Southwest Florida summer is in full swing with these can’t-miss events. In Naples, professional soccer club FC Naples faces off against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. In Bonita Springs, a Huey Lewis and the News tribute band takes to the stage. And in Fort Myers, the beloved Broadway musical Annie delights audiences. Don’t miss these July events (and check out our 4th of July event blog to commemorate the holiday).
July 3 — Aug. 9
Annie at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Fort Myers
The dinner theater brings playwright Thomas Meehan’s 1977 smash hit musical Annie to Lee County audiences. With a soundtrack so ubiquitous that it’s found its way into pop hits of the 21st century, this seven-time Tony Award-winning production follows street-smart orphan Annie’s rags-to-riches journey. Learn more
July 4
FC Naples vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, Naples
Southwest Florida’s first professional soccer club, FC Naples, hosts the Tampa Bay Rowdies in an exhilarating Independence Day clash, marking this summer’s only regional matchup. Under the leadership of Marco Island-based head coach Matt Poland, the 22-person team aims to build momentum during its inaugural season. Learn more
July 10
Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
Joined by Bob Dylan’s former guitarist, Charlie Sexton, lauded British singer-songwriter Elvis Costello chronicles his musical journey from his acerbic 1977 debut album My Aim Is True to 1986's rock-forward Blood & Chocolate. The Fort Myers performance coincides with the release of King Of America & Other Realms, a newly remastered box set exploring Elvis' musical evolution through previously unreleased tracks, behind-the-scenes demos and recorded performances. Learn more
July 12
MangoMania at Winn-Dixie Plaza, St. James City
The Pine Island tropical fruit fair showcases a vibrant selection of tropical plants, trees and fruits available for sale, along with cooking contests centered around mango creations. As the region's cultivars reach their peak in July, attendees can indulge in a variety of homemade mango jams and jellies while enhancing their gardening skills with grafting and planting seminars. A portion of the event's proceeds will contribute to the ongoing recovery efforts for island businesses in the aftermath of recent hurricanes. Learn more
July 11-13
Zoltan Kaszas at Off the Hook Comedy Club, Naples
Award-winning comedian Zoltan Kaszas brings his Death-Defying Comedy Tour to Southwest Florida. Known for his quick wit and observational humor, Zoltan’s ability to turn relatable experiences into hilarious stories has earned him features on several SiriusXM comedy channels, Laughs on Fox and Netflix is a Joke radio festival. Learn more
July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 16
Entangled in the Mangroves: Meditation on Nature at Artis—Naples
Art, nature and meditation combine in this immersive, mindful experience led by local Zen teacher and founder of Zen & the Arts, Laurie Lyons. Laurie leads guests on a walking meditation through Artis—Naples’ Entangled in the Mangroves, bringing a deeper sense of connection and exploration of the exhibition’s theme of honoring the Everglades ecosystem by bringing together Indigenous communities, artists, scientists and activists. Learn more
July 16
(R)evolution of Opera: From the Medici Court to Broadway at Artis—Naples
As part of Artis—Naples’ dynamic, multimedia Grand Piano Series: Narrative Musicales, composer and pianist Konstantin Soukhovetski performs an original arrangement of works by Handel, Massenet, Puccini and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Engaging anecdotes and lively presentations punctuate the performance, chronicling the birth of musical theatre in Florence through its evolution to the stages of Broadway. Learn More
July 19 — October 26
Artists in Bloom at Naples Botanical Garden
United Arts Collier artists take over Kapnick Hall, with a diverse array of multimedia works, drawing inspiration from the Garden’s beauty. The juried exhibition explores the creative process from ideation to completion, to inspiration and offers guests the chance to drop in and engage with the artists during an opening day reception. Learn more
July 24
Shades of Bublé: A Three-Man Tribute to Michael Bublé at Artis—Naples
The timeless charm of Michael Bublé comes to Daniels Pavilion in this dynamic, three-man performance of the iconic jazz artist’s greatest hits like “Feeling Good,” “Come Fly With Me” and “Haven’t Met You Yet”. With sleek arrangements, captivating choreography and masterful harmonies the trio embodies the spirit of Michael Bublé’s music, capturing the artist’s nuanced sound by combining big-band standards, rock elements and modern pop tunes into one exhilarating performance. Learn more
July 25
The Power of Love: A Tribute to Huey Lewis & The News at Arts Bonita
Rock ‘n’ roll takes center stage in this high-energy tribute performance, bringing the music of Huey Lewis and The News back to life in an electrifying, toe-tapping performance of the group’s greatest hits, from “Workin’ for a Livin’” to “The Heart of Rock & Roll” to “The Power of Love.” Frontman Tommy C brings his decades of experience touring with legends of the genre like Chubby Checker, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard, exuding rockstar flair in this unforgettable performance. Learn more
July 31
Broadway Classics: A Musical Journey at Arts Bonita
Arts Bonita’s artist-in-residence Mark Sanders and pianist Phil Hinton bring Broadway classics to the stage in this celebration of showmanship through the decades. Expect iconic selections from classic productions like My Fair Lady and Carousel paired with performances from musicals like Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables. Learn more
July 31 — Aug 3
Cirque du Soleil: OVO at Hertz Arena, Estero
Mind-bending acrobatics and interpretive aerial performances draw audiences into the secret life of bugs. Performers embody their insect counterparts with intricately pleated costumes inspired by French fashion designer Pierre Cardin and choreography from Deborah Colker, known for her work in the opening ceremony of the 2016 Summer Olympics. Set to a Brazilian-inspired soundtrack melding funk and samba with bossa nova and electronic music, the production’s revived tour features new staging and acts. Learn more