SWFLA To Do List: Events in Bonita Springs, Estero, Naples and Marco Island

JULY

Top events of the week: 3 To Do: Kevin McDonald performs in Estero, Marco Island; ‘Hair’ in Bonita

‘Surviving the Surge’

Screening of WGCU’s Hurricane Ian documentary “Rising: Surviving the Surge” at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 15, at IMAG History & Science Center, downtown Fort Myers. Free. Information: wgcu.org/events.

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.

‘Drawing from Music’

Taught by Anthe Capitan-Valais, an award-winning visual artist, this workshop offers an engaging multimedia art experience for all ages as well as for families to do together. “Drawing from Music” brings the joy of art to the Rookery Bay community and teaches participants how to create expressive pieces of art inspired by music. The experience is designed to be dynamic and interactive, merging music, mind, body and art. July 15 and Aug. 19 at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. For ages 10-plus (children must be accompanied by an adult). Registration is required at rookerybay.org/calendar.

Mosquito Control District’s free mosquitofish distributions

  • 6 until 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 16 at Sugden Regional Park, 4284 Avalon Dr, Naples.
  • 9 a.m. until 12 p.m., Saturday, July 26 at Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples.

Invertebrate Investigation

“Invertebrate Investigation” is an exploration of invertebrates in the lab, learning about their amazing adaptations. Students will use microscopes to take an in-depth look at some of the smallest estuary inhabitants: plankton. At the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. More at rookerybay.org.

Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop

If you want to get the best pictures possible and a true understanding of your camera’s features, this camera workshop is for you. The class covers the essentials of your digital camera. You will learn how to use your camera’s shutter, aperture, ISO control and the drive modes to create images with impact and creativity. Sonny Saunders has over 35 years of experience in photography and instruction and is renowned for his ability to communicate to a wide variety of students. No previous camera or photography experience is necessary, just a desire to learn. From 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., July 19 at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Cost: $55. Registration is required at rookerybay.org/calendar.

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”). From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Sunday, July 20, at DoubleTree by Hilton, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, south Fort Myers. Information: charliessummerfest.com.

‘Twilight Cabaret’ with Doug Williams

At 7 p.m., July 22 at Baker Senior Center Naples, 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane, will host a special “Twilight Cabaret” with Southwest Florida’s premier pianist/vocalist Doug Williams, featuring hits from Broadway’s best and favorites from “The Great American Songbook.” This free program is open to the public, aged 60-plus. Reservation required. Call 239-325-4444.

7th Annual Jobbers-Miller Blood Drive

This year marks the 7th Annual Jobbers-Miller Blood Drive, held July 22–24. The drive kicks off at 8 a.m., Tuesday, July 22, in front of Lee Memorial Hospital with a ceremonial flag raising, followed by remarks from the Jobbers-Miller family, Fort Myers Police Department and Lee Health leadership. The Lee Health Blood Mobile will accept donations outside Lee Memorial Hospital from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., July 22 and 23. On Thursday, July 24, it will be stationed at the Fort Myers Police Department (2210 Widman Way) from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. All donations through this drive stay in Lee County and directly benefit our community. There are countless reasons to give the gift of life. If you’re inspired to donate, Lee Health Blood Centers are open Monday through Friday. Visit LeeHealth.org/our-services/blood-centers for locations, hours of operation and to find where the Blood Mobile will be next.

Encore series

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.

‘Biology on Bike’

Explore the Uplands on Bicycle; learn to identify plants and animals and how scientific data is collected at the Reserve. At Shell Island Road Field Station, 10 Shell Island Road, Naples, July 25. More at rookerybay.org.

Boaters, volunteers needed for waterway cleanup on Marco Island

Naples Jazzmasters

The Naples Jazz Society will have free summer concerts at Norris Community Center from 1-3 p.m., July 12 and 26. At 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples. Information: thenaplesjazzsociety.com. Free admission, parking at swimming pools, parks and beaches.

National Park and Recreation Month

To celebrate National Park and Recreation Month, how about a free day out at Lee County parks, beaches, boat ramps and swimming pools? That includes free admission to swimming pools, and free parking at the department’s beaches, parks and boat ramps. The deal only applies to places owned or operated by Lee County Parks & Recreation. Saturday and Sunday, July 26-27 at select sites. To learn more, call 533-7275 or visit facebook.com/leeparksandrecreation or leegov.com/parks.

‘Happy Hour of Hope’

Meals of Hope Marco Island will have a “Happy Hour of Hope” from 5 until 7 p.m., Monday, July 28, at Mango’s Dockside. The public is invited for a $20 donation. Complimentary appetizers and live music.

Foreign Films for Everyone – ‘Jean DiFlorette’

Greed and betrayal result in a devastating chain of events amid the bucolic splendor of early-20th century Provence when an outsider and his family arrive. A commercial and critical success it features gorgeous cinematography, keen insights into human nature and superb performances from icons of French cinema, Gérard Depardieu, Yves Montand and Daniel Auteuil. This free program is at 6 p.m., July 29, at Baker Senior Center Naples, 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane, and is open to the public, aged 60-plus. Reservation required. Call 239-325-4444.

Have fun and support sea turtle conservation

Join the Sea Turtle Conservation Night Party from 5 until 8 p.m., Thursday, July 31, at Ankrolab, 3555 Bayshore Dr., Naples, for beer, cocktails, trivia, games, prizes, live music, a food truck and more. One dollar from each Turtle Season beer and special cocktail benefits sea turtle protection at Rookery Bay Research Reserve. You can also adopt a sea turtle nest at Akrolab Brewing Company, Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center or rookerybay.org/make-a-difference and receive a one-time 20% off your tab at Ankrolab. Individuals or companies who adopt a nest also get a tag on a cage acknowledging their support. A threatened species, loggerhead sea turtles nest from May 1 through Oct. 31 along Rookery Bay Research Reserve’s 110,000 acres, which stretch from Keewaydin Island through the Western Everglades. Learn more at rookerybay.org or call 239-530-5972.

‘Paint the Town’

Join us on July 31 at Baker Senior Center Naples (BSCN), 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., July 31, for a paint party hosted by a fun and engaging artist. All supplies will be provided. Tickets cost $40 for BSCN members and $50 for non-members (must be 60-plus). Refreshments included. Reservation required. Call: 239-325-4444.

Cirque du Soleil’s ‘OVO’ at Hertz Arena

The psychedelic circus’s 16-year-old hit returns with new acrobatic acts and reimagined costumes, music and set design. “OVO” — the Portuguese word for “egg” — features 53 acrobats and musicians bringing to life bouncing crickets, a spider in her web and more creatures from the insect world. July 31-Aug. 3. $60-$160. Parking on site is $30, plus taxes and fees (no cash). Free parking next door at Miromar Outlets. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. Information: 948-7825 or hertzarena.com.

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ONGOING

Goodland Holiday Bazaar: Call to artists, crafters and vendors

The 15th Annual Goodland Holiday Bazaar, organized by the Goodland Civic Association, will be held from a10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 15 and 16, at MarGood Harbor Park. The event will feature arts, crafts and other unique market items. Fees for 10′ x 10′ booth are $80 for GCA members, and $110 for non-members. The deadline for applying is Oct. 28.There will be a limited number of single-day booths available at reduced rates on a first-come, first-served basis. For details and applications, contact Tara O’Neill at [email protected].

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

‘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.

‘Love to Learn’ at Marco Center for the Arts

“We Love our Art Center Teachers” will be on display in La Petite Galerie at Marco Island Center for the Arts through July 29. This exhibition features art by past and present instructors at the art center. Open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1010 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island. Information: marcoislandart.org or 239-394-4221.

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.

‘Wildlife and Wild Places’ at Rookery Bay

Friends of Rookery Bay and the art program at Florida Gulf Coast University is hosting “Wildlife and Wild Places in SWFL,” a collaborative art exhibition. Students created the original photographs and sculptures. These artists were enrolled in the history of photography course by Professor Hannah Harley or sculpture course by Professor Steve Hughart. It will be on display until Aug. 1 at The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Admission to the reception is complimentary but registration requested at rookerybay.org/events. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, with admission of $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 4-12). Learn more at rookerybay.org or call 239-530-5972.

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

‘Backstage Hollywood’ Marco Historical Society

The Marco Island Historical Society is hosting a new 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.

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.

Marine Science Summer Camp

Be a Marine Scientist this summer with Rookery Bay Research Reserve! Join Rookery Bay Research Reserve for a perfect marine science camp for 7th to 10th grade students who want to get hands-on with marine life and learn from real scientists. This flexible camp is filled with nature and science activities including time in Rookery Bay’s labs. Discover the birds, sharks, sea turtles and other amazing wildlife that call Rookery Bay’s amazing coastal habitat home. Camp scholarships are available. From 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Fridays, from June through August. For students in grades 7 through 10. Cost: $75 (camp scholarships available). Locations vary. Registration is required at rookerybay.org/calendar.

Face of Immokalee exhibit

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.

AUGUST

‘Behind the Scenes of the Reserve’

Explore the Reserve and the wildlife that calls it home. See where Rookery Bay’s research takes place, learn about the work being done to monitor the coastal habitat and complete a scientific study. At Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples, Aug. 1. More at rookerybay.org.

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.

‘Through the Lens of Nature’

“Through the Lens of Nature: A Celebration of Flora, Fauna and Culture” -presented by the local artist group Collective 5, is a mixed media exhibit features the work of Giampaolo Curreri, Lin Nesdale, Jody Futteman, Peggy Keigley and Lisett Lloren, offering “a rich tapestry of art inspired by nature and local culture.” There will be a free opening reception that will include wine, beer, light bites and an artist award presentation from 5:30 until 7 p.m., Aug. 7 at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center Art Gallery, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Information: RookeryBay.org.

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].

NOVEMBER

Wine & Wildlife Gala

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…

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