MARCH
Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band at Edison and Ford Winter Estates
On Friday, March 28, Edison and Ford Winter Estates will host the Caribbean Chillers, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band. The band plays Buffett’s top hits and crowd favorites. The concert will take place on Ford lawn, along the Caloosahatchee River. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 6:30. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. No coolers are permitted. Ticket holders should bring a folding chair and a sweater or blanket if the weather is chilly. Free parking is available in the Edison Ford parking lots at 2350 McGregor Boulevard. Concert tickets are $30 for Edison Ford members and $35 for non-members and may be reserved online at EdisonFord.org or at the ticket counter at Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
Ukulele Festival
Musician Jim Beloff will perform along with father-daughter duo The Barnkickers at the HUGS (Happy Ukulele Group Strummers) Naples Ukulele Festival on Saturday, March 29. This year’s concert will honor Vietnam-era veterans on National Vietnam War Veterans Day with donations supporting programs at Baker Senior Center Naples. Ukulele Fest begins with free beginner lessons open to the public from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m. For ticket holders, there will be a VIP champagne reception that runs from 5:30 p.m. until 6:45 p.m., with the concert getting underway at 7. The concert will also include a veterans’ tribute by Florida-based Tom Hood and The Tropical Suns along with a special performance by Naples’ own Mason Classical Academy String Ensemble with Beloff performing “Uke Can’t be Serious.” Tickets to the second annual HUGS Naples Ukulele Festival start at $30 person. Couples’ packages, including VIP champagne reception and VIP concert seating for two, cost just $75. For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit Hugsukulelefest.com. The festival will be held at the Norris Center, 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples.
Calusa Waterkeeper hosts clean-water event
Calusa Waterkeeper is inviting you to a full day of clean water activities March 29 on Pine Island. There will be two events aimed at protecting and restoring area waters, including a “build-it-yourself” vertical oyster garden workshop at Carmen’s Kayaks and a marine cleanup in partnership with Keep Lee County Beautiful at Matlacha Community Park. The vertical oyster garden workshop is from 2 until 4 p.m. at Carmen’s Kayaks, 16499 Porto Bello St., Bokeelia. It’s a a hands-on educational workshop and offers a unique, interactive opportunity to learn about water quality restoration and how oysters play a crucial role in filtering water. Space is limited. RSVP by visiting calusawaterkeeper.org/vogworkshop. A $25 tax-deductible donation is requested per participant to cover the cost of materials. The marine cleanup event is from 8 until 10 a.m. at Matlacha Community Park, 4577 Pine Island Rd., Matlacha. Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt and are encouraged to RSVP online with Keep Lee County Beautiful by visiting their Eventbrite event.
Avow honors ‘Life & Legacy’ at annual butterfly release
The 2025 Butterfly Release, an annual event held by Avow, is dedicated to honoring and remembering the lives of loved ones. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, March 29, at Cambier Park in Downtown Naples. Avow invites the community to come together in “remembrance, support and reflection.” The day’s activities include a walk-through a butterfly exhibit, a remembrance ceremony and a symbolic butterfly release to pay tribute to those who have passed. The exhibit is from 9 a.m. until 10:45, followed by the ceremony at 11. Activities include a children’s craft station. The event provides an opportunity for participants to have the name of loved ones read during the ceremony for a $55 donation to the Avow Foundation, which can be made by registering in advance. The Butterfly Release event is open to the public.
Camerata of Naples enchanting concert
Camerata of Naples will feature compositions by Elgar, Dvorak, Bizet/Waxman and Glinka during their concert at 4 p.m., Sunday, March 30, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Naples. Tickets are $55 and are available by emailing cameratanaples.org or calling 646-257-0003. All Camerata of Naples season concerts are held at St. John’s Episcopal Church,500 Park Shore Drive, Naples 34108.
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APRIL
Marco Island Center for the Arts presents ‘Four Old Broads’
The Marco Island Center for the Arts recently announced, “Four Old Broads,” a comedy written by Leslie Kimball. This production runs from April 2 until April 13, at the Arts Center Theatre. “Beatrice Shelton (Marilyn Hilbert), a retired burlesque queen, has had enough of the ‘precious little German village’ of Helen, Georgia, and is desperate for a real vacation,” reads the release. “A Sassy Seniors Cruise through the Caribbean might just be the answer. The Arts Center Theatre is located at 1089 N. Collier Blvd., in Marco Town Center. Tickets are available at marcoislandart.org/arts-center-theatre or by calling the box office at 239- 784-1186.
Household Chemical Waste collection in Bonita Springs
Musical Interludes at Center for the Arts
The Marco Island Center for the Arts Musical Interludes series, featuring Jodi Keogan on April 3. Keogan is a classically trained soprano “with a broad vocal range.” Roth is known for his unique fingerstyle guitar playing. He creates “mesmerizing soundscapes that transport listeners into a world of compelling melodies.” Jodi Keogan will perform at 5:30 p.m., March 20. Glenn Roth performs at 5:30 p.m., April 3. Tickets are available by calling 239-394-4221 or online at marcoislandart.org/musical-interludes.
A tribute to John Denver at MIHS
‘Knights of Columbus Tribute Concert Series’
Knights of Columbus will have a “Columbus Tribute Concert Series” featuring Caribbean Chillers (Jimmy Buffet Tribute) April 4. Premium reserved seats (first four rows) are $60; general admission $52 each show; San Marco Parish Hall, 851 San Marco Rd. Doors open at 6 p.m., concert is 7 until 9. Tickets online at Koc.booktix.com.
Taste of Gulf Coast Town Center
Taste of Gulf Coast Town Center will be noon until 3 p.m., April 5, in the courtyard (between Burntwood Tavern and GameTime) Gulf Coast Town Center, 10037 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers. It is touted as a flavorful celebration where attendees will have the opportunity to explore signature dishes from participating GCTC restaurants. There will be live music by The Collaboration Band will set the stage from 12-3 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs, as seating is limited. Gulf Coast Town Center asks that to contribute by bringing monetary donations or canned food items to helping to fight hunger in the community. Each donation will serve as an entry into a raffle featuring prizes from participating businesses in the center.
Coastal Art Walk
Last show of the season, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Sunday, at the Esplanade, Marco Island. Artists include custom-made guitars, woodworking, ceramics, shell art, fabric art, watercolor, oil and acrylic painting, stained glass, leather, jewelry, photography and more. New artists this month. Free admission and free parking. Information, 239-290-7927.
Start Spreading the News with Liza and Frank at MIHS
‘What ‘Art’ Your Chances?’
Marco Island Center for the Arts recently announced its upcoming fundraiser, “What ‘Art’ Your Chances?” an evening “designed to celebrate both the vibrant art community on Marco Island and the Center’s 55th anniversary of supporting the arts.” It will take place from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 10, at the Marco Island Center for the Arts. Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased at marcoislandart.org or call 239-394-4221.
Marco Island’s 35th Annual Easter Sunrise Service on the Beach
Spirit Awards
The Knights of Colombus, Columbiettes, Deb Henry, Scot and Pat Kaufman, Stephen and Barbara Slaggie, will be presented with their 2025 Spirit of Marco Island Award at an “Elegant Garden Gala” awards dinner and silent auction on Saturday, April 26 at the Island Country Club. There are many sponsorship opportunities available, including the opportunity to sponsor one of the honorees, including a VIP table at the event. For sponsorship opportunities and more information on tickets, contact Al Diaz at 239-438-5285 or by email at [email protected]. The proceeds from the event and silent auction are used to support local charities and scholarships.
Estero Historical Society fundraiser slated
ONGOING
‘Man of La Mancha’
Downtown, “Man of La Mancha” is presented by The Naples Players, with showings through April 13. Tickets start at $50. Kizzie Theater, 701 Fifth Ave. South, Naples. Information: naplesplayers.org.
Florida Rep’s ‘Shout! The Mod Musical’
Friends of Fakahatchee tram tours
Marco Island Farmers Market
The Marco Island Marco Island Farmers Market is at Veteran’s Community Park on Wednesdays. The market is from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., every Wednesday through April 16 at the park, located at 901 Park Ave., Marco Island. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.
Exhibit explores Marco Island’s home history
A new Marco Island Historical Society exhibit, “The Florida House,” takes a trip back in time, marking and celebrating the 60th anniversary of modern Marco and the construction of the island’s first model homes. Exhibit runs through June 7. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive, 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.
Point Counterpoint
“Get ready to dive into lively discussions” at Point Counterpoint. Voice your views in a safe and respectful environment, the organizer promises. Issues are as local as Marco Island to global events. Point Counterpoint meets between 2 and 4 p.m., the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, from January through March at Rose Hall, Marco Island Library, 210 S Heathwood Dr., Marco Island.
Civil Air Patrol
Meeting times and website have changed. 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. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-12 and 3 and under are free. Information: RookeryBay.org.
Rookery Bay Eco Kayak & Boat Tours
Join us for a guided boat tour or kayak adventure into the beautiful waters of Rookery Bay Research Reserve. With our kayak tours, paddle through beautiful mangrove tunnels, teeming mudflats and intricate oyster reefs while searching for amazing wildlife like sea stars, large snails, birds, dolphins and manatees! Boat tours are small 6-passenger boats and offer a comfortable and informative ride. Guests can choose from different tours including a shelling trip to a deserted barrier island or a sunset tour. Find out more at RookeryBay.org or call 239-530-5972.
MAY
Rookery Bay hosts community day
Rookery Bay Research Reserve is excited recently announced its upcoming “Community Day,” a free day of “fun for all ages designed to bring people out … to celebrate the beauty, science and wonder of the coastal environment.” Rookery Bay Community Day is from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday, May 3, with free admission to the center. The event will feature kayak and stand-up paddle demos, face painting, photo booths, science and nature activities, an art exhibit by Florida Gulf Coast University students, onsite food trucks and “hands-on” experiences at Rookery Bay’s touch tanks full of marine life. Friends of Rookery Bay will offer “sneak peek” 30-minute boat tours with its eco-tour provider Rising Tide Explorers. The boat tours are $20 per person with pre-registration required online at rookerybay.org. The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is located at 300 Tower Road in Naples. The center is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Learn more at rookerybay.org.
Golf Tournament supports the arts on Marco
SWFL Inc. opens nominations for the INCredible Awards 2025
SWFL Inc. recently announced that nominations are open for the INCredible Awards 2025, honoring outstanding individuals, businesses and nonprofits in Southwest Florida. The awards ceremony will take place from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 13, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point. The INCredible Awards recognize the influential leaders and organizations that contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of the region. The group invites the community to nominate deserving candidates who have demonstrated excellence in their industry and made a lasting impact on Southwest Florida. Award categories: SWFL Citizen of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, INCredible Award, Innovation Award and Veteran-Owned Business of the Year. Nominations are open now and close on March 21. To nominate an individual, business, or nonprofit, visit swflinc.com/2025-incredible-awards.
‘Purrs and Paddles’
JUNE
Summer camps at Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Edison and Ford Winter Estates is offering several summer camp options for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Camps are educational and focus on science, technology, engineering, art and math and incorporate activities. Campers get to invent, design, build, and learn. Summer camp are from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily and start on June 9. For registration and additional information, visit edisonford.org…