone are sold out. The outdoor event takes place in downtown Cape Coral at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge. The bridge and Cape Coral Parkway will be closed from 3 a.m. Saturday until 3 a.m. Sunday from Del Prado Boulevard to the bridge. No pets or personal fireworks allowed. Information: capeboom.com.
Farmer Joe’s 4th of July customer appreciation event
The Cape Coral grocery store celebrates the holiday ― and its customers ― with games, live music, vendors, shopping deals, face painting and free hamburgers and hot dogs. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Free. The parking lot at Farmer Joe’s, 1401 S.W. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. farmerjoes.com
Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July parade
The island’s annual 4th of July parade returns with colorful floats and other parade participants traveling along Estero Boulevard from Bay Oaks Recreation Center to Times Square. At 10 a.m., Saturday, July 4. Free. Spectators are encouraged to bring beach chairs and to take the Beach Trolley to Fort Myers Beach, since parking will be limited. The Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed to inbound traffic from 9 a.m. until noon. Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach. Information: fortmyersbeach.org/events/fort-myers-beach-fourth-of-july-celebration.
Fort Myers Beach fireworks and Freedom By The Bay concert
The Beach’s annual fireworks show starts at about 9 p.m., Saturday, July 4 at Times Square. It will be preceded by the 4:15 p.m. Freedom By The Bay Concert at Bayside Veterans Park. The concert includes a patriotic ceremony at 4:15 p.m. and live musical acts from 5-8 p.m. All events are free. Spectators are encouraged to bring beach chairs and to take the Beach Trolley to Fort Myers Beach, since parking will be limited. Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed to inbound traffic from 8:30-11:30 p.m. Bayside Veterans Park and Times Square, Fort Myers Beach. Information: fortmyersbeach.org/events/fort-myers-beach-fourth-of-july-celebration.
San Carlos Park Fourth of July Parade
Sanibel Independence Day Parade
Sanibel Island’s Fourth of July Road Rally
The nonprofit Friends of Randy of Sanibel returns with the 46th-annual scavenger hunt. Participants drive around the island and find answers to various questions without leaving their vehicles. Teams are scored on the amount of time, mileage and correct answers. The rally starts at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 4, at The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market, 703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel Island. This year’s event benefits the Sanibel Sea School. $50 per car to participate. Limited to 50 cars. To register, call Randy Carson at 699-8739 or email him at [email protected].
Stars, Stripes & Sanibel Community Celebration
This annual 4th of July party takes place after the parade and features food, music, games, swimming, crafts, a water-balloon battle and an apple pie-baking contest 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Free. Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel Island. Information: 472-0345 or mysanibel.com/317/Recreation.
Sanibel Island’s Red, White & BOOM fireworks
The City of Sanibel’s annual fireworks display launches from the north end of Baily Road West. Best viewing will be from the Sanibel Causeway islands and bayside, according to organizers. No roadside or illegal parking allowed. Fireworks launch at about 9 p.m., Saturday, July 4. Free. The fireworks show caps a day full of patriotic activities on Sanibel and Captiva islands, including a parade, parties, a jazz concert, a barbecue buffet and a pancake breakfast. For a full list of events, visit tinyurl.com/5n7k3n37.
Empty Bowls
From 5:30 until 7:30 p.m., July 7, choose a ready to paint cookie plate or create your own festive design for a relaxing experience while fighting hunger, one bowl at a time. Cost: $35 for BSCN members and $45 for non-members. Registration is required and you must be 60 or over. Call 239-325-4444. Baker Senior Center Naples is located at 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane, Naples.
‘Wake Up’ with Rotary speaker series
Barefoot Beach cleanup
Keep Collier Beautiful and the Coconut Coast Organization of Realtors have partnered to host a beach cleanup at Barefoot Beach. The event is from 9 until 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 8 Community volunteers of all ages are invited to register. Volunteers simply need to show up at Barefoot Beach and check in at the CCOR tent, where committee members will be on hand to welcome participants and distribute cleanup supplies. Pre-registered students are eligible for volunteer service hours. Interested volunteers must register in advance at keepcollierbeautiful.com to ensure enough supplies are allocated. For any inquiries about the cleanup event and potential partnerships, please contact Keep Collier Beautiful at [email protected].
Marine Science Summer Camp
Area students entering grades seven through 10 can experience hands-on science this summer at Rookery Bay Research Reserve’s Marine Science Summer Camp. The flexible, half-day program is led by real marine biologists and set in Collier County’s coastal habitats. Held on Fridays in June and July, the camp runs from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at locations across the Reserve. Each session offers a unique theme. Students can choose their own adventure whether in the lab, on the beach or exploring upland habitats by bike.Campers will experience marine science in action such as holding live marine creatures, using microscopes to observe tiny plankton and surveying wildlife in the field. Cost is $75 per session. Register at rookerybay.org/events.
- Biology on Bike (July 10 and 24) explore the Uplands at Shell Island Road Field Station, Naples. Participants bike through upland habitats while learning to identify native plants and animals and how scientists collect field data.
- Sleuthing the Lagoon (July 17) at Tigertail Beach, Marco Island. Students explore coastal waters using nets, search for crabs and other small creatures in the sand and observe birds feeding along the shoreline.
- Invertebrate Investigation (July 31) at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples.
Campers dive into the microscopic world, using lab equipment to study plankton and discover the fascinating adaptations of invertebrates.
Michael Blackson at Off the Hook
The comedian performs July 10 and 11 at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. Cost: $39 general admission, plus a fee. At 7 and 9 p.m. both nights. More at offthehookcomedy.com or 239-389-6901.
Tigertail cleanup
Stage 2 Improv on Marco
The Marco Island Center for the Arts is bringing spontaneous comedy, audience interaction and nonstop laughter to the stage this summer with the return of Stage 2 Improv at Arts Center Theatre. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 11; followed by Aug. 15, at Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center, next to the Marco Brewery. Inspired by the hit television show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Stage 2 Improv delivers a completely unscripted and unrehearsed comedy experience where audience suggestions inspire every game, scene, and song. No two performances are ever the same, making each show a one-of-a-kind evening of entertainment. Tickets are $20 per person and on sale now. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Arts Center Theatre box office at 239-784-1186 or by visiting marcoislandart.org/arts-center-theatre.
‘Historias del aire y del suelo’ (‘Stories of Air and Soi’l)
See “Trópico-Sub-Trópico” (“Tropical-Suptropical”) and “Bromelias en serio” (“Seriously Bromeliads”), two bodies of work by Puerto Rican artist Pseudomero. On display July 11-Oct. 25 in Kapnick Hall at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples. Free with Garden admission. naplesgarden.org.
CROW volunteer orientation set for Aug. 14
America 250 — Spirit of the Everglades
The Third Thursdays Lecture Series on at 2 p.m., July 16, at the Museum of the Everglades, 105 West Broadway Avenue, Everglades City. Museum Manager Thomas Lockyear will discuss the spirit of individuals who have called the Everglades area their home — from the region’s indigenous people to early pioneer settlers to the modern-day entrepreneurs. Presented in the context of the America 250 celebration, Lockyear will share stories of the courage, resourcefulness, fortitude, ingenuity and vision.
Karaoke Night
From 5 until 7 p.m., July 16. Sing your heart out, cheer on friends and enjoy music together. No experience is required. This program is free to BSCN members; $5 for non-members. Registration is required and you must be 60 or over. Call 239-325-4444. Baker Senior Center Naples is located at 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane, Naples.
Dov Davidoff at Off the Hook
The comedian performs July 16-18 at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. Cost: $25 general admission, plus a fee. At 7 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., Friday, July 17, and 6 and 8 p.m., Saturday, July 18. More at offthehookcomedy.com or 239-389-6901.
Films Al Fresco
Enjoy an outdoor movie at Mercato’s Piazza on the third Tuesday of every month. This month’s movie at 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 21, is “Moana 2.” Free admission. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. At 9110 Strada Place, Naples. More at experiencemercato.com.
Shell Museum presents free summer lecture series
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium will have a lecture series this summer and fall, which will be offered live via Zoom and is free for registrants. The classes include:
- 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 22 – “Curious Cuttlefish: Understanding Camouflage Through the Chameleon of the Sea” by Connor Gibbons, marine biologist and aquarist, Columbia University.
- 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 16 – “Solar-Powered Sea Slugs” by Michael Middlebrooks, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, University of Tampa.
- 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14 – “Picking Up the Pieces: Tracking Elusive Predators on Mollusks” by Matthew Ajemian, Ph.D., associate research professor, Florida Atlantic University.
T.J. Miller at Off the Hook
The comedian performs July 23-26 at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. Cost: $30 general admission, plus a fee. At 7 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 24, 6 and 8 p.m., Saturday, July 25 and 6 p.m., Sunday, July 26. More at offthehookcomedy.com or 239-389-6901.
For the Love of Music
From 7 until 8 p.m., July 28, join Marisa Luizzi and Paula Matta for a concert experience that blends live entertainment and music therapy, “featuring familiar songs, uplifting music and meaningful moments shared through music.” This program is free to BSCN members; $5 for non-members. Registration is required and you must be 60 or over. Call 239-325-4444. Baker Senior Center Naples is located at 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane, Naples.
Christmas in July
– From 4 until 6 p.m., July 30, have yourself a merry little July and take part in the festivities! Dress in your favorite holiday look or compete in the ugly Christmas T-shirt contest. Cool down at the frozen hot chocolate bar and enjoy music and time with friends. Cost: $10 for BSCN members and $20 for non-members. Registration is required and you must be 60 or over. Call 239-325-4444. Baker Senior Center Naples is located at 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane, Naples.
In the news: 3 To Know: Is it legal? – Dogs in stores; lifeguards in Collier; more
ONGOING
Live Music Thursdays
Live music starting at 6 p.m., every Thursday, at CJ’s on the Bay, in the Esplanade Shoppes, 740 N Collier Blvd., Unit 105, Marco Island. Call 239-389-4511 or visit cjsonthebay.com.
‘America the Beautiful’ exhibit on Marco Island
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) has an exhibit, “America the Beautiful” — a large format photography exhibit by Everglades photographer Clyde Butcher. The exhibit will be on display at the Marco Island Historical Museum now through July 11. The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive and is open from 9 a.m. until 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. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
American Modernism art exhibit
American Modernism from a private collection shows how artists utilized painting, drawing and printmaking in a way that broke away from traditional realism and shifted into a modern style. Through July 12 at Naples Art Institute, 585 Park Street, Naples. Admission is $15 for non-members and is free for those younger than 18. More at naplesart.org.
‘Les Miserables’ at Naples Players
Shell Museum says ‘The Toll’s On Us!’
Broadway Palm’s ‘The Wizard of Oz’
Follow the yellow brick road as America’s most beloved movie comes to life on stage with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, Toto and more. No through Aug. 8. Cost: $33-$88. Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. More at 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.
World War II ‘Caught on Film’
The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center offers a behind-the-scenes look at World War II in its upcoming exhibition “Caught on Film: The Wartime Photography of Ken Regele and the U.S. Army Signal Corps.” The exhibition showcases a selection of donated World War II photographs taken by the U.S. Army Signal Corp photographers. The photographs are part of the Museum’s Ken Regele Collection and document the war from the Allied D-Day invasion through to the liberation of concentration camps by United States Army divisions. The exhibition will be on display at the Museum throughout the summer. The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center is located at 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, Suite 108, Naples. For operating hours or more insight into the exhibit, visit hmcec.org.
Art Exhibit – ‘Through the Light of the Estuary’
Live music at Dogtooth, Sneaky Pete’s
Live music is available at various venues throughout the week, including Jebry’s Jazz Jam from 6-9 p.m. every Monday at Dogtooth bar and restaurant, 5310 Shirley St., in Naples. Karaoke is from 7-10 p.m., Mondays and Tuesdays, at Sneaky Pete’s, 3465 Bonita Beach Road SW, No. 120, Bonita Springs. Trivia is from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Mondays at Naples, Flatbread of Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Suite 520, in Estero.
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…