OCTOBER
‘Carrie: The Musical’ at Cultural Park Theatre
The Cape Coral community theater gets scary in this musical adaptation of Stephen King’s classic novel and the 1976 movie starring Sissy Spacek. The story involves an awkward teen outcast who discovers she has telekinetic powers and eventually takes bloody revenge on her bullying classmates. Oct. 18-27. $22-$26 ($12-$16 for students and children). Cultural Park Theater: Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. Information: 772-5862 or culturalparktheater.com.
Legends of Oblivion Haunted Attraction: Area 31
Fort Myers native Wayne Anderson — now a special-effects artist whose work has been featured in the TV show “Stranger Things” and elsewhere — returns home to create another 17,000-square-foot haunted maze at Lee Civic Center. His last one was in 2018. Expect lots of monsters, special effects and — this time — aliens. 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 18-Nov. 2. The attraction will also be open Halloween night. Gate open at 7:30 p.m. $28 in advance, $30 at the door. $45-$50 for an express line ticket, $69-$74 for a “close encounters experience,” including a mystery “swag box” and secret rooms within the haunt. Tinsley Pavilion on the grounds of the Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers. legendsofoblivion.com.
Watercolors & Wildlife: Painting with Jan
From 9:30 a.m. until 12 p.m., Oct. 24 – Birds; 12:30 until 3 p.m., Nov. 12 – Manatees; 9:30 a.m. until 12 p.m., Nov 21 – Manatees. At Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Cost: $85, (includes all materials). Registration is required rookerybay.org/calendar.
Oktoberfest in Cape Coral
The 39th-annual event returns with two weekends of German culture. Expect lots of beer, live bands, authentic German food, vendors, crafts, a kids carnival area and more. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 25-27. $8 in advance, $10 at the gate (free for ages 11 and younger, prices subject to change). German American Social Club, 2101 S.W. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. 283-1400 or capecoraloktoberfest.com.
Halloween Spooktacular
Fun events for families and children, including live music, street dancing, costume contest, games and more. 3-5 p.m., Oct. 26, at Cambier Park, 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples.
Fall Fest at Paradise Sports Complex
Head to the Paradise Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples, from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. Free. Fall Fest is filled with candy, games, bounce houses, face painting, costume contests, and more. Information: playparadisecoast.com or 239-252-4386.
Hoots and Hisses
This family-friendly event will include Halloween-themed crafts, face painters, movies, animal encounters and more at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Costumes are encouraged. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 26. Free admission for children 12 and younger, $17.95 admission for all those older than 12. The Conservancy’s Nature Center, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Information: conservancy.org.
Walk the Talk: Paws & Pumpkins ― A Halloween Howl
Walk with your dogs from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, in Baker Park, 50 Riverside Circle, Naples. The event also features a dog parade, costume contest, pumpkin patch photos and more in support of the Epilepsy Alliance of Florida. Register at walkthetalkfl.org.
Farm & Pumpkin Market
Shop all things fall-inspired, including apple butter, jellies and jams, soap, candles and more. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Oct. 26 and 27. 2600 Garland Road, Naples. Information: empowermentfarm.org.
Farmer Mike’s Fall Festival and Corn Mazes
Haunted and kid-friendly corn mazes, pumpkin patch, sunflower picking, bounce houses, ax throwing, hayrides and more. This year’s haunted corn maze has an alien invasion theme. This will be the festival’s 10th year in Bonita Springs. Tickets are available online-only in 30-minute time slots. Prices vary. 6-10 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 28-Oct. 27. Farmer Mike’s U Pick, 26031 Morton Ave., Bonita Springs. Information: farmermikesupick.com.
Coastal Art Walk
What was formerly known as the Left Bank Art Fest is now in its 20th year of operation. Check out unique art pieces along the breezeway from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 27. Free admission and parking. More information for both attendees and artists considering participation is available through coastalartwalk.com.
Hallowine at Mercato
Come out to Mercato from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 30 for an adult-only Mercato wine walk. Buy tickets in advance for $65 per ticket, or four for $220. At the event, tickets will be $80. The night consists of food and wine from certain Mercato restaurants, a costume contest, photo booth, raffle drawings, and a commemorative wine glass. Information: mercatowinewalk.com/.
The Ocean Decade Exhibition
Digital ocean art created by artists around the world will be on display now through Oct. 31 at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. The exhibition seeks to emphasize the importance of conservation efforts, highlighting the United Nation’s Ocean Decade initiative and the Seven Principles of Ocean Literacy. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $10 adult admission and $5 admission for children ages 4-10. rookerybay.org.
North Naples Church Pumpkin Patch
Various times, starting Saturday, Oct. 19, through Thursday, Oct. 31, at North Naples Church, 6000 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples. Proceeds will benefit youth summer camps and mission trips. 239-593-7600. Information: nnchurch.org.
Say ‘I do’ this Halloween
ut a ring on your lover’s finger if they are a fellow Halloween enthusiast. A themed wedding ceremony to celebrate the holiday will be available at the Collier County Courthouse Chapel this Oct. 31. Costumes are encouraged for the spooky spouses and their guests. The ceremony fee is $30, and couples must secure a valid marriage license at least three days prior to the wedding. Contact 239-252-7242 or [email protected] to pre-register.
Top events of the week:3 To Do: Halloween in Bonita, celebrating Marco’s butterfly garden
ONGOING
Calusa Haunted Walk
The 61st-annual Haunted Walk brings fear back to the dark, decorated trails at Calusa Nature Center. This year’s theme: Mayhem! Not recommended for ages 15 and younger. From 7:30-11:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday, through Oct. 27. Cost: $20-$25. Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. Information: 275-3435 or calusanature.org.
Explore Farmer Mike’s Fall Festival and Corn Mazes
Farmer Mike’s, 26031 Morton Ave., Bonita Springs, kicks off the Halloween season with haunted and kid-friendly corn mazes, a pumpkin patch, sunflower picking, bounce houses, ax throwing, hayrides and more. Tickets are available online-only in 30-minute time slots. Prices vary. From 6 until 10 p.m. various days through Oct. 27. Information: farmermikesupick.com.
25th Anniversary of Naples Art Institute
A special exhibit honoring the 25th birthday of the Naples Art Institute’s permanent collection will be open through Oct. 27 at 585 Park Street, Naples. Information: naplesart.org.
Ran Adler exhibit at Naples Botanical Garden
“Internalizing the External: A New Perspective on Nature by Ran Adler, is on view at Naples Botanical Garden now through Oct. 27. The exhibition spanning Kapnick Hall and Fogg Café offers a glimpse of the transformation that can occur when rough, natural materials found and collected in the wild are “imbued with harmony and intention.” The methods: weaving and cutting, sorting, inscribing, even burning. The exhibition and relaxed drop-in opportunity is included with admission; no registration is required. More at naplesgarden.org.
Lakes Park Fall Festival and Scarecrows in the Park
The festival returns with a pumpkin patch, the 14th-annual Scarecrows in the Park contest, hayrides, inflatables and the Halloween Express train ride. The Scarecrows in the Park display features scarecrows decorated in the theme “The Great Outdoors.” From 6-9 p.m., Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 31. Free admission, but some activities and rides cost extra. Parking is $1 per hour or $5 all day. Lakes Regional Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, south Fort Myers. 533-7575 or leeparks.org.
‘Columbus Tribute Concert Series ‘
Knights will also have a “Columbus Tribute Concert Series” featuring Motowners on Nov. 9, Boogie Wonderland (music from 1970 and 1980s) Feb. 8; Jersey Boys/Tenors on March 1; Caribbean Chillers (Jimmy Buffet Tribute) April 4. Premium reserved seats (first four rows) are $60; general admission $52 each show; San Marco Parish Hall, 851 San Marco Rd. Doors open at 6 p.m., concert is 7 until 9. Tickets online at Koc.booktix.com.
Knights of Columbus 6th Annual Car Show
The Knights of Columbus 6th Annual Car Show is from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Nov. 9. Over 65 cars will be displayed, including a 2010 Spyker C8 Spyder valued at over $400,000. There will be door prizes every hour, vendor booths, DJ, food, drink and 50/50 raffle. Admission is $10 for the entire day. The show is at San Marco Parish Hall, 851 San Marco Road.
Broadway Palm musical ‘Chicago’
The Fort Myers dinner theater brings back the sexy, steamy musical about crime, criminals, and corruption in Prohibition-era Chicago. The show is packed with classic Broadway songs, including “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango,” “Razzle Dazzle” and “Roxie.” Sept. 27-Nov. 9. $75-$95. Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Information: 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.
Knights of Columbus Bingo
Bingo is back Thursday night, through Nov. 14. Over $1,200 in prizes will be offered, including a Coach bag giveaway. The game is played at San Marco Parish Hall, 851 San Marco Road. Proceeds benefit charity.
6th Annual Rookery Bay Classic Car Show seeks vehicles
‘Language Is A Virus’
New exhibit pairs legendary Beat Generation writer William S. Burroughs (“Naked Lunch,” “Junkie”) and pioneering avant-garde artist/musician Laurie Anderson (“O Superman”) for the first time, according to Rauschenberg Gallery. Anderson and the late Burroughs, who died in 1997, were friends and collaborators. The exhibit explores language as “a transformative force, a carrier of ideas and a potential weapon.” It features works on paper, unique manuscripts/publications, personal artifacts, handwritten lyrics and never-before-seen original paintings blasted by shotgun and “bowling ball canon.” Now through Dec. 7. Free. Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at Florida SouthWestern State College, 8099 College Parkway S.W., Building L, south Fort Myers. Information: 489-9313 or rauschenberggallery.com.
Paul Arsenault: ‘Reflections of South Florida’
As part of its 30th anniversary, the Marco Island Historical Society continues to celebrate with a “very special” 50-year retrospective exhibit of paintings and mosaics by Naples-based, nationally known artist Paul Arsenault. The exhibit continues through Feb. 15, at the Marco Island Historical Museum. The exhibit, “Reflections of South Florida: A 50-Year Art Adventure,” “conveys the history, soul-stirring beauty and charm” of Marco Island, Goodland and Naples as well as other South Florida locales, including Vero Beach, Key West, Cortez and others. There will be a meet the artist reception from 4:30 until 6 p.m., Oct. 17, a presentation by Arsenault at 6 p.m., Jan. 15. The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Experiences at the Wonder Gardens
Wild Wonders Animal Encounters and guided tours are available for an additional fee at various days and times. Weekly Habitat Chats are free with paid admission every Thursday at 1 p.m. Topics vary. Information: wondergardens.org.
Jebry’s Jazz and Blues Jam Session
From 6 to 9 p.m. every Monday at Dogtooth bar and restaurant, 5310 Shirley St., Naples. Information: 239-431-7004 or dogtoothnaples.com.
Woof Walk
Dogs visit from ARC (Animal Rescue Center) on the last Wednesday of every month. From 10:30 until 11:30 a.m., Lee County Sheriff’s Outreach Center, suite 190. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. miromaroutlets.com.
Live music at Miromar Outlets
Enjoy musicians playing on the plaza, between Ford’s Garage & Naples Flatbread and in the Restaurant Piazza. Bring lawn chairs. From 6-8 p.m. every Friday. Information: miromaroutlets.com.
Live at the Cove
Live music from 5-8 p.m. Saturdays in Paradise Coast Sports Complex at The Cove Beer & Wine Bar, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples. Information: playparadisecoast.com.
Mall Mutts
Adoptable dogs visit from the Gulf Coast Humane Society on the first Thursday of every month. From 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. Lee County Sheriff’s Outreach Center, suite 190. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Information: miromaroutlets.com.
Civil Air Patrol
Meeting times and website have changed. 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. Information: RookeryBay.org.
Rookery guided boat tours
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
Did you know Collier County is home to the largest state park in Florida? Explore this mesmerizing trip back to yesteryear and see wildlife in the wild. Safety protocols in place. Open 8 a.m. to sunset; $3 vehicle fee. 137 Coastline Drive, Copeland. Information: floridastateparks.org; 239-961-1925.
Baker Museum
Hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, noon-4 Sundays. Docent tours 11 a.m.; 1 p.m. only on Sundays. The Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Information: 239-597-1900 or artisnaples.org.
Revs Institute
Did you know Naples is home to one of the top 10 car museums in the world? If you haven’t done so yet, check out this amazing collection of vehicles assembled over decades. 2500 Horseshoe Drive S. Visitors must observe COVID-19 protocols. Reserve tickets online for specific dates and times in advance. No walkups. Information: revinstitute.org or 239-687-REVS.
Koreshan Unity Settlement
Explore the 19th century religious Koreshan Unity Settlement, its structures, and gardens. Join guided walking tours in Koreshan State Park and learn about these idealistic pioneers. Guided Tours are $10, non-refundable, and may be purchased online only at http://friendsofkoreshan.org/shop/guided-tours/historic-settlement-tours/.
Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
Now open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every day, at 3075 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel. Admission is $23.95 for adults (18 and older), $21.95 for seniors, $14.95 youth (12 to 17) and students with their ID, $8.95 for children (5 to 11) and free to children younger than 5 and active military. Visitors who bike to the museum receive $1 off admission. Information: 239-395-2233, shellmuseum.org.
IMAG History & Science Center
Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers. Tickets are available online, and advance ticket purchases are necessary currently to limit the number of guests in accordance with CDC recommendations. Information: theimag.org.
Gordon River Greenway
A hidden gem in Naples is the Gordon River Greenway. Walk, ride your bike or kayak on or along the scenic from 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. There’s 12-foot-wide pathways and 10-foot-wide elevated boardwalks. Restrooms and other amenities available. (1596 Golden Gate Parkway; 239-252-4000 or gordonrivergreenway.org)
Naples Zoo
New hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples. Offering timed online tickets to the general public. All guests will be required to reserve a timed ticket online, with reduced ticket prices. Tickets can only be purchased online. Information: 239-262-5409, napleszoo.org.
NOVEMBER
Forest Bathing at Rookery Bay
From 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., Nov. 2 at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Enjoy a slow, quiet, guided-sensory and meditative experience in nature at Rookery Bay Research Reserve. A Certified Forest Bathing Guide will conduct a guided-meditation session and offer a series of invitations to use your curiosity and senses to connect with nature and yourself. Look, listen, smell and feel what the forest is offering you. Registration is required rookerybay.org/calendar.
E-City Music Festival
Save the date for a great gathering of Florida folk musicians on Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Rod & Gun Club in historic Everglades City. Among the headliners are Raiford Starke, Marie Nofsinger, Ken Crawford, and Rita Youngman. The will be joined by local star Charlie Pace and long-time resident Parker Oglesby. The list of performers keeps changing because they are donating their time and talents to save the old Bank of Everglades building. To start the day, the weekly Florida Folk Show on Radio St. Pete will be broadcast live from 10:00 a.m. Host Pete Gallagher, who helped organize this jamboree, plans to interview some of the performers and local dignitaries as well as spinning songs. Stay tuned online at radiostpete.com for the latest updates. The festival itself begins around noon with raffles and auctions of meals, tours, and artworks contributed to help the fundraising while adding to the fun. Attendees can also enjoy a fresh seafood sandwich or other delicious items off the menu on the porch of the Rod & Gun Club. The event is hosted by Everglades Society for Historic Preservation whose main project is the rehabilitation of the landmark Bank building for use as a visitor center and community focal point before its 100th birthday in 1926. Information: eshp.org or 239-719-0020.
Marco Island Center for the Arts slates Joe Simonelli production
The Knights of Columbus 6th Annual Car Show
From 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Nov. 9. Over 65 cars will be displayed, including a 2010 Spyker C8 Spyder valued at over $400,000. There will be door prizes every hour, vendor booths, DJ, food, drink and 50/50 raffle. Admission is $10 for the entire day. The show is at San Marco Parish Hall, 851 San Marco Road.
‘Columbus Tribute Concert Series’
Knights of Columbus will have a “Columbus Tribute Concert Series” featuring Motowners on Nov. 9, Boogie Wonderland (music from 1970 and 1980s) Feb. 8; Jersey Boys/Tenors on March 1; Caribbean Chillers (Jimmy Buffet Tribute) April 4. Premium reserved seats (first four rows) are $60; general admission $52 each show; San Marco Parish Hall, 851 San Marco Rd. Doors open at 6 p.m., concert is 7 until 9. Tickets online at Koc.booktix.com.
Goodland Holiday Bazaar slated
Birding with Biologists
From 8 a.m. until 11, Oct. 11, Nov 13. Cost: $30. Enjoy this fun and informative class designed to help you identify birds around you. Oriented toward the beginning birder, this workshop explores how to use birds’ plumage, shape, behavior and habitat to recognize various species. Practice using your binoculars and field guides as you tour the paved paths of Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, led by local expert biologists from Audubon Florida and Rookery Bay Research Reserve. Registration is required rookerybay.org/calendar.
Family Day
Bonita Springs Estero Elks #2753 hosting a Free Family Day Nov 16, 2024. Time 1:00 -4:00 pm First sighting of Santa, Elroy the Elks mascot for Drug Awareness and also Lee County Sheriff Dept. with The LT Hope Book, free Ice Cream Truck and a Touch a Truck. RSVP to Shirley 239-319-9849.
6th Annual Rookery Bay Classic Car Show
From 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Nov. 16 at Florida Southwestern State College, 7505 Grand Lely Drive, Naples. Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for ages 4-12. Children 3 and under are free. Car show admission includes same day admission into the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center. Attention car enthusiasts! Join the Friends of Rookery Bay at Florida Southwestern State College for this annual event. Building on the success of prior car shows, the 6th Annual Car Show features more than 100 antique, classic, muscle, exotic and high-performance cars. Also includes 20+ vendors, entertainment, and family/dog-friendly activities for all ages. Information: RookeryBay.org.
Lunch & Learn
Rookery Bay’s Lunch & Learn Lecture Series: “Coastal Research in the Reserve” is from noon until 1 p.m., Nov. 21 and focuses on crocodiles in South Florida. The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Cost: $20 and includes buffet lunch. Registration is required rookerybay.org/calendar.
Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop
From 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Nov. 23, at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Cost: $55. 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. Registration is required rookerybay.org/calendar.
FEBRUARY
‘Oh What a Night’ benefits Marco Island Center for the Arts
The Marco Island Center for the Arts recently unveiled its re-envisioned annual fundraising event, “Oh What a Night: Dinner and a Show.” Mark your calendars, it is slated for 6 until 11 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Island Country Club. In addition to enjoying a l performance by “The Modern Gentlemen,” guests will “indulge in exquisite cuisine, bid on prized auction items and experiences, and dance the night away.” This evening will also honor the contributions of Art Center supporters Michael and Vicki Hook. During the event, bid on exclusive items and experiences, all in support of the Marco Island Center for the Arts. Tickets will be available for purchase soon. For sponsorship opportunities or additional information, contact the Marco Island Center for the Arts at 239-394-4221 or visit marcoislandart.org/annual-gala/…