AUGUST
Joe Machi at Off the Hook
The comedian performs Aug. 14-17 at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. At 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 15; 6 and 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16 and 6 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 17. Cost: $31 general admission, plus a fee. Information: offthehookcomedy.com or 239-389-6901.
The Stage reopens with tribute to Elvis, Buddy Holly and more
Bonita Springs venue/restaurant The Stage is a go-to place for tribute bands celebrating beloved musical acts in rock, pop, country, R&B and other genres. The venue reopens for the 2025-26 season with The Johnny Rogers Band performing “History of Rock n Roll,” including Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis. At 7:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 15. Cost: $25. Doors open at 5 p.m. A full dinner menu is available. The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road S.E., Bonita Springs. Information: 405-8566 or stagebonita.com.
Danny Sinoff Trio at Davis Art Center
Popular Southwest Florida jazz singer/pianist Danny Sinoff performs and improvises on jazz classics with his trio. Part of the Sounds of Summer Concert Series. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15. $15-$20. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., downtown Fort Myers. Information: 333-1933 or sbdac.com.
‘Boat America’
Flotilla 91 Fort Myers Beach will have another event on Aug. 16, “Boat America,” a safe boating class. Daniel Eaton, public affairs officer with Flotilla 91, shared some statistics from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The Boat America class offers training on boating laws, safety equipment requirements, navigation rules, emergency procedures and how to handle “various on-water situations.” Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an FWC Boaters Card, which is often required for certain age groups to operate a vessel in Florida waters. The class is from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Pine Ridge Community Center, 15660 Pine Ridge Road, Fort Myers. Cost is $45. Register in advance at aux91fmb.org/safeboating/. Learn more about the Coast Guard Auxiliary at cgaux.org.
Free admission for kids at IMAG History & Science Center
IMAG marks its big 30th anniversary with free admission for kids and a day of hands-on activities, animal shows, demonstrations, food trucks, crafts, a science show and a “Super-Fantastic Foam Party.” 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16. Free admission for children, 30-percent discount for adults (usually $20). IMAG History & Science Center, 2000 Cranford Avenue, downtown Fort Myers. Information: 243-0043 or theimag.org.
Musical ‘Cabaret’ at The Belle Theatre
The Cape Coral theater stages the classic musical set in 1930s Berlin as the Nazis rise to power. Now through Aug. 16. $25 ($15 for students). The Belle Theatre, 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd., Suite 135, in The Towers at Santa Barbara shopping center, Cape Coral. Information: 323-5533 or thebelletheatre.com
Movies on the Lawn at Mercato
Watch a movie under the stars at Mercato on the third Tuesday of every month. This month’s movie is “Moana 2” at 8:15 p.m., Aug. 19, at 9127 Strada Place, Naples. Lawn chairs, blankets and snacks are welcome and admission is free. Information: experiencemercato.com.
Arts Bonita: ‘The Great Love Songs of America’
Jazz pianist Zachary Bartholomew, his band and singer/wife Nicole Bartholomew perform classic love songs. At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Cost: $38-$48. Information: 239-495-8989 or artsbonita.org.
Shell Museum presents lecture series
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium will present a free lecture series this summer and fall. “South Florida’s Seasonal Seas” by Gabriel Jensen, photographer, is 5:30 p.m., Aug. 21. The presentation tells the story of South Florida’s underwater seasons through photographs. “What Can Oysters Tell Us About the Restoration of the Everglades?” by Stephen Geiger, Ph.D., Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, is 5:30 p.m., Sept. 18. He explains the environmental conditions that allow oysters to thrive and why they are a good metric for water quality. “Gulf Seafood: Sustaining Wildlife and Our Way of Life” by John Fallon, Audubon Nature Institute, is 5:30 p.m., Oct. 16. His talk, held during National Seafood Month, explains what makes Gulf seafood sustainable, the challenges facing fisheries in the region. Although free of charge, pre-registration for lectures is required. To register, visit ShellMuseum.org/learn-and-experience/lectures.
Felipe Esparza at Off the Hook
The comedian performs Aug. 21-23 at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. $35 general admission, plus a fee. At 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22 and 6 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23. Information: offthehookcomedy.com or 239-389-6901.
Songwriters 4 Vets concert
Nashville songwriters help raise money for military veterans through the Songwriters for Vets foundation. Lineup includes The Ben Allen Band on Friday, Aug. 22, from 9-11 p.m. for $150 general admission seats and Kristian Bush, Patrick Davis, James Otto and Channing Wilson from 7-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23. $125 general admission seats. VIP packages are also available. Naples Grande Beach Resort, 475 Seagate Drive, Naples. Information: songwriters4vets.com.
Sports Challenge America: Cornhole tournament
The Bonita Springs sports complex hosts its first-ever cornhole tournament. The winning doubles team takes home a $500 cash prize. At 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 23. Entry fee is $25 per player and comes with full-day access to the Sports Challenge America facility, including unlimited play on the ping pong and pool tables. Participants must be 18 or older and are encouraged to register early. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. Sports Challenge America, 28120 Racetrack Road, Bonita Springs. Information: 239-663-1810 or sportschallengeamerica.com.
Jazz up your summer
The Naples Jazz Society’s Naples Jazzmasters will have free summer concerts at Norris Community Center this summer. The next one is from 1 until 3 p.m., Aug. 9, followed by an Aug. 23 show at 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples. Information: thenaplesjazzsociety.com.
Grown-Up Book Fair
Have a fun night 5:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 27, during the CMON After Dark: Grown-Up Book Fair at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Road, Naples. This 21-plus night out is your chance to relive the magic of the school book fair, only this time with adult beverages and snacks. Cost is $10 and includes admission, one drink ticket and tasty light bites. More at cmon.org.
Resin Art Class
From 6 until 8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 28, at Baker Senior Center Naples (BSCN), 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane, An interactive, fun and hands-on workshop with an experienced resin art instructor. All supplies will be provided. Tickets cost $25 for BSCN members and $35 for non-members (must be 60-plus). Refreshments included. Reservation required. Call 239-325-4444.
Encore series: ‘The Swingset’
“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.
Jimmy Buffett Day
On Jimmy Buffett Day, Aug. 29, and Labor Day Weekend, Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach is planning to support My Autism Connection (MAC) as part of the company’s “Day of Service.” From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the resort will host a “Carnival of Fun” on the Sunset Terrace and in the Compass Rose Ballroom, featuring “family-friendly fun,” including games, activities and crafts. Drink specials, served in a commemorative cup, will support MAC. Madison Marilla, known for appearances on “Love on the Spectrum,” will be at the event.
Top events of the week: 3 To Do: One-woman show on Marco; ‘Stuttering’ John Melendez performs, more
In the news: 3 To Know: Hour for Hope, cookie recall, state slips for retirees
ONGOING
Art After Hours at The Baker Museum
On the third Wednesday of each month, guests can enjoy free admission to all museum exhibitions from 6 until 9 p.m. There will also be live music by local musicians and concessions at Heidi’s Place on Aug. 27 at 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Information: artisnaples.org or 239-597-1900.
‘Oklahoma! In Concert’
Players Circle stages a concert version of the beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein musical with eight professional singers and 20 up-and-coming young performers. Now through Aug. 31. Cost: $35-$45. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Information: 800-3292 or playerscircletheater.com.
‘Glimpses of Reverie’
“Glimpses of Reverie,” a solo exhibit of surreal, emotional paintings by Cuban artist Kesler Santiago. At DAAS CO-OP Art Gallery & Gifts, Fort Myers. Exhibit continues through Aug. 31. Free. Information: daascoop.com.
Calusa Waterkeeper’s open enrollment for Ranger Academy
Calusa Waterkeeper starts open enrollment this month for its Fall 2025 Ranger Academy Training with Waterkeeper Joe Cavanaugh. Residents are invited to become certified rangers and “stewards of our waterways” with a “comprehensive educational program aimed at fostering environmental stewardship and advocacy for clean water.” Sessions begin Saturday, Sept. 13 and run through Nov. 1. All classes start at 9 a.m. in the at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Blvd., Fort Myers. Enrollment is a $125 donation that helps to cover the cost of the educational program. Participants will receive a Calusa Waterkeeper annual membership, a CWK Ranger baseball hat and a certificate of completion upon graduation from the academy. Open enrollment concludes on Aug. 31. Learn more at CalusaWaterkeeper.org/rangers.
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].
‘Legends of the Everglades’
“Folklore, Fish Tales, & Family Stories: Legends of the Everglades” at Museum of the Everglades is the latest exhibit at the Collier County museum. It’s a collaboration with the local K-12 school to create an exhibit that celebrates a specific aspect of this unique community. It’s on display now and goes through Sept. 6 at 105 West Broadway, Everglades City. Information: colliermuseums.com.
‘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 Oct. 18 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.
‘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.” At Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center Art Gallery, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Information: RookeryBay.org.
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.
SEPTEMBER
‘Jurassic Safari’
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.
Stage 2 Improv returns to Arts Center Theatre
The Marco Island Center for the Arts recently announced that Stage 2 Improv will return to the Marco Island Center for the Arts’ Arts Center Theatre for a performance Sept. 20. No two shows are alike. Since their 2013 debut, the improv group – founded by Judith and Mike Santos – crafts original scenes and songs live, based on suggestions from the audience. According to a press release, the troupe has continually evolved, “expanding their repertoire to include long-form improv, murder mystery shows, and sketch comedy.” The Arts Center Theatre is located at 1086 N Collier Blvd., Marco Island. Tickets are available at marcoislandarts.org or by calling 239-784-1186.
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].
OCTOBER
Tee off for a cause: 32nd Annual Budreau Memorial Golf Classic
NOVEMBER
Wine & Wildlife Gala
American Sand Sculpting Championships
Mark your calendars, for the 35th time, the American Sand Sculpting Championships return to Fort Myers Beach from Nov. 20-24. This area will once again host the country’s top sand sculptors in a display of artistry and creativity. The event is a partnership of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, The Sand Lovers, LLC and DiamondHead Beach Resort. Learn more at fmbsandsculpting.com.
DECEMBER
FGCU Athletics’ Night
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.
Marco Island Christmas decoration contest
Committee Chairman Dave Rice announced the dates and plans for the 32nd Annual Marco Island Christmas House and Business Contest on behalf of this year’s committee. The dates are as follows: Dec. 15-17 – Preliminary judging on all three nights from 6:30- 9:30 p.m.; Dec. 19 – Final judging trolley ride to select the winner. The Island is divided into nine zones and judging teams select the top contenders in each zone by visiting every street on the island. For further information contact Committee Chair Dave Rice at [email protected]…