Top Events from September to May.
September
Now through Oct. 15
Naples Invitational at Naples Art Institute
Around 40 Naples artists showcase their contemporary works in the show. This year’s exhibition is dedicated to Gail Geary, one of the featured artists, who passed away opening weekend.
Now through Apr. 2026
Key Marco Artifacts Exhibit at the Marco Island Historical Museum
Historic carvings from the Calusa come back home for a time. See the legendary Key Marco Cat, a 6-inch hardwood figurine on loan from the Smithsonian Institution, or the mask-like Key Marco deer figurehead.
Sep. 1 - 30
Storm Stories at Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers
Artists depict their experiences during and after Hurricane Ian, in honor of the storm’s first anniversary. Oral and written stories from community members accompany the two- and three-dimensional pieces, made largely from recycled materials uncovered in the aftermath.
Sep. 2
Meet Clyde & Niki Butcher: 30th Anniversary at Big Cypress Gallery, Ochopee
Connect with the artists and environmental stewards in celebration of three decades of their gallery. Get a first look at two of Clyde’s new commemorative art pieces for the occasion.
Sep. 2 - Apr. 7
Tamara Kostianovsky: Botanical Revolution at Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum
The New York-based artist takes clothing or used textiles and makes sculptures resembling plants and animals. Her works are site-specific, and this one, inspired by Southwest Florida, draws on local bird and plant life.
Sep. 7 - 27
Sizzle Dining’s SWFL Restaurant Week
More than 50 of Southwest Florida’s best restaurants offer great dining deals on unique prix fixe menus, all in support of fighting children’s food insecurity.
Sep. 14
Thomas Rhett at Hertz Arena, Estero
The five-time Grammy Award-nominated country star wraps up his Home Team Tour, which also features acts Cole Swindell and Nate Smith.
Sep. 15 - 17
New Works Festival at Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples
The 10th-annual, juried festival showcases never-before-seen plays from up-and-coming playwrights from around the country.
Sep. 27
Island Hopper Singer-Songwriter ACMA Showcase at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers
Members of the Americana Community Music Association perform original compositions and share the stories behind the songs in this annual event.
October
Oct. 12 - 15
Heathers: The Musical at Florida Gulf Coast University, Estero
TheatreZone and FGCU’s Bower School of Music put on the musical version of the ’80s cult classic.
Oct. 13 - Nov 16
Citrus Flux at the Wasmer Gallery, Florida Gulf Coast University
Alumnae Lauren Ashley S. Baker, Jessica Dehen and Karri Leamon return to display a variety of work, including sculptures, paintings, installations and video projections.
Oct. 14
The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers
Enjoy an outdoor screening of this cult classic film, starring Tim Curry. The story follows a young couple who find themselves stuck in a mansion with a cast of eclectic characters for one wild night.
Oct. 19
Wicked Walk at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers
Lee County school students present spooky-themed art, music and theater in this annual Halloween tradition.
Oct. 20 - Nov. 12
Misery at The Laboratory Theater of Florida, Fort Myers
Based on the Stephen King novel, this production follows author Paul Sheldon as he ends up stuck with an energetic—and potentially dangerous—fan.
Oct. 21
Brave New Pops 1: R.E.M. Explored with Mike Mills & Robert McDuffie at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
The Southwest Florida Symphony joins R.E.M. member Mike Mills and violinist Robert McDuffie for an exploration of the classic rock band’s greatest hits.
Oct. 22
Considering Matthew Shepard at Naples United Church of Christ
Choral Artistry performs Grammy-winner Craig Hella Johnson’s piece honoring the memory of Matthew Shepard, whose hate-crime murder 25 years ago sparked a seismic shift in LGBTQ rights.
Oct. 26 - 29
Naples International Film Festival
In its 15th year, the festival screens dozens of movies from filmmakers worldwide at Artis—Naples and other nearby locations. Screenings include shorts, narrative films and documentaries.
Oct. 27 - 29
Stone Crab Festival at Tin City, Naples
The festival marks the beginning of stone crab season. Find music, drinks and plenty of seafood.
Oct. 29
Maluma at Hertz Arena
The Colombian singer and rapper returns to the States on his 30-stop, North American leg of the Don Juan World Tour.
Date TBD
Boo at the Zoo at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Find family-friendly Halloween fun at the Naples Zoo, where even the animals get special treats. Kids in costume get in free.
November
Nov. 2023 - Jan. 2024
Victor Vasarely: The Absolute Eye at Naples Art Institute
The French-Hungarian artist is known as the grandfather of op art (optical art) for his complex pieces of geometric designs.
Nov. 1
Gulfshore Ballet Opening Gala at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
Southwest Florida’s first professional ballet company makes their debut.
Nov. 4 - 5
Día de los Muertos Celebration at the Naples Botanical Garden
Celebrate the Day of the Dead with special events at the garden, including live Latin music and dance, kids’ activities, and Mexican food.
Nov. 4 - 5
WINK’s Taste of the Town at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, Fort Myers
Spend the afternoon sampling plates from about 25 of Lee County’s best restaurants and food trucks.
Nov. 9 - 12
Fort Myers Boat Show
Southwest Florida’s biggest boat show features more than 500 boats and dozens of marine vendors in the River District, with more than 15,000 boating enthusiasts in attendance.
Nov. 13
Naples Big Band at Cambier Park
Enjoy the group’s first concert of the season in a two-hour show of big band classics. Performances are held monthly in season.
Nov. 14
GO Divas at Shangri-La Springs, Bonita Springs
Gulfshore Opera’s female ensemble returns with a concert featuring classic pop and opera tunes, like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” remixed with “The Magic Flute.”
Nov. 14 - Mar. 2
Out of Sand: The Origins of Golf on Marco Island at Marco Island Historical Museum
The interactive historical exhibit offers something for expert and novice golfers.
Nov. 16
Overture to Alexander — A Toast to the Future at Artis—Naples
Alexander Shelley makes his debut as the new artistic and music director of the Naples Philharmonic in a performance of well-known and lesser-known overtures.
Nov. 24 - Dec. 30
Holiday Nights at Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers
View thousands of lights and hundreds of historic decorations across the property.
Nov. 29 - Dec. 17
The Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again] at Marco Island Center for the Arts
With plenty of irreverence and pomp, this comedy offers a madcap ride through the Bard’s classic works.
December
Dec. 1
Empty Bowls Fundraiser at Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers
The 17th-annual fundraiser raises money for people facing food insecurity. Soup is poured from about 11:30 a.m. until the food runs out in bowls made by local artists in the school’s ceramic studio.
Dec. 3
Deck The Halls at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
Gulf Coast Symphony and Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers reunite in this concert full of symphonic holiday pop tunes.
Dec. 4 - 10
The Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburón Golf Club, Naples
This new mixed-team tournament features 16 PGA and 16 LPGA players competing for more than $4 million in prize money.
Dec. 8 - 9
It’s a Wonderful Life (Live Radio Play) at Cambier Park, Naples
The Naples Players perform the beloved Christmas story in the form of a 1940s radio broadcast.
Dec. 11 - Jan. 1
Cloud Tree at East West Fine Art, Naples
The Russian-born painter Stanislav Plutenko plays with realism and surrealism in this new solo show.
Dec. 13
Steve Miller Band at Hertz Arena, Estero
The California-based Rock & Roll Hall of Famers are still playing their classic and psychedelic rock hits like “‘Space Cowboy,” “The Joker” and “Take the Money and Run.”
Dec. 16
The Nutcracker at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
Gulfshore Ballet and Gulf Coast Symphony team up to present a fresh take on the Tchaikovsky holiday classic, featuring new choreography by Illiana Lopez and Franklin Gamero.
Dec. 18 - Feb. 29
Daydreaming: Niki Butcher’s Hand-Painted Photography at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel
Niki Butcher, wife of celebrated landscape photographer Clyde Butcher, showcases a decades’ worth of work, in which she paints over her black-and-white photographs with pastel hues. Follow the exhibit as it moves to Marco Island Historical Museum Mar. 12 - Jun. 8.
January
Jan. - Mar.
Stitching History from The Holocaust at Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, Naples
Fashion designer Hedwig Strnad perished in Nazi-occupied Prague. This special exhibit tells her story—and the story of other Holocaust victims—through recreations of her dress designs .
Jan. 5 -Feb. 22
On the Road Again: The Hubcap as Art at Shell Point, Fort Myers
A creative way to practice recycling, this traveling exhibition features about 200 sculptures that incorporate used hubcaps.
Jan. 6
The Champ Jaxon Band at Cultural Park Theater, Cape Coral
The local teenager inspires a new generation of blues fans while honoring the old, having played with the likes of The Marshall Tucker Band and the Allman Betts Band.
Jan. 7
Canadian Brass at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
Clad in tuxes and white running shoes, the quintet brings world-class playing—and a little humor—to each performance.
fortmyerscommunityconcerts.org
Jan. 12 - 28
Beehive: The ’60s Musical at Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers
Six women star in this musical celebrating the songs of legendary female singers, such as Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin.
Jan. 11 - Feb. 4
The Refugees at Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples
The world premiere of Brent Askari’s play tells the story of an American family that finds themselves as refugees in the Middle East.
Jan. 11 - 21
Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical at TheatreZone, Naples
The lives of the infamous outlaw couple are told through an electrifying soundtrack of blues, gospel and rockabilly.
Jan. 18 - 21
Naples Boat Show at Sugden Regional Park and Naples City Dock
Browse boats and wares from top dealers during this annual event. A free shuttle service takes visitors between the two locations.
Jan. 19 - Feb. 29
A Tenuous Framework at Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers
Artists Shana McCaw and Brent Budsberg explore their connections to ancestry and place through this video installation and other multimedia works.
Jan. 23 - 28
HADESTOWN at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
Explore the Greek tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice in a new setting with the Broadway touring show.
Jan. 27
Judith Hill at BIG ARTS, Sanibel
The Grammy Award winner has performed with vocal legends, including Michael Jackson, Prince and Stevie Wonder.
Jan. TBD
Iolanthe at Opera Naples
This comedic show by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan has been popular among audiences for centuries.
February
Feb. - Mar.
Naples Jewish Film Festival
The 11th annual festival showcases the best new Israeli films and international Jewish cinema.
Feb. - Jun.
George Gershwin and Modern Art: A Rhapsody in Blue at Artis—Naples
This exhibit features the famed composer’s paintings, drawings and photographs. Don’t miss the accompanying concert with the Naples Philharmonic on May 15.
Feb. 1 - 4
Cars on Fifth, Naples
More than 650 Ferraris, roadsters and muscle cars line Fifth Avenue South during this 20-year-old event.
Feb. 2 - 4
ArtFest Fort Myers
About 200 artists from around the country showcase their best works in a waterfront setting in Downtown Fort Myers.
Feb. 2 - 4
Everglades Seafood Festival
Fresh catch is the star of this festival that’s been an Everglades City tradition for more than 50 years.
Feb. 9
Gulfshore Opera 10th Anniversary Celebration Concert at Moorings Presbyterian Church, Naples
Tenor Michael Fabiano—who’s performed at the Metropolitan Opera and Paris Opera, and other world-class venues—plays with Gulfshore Opera.
Feb. 17
Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade
The annual extravaganza honors the life of Fort Myers winter resident Thomas Edison and culminates with the two-hour Grand Parade.
Feb. 20 - 21
The Mersey Beatles: Four Lads from Liverpool at TheatreZone, Naples
After continuing to tour the world, the famed Beatles tribute band returns with a new lineup.
Feb. 20 - 25
TINA – The Tina Turner
Musical at Artis—Naples The musical tells the life of the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll through her music. See the touring company at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers Feb. 27 - Mar. 3.
Feb. 20 - 25
Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
The Broadway production of this classic novel explores racial injustice through the eyes of a young girl.
Feb. 16 - 18
Naples Orchid Society Annual Show & Sale at Naples Botanical Garden
Attend educational programs, view new displays of rare species and hybrids, and purchase an orchid of your own at this fan-favorite event.
Feb. 23 - 25
Annual Ikebana Exhibition at Naples Botanical Garden
Dive into the meditative Japanese art of flower arranging during this three-day event.
Feb. 23 - Apr. 6
Beautiful: The Carol King Musical at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Fort Myers
Follow the true story of the iconic singer’s journey in this Tony- and Grammy Award-winning show, featuring some of her greatest hits.
Feb. 24
Burrowing Owl Festival at Rotary Park, Cape Coral
Environmental organizations educate visitors on the region’s nature scene. Catch a conservation tour to see the winged creature in its natural habitat.
Feb. 27
Ben Rosenblum Jazz at Marco Island Center for the Arts
The New York-based pianist performs original compositions that reflect his worldwide travels, with influences from Afro-Cuban to Brazilian to Celtic to Eastern European music.
Feb. 28 - Mar. 10
Festival Under the Stars at Cambier Park, Naples
Opera Naples’ artistic director, Ramón Tebar, helms this two-week celebration featuring world-class opera stars outside in Downtown Naples.
Feb. 29 - Mar. 3
Bonita Springs Boat Show at the Bonita Springs Poker Room
The outdoor show has something for boaters of all stripes, with hundreds of displays from the industry’s top vendors.
Feb. TBD
SWFL VegFest at Farmer Mike’s U-Pick, Bonita Springs
Celebrate all things veggie at the event featuring speakers, kids’ activities and plenty of tasty plant-based dishes to go around.
March
Mar. 5 - 16
Richard Segalman at Harmon-Meek Gallery, Naples
The gallery exhibits the work of the late artist who captured the beauty of Naples’ beaches.
Mar. 6 - 27
Homage to Andy Warhol at Aldo Castillo Gallery, Naples
The group show pays tribute to the Pop Art innovator. Expect vibrant colors and plenty of cultural references.
Mar. 9
SWFL Wellness Fair
Try new foods, participate in yoga classes and connect with like-minded people during this three-year-old event.
Mar. 12 - 16
ECHO’S Global Food & Farm Festival, Fort Myers
The North Fort Myers farm hosts its annual festival with cooking demos, tastings and presentations about how to live a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
Mar. 21 - Apr. 21
She Loves Me at Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples
Playhouse founder Kristen Coury directs this charming musical that inspired the movie You’ve Got Mail. It’s the last show in the Norris Community Center before the company moves to the Baker Theatre and Education Center in the fall of 2024.
Mar. 26 - 31
Mrs. Doubtfire at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
This musical comedy follows a divorced father as he does whatever he can to reconnect with his children.
April
Apr. 2
Miami City Ballet at Artis—Naples
The renowned dance company returns with 12 dancers to Artis—Naples to perform Agon, the ballet from influential 20th-century choreographer George Balanchine, alongside The Naples Philharmonic.
Apr. 4
Southwest Florida Symphony at Shell Point, Fort Myers
Maestro Radu Paponiu, the former associate conductor with the Naples Philharmonic, makes his debut leading the Southwest Florida Symphony.
Apr. 13 - 20
Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championships at Naples Pickleball Center
About 3,000 of the world’s best pickleball players compete for big prize money, with about 40,000 attendees watching throughout the week.
usopenpickleballchampionship.com
Apr. 17
Gulfshore Opera presents Turandot at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center, Fort Myers
To end their season, Gulfshore Opera showcases the classic work from composer Giacomo Puccini, including the famous “Nessun Dorma” aria.
Apr. 22
Earth Day at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Naples
This free event celebrates Mother Earth with educational kids’ activities, food trucks and animal encounters.
Apr. 23 - May 5
Hamilton at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center
The Broadway touring production brings the Lin Manuel Miranda-penned retelling of Alexander Hamilton’s life to town.
Apr. 25 - May 5
Carrie: The Musical at TheatreZone, Naples
Don’t miss this take on Stephen King’s novel about a telekinetic teenager who gets revenge on her popular high school classmates.
May
May 1 - 26
The Naples Players presents The Play That Goes Wrong
In the renovated Kizzie Theater at Sugden Theater, a play within a play unfolds in this comedic murder mystery.
May 10
“Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, Sanibel
Try your hand at reeling in the so-called Silver King off the coast of J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
May 18
Brave New Pops 3: ’70s, ’80s, ’90s Unplugged at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
The Southwest Florida Symphony gives their “unplugged” take on hits by Nirvana, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart and others.
May 22-26
Fort Myers Film Festival
The 14th-annual festival takes place at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, with coveted screenings at other venues throughout the weekend.
May 30 - Jun. 2
Fringe Fort Myers at Alliance for the Arts
The organization stages underground or experimental forms of theater and performing arts.
June
Date TBD
Naples Pride
The family-friendly festival offers music and entertainers, food trucks, and games to benefit the Naples Pride Center.
Jun. 9
Festival of Great Organ Music at Artis—Naples
Players from the American Guild of Organists test the limits of the massive Casavant-Frères organ in Hayes Hall.