Fall bursts onto the scene with vibrant celebrations. From en plein-air painter Joy Stanley’s colorful depictions of Naples to a Thanksgiving Day 5k in Estero and the iconic Holiday Nights Celebration at the historic Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, these bright and festive events keep the party going all month long.
Through Nov. 29
Biomorphic Design Art Exhibition at PDA Gallery, Naples
Explore the showroom’s treasure trove of postmodern art pieces featuring a collection of more than 40 objects that exceed expectations of form and function. Pieces in the exhibition draw inspiration from nature with structures that resemble the free-flowing movement of living organisms. Learn More
Nov. 1 — Dec. 15
Ghost Horizons: Poetry and Printmaking at BIG ARTS’ Dunham Family Gallery, Sanibel Island
Visual art and poetry intersect at this exhibit showcasing the works of poet and commercial fisher Chanda Jamieson and painter and Florida Gulf Coast University professor Andy Owen as they commemorate their love of Florida’s waterways and urge viewers to respect the aquatic ecosystems we so often take for granted. Join the artists for discussion, light refreshments and live music during the November 9 reception. Learn More
Nov. 4-18
Paint the Town with Joy! at East West Fine Art Gallery, Naples
True to her name, artist Joy Stanley captures the vibrancy and fun of Naples through sentimental scenes marking the evolution of the city. She portrays the captivating beauty of Southwest Florida and biographizes the region in her self-proclaimed ‘whimstorical’ style. Learn More
Nov. 8 — Jan. 19
Springs: Assemblage in Four Mediums at BIG ARTS’ Mezzanine Gallery
Observe New Mexico artist Peter Page’s expansive work in assemblage, photography, graphic design and sculpture. His compositions combine elements of narrative and abstraction to create works that experiment with form and challenge audiences’ concept of assemblage by presenting pieces in a variety of mediums and dimensions. Learn More
Nov. 9 — Jan. 2
An Adventure in The Arts: The Guild Hall Collection at Naples Art Institute
The traveling exhibition of more than 80 works carefully selected from Guild Hall, a distinguished museum of collected works from celebrated artists including Andy Warhol and Thomas Moran, comes to Florida. The well-rounded collection includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, and mixed media and highlights the progression of American Art movements from Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism. Learn More
Nov. 14
Jazz at the MACC: Music of Charles Mingus, Christian McBride and Brandon Robertson at Music & Arts Community Center, Fort Myers
The musical stylings of bassist Charles Mingus, Christian McBride and Brandon Robertson shine in this performance. Guest artists Paul Gavin and award-winning jazz pianist Zach Bartholomew join Brandon and a spirited two-horn section in this evening of contemporary jazz. Learn More
Nov. 14 — Dec. 15 (Preview nights: Nov. 10,12,13)
Every Brilliant Thing at Gulfshore Playhouse
Celebrate the joy and sweetness of everyday life in this interactive and heartwarming production. In an attempt to comfort his depressed mother, our 7-year-old narrator creates a list of all the small moments that make life worth living. Audiences immerse themselves in the theatrical experience by creating a list of their own, celebrating all the brilliant things that are easy to take for granted. Learn More
Nov. 14-17
Fort Myers Boat Show at Centennial Park
The quintessential Southwest Florida event displays more than 500 boats from various manufacturers. Boat enthusiasts delight in vessels in a multitude of styles and sizes, plus aquatic accessories, including engines, electronics, boat lifts and fishing gear. Learn More
Nov. 15 and 16
BIG ARTS Fall Film Festival
Join critically acclaimed documentary filmmaker Andrew Rossi for a screening of The First Monday in May, Page One and the first episode of The Andy Warhol Diaries, followed by an exclusive Q&A session with Andrew about his work in contemporary filmmaking. Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant provides a boxed dinner reception between screenings on November 16. Learn More
Nov. 16
6th Annual Rookery Bay Classic Car Show at Florida SouthWestern State College, Naples
Automotive aficionados and casual fans alike gather for the event that showcases more than 100 cars ranging from pre-1930’s antiques to exotic, high-performance modern vehicles. A slew of food trucks bring an array of flavors to fuel the fun-filled day in support of Friends of Rookery Bay. Learn more
Nov. 18-24
CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburón Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón
Tiburón Golf Club hosts the final stop of the 2024 LPGA tour. This women’s professional golf tournament features players at the top of their game as they vie for the title of Race to the CME Globe Champion. The winner receives $4 million—a historic prize for women’s golf. Learn More
Nov. 19
Dance Theatre of Harlem at Artis—Naples
The Dance Theatre of Harlem brings its trademark creativity to Artis—Naples, joining forces with Naples Philharmonic in a captivating performance marrying classic and contemporary numbers under the guidance of the company’s recently appointed artistic director Robert Garland. Learn More
Nov. 20 — Dec. 22
A Christmas Story: The Musical at The Naples Players
Based on the classic 1980s movie of the same name, this production is packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, ensemble dance numbers, power ballads and all the iconic moments that made the movie a holiday classic. Learn More
Nov. 22 and 23
Emerging Playwrights Festival at Florida Gulf Coast University’s TheatreLab, Fort Myers
Celebrate the work of emerging playwrights at FGCU’s TheatreLab. Night one of the festival features FGCU senior Robin O’Connell’s play Waterlogged, which tells the magical story of a water creature thrust into the human world. Night two presents a surrealist play set in a storied Prohibition-esque cocktail bar, written by FGCU alumni Dane Futrell. Learn More
Nov. 24
Black Violin at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
Classical meets hip-hop in the duo’s innovative performance. Violinists Kev Marcus and Will Baptiste celebrate the 20th anniversary of their musical partnership with their signature sophisticated yet modern flair, accompanied by DJ SPS, drummer Nat Stokes and Liston Gregory. Learn More
Nov. 28
Thanksgiving Day 5k at Hertz Arena, Estero
Whether you are a seasoned sprinter or waiting for the New Year to lace up your running shoes, this race is the perfect way to kick off your holiday festivities. Every runner receives a finisher medal and a complimentary dry-fit T-shirt to commemorate the jaunt. Learn More
Nov. 29 — Dec. 23, Dec. 26 — Jan. 5
Annual Holiday Nights Celebration at Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers
Feed into the festive spirit at the Edison and Ford Winter Estate with a festive tour of the grounds decked in thousands of Christmas lights. With live music, including piano performances on Mina Edison’s piano, strolling carolers and classic holiday songs, this joyous event is a beloved tradition for a reason. Learn More
Nov. 30 — Dec. 1
The Nutcracker at Artis—Naples
Naples Ballet and Naples Philharmonic’s annual performance of the timeless show lights up the stage in Hayes Hall with festive spirit and technical excellence. Learn More