FOURTH EVENTS IN SWFLA: Fourth of July: Best places to celebrate in Marco Island, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero
JULY
Star-Spangled Bonita
Red, White & Boom
Country singer George Birge headlines Cape Coral’s annual Independence Day celebration, which also features fireworks at 9:30 p.m., food, vendors and more live musical acts. 5-10 p.m. Friday, July 4. Free. Tickets for the VIP Boom Zone are $20-$40, including catered barbecue meal, drinks, a game area, prime viewing of the fireworks and air-conditioned restrooms. The outdoor event takes place in downtown Cape Coral at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge. The Cape Coral Bridge and Cape Coral Parkway from Del Prado Boulevard to the bridge will be closed from 3 a.m. Friday to about 3 a.m. Saturday. No pets or personal fireworks allowed. Information: capeboom.com.
‘Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me, But Banjos Saved My Life’
Detroit native Keith Alessi’s quirky one-man show about how a cancer battle ― and playing the banjo ― saved his life. The show has seen sold-out runs in Canada, the United States (including off-Broadway) and Scotland (the Edinburgh Fringe Festival). Half of all ticket sales will be donated to various Southwest Florida venues and organizations. July 10-13. $43. Off Broadway Palm at the Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. theatreconspiracyfl.com
‘MangoMania’ on Pine Island
The annual “MangoMania” Tropical Fruit Fair celebrates Pine Island’s mango season with contests, live music, arts-and-crafts vendors, educational seminars and lots of food and drinks featuring mangoes and tropical fruit. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, July 12. $5 (free for ages 9 and younger). New location: Winn Dixie Plaza, 9940 Stringfellow Road, St. James City. Information: pineislandchamber.org/chamber-events/mangomania.
‘Pollution and Pragmatism’
Funky Fashion Show at Chico’s Corporate Campus
The Pace Center for Girls fundraiser returns with more upcycled and reimagined fashion pieces designed from recycled materials, plus runway features from Chico’s, Soma and White House Black Market. Other activities include the popular Chico’s Sample Sale, a silent auction, raffle prizes and more. 5:30-9 p.m., Tuesday, July 15. Cost: $75-$150 for single tickets, $750 for a table for six. Gralnick Auditorium in Chico’s Corporate Campus, 1215 Metro Parkway, Fort Myers. Information: pacecenter.org/funkyfashionshow.
An evening of comedy on Marco Island
The Marco Island Center for the Arts recently announced an evening of comedy as part of the Venturino’s Comedy Series at the Arts Center Theatre. At 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 18, the spotlight will shine on “two titans of sketch and improv” in a one-night-only show – Kevin McDonald and Gregory Hollimon. For tickets, visit marcoislandart.org or call the box office at 239-784-1186.
Charlie’s Summer Fest
Celebrate movies, comics, games and more pop-culture awesomeness in this summer convention from organizer Charlie Nunez. The day features celebrity appearances by actor John Fiore (best known as Gigi Cestone on the TV show “The Sopranos”), actor/director Jake Eastwood (“A Night of the Undead,” “The Dark Room”) and voice actor Greg Berg (“Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”) 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, July 20, at DoubleTree by Hilton, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, south Fort Myers. Information: charliessummerfest.com.
Encore series
And last but not least, the “Encore Series” has returning favorites from last season. It includes … “Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End” – A comedic and touching portrayal of the iconic humorist Erma Bombeck, at 7:30 p.m., July 24 and 25 and 3 p.m., July 26 and 27. 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.
Boaters, volunteers needed for waterway cleanup
Top events of the week: 3 To Do: Fourth fireworks in Marco Island, Naples; Tigertail Beach cleanup
In the news: 3 To Know: Ice cream shop closing for renovations; Starbucks amends prices; free Slurpees
ONGOING
‘Backstage Hollywood’ Marco Historical Society
The Marco Island Historical Society is hosting a 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.
‘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.
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.
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.
‘STEMsational’ summer camps
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.
The Downtown Showdown at Sugarshack
The new Bonita Springs concert venue/restaurant hosts its first-ever singing competition. Southwest Florida singers will compete in front of live audiences for a $2,500 grand prize and more. Local celebrities serve as the judges. The competition runs every Tuesday now through Aug. 12. Two winners will advance each week, culminating in the Aug. 5 semi-finals and the Aug. 12 finals. Free admission. Sugarshack Downtown, 27421 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. 301-4321 or sugarshackdowntown.com.
Face of Immokalee exhibit
Artists on the spectrum
Southwest Florida artist Brian Weaver of Artsemble Underground spent the last year working with about 30 students — all on the autism spectrum — at local nonprofit Family Initiative’s Thrive Academy. The resulting art from the collaboration is now being shown at Davis Art Center. The exhibit includes four 8-foot-tall robots made from cardboard and recycled materials; “flying” papier-mâché birds, giant sculptures and more. “These kids have worked incredibly hard,” Weaver said, “and the results are truly something special.” On display now and continues through July 24. The gallery will be closed July 4. An artists’ reception will happen 6-10 p.m., Friday, July 11. Free admission, but donations are suggested. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., downtown Fort Myers. 333-1933 or sbdac.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.
AUGUST
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.
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].
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…