FEBRUARY
Top events of the week: 3 To Do: Nate Bargatze at Hertz; Fire Foundation celebration; expo
Marco Library: Abraham Lincoln-Storyteller
Styx at Hertz Arena
See the band live in concert with special guest Cheap Trick at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. Tickets start at $55, and arena parking is $30. Information: 239-948-7825 or hertzarena.com.
Estero flood meeting
Estero is conducting another public outreach meeting on the “Comprehensive Vulnerability Assessment” to evaluate the “potential impacts of flooding and other climate hazards on critical assets and infrastructure.” The Village encourages all community members to attend and contribute. The meeting is from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., in Estero. You’ll be asked to share your experiences with flooding; engage with community members and the Village’s staff and provide feedback on assessment priorities and considerations.
Southwest Florida Ag Expo
The annual event returns with more carnival rides, games, fair food, animal exhibitions and live music. Feb. 26-March 8. Admission: $10 ($5 for ages 4-11, free for younger). Rides cost extra. Various promotional nights are also available. Mike Greenwell Regional Park (formerly known as the Lee County Civic Center Complex), 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers. Information: swflagexpo.com.
Community Expo
Looking for a fun way to connect with local businesses and enjoy an afternoon out? SWFL Inc. is inviting the community to a free Community Expo from noon until 4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 27, at the Promenade at Bonita Bay. The expo brings together more than 50 local businesses and nonprofits for an “interactive, family-friendly event featuring giveaways, product samples and activities. This event is designed to create real, in-person connections while celebrating the strength and diversity of Southwest Florida’s business community.” The expo is free to attend, open to the public, and does not require advance registration. Overflow parking will be available in the Rural King parking area. Businesses interested in reserving a table can contact Elvis at [email protected]. To learn more, visit swflinc.com/community-expo-2026.
Wonder Gardens to offer expert certification
Wonder Gardens is organizing the Florida Landscaping Expert Certification Program, which consists of four sessions, along with a single refresher course. This program is intended for individuals serving on an HOA landscaping committee, although all guests are invited. It’s from 9 a.m. until noon on Feb. 6, and Feb. 13. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. The refresher course is tailored for individuals who have previously completed the certification course. This class is scheduled for Feb. 27, from 9 a.m. until noon, with doors opening at 8:30 a.m. The complete four-session certification program is priced at $85 for members of Wonder Gardens and $95 for non-members. The refresher course costs $35 for members and $40 for non-members. For further information or to register, visit WonderGardens.org/FL-Landscaping-Certification-2026/.
A Brother’s Revival with David `Rook` Goldflies
A Brother’s Revival featuring Former Allman Brothers Bassist David “Rook” Goldflies “legendary songs played live once again, and to perfection.” A Brother’s Revival is a dynamic Southern rock ensemble that delivers authentic renditions of classics like “Whipping Post,” “Statesboro Blues,” “Jessica,” and “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” capturing the improvisational spirit of the original band. At 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 27, at the Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, Hinman Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Tickets: $58 Tier 1; $53 Tier 2; $48 Tier 3. Information: artsbonita.org.
The Righteous Brothers
The blue-eyed soul legends have racked up a string of hits that includes the most-played song in radio history, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin.’ ” Original member Bill Medley and singer Bucky Heard will perform The Righteous Brothers’ hits and more. Bobby Hatfield — who sang with Medley on all the duo’s biggest hits — died in 2003. At 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 27. $58-$90. Limited seats remain. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. Information: 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com.
Marco Lutheran Church rummage sale
Give your unwanted items a new life with a new family. Donate them to the Women of Marco, who host an annual rummage sale to raise funds for missions. The group will be accepting donations through Feb. 26 in a pod located in the church parking lot at 525 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. Find your own new treasures from 8:30 a.m. until noon, Saturday, Feb. 28.
Big Cypress Celebration
Naples ArtCrafters
When: Monthly art and crafts show that usually takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month from November through April. Festivals are Feb. 28, March 7 and April 11. Where: Cambier Park, 580 Eighth S. St., downtown Naples. Admission: Free. Info: naplesartcrafters.com/shows.
Cape Coral Burrowing Owl Festival
The 24th-annual fest celebrates Cape Coral’s beloved burrowing owls — the city’s official bird — with exhibits, demonstrations, live animals, speakers, arts-and-craft vendors, kids activities, silent and online auctions, food, wildlife merchandise and bus tours of nearby owl burrows. From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28. Admission is a $5 suggested donation at the door (for ages 12 and older). Rotary Park, 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral. 980-2593 or ccfriendsofwildlife.org
Shredding event at Estero Park
Protect your personal information at the Lee County Clerk & Comptroller’s free shredding event. It takes place from 9 a.m. until 11, Feb. 28, and the community is invited to bring any confidential documents they would like to securely dispose of to The Big Shred, hosted by Clerk & Comptroller Kevin Karnes. The event will take place at the Estero Park and Recreation Center, located at 9200 Corkscrew Palms Boulevard. To take part in The Big Shred, all participants have to do is drive up and hand off their confidential documents to a clerk team member, who will then walk them to the onsite shredding truck for secure disposal.
In the news: 3 To Know: Wells Fargo’s $56.85M settlement; Tide’s new laundry tiles
ONGOING
‘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.
Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience
Step inside Claude Monet’s gardens and Vincent Van Gogh’s swirling stars in two immersive shows that uses projections and symphonic music to bring more than 700 of the artists’ famous paintings to life. From Feb. 13-March 29. Cost: $37-$48. Coconut Point, 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero. Information: beyondexhibitions.com.
Goodbye Key Marco Cat
Time is running out on the Smithsonian’s seven-year loan of the Key Marco Cat to the Marco Island Historical Museum. It returns to Washington, D.C. in April. The museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 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.
Broadway Palm’s ‘Cats’
Joan Miró: Fire in the Soul
This collection of Miró’s pieces ranges from graphic to vibrant and dreamlike. Admire his symbolic imagery and spiritual undertones now through April 4 at Naples Art Institute, 585 Park St., Naples. Admission is $15 for non-members and is free for those under the age of 18. Information: naplesart.org.
Marco Island Farmers’ Market
The Marco Island’s farmers 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.
Florida: ‘It’s Not the Heat … It’s the Hilarity!’
Compton & Bennett, the authors of “Assisted Living: The Musical” recently announced the debut of their latest comedy hit, “Straight Outta Florida: Throwin’ Shade on The Sunshine State.” Straight Outta Florida is at The Norris Center Theatre in Naples and runs every other Tuesday through April. “Straight Outta Florida” is a 90-minute, song-and-sketch comedy romp. Betsy Bennett and Rick Compton play six characters. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com or call The Norris Center at 239-213-3049.
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.
MARCH
Coastal Art Walk
Monthly waterfront festival series from October through April. The next festival is from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Feb. 15, March 1 and April 12. At Marco Island Esplanade, 760 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island. Information: 239-290-7927.
Community Cat Food Drive
For the Love of Cats will host its annual Community Cat Food Drive on Saturday, March 7, to support cats and the caregivers who feed them. All donations must be delivered by Friday, March 5, to North Collier Park, Exhibit Hall Building, 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples. For those ordering online through Chewy, the order deadline is Friday, Feb. 28, to ensure on-time delivery. Collected food will be distributed to community cat caregivers on Saturday, March 7. For the Love of Cats is a nonprofit rescue organization dedicated to saving the lives of cats and kittens in Collier County.
‘Remembering Whitney Houston’
Marco Island Historical Society’s 2026 World Class Entertainment Series of tribute performances honoring some of the world’s most famous musicians. “Remembering Whitney Houston,” Thursday, March 12 — Featuring the vocals of Whitney Houston performed by recording artist Latraia Savage. At the Rose History Auditorium, Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Tickets are $55 per person. Curtain is at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6. For tickets visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447.
National Shell Museum classes
‘Wings of Wonder’
Bonita Springs National Art Festival
Annual series of three festivals happening January through March. The festival is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 14-15. Free with a suggested $5 donation. At Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St., downtown Bonita Springs. The fests benefit Arts Bonita, including their programs and scholarships. Information; 495-8989 or artsbonita.org/artfest.
Veterans Park will host Community Yard Sale
Registration is open now for anyone who wants to sell items at the Lehigh Acres Community Yard Sale, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., Saturday, March 14, at Veterans Park, 55 Homestead Road S., Lehigh Acres. Pre-registration is required. The price is $5 per space, with a maximum of three spaces per person. Bring your own tables and chairs. Setup starts at 7 a.m. and gates open at 8 a.m. Adults must work at the tables and children should be supervised at all times. To register visit leeparks.org/register or call Veterans Park Recreation Center at 239-533-7530.
Naples Uke Fest returns to Baker Senior Center
The sounds of ukulele will o fill the air at the third annual Naples Uke Fest, powered by HUGS (Happy Ukulele Group of Strummers), tat Baker Senior Center on Saturday, March 14. The concert will be dedicated to the memory of Baker Senior Center’s recently deceased founder and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jaclynn Faffer. This all-day celebration of music, fun and community will feature performances by the nationally known Them Uke Boys, Uke 66 and the HUGS Players, along with a full lineup of workshops, lessons and social events designed to bring people together through the joy of the ukulele. Ticket options include all-day Gold Passes, VIP reception and concert packages and concert-only tickets. To purchase tickets, visit HugsUkeConcert.simpletix.com.
‘Ed Sullivan Variety Show’ tribute
Marco Island Historical Society’s 2026 World Class Entertainment Series of tribute performances honoring some of the world’s most famous musicians. “Ed Sullivan Variety Show,” Thursday, March 19 —A “high-energy nonstop salute” to some music stars featuring tribute artists from Las Vegas. The show includes tributes to Ed Sullivan, Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, Joe Crocker, The Blues Brothers, Hank Williams and Mick Jagger. At the Rose History Auditorium, Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Tickets are $55 per person. Curtain is at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6. For tickets visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447.
‘Breakfast and Birds’
The Friends of Tigertail Beach will host a free “Breakfast and Birds” from 9 a.m. until 11, March 21 at 430 Hernando Drive, Marco Island. Bring your breakfast and join other interested birders to learn about shore birds, wading birds and migrating birds that reside, rest and forage in the mudflats and shallow waters of the lagoon. Binoculars are recommended. Birding ID cards will be available for a donation. For additional information, visit FriendsofTigertail.com.
Chamber music at Koreshan Hall
Boris Sandler and Bella Gutshtein, artistic directors for the Koreshan Music Salon, have announced plans for a “magical musical season.” The Koreshan Music Salon will present intimate concerts in the 120-year-old Koreshan Art Hall starting at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 22, and Sunday, May 23. All performances will be held at the Art Hall at the Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road. Seating is limited to 90 attendees. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at Friends of Koreshan Historic State Park, friendsofkoreshan.org/event-6420621.
‘Essence of Motown’
Marco Island Historical Society’s 2026 World Class Entertainment Series of tribute performances honoring some of the world’s most famous musicians. “Essence of Motown,” Thursday, March 26 —Many Soul/R&B artists were discovered and celebrated in Detroit, spawning a unique and infectious sound and style called Motown. This tribute pays homage to this music by singing hits from The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Drifters and many more. At the Rose History Auditorium, Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Tickets are $55 per person. Curtain is at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6. For tickets visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447.
APRIL
Wonder Gardens to host Early Earth Day event
73rd Annual Hibiscus Show/Plant Sale
The James E. Hendry Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society recently announced the dates for their 73rd Annual Hibiscus Show/Plant Sale. It will be from 1 until 3 p.m., Saturday, April 18, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers. This free show is the oldest of all Florida’s hibiscus shows, attracting several hundred people annually. In addition, more than 400 Hybrid Hibiscus plants will be for sale for $20. All credit cards are accepted. Parking and admission is free. Monthly meetings for the chapter are held at The Berne Davis Botanical Garden, 2166 Virginia Avenue, Fort Myers, at 1:30 p.m., the second Sunday of each month. More at hendrychapterhibiscus.com…