NOVEMBER
Top events of the week: 3 To Do: Two big gardening events, last chance for exhibit and play
American Sand Sculpting Championships
The American Sand Sculpting Championships continues on Fort Myers Beach from Nov. 21-24, hosting the country’s top sand sculptors in a display of artistry and creativity. Learn more at fmbsandsculpting.com.
The American Misfits Tour at Off the Hook
Comedians Michael Loftus and Dave Landau perform Nov. 21-23 at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. Cost: $28 general admission, plus a fee. 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21, 6 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, and 6 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 23. Information: offthehookcomedy.com or 239-389-6901.
‘A Christmas Story’ at Broadway Palm
The musical version of the massively popular holiday movie, complete with the infamous leg lamp, the Red Ryder rifle, pink bunny pajamas, an irritable department-store Santa and a triple-dog dare to lick a freezing flagpole. Nov. 21-Dec. 28. $78-$98 ($43-$48 for ages 12 and younger). Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.
Fort Myers Music Walk
Downtown Fort Myers comes alive with music at this monthly celebration with bands in the streets and inside the bars and venues. From 6-10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. Free. Music Walk takes place on the third Friday of each month. Downtown Fort Myers. Information: facebook.com/RiverDistrictAlliance.
Treaty Oak Revival performs
Treaty Oak Revival is an Odessa, Texas-based country and rock band that will perform at Hertz Arena at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. Tickets start at $40 and arena parking is $30. At 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. Information: 239-948-7825 or hertzarena.com.
Essentials of Digital Photography
An “Essentials of Digital Photography” workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Oct. 18 and Nov. 22 at Rookery Bay. The workshop is designed to get the best pictures possible and a true understanding of your camera’s features and is taught by Sonny Saunders has over 35 years of experience in photography and instruction. Cost is $55. Learn more about all classes, camps and activities at RookeryBay.org. Register for classes at RookeryBay.org/events.
‘Sleuthing the Lagoon’
“Sleuthing the Lagoon” will be held from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Nov. 24 for grades seven through 10. Students get to be a marine scientist with Rookery Bay Research Reserve! Join Rookery Bay Research Reserve for a perfect marine science camp for the day, getting hands-on experience with marine life. This flexible camp is filled with nature and science activities including time in Rookery Bay’s labs. Cost is $75, but scholarships are available. Learn more about all classes, camps and activities at RookeryBay.org. Register for classes at RookeryBay.org/events.
‘Tinsel Tuesdays’ at Marco museum
Shop gift items at the Marco Island Historical Museum Gift Store this holiday season. The Marco Island Historical Society presents “Tinsel Tuesdays,” now through Dec. 23 at the gift shop. The store is open from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. On “Tinsel Tuesdays,” visitors will enjoy 10 percent off on merchandise with some exclusions. There also will be a drawing for a Golden Shell Giveaway.
- Tuesday, Nov. 25 — Sea Fern Collection of Coastal Chic Jewelry
- Tuesday, Dec. 2 — Feature local artist Tara O’Neill
- Wednesday, Dec. 10 — “Tinsel Tuesday” on a Wednesday featuring Hannah Ineson Fine Art
- Tuesday, Dec. 16 — “Reimagining Glass: The Art of Cindy Colligan”
- Tuesday, December 23 — Final “Tinsel Tuesday”
The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive and is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. until 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.
Rookery Bay Science Nite Series: ‘Oceans, Plastics and Peace of Mind’
Rookery Bay will offer three after-hours programs this fall, blending science and conservation. Topics include ocean and weather Q&A with humor (Nov. 25) and nature’s role in boosting well-being (Dec. 17). Programs run from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at the Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Cost is $10, $ for students, free for teachers. Register at rookerybay.org/events.
68th Annual Farm-City BBQ
The 68th annual Farm-City BBQ will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at the Collier County Fairgrounds, bringing together Collier County’s business community, elected officials, families and residents for a day of food, fellowship and fundraising in support of youth development programs. Learn more at FarmCityBBQ.com.
Marco Shell Club sale
Rotary Christmas Tree Tent
After 36 years of serving the community from Bonita Beach Road, the Rotary Club of Bonita Springs is moving its Christmas Tree Tent to downtown Bonita Springs. Starting at 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 28, you can find over 500 Fraser fir and Noble trees, plus wreaths and poinsettias for sale at 10450 Ragsdale Street, right at the intersection of Ragsdale Street and Old 41 Roundabout. The tent will be open from 10 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, and from 4 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on weekdays. The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs gathers for breakfast every Thursday morning at Spring Run Golf Club. For more details or to get an invite to a free breakfast meeting, check out BonitaSpringsRotary.org or call 239-572-2339.
European holiday magic on Marco Island
Kevin Herrera at Off the Hook
The comedian performs Nov. 28-30 at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. Cost: $25 general admission, plus a fee. 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, 6 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. Information: offthehookcomedy.com or 239-389-6901.
50th-annual Holiday Nights at Edison & Ford Estates
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates shine with thousands of holiday lights and decorations for this 50th-annual event. The milestone event includes new light displays, visits with Santa Claus (select nights), guided or self-guided Estates tours and a Children’s Tree Trail with dozens of trees decorated with handmade ornaments from Lee County school children. Holiday Nights takes place 5:30-9 p.m. daily from Nov. 28-Jan. 4, except for Dec. 24-25. $23 admission ($13 for ages 13-19, $3 for ages 6-12, free for younger). Lee County residents get a $5 discount every Monday (ID required). Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Information: 334-7419 or EdisonFord.org.
Naples Ballet & Philharmonic
The Nutcracker: A festive performance perfect for kicking off the holiday season 7 p.m. Nov. 29 and Nov. 30 at Artis–Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. Information: artisnaples.org.
21st Annual Iron Joe Turkey Ride & Walk at Eagle Lakes
Naples Pathways Coalition recently announced details on the 21st Annual Iron Joe Turkey Ride & Walk, which takes place the Sunday after Thanksgiving at Eagle Lakes Community Park. It begins at 7 a.m., Nov. 30, with registration and breakfast at the park, 11565 Tamiami Trail East, Naples. Registration is open at runsignup.com/Race/FL/Naples/IronJoeTurkeyRide.
In the news: 3 To Know: Naples man indicted for fraud; two 19-year-olds dead
ONGOING
Last chance: ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf’
Edward Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” is an intense drama at Gulfshore Playhouse to kick off the 2025/2026 season. Now through Nov. 23 at Struthers Studio, Baker Theatre and Education Center, 100 Goodlette-Frank Road S., Naples. Tickets start at $39. Information: 239-261-7529 or gulfshoreplayhouse.org.
‘The Wildlife Art of Ron Orlando’
Marco Island Center for the Arts presents “The Wildlife Art of Ron Orlando” in La Petite Gallery from now through Dec. 2. Growing up in New Jersey, Orlando developed a lifelong love of nature while exploring the wooded lot behind his childhood home. That early fascination with the natural world evolved into a passion for painting, leading to a career that beautifully merges art and conservation. The Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island. Information: marcoislandart.org.
‘Once Upon a Christmas Time’ at The MACC
This new, original musical celebrates the holiday season in a land far away, where fairytale creatures search for the meaning of Christmas to the tune of beloved holiday songs. Written by Southwest Florida Theatre Company’s music director, Julie Carver. Nov. 19-Dec. 6. Cost: $65-$74. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, south Fort Myers. Information: 277-1700 or gulfcoastsymphony.org.
Tamara de Lempicka
Her art is now on view at The Baker Museum in Naples through Feb. 8. Exhibition explores artist’s singular contributions to modern art through a selection of her most striking paintings and drawings, tracing her rise to prominence in 1920s Paris and her later years in the United States and Mexico. Information: artisnaples.org.
‘Marco on the Move’ exhibit
The Marco Island Historical Society presents the island’s early modes of transportation from boats and bicycles to wheels and wings with a new exhibit, “Marco on the Move,” at the Marco Island Historical Museum. The exhibit runs through March 21. The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive and is open from 9 a.m. to 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.
Marco Island Farmers’ Market
The Marco Island Farmer’s Market is from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., every Wednesday through April 15 at Veteran’s Community Park, 901 Park Ave., Marco Island. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.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.
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.
AAUW
American Association of University Women (AAUW)) meets at 10 a.m., the third Thursday of the month at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 350 S. Barfield Dr., Marco Island.
DECEMBER
Boater’s Local Knowledge-Backwater Edition
Holiday offerings on the Marco stage
In December, Arts Center Theatre offers two events. “Selections from Holidays on Ice” by David Sedaris, directed by Brett Marston is on stage Dec. 5 through 14 and delivers “wickedly funny holiday tales.” “Singing and Swingin’ – The Holiday Songbook” is Dec. 21 and 22 with Charlie Blum and featuring guest Kristyn Estes. Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online at marcoislandart.org or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186.
Holiday market at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Everyone’s welcome to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s Holiday Market on Dec. 7. The event is from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., with the last admission at 1 p.m. All activities, except for the sleigh rides, are included in the regular admission price: $17 for adults, $6 for kids aged 6-14, and free for members and children under 6. Adult tickets cost $25, while child tickets for ages 3 to 17 are just $5. You can grab your admission and sleigh ride tickets at Audubon.org/corkscrew/events.
Navigating Everglades National Park
Boat America
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].
JANUARY
‘Four Old Broads’ on the Marco stage
“Four Old Broads: Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Beauty Pageant” by Leslie Kimbell, directed by Christi Lueck-Sadiq is at the Marco Island Center for the Arts from Jan. 8-25. “Southern sass and outrageous antics return as Lurleen Dupree hosts her seventh annual pageant, with rival retirees ready to compete, cheat, and charm their way to the crown in a riotous comedy full of surprises.” Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online at marcoislandart.org or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186.
FEBRUARY
‘Moonlight and Magnolias’ on the Marco stage
“Moonlight and Magnolias” by Ron Hutchinson, directed by Marlene Strollo is at the Marco Island Center for the Arts from Feb. 5-22. “Go behind the Hollywood curtain to witness the chaotic, true-to-life creation of ‘Gone with the Wind,’ when three men are locked in a room and given five days — and a diet of bananas and peanuts — to write the screenplay that became an American classic.” Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online at marcoislandart.org or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186.
MARCH
‘California Suite’ on the Marco stage
“California Suite” by Neil Simon, directed by Paula Keenan is at the Marco Island Center for the Arts from March 5-22. “A quartet of comedic tales unfolds in a single hotel suite, from custody battles to romantic mishaps and vacation disasters. Simon’s wit shines in this heartfelt and hilarious look at human relationships.” Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online at marcoislandart.org or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186.
APRIL
‘You’ve Got Hate Mail’ on the Marco stage
“You’ve Got Hate Mail” by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore, directed by Joan Gerberding is at the Marco Island Center for the Arts from April 2-19. “In this fast-paced comedy, digital drama explodes when an extra-marital affair unravels through a series of misdirected e-mails. Told entirely through digital communication, this play offers a modern twist on classic farce.” Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online at marcoislandart.org or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186…