With the summer sun at its peak, enjoy these refreshing activities across Southwest Florida. On Marco, the island’s historical society pays homage to the late Tommie Barfield as part of Collier County’s centennial celebration. In Naples, the Revs Institute gives viewers an exclusive look at vintage car engines in its annual Hoods Up event. And Alliance for the Arts’ Fringe Fort Myers invites the city to take a deeper dive into the city’s active theater community. Don’t miss these things to do this month.
Now – June 4
Murder at the Howard Johnson’s at Joan Jenks Auditorium, Naples
A love triangle turns deadly in The Studio Players’ production of this comedy-thriller set in Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge. Led by co-executive director Paula Keenan, see the play unfold in three scenes as friends become foes and lovers become rivals.
Now – June 9
Bits and Pieces: The Realm of Creation at Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers
Florida abstract painter Margaret Schnebly Hodge exhibits new works, exploring memories and imagination through shapes, colors and forms. Her large-format paintings dive into the idea of conscious and unconscious memory through an abstract lens.
Now – July 3
The Artist’s Question Answered in Fiber at Marco Island Center for the Arts
Quilts are the canvas for this interpretive exhibit featuring elaborately stitched designs selected by Studio Art Quilt Associates. Explore the 29 quilts featured in the exhibit, ranging from representative to abstract messages.
Now – July 28
Paul Arsenault’s Reflections of Collier County: Celebrating 100 Years of Our Waterfronts at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples
The Naples painter celebrates 50 years of his work in the city with new works from his For the Love of Water series shown alongside vintage pieces depicting the area’s historic waterways and locales. The artist gifts a portion of proceeds from pieces sold to Friends of Rookery Bay.
Now – Aug. 5
Queen of Marco and the Creation of Collier County at Marco Island Historical Society
As part of Collier County’s centennial celebration, this exhibit explores the life and impact of late Marco Island resident Tommie Barfield for her countless contributions—including working with Barron Collier and becoming the first superintendent of Collier County Schools—to help establish the county.
June 1-4
Fringe Fort Myers at Alliance For the Arts
This inclusive theater festival hosts 48 performances across three stages throughout the weekend, with all ticket proceeds going to support the participating artists. Catch the Teaser Show opening night, where artists have three minutes to convince you to see their shows.
June 2-29
My Family Anti-Autobiography at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers
In this exhibit, Natalya Kochak draws on her family and art history to reexamine what it means to be an American.
June 3
Trey Kennedy Grow Up Comedy Tour at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
The social media personality and host of the popular Correct Opinions podcast performs a stand-up set. Catch his “Are you For Real?” special on YouTube.
June 3
South Cape PRIDE Trolley Tour
Drag queens act as tour guides during a loop through town, stopping at bars and restaurants—including Cape favorites Nice Guys Pizza and Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill—for food and drink specials. Get an event passport and get a stamp from all 11 locations for a chance to win the grand prize. Tickets are $30 and $25 for designated drivers.
June 8-11
Jim Breuer at Off The Hook Comedy Club, Naples
The Saturday Night Live comedian and Naples resident performs a series of intimate shows as part of his 2023 Freedom of Laughter tour.
June 10
Naples Pridefest at Cambier Park
Benefiting Naples Pride Center, the annual celebration draws thousands of revelers with music, family-friendly entertainment, food vendors and exhibits. Check out the VIP experience with queen India Farrah from the Emmy Award-winning RuPaul’s Drag Race.
June 10 & 17
Medal Madness Ninja 5K, 10K & Half Marathon at North Collier Regional Park, Naples
Runners set their own paces in any of the three races, with lakes and softball fields along the way. Participate on both dates and be one step closer to receiving the triple challenge medal awarded to athletes who run in at least three US Road Running races a year.
Half Marathon at North Collier Regional Park
June 11
Dat Phan at Arts Center Theatre, Marco Island
The original winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing shares amusing insights about growing up as a Vietnamese immigrant in America. The comedian unravels stereotypes and inspires with his personal story of following your dreams.
June 11
Festival of Great Organ Music at Artis—Naples
The American Guild of Organists takes on the four-manual Casavant-Frères organ in Hayes Hall. Expect compositions from Bach and Mendelssohn, plus works from the 20th and 21st centuries.
June 17
Pride Crawl Fort Myers
More than 1,000 people crawl through five downtown bars, including Millenial Brewing Company and The Standard Restaurant. Don’t miss the drag show and the afterparty, hosted at Buzzeez downtown.
June 17
Blues Fest at Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda
Three Florida bands headline this inaugural festival on the Dry Beach. Singer-songwriter and guitarists Joey Gilmore, of the Joey Gilmore Band, has played with blues powerhouses like Etta James and James Brown.
June 17 – July 29
Hoods Up at Revs Institute, Naples
The beloved annual exhibition returns, popping the hoods of more than 30 vintage cars so viewers can get an up-close look at the priceless engines underneath. See machines from the dawn of the motor age, including an 1896 Panhard et Levassor Wagonette, the oldest vehicle on display at the institute.
June 18
Father’s Day Cruise with Pure Florida, Naples
Dad sails for free on the M/V Double Sunshine, departing from Tin City. The 90-minute experience cruises through Port Royal on the Gordon River out to the Gulf of Mexico. Keep an eye out for manatees and dolphins.
June 18 – July 18
Joanne Rafferty at East West Fine Art, Naples
Known as “Naples’ favorite Jersey girl,” artist Joanne Rafferty shows off her mixed-media abstracts in this show featuring works inspired by the ocean, lagoons and landscape horizons.
June 22-24
Rondell Sheridan at Snappers Comedy Club, Fort Myers
Best known for his role on the Disney Channel original series That’s So Raven, the comedian returns to his stand-up roots in his “If You’re Over 40 and You Know It, Clap Your Hands!” show.
June 30
Lady A: Request Line Tour at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
Nashville’s Grammy Award-winning band plays their hits—including the highly acclaimed “Need You Now”—along with music from their latest album, What A Song Can Do.