As the days grow longer, you have more time to discover all the Gulf offers. Naples Botanical Garden welcomes the 19th year of its Hats in the Garden event, and Leslie Odom Jr. returns to Artis—Naples for a standout performance full of Broadway hits. Crowds gather in Fort Myers for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party—bagpipes and all—and restaurants, artists and artisans unite for the Taste of Punta Gorda 2023 and Beyond festival. Don’t jinx yourself by missing out on this month’s events.
Mar. 1
Naples Design District’s Centennial Celebration
Commemorate the district’s history with dining and shopping deals, a scavenger hunt and a public art unveiling from sculptor Brett F. Harvey at METHOD & CONCEPT’s new ACL | ROW Sculpture Park. Enjoy a sneak preview of the highly anticipated Warren American Whiskey Kitchen, set to debut later this spring at The Collective; sip on drinks from Riptide Brewing Company; and shop STARability Foundation’s STAR Store & Studio’s newest candle collection. Participants from the program run the store, and all purchases benefit the nonprofit.
Mar. 1 – Apr. 2
The Sound of Music at Blackburn Hall, Naples
The Naples Players stage the Tony Award-winning Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, inspired by the true story of the Trapp family singers. Seasoned talent Dawn Lebrecht Fornara—also known for her acting roles at TheatreZone—wears both director and choreographer hats for this company’s 40-person ensemble.
Mar. 2-5
Bonita Springs Boat Show at the Bonita Springs Poker Room
See hundreds of boats on display on the grounds of the Bonita Springs Poker Room. Dealers include Marco Yacht Sale, which brings its 2023 Trifecta Saltwater Pontoon, with no-rot composite decks for a stronger, lighter freshwater ride; The Boat Place in Fort Myers, showing off its Cape Horn 32, with a redesigned floorplan for added comfort; Pier One Yacht Sales; and Walker Marine Group. Stock up on gear and find your dream crew, with dozens of vendors showing off their water accessories, services and marine-related artists and makers.
Mar. 3-24
Her Story and Salvaged Sunshine at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers
Two women-led exhibits get top billing at Sidney & Berne. Her Story assembles works representing female empowerment, including installations and performance arts, while Salvaged Sunshine features the colorful, found-object collages of local artist Samantha Severson.
Mar. 4
Naples Craft Beer Fest at Bayfront, Naples
Some of the region’s top breweries, including Scotty’s Bierwerks and Ankrolab Brewing Company, join restaurants and local musicians for this annual festival (which sold out last year) to benefit the Naples North Rotary Club.
Mar. 4 – Jun. 11
Miradas de Mujeres: Isabelle de Borchgrave and the World of Frida Kahlo at Naples Art
Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave—known for her paper recreations of historic European costuming—fashions Frida Kahlo’s distinctive wardrobe with vibrantly painted paper sculptures.
Mar. 4 – Oct. 15
Naples Collects at Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum
Revered, local art collectors, such as Patty and Jay Baker, Terry and Bob Edwards, Jody and Gerald Lippes, Ralph and Shelly Stayer, and Suzanne and Norman Cohn, showcase their prized works. Artists on view include Roy Lichtenstein, Claude Monet and Robert De Niro, Sr.
Mar. 5
Punta Gorda Symphony at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center
Internationally acclaimed pianist Roman Rabinovich plays Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 as part of the symphony’s monthly concert series.
Mar. 5
Taste of Punta Gorda and Beyond 2023 at Laishley Park, Punta Gorda
Restaurants from around the city—including Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill and Blu Grotto Italian Ristorante—show off their chops in this 15th-anniversary event. Browse the 32 arts and crafts vendors in between bites, and stay for a performance by rock and soul band The BoogieMen.
Mar. 6
Go Bully for “Ding”: An Evening with Teddy Roosevelt at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Fort Myers
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society hosts their annual fundraiser with dinner, drinks and entertainment from a Teddy Roosevelt impersonator, honoring the conservationist relationship between the president and J.N. “Ding” Darling. Donations from the event benefit the Refuge’s Hurricane Ian recovery efforts, along with future education efforts.
Mar. 6 – Apr. 4
Members Show at Marco Island Center for the Arts
As part of Collier County’s ¡ARTE VIVA! season-long celebration of Latin and Spanish art, Marco Island artists, working in various media, draw inspiration from the work of Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, Diego Rivera and Salvador Dalí.
Mar. 7-16
Richard Segalman’s Silhouettes Exhibition at Harmon-Meek Gallery, Naples
The late Richard Segalman—whose works are in permanent collections at more than 40 museums (including the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington D.C.)—often depicted Naples in his pastel and oil paintings. Some of his more popular works feature Naples beaches in soft tones, featuring contemplative figures in the sand.
Mar. 7-11
ECHO Global Food and Farm Festival, North Fort Myers
Brush up on your cooking and gardening skills with culinary demos, sustainable living workshops, garden-planning guides and tours of the 57-acre nonprofit farm that focuses on addressing world hunger by empowering farmers.
Mar. 8
Songs of Ireland at Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers
Part of Gulfshore Opera’s open-air concert series, this performance by the GO Divas features traditional Irish songs, contemporary arrangements and covers of hits from the Celtic Woman ensemble.
Mar. 10
Fleetwood Max at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers
Catch the sounds of Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie and Lindsay Buckingham with this tribute show at SBDAC. The Fleetwood Max fivesome plays across the country, and frontwoman Sharon impresses as she embodies the original band’s lead singer.
Mar. 10-12
Kevin Nealon at Off The Hook Comedy Club, Naples
The former Saturday Night Live star, who also appeared in Showtime’s Weeds and HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, returns to his stand-up roots.
Mar. 11
Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Set up early for a prime spot along Fifth Avenue South or Third Street South for this 47-year-old tradition, which draws more than 40,000 green-clad revelers downtown. Legendary college football coach Lou Holtz acts as grand marshal for the parade.
Mar. 11
An Evening with Leslie Odom, Jr. at Artis—Naples
The Tony Award-winning actor and musician, best known for playing Aaron Burr in Hamilton, performs his music and other Broadway hits in Hayes Hall.
Mar. 12
Gulfshore Opera Gala at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church and The Club at the Strand, Naples
Listen to nationally recognized opera artists Robyn Lamp, Derrek Stark and Corey Crider in the one-hour concert, “Bel Canto to Bernstein.” Patrons who purchase the Gala package head to The Club at the Strand after the show for a reception and dinner, where guests can meet the trio.
Mar. 14-19
Jesus Christ Superstar at Artis—Naples
The Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical—a rock-opera retelling of The Passion of the Christ through the eyes of Judas—celebrates its 50th anniversary with a North American tour.
Mar. 14 – Apr. 2
The Cocktail Hour at the Players Circle Theater, North Fort Myers
In Pulitzer-nominated playwright A.R. Gurney’s comedy of manners, the son of an upper-crust family spoils his parents’ cocktail hour by revealing they are the subject of his latest play.
Mar. 17
St. Patrick’s Day Block Party, Fort Myers
Partygoers fill the streets in downtown Fort Myers for this annual celebration, with live music, food from local restaurants and plenty of green beer.
Gulf Coast Symphony presents Gypsy: A Musical Fable at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
The 1959 musical follows Rose, a driven stage mother determined to get her daughters into show business. The show helped launch the career of legendary Broadway composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim.
Mar. 19
Naples Dixieland Jazz Band at Cambier Park
Bring a lawn chair to this afternoon of New Orleans-style jazz—part of the Naples Jazz Society’s monthly concert series.
Mar. 19
Simply the Best: Tina Turner Tribute at Naples Bay Resort & Marina
This intimate concert—seating 110 guests in a cabaret-style setting—celebrates the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Fronted by Chicago-based artist Elisa Latrice (who used to be a backup vocalist for Snoop Dogg), the show covers Tina’s fan-favorite songs and her fiery energy and dynamic wardrobe.
Mar. 20 – Apr. 8
Joanne Rafferty at East West Fine Art, Naples
Abstract artist Joanne Rafferty’s brightly colored landscapes are layered with rich textures, including handmade papers, fabrics, metals and glass beads.
Mar. 21 – Apr. 5
Festival Under the Stars at Cambier Park, Naples
The third-annual outdoor opera festival, conducted by Ramón Tebar, includes a concert with star soprano Jennifer Rowley, a night of flamenco and performances of Georges Bizet’s Carmen.
Mar. 23 – Apr. 16
Barefoot in the Park at Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples
Neil Simon’s longest-running Broadway show-turned-film, starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda, hits the local stage with this romantic comedy about a newlywed odd couple.
Mar. 24
The Roy Orbison Experience at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers
The Vernon Kelton Band performs the singer’s hits while following the highs and lows of his personal life and professional career in this first-ever, live music documentary, produced by musician Steve Luongo.
Mar. 24 – Apr. 16
Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash at Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers
The country legend’s tumultuous life is the inspiration for this jukebox musical, with hits like “I Walk the Line” and “Folsom Prison Blues,” directed by Jason Parrish.
Mar. 24-26
Fort Myers River District Music Festival
Jam all weekend to rock, jazz, reggae and R&B bands, peruse the arts-and-crafts market and grab a bite from local food vendors during one of Fort Myers’ most musical annual events.
Mar. 25
Pan-Florida Challenge Cancer Bike Ride at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, Naples
The fundraiser brings together cyclists of all ages and levels to support the mission to fight cancer. Riders choose between different race lengths—10, 30, 62, 100 or 125-mile rides—all around Naples.
Mar. 28
The Guess Who at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
The Canadian superstar rock band returns to the stage to perform classic hits. With 11 studio albums and two number-one hits in the U.S., the current iteration of the band blends their classics with their modern tunes in this show.
Mar. 29
Hats in the Garden at Naples Botanical Garden
One of season’s biggest events invites patrons to don their most creative hats and fascinators as you raise funds for the 170-acre Naples Botanical Garden and its ecological efforts. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, caters lunch while the Champagne flows and Oscar de la Renta gowns hit the stage for the runway show.
Mar. 31 – Apr. 16
Pass Over at The Laboratory Theater of Florida, Fort Myers
Playwright Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu riffs on Waiting for Godot in this politically charged story about the lives of two young Black men seeking their “promised land.”