Summer events fill the calendar across Southwest Florida, with museum exhibitions, live music, festivals, film screenings and Fourth of July celebrations taking place throughout the region. This roundup highlights standout happenings from the Paradise Coast to the Gulf Coast, including events in Naples, Fort Myers, Marco Island, Sanibel Island and neighboring communities.
Through Jul. 11
America the Beautiful at Marco Island Historical Museum
Renowned photographer Clyde Butcher, with his signature lens on landscapes, honors America’s 250th birthday with a large-format photography showcase on National Parks. From Glacier National Park’s shadowed mountain faces to the Everglades’ waving muhly grass, this exhibition spans over five decades of the nation’s natural allure. Beyond aesthetic appeal, the show documents how the land evolves over time and with human intervention; a call to action to appreciate and defend the country’s backyards. Learn more.
Through Jul. 12
New Ways of Seeing at Naples Art Institute
What began as a relationship built over a torn painting in need of restoration has blossomed into a revelatory showcase for Naples Art Institute executive director and chief curator Frank Verpoorten and a private collector couple in Naples. Now on display, the exhibit traces the evolution of modern American art through the work of 70 artists whose work the couple has collected over four decades. Artists range from renowned names, such as Jackson Pollock, to forgotten forebears, including Belle Cramer. Learn more.
Through Jul. 16
All The Buzz! at Tribby Arts Center, Fort Myers
Tribby artists unite with Art Quilters Unlimited for an exhibition interpreting the sights, sounds and sensations behind the word ‘buzz.’ In this multimedia exhibition, paintings capture electric razors and cell phone notifications, and quilted beetles stretch across walls. A book on display from renowned entomologist George McGavin, Bugs, adds an academic edge for kids.
Through Aug. 1
The Perspectives That Shape Us at Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers
In a diverse creative landscape of emerging and established artists, this exhibition celebrates their processes, imaginations and visual works that tell stories. From abstract artist Eric Radde to plein air painter John Rizza, these artists’ works depict living, creating and being part of Southwest Florida’s art community. Learn more.
Jul. 3
America at 250: A Symphonic Celebration at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
The Gulf Coast Symphony brings sweeping, patriotic sounds to Fort Myers to celebrate America’s historic birthday on the eve of Independence Day. Internationally acclaimed pianist and composer A Bu takes the helm, directing the symphonic procession through great works by Aaron Copland, John Williams and George Gershwin. Through film scores, such as those from Saving Private Ryan and Born on the Fourth of July, the production also pays tribute to those who have served. Learn more.
Jul. 3
World Cup Watch Party at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, Naples
On the Great Lawn, FC Naples and Paradise Coast Sports Complex host the largest of their FIFA World Cup watch parties to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. The match starts at 6 p.m., and the Jumbotron screens two international teams of the previous 32 going head-to-head. At on-site entertainment venue The Cove, drinks and food truck bites keep soccer enthusiasts refreshed in the mid-summer heat. Learn more.
Jul. 4
Fourth of July events at various locations throughout the region
On the 250th anniversary of our nation, the Gulf Coast teems with celebrations of freedom. On Marco Island, South Marco Beach is the go-to spot for fireworks during its 4th of July Celebration. Neapolitans fill the sides of Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South for the patriotic 4th of July Parade and end the day with a fireworks show over the Naples Pier. Downtown Bonita Springs shows its pride with a morning Independence Day Parade and evening drone, fireworks and laser show, Star-Spangled Bonita, in Riverside Park. A Rooftop Bash makes Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center a festive evening hub in Fort Myers, while the rest of downtown lights up with a parade and fireworks. The largest event in the region, Red, White & Boom on Cape Coral Parkway, offers an extensive fireworks display, national entertainment and fair games. Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda promises an exciting Independence Weekend Celebration with a fireworks cruise from King Fisher Fleet, while Sanibel Island honors the holiday with a parade and the Road Rally. Dating to 1979, the tradition allows islanders to embark on a scavenger hunt across the island.
Jul. 25 — Sep. 20
Intersections at Naples Art Institute
Naples Art Institute caps off a season of permanent collection reveals—from Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum to Florida Gulf Coast University—with a selection of about 75 works from the NAI permanent collection, including recent acquisitions on display for the first time. Learn more.
Multiple Days in July
Midsummer Musicals at Paragon Theaters Pavilion, Naples
Amid today’s rise of straight-to-streaming releases, Naples Cinematheque upholds cinema’s storied traditions. Owner David Garonzik, a former projectionist who worked with international film festivals and Miramax productions, curates twice-weekly vintage film experiences that feel more like the exclusive premieres of Hollywood's golden age. Every Monday and Wednesday in July, see Midsummer Musicals of his choice on Paragon Theaters Pavilion’s big screen: 42nd Street, Hollywood Canteen, The Band Wagon and Gypsy at 1 p.m. Learn more.