Cars on 5th Courtesy Brittney Kleis
The shortest month of the year doesn’t imply a shortage of events. With the Everglades Seafood Festival returning with fresh stone crab, gator and frog legs, a one-night-only experience with The Temptations & The Four Tops, and Naples’ Cars on Fifth Concours, you won’t want for cultural entertainment and culinary delights. Here’s your guide to the stand-out events you won’t want to miss this February.
Feb. 2-5
Cars on 5th, Naples
The weekend opens with a future-themed Jetport Reception on Feb. 2, featuring exotic cars, planes and robots. On Feb. 3, the Naples Motorcar Auction showcases fine vehicles from the Saratoga Automobile Museum. And more than 700 exotic, luxury and vintage sports cars line the streets of Fifth Avenue South on Feb. 4 to compete for Best In Show in the Cars on 5th Concours. Last year’s event drew in $1.2 million for St. Matthew’s House.
Feb. 3-4
Ghost Walk at Koreshan State Park, Estero
Journey to the past and celebrate 30 years of this annual historic event. Walk among the founders of Koreshan Unity Settlement and listen to the stories of how Dr. Cyrus Reed brought the community to life.
Feb. 3-5
ArtFest Fort Myers
Mingle with creatives and shop new works from more than 200 artists along downtown Fort Myers’ waterfront. Expect live music, food vendors, art competitions and activities, including the annual 5K timed race and a designated space for kids to play and make art.
Feb. 4
Naples Distance Classic Half Marathon, 10K & 5K at Eagle Lakes Community Park
Set your own pace by choosing between three races through Eagle Lakes Community Park and Lely Resort. Every top-five runner in each age group receives an award.
Feb. 4
John McEuen at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers
In 1972, country-rock pioneers Nitty Gritty Dirt Band released “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” an iteration of a popular hymn, to international acclaim. Now, founding member John McEuen performs a multimedia show reflecting on 50 years of stardom with an ensemble of musicians.
Feb. 4-5
Arts & Crafts & Artisan Festival at Laishley Park, Punta Gorda
Browse arts and crafts to the tune of live music along the waterfront at this market, open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Food trucks offer the fuel you need to shop all day.
Feb. 4 – May 7
Love Stories: From the National Portrait Gallery, London at Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum
The world’s most extensive collection of portraits comes to Naples with masterpieces, including a photo of Paul and Linda McCartney and the painting baroque artist Sir Anthony van Dyck created of famed English beauty Lady Digby (Venetia Stanley) at the request of her distraught husband after her untimely death. The series depicts stories of romance and obsession, with works by greats, such as David Hockney, Man Ray and Sir Joshua.
Feb. 5
Forever Rod: A Tribute to Rod Stewart Starring Martin Andrew at DeRomo’s, Bonita Springs
Feast on hors d’oeuvres and enjoy a buffet dinner and drinks while hearing classic rock songs from the British icon, performed by tribute artist Forever Rod. Rod the Mod’s spiky blond hair and expressive dance moves are guaranteed at this dinner show.
Feb. 5
Night Hike at Calusa Nature Center, Fort Myers
Journey into the dark under a canopy of pine flatwoods and cypress trees. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for bats, owls and other nocturnal creatures, and search for the north star in the sky above.
Feb. 7-12
On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan at Artis—Naples
This touring show follows the husband-wife, Cuban-American producer and singer from humble beginnings in Miami’s Little Havana to super-stardom. Songs like “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Get on Your Feet” and “Conga” reflect the dynamic couple’s talent and ingenuity, their love story and their impact on amplifying Latin culture.
Feb. 7-25
New Works by Reynier Llanes at Harmon-Meek Gallery, Naples
Touted by Oxford America as one of the “New Superstars of Southern Art,” the Cuban-born artist paints in oil, watercolor and coffee to create layered expressionist works, many of which recall his native country.
Feb. 8 - Mar. 5
Sylvia at The Naples Players
In this comedy, couple Greg and Kate move to Manhattan as the former considers retirement. Greg meets Syliva, a street-smart poodle mix in Central Park, and brings her home to his wife. Chaos and amusement ensue in this heartwarming tale of who, exactly, is man’s best friend.
Feb. 9
Watercolors & Wildlife: Painting with Jan at Rookery Bay, Naples
Join local artist Jan Deswik as she offers a two-and-a-half-hour, step-by-step class on watercolor painting. Your subject: Florida’s manatees. All materials are included, so all you need is your creative spirit and can-do attitude.
Feb. 11 – March 12
Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot at Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples
The classic musical retells the legend of King Arthur as his ideals are tested when his queen falls for Lancelot. The original Broadway hit in 1960 won four Tony Awards and inspired a film starring Richard Burton and Julie Andrews.
Feb. 10 – March 11
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at The Laboratory Theater of Florida, Fort Myers
The Stephen Sondheim musical thriller tells the gory tale of an unjustly exiled English barber who returns to London, where he uses a straight razor and a failing pie shop as instruments of his revenge.
Feb. 11-12
Edison Ford Spring Garden Festival at Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers
The estate’s renowned plant sale brings garden vendors from across the state to Fort Myers, with blooming hibiscus, bromilieads, succulents, cacti and many more colorful plants. Ceramic flower pots and garden art offer ways to dress up your flaura and fauna, and a designated plant holding tent keeps your greenery protected while you browse.
Feb. 11
Art and Artisan Festival at Mercola Market, Cape Coral
Local artisans sell their handcrafted creations at the market, while the cafe serves draft beer and biodynamic wines.
Feb. 11-12
Bowie & Glass with Southwest Florida Symphony
The symphony joins the Florida ensemble Voltron Collective to perform composer Philip Glass’ “Symphony No. 4 (Heroes),” which celebrates the life and work of David Bowie. See the show Saturday at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers or Sunday at Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda.
Feb. 11-12
Bonita Springs National Arts Festival at Riverside Park
After more than 50 festivals, the Centers for the Arts Bonita continues to build on this event, rated as one of the top Fine Art Festivals in the country. The juried festival brings 200 artists—painters, sculptors, photographers and craftspeople—to display their work near the Imperial River.
Feb 14- March 5
On Golden Pond at Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers
In this play—which inspired the Oscar Award-winning movie of the same name—an elderly couple’s summer at the lake is upended by the arrival of their estranged daughter.
February 16-17
The Mersey Beatles at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers
This Liverpool-based tribute band, made up of childhood friends, has played in 20 countries and was the resident band at the Cavern Club—where The Beatles began—for more than a decade. Thursday night’s performance in The Grand Atrium covers the original band’s early years, and Friday night’s show on Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden recreates Apple Records’ famous rooftop concert.
Feb. 17-19
Everglades Seafood Festival at City Hall, Everglades City
Venture to Everglades City for fresh-caught stone crab, Gulf shrimp, fried gator and frog legs. In its 53rd year, the weekend festival features live music, carnival rides, arts and crafts vendors, and fireworks.
Feb. 17 – April 9
Jersey Boys at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Fort Myers
The Broadway hit explores the rise and fall of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The Tony Award-winning musical follows the band through their 40-year friendship, from their New Jersey beginnings to the top of the charts.
Feb. 18
Edison Festival of Light, Fort Myers
Celebrate the namesake inventor in style with festivities all around town. Artisans present original jewelry designs, paintings, photography and sculptures at the Crafts on the River showcase in Centennial Park. At 4 p.m., head downtown to Edwards Drive with your team for the 2023 5K Run, where you race against more than 1,400 competitors in this 3.1-mile run; stick around after for an awards program. When it gets dark, find a spot on Main Street and park yourself for the two-hour Grand Parade at 7 p.m. Cheer on marching bands, floats and clowns as they trek through the city, from Fort Myers High School to Second Street in the parade’s 85th year.
Feb. 19
Dancing with the Stars Live! at Artis—Naples
The 18-year show goes on the road again, with a stop at Hayes Hall. Fan-favorite dancers, like Gleb Savchenko and Emma Slater, waltz, foxtrot and rumba across the stage, with TV personality Gabby Windey (of The Bachelor) as the celeb guest.
Feb. 19
SWFL Veg Fest 2023 at Farmer Mike’s U Pick, Bonita Springs
Increase your plant-based lifestyle I.Q. and discover new favorite recipes, with vegetarian food trucks and cooking demos from wellness experts extolling the virtues of veggies.
Feb. 21
Unforgettable: Nat and Natalie with Naples Philharmonic Pops at Artis—Naples
Guest conductor Stuart Chafetz and award-winning vocalists Dee Daniels and Denzal Sinclaire honor the renowned father-daughter jazz duo in this performance with The Naples Philharmonic.
Feb. 23-24
John O’Hurley: A Man with Standards at TheatreZone, Naples
Best known for his role as J. Peterman on Seinfeld, the actor and singer performs a one-man show with The Great American Songbook classics and humorous stories of his career.
Feb. 24-26
Port Charlotte Greek Fest at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Port Charlotte
This annual festival unites classic Greek dishes, music and dancing. For an authentic experience, test your skills at grape stomping.
Feb. 24-26
Naples Orchid Society Show & Sale at Naples Botanical Garden
Shop prize-winning orchids and other rare blooming species from vendors across the state. You can also ogle the artistic orchid on display at Kapnick Hall.
Feb. 24 – March 19
The Devil is in the Details at East West Fine Art, Naples
Russian painters Dmitri Annenkov and Husan Kasimov showcase their hyperrealist works with attention to detail and realist techniques to create photorealistic paintings.
Feb. 25
Peace River Pride at Gilchrist Park, Punta Gorda
Drag shows, fabulous schwag and tons of great food and drink define Punta Gorda’s Pride Day celebration. Proceeds benefit the establishment of the first LGBTQ+ center in Charlotte County.
Feb. 25-26
Outdoor Arts and Crafts Show and Clay Guild Studio Sale at Marco Island Center for the Arts
Shop from the members’ clay creations, plus other local arts and craft vendors in this free community event.
Feb. 25-26
The National Art Fair at Cambier Park, Naples
More than 1,000 artists apply, but only 190 are chosen to display their work during the Naples Art Institute fair, consistently ranked among the best in the nation.
Feb. 26
The Beach Boys at Artis—Naples
We’re all California girls when the Beach Boys come to town, led by band co-founder and frontman Mike Love. With more than 60 years of experience and 15 Billboard Top 10 hit records, the setlist promises a night of good vibrations.