Looking for some entertainment in Southwest Florida?
Here are five fun things to do this weekend and beyond, including comedian Jim Gaffigan , the annual Coconut Point New Year’s Weekend Art Festival, and News Year’s Eve fireworks all over Lee County. Plus we look at what’s ahead in the coming weeks.
To submit events, email the details to reporter Charles Runnells at [email protected] .
1. New Year’s Eve fireworks in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach
Love fireworks? You’re in luck! Several huge New Year’s Eve parties are planned for Tuesday, Dec. 31 in Lee County: Fort Myers’ Downtown Countdown (6-12:15 p.m. in downtown Fort Myers), the Cape Coral New Year’s Eve Celebration (6 p.m. to midnight on Southeast 47th Terrace in downtown Cape Coral/South Cape) and the Fort Myers Beach New Year’s Eve Celebration (6 p.m. to midnight in the Times Square area, 1021 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach). They’re all free, and they all include fireworks, live music, food and — of course — fireworks. To learn more, visit facebook.com/RiverDistrictAlliance (Fort Myers), capecoralnye.com (Cape Coral) and fortmyersbeach.org (Fort Myers Beach)
2. Comedian Jim Gaffigan at Hertz Arena
Comedian Jim Gaffigan plays a New Year’s Eve show at Hertz Arena. The show is part of his Barely Alive Tour. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. $26-$121. Parking on site is $30, plus taxes and fees (no cash). Free parking next door at Miromar Outlets. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 948-7825 or hertzarena.com
3. Coconut Point New Year’s Weekend Art Festival
About 100 U.S. artists show and sell their work at the 14th-annual outdoor fest. The art includes paintings, life-size sculptures, jewelry, photography, ceramics and more. Presented by Howard Alan Events. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 28-29. Free. Coconut Point, 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero. simon.com/mall/coconut-point
4. Holiday Nights at The Edison Estates
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates shine with thousands of holiday lights and decorations for this 49th-annual event. Plus guided or self-guided Estates tours, visits from Santa Claus and a Children’s Holiday Tree Trail featuring dozens of trees decorated with handmade ornaments from Lee County school children. Now through Sunday, Jan. 5. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Dec. 24-25. $20 admission ($10 for ages 13-19, $2 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. 334-7419 or EdisonFord.org
5. World premiere of ‘Picadilly’ at Lab Theater
Southwest Florida writer, activist, educator and World War II veteran Robert Hilliard premieres his new musical “Picadilly.” The story involves two U.S. soldiers who fall in love in unexpected ways while on leave in London. Saturday through Monday, Dec. 28-30. $42 ($15 for students). The Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave., downtown Fort Myers. 218-0481 or laboratorytheaterflorida.com
MORE THINGS TO DO
Fort Myers’ Grand Chanukah Event Community Celebration
The annual Chanukah party includes the lighting of a giant menorah, live music, food, mini golf and refreshments. Organized by Chabad Lubavitch of Southwest Florida. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29. Free. Castle Golf, 7400 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers. 433-7708 or chabadswf.org
Bonita Springs-Estero Chanukah Festival
Celebrate the Jewish holiday with the lighting of a giant menorah, kids crafts and activities, latkes, donuts, a kosher deli and live music by the Naples Klezmer Revival Band. 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29. Free. The outdoor event takes place at Chabad of Bonita Springs, 24611 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs. 949-6900 or jewishbonita.com
Messiah Sing-Along at Sanibel Congregational UCC
Sing along with a professional orchestra on the Christmas portion of Handel’s holiday classic. Bring along a Messiah score if you have one. If not, music will be provided. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29. Free. Sanibel Congregational UCC, 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island. 472-0497
Straight No Chaser at B.B. Mann
The vocal group got its start in 1996 at Indiana University. They’re probably best known for their funny, 1998 rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas,” which has racked up more than 25 million views on YouTube. 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30. $50-$80. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com
LOOKING AHEAD
‘Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story’ at Broadway Palm
An award-winning celebration of legendary rocker Buddy Holly and his gone-too-soon music career. It features live renditions of hits such as “Maybe Baby,” “Every Day,” “Peggy Sue” and “That’ll Be the Day.” Dec. 31 through Feb. 15. $65-$85.Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com
Myra Roberts ‘Art Takes Flight” exhibit
The local multimedia artist showcases more than 40 new works inspired by Sanibel Island’s birds, animals and natural landscapes. Opening reception from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, with drinks, hors d’oeuvres and music from Emmy-winning flutist Kat Epple. The exhibit continues through Jan. 30. Free. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island. 472-2155 or sanibelcommunityhouse.net
Venezia Renaissance Faire in Bonita Springs
The third-annual event takes you back to the days of knights and chivalry with medieval games (including a life-sized chess match), jousting, stage performers, food, a medieval marketplace and more. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 4-5 and Jan. 11-12. $20 for one day, $35 for all weekend ($12-$20 for ages 3-13). Next to Bonita Springs Poker Room, 28001 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. veneziarenaissancefaire.com…