Late spring in Southwest Florida brings warmer weather and plenty to do before the slow days of summer arrive. In Punta Gorda, history and hibiscus collide with weekend-long festivities. In Fort Myers, a new playwright competition pits three scripts against each other. And further south, a visiting chamber orchestra makes its Artis—Naples debut. Don’t miss these May events.
Through May 3
I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti at Players Circle Theater, Fort Myers
Back in 2015, Florida Repertory Theatre was among the first to perform the multisensory stage adaptation of Giulia Melucci’s 2010 memoir, I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti. Audiences begged for a revival. Now, more than 10 years later, Players Circle Theater brings the one-woman show back to Fort Myers, exploring the leading lady’s fraught romantic history while she cooks pasta live on stage. Plus, eight patrons will be surprised with a three-course meal straight from the stage. Learn more
Through May 9
Connect & Protect Exhibition at Collier Museum at Government Center, Naples
Since its founding in 2021, the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act has approved 400,000 acres for conservation—a critical tract for native species like the endangered Florida panther. Wildpath photographers Lauren Yoho and Dean Saunders, and National Geographic Explorer and Corridor founder Carlton Ward, Jr., lend their lenses to this traveling exhibit that commemorates the act’s first 40 preserved parcels. Learn more
Through May 16
Immokalee Restaurants: The Best Tasting Business Around Exhibition at Immokalee Pioneer Museum
Highlighting both the classic staples and modern additions in Immokalee’s dining scene, this food-centric exhibition takes you on a tour through the community’s best restaurants. Archival menus and photographs make up the display, alongside lessons on the evolution of beloved establishments—from Raynor’s Seafood & Restaurant, known for its delightfully crispy hushpuppies and fried fish dinners, to Lozano’s Mexican Restaurant, with daily homemade tortillas. Learn more
May 1
Founder Fridays at Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples
The last of the season’s monthly Founder Fridays sees Gulfshore Playhouse founder and CEO Kristen Coury lead a small group of visitors on a storytelling tour of the Baker Theatre and Education Center. She’ll share personal anecdotes about dreams and persistence, offer a behind-the-curtain look, and provide a deeper understanding of what it takes to create and manage a professional theater. Learn more
May 1-3
Hibiscus Festival at Gilchrist Park, Punta Gorda
This annual, weekend-long event honors the town’s connection to the hibiscus plant through the legacy of the late Punta Gorda resident and world-renowned hybridizer, Harry Goulding. Every year, Harry would begin with 2,000 seedlings, and after 60 years, he had grown at least 60,000 hibiscus varieties. Now in its 22nd year, this festival brings the community together for live music, local food and plant markets. Learn more
May 1-28
Peripheral Dialogues at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center’s Grand Atrium, Fort Myers
Cape Coral painter and author Kathleen Kinkopf’s dream-like pieces encapsulate imaginative narratives—possibilities, visions, journeys—that explore the human mind and behavior. Awarded by organizations such as American Women Artists and featured in numerous publications, including ARTNews, the internationally exhibited artist melds precise anatomy with surrealistic details in a style she describes as magical realism. At the center of each: animals, nature and the female figure. Learn more
May 1 — Jun. 8
Art as Therapy at BIG ARTS Dunham Family Gallery, Sanibel
Held in collaboration with Hope Healthcare and Lee Health, this exhibit features child and adult artists supported by Hope Healthcare’s nonprofit art therapy programs. Some are managing life-threatening illnesses, while others are grieving a loss. Their creations—ranging from pastel and painted compositions to collages—remind us of art’s role in healing. Learn more
May 3
Visiting Orchestras: Mahler Chamber Orchestra at Artis—Naples
The internationally renowned, nomadic Mahler Chamber Orchestra makes its Hayes Hall debut, uniting musicians from across Europe for a concert that blends classical and jazz sensibilities. Pianist Yuja Wang and concertmaster Matthew Truscott shepherd the ensemble, guiding its envelope-pushing sound through Viennese classical, early Romantic and modern stylings. Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1 leads off the evening, followed by Tsfasman’s Jazz Suite for Piano and Orchestra, and Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Learn more
May 4-29
Our Flag in American Art at Harmon-Meek Gallery, Naples
When gallery director Juliana Meek and director emeritus William Meek discovered a Hunt Slonem flag painting in his studio, they sent out a call for similar artworks to all 15 of the gallery’s represented artists. The resulting exhibit celebrates the nation’s semiquincentennial, with 30 works ranging from a 1935 Adolf Dehn drawing to newly created, representative pieces from Richard Haas, Mally Khorasantchi and Reynier Llanes. Learn more
May 4 — Jun. 23
Snap, Crackle and POP ART! at Marco Island Center for the Arts
Five local artists showcase graphic, pop art pieces in this exhibit. Abel Garcia infuses graffiti elements into paintings, murals and live artwork; former carpenter Gil Sanchez creates playful animal sculptures; brothers David and Lee Horton craft SWFL-inspired cartoons; and Holly Manneck fuses photography, printmaking and painting in a style she calls new American pop art. Learn more
May 6-24
Much Ado About Nothing at The Naples Players
Shakespearean film and stage actor Marcus Dean Fuller takes to the director’s chair for this sharp-witted love story adapted from Shakespeare’s late 16th-century play. Local actors and TNP staffers form a colorful web of characters in this classic tale where plotting and denouncing are balanced with charm and romance. Learn more
May 7-9
Louise Wigglesworth Excellence in Playwriting New Play Contest at Florida Laboratory Theater, Fort Myers
Named after playwright, director, actor and a founding member of Florida Laboratory Theater, Louise Wigglesworth, this new play contest selects only three scripts out of hundreds of submissions from across the country. Over a few days, emerging playwrights hold readings to test out their work in front of a live audience. Learn more
May 7
Mercato Nights Music Series Ft. Phenomenal Animal at Mercato, Naples
Phenomenal Animal merges soul, classic rock, funk, blues and a little bit of improvisation on the Piazza stage for a two-hour set. Lawn chairs are encouraged, but outside drinks are not allowed, so head to The Pub for UK-inspired specialty cocktails, cold beer and other refreshments. Learn more
May 8-24
Show People at The Studio Players, Naples
The 2025-2026 season closer, dark comedy Show People delves into the lives of actors. Written by Paul Weitz—the screenwriter, director and producer behind American Pie and About a Boy—the production narrates the story of married Broadway troupers Jerry and Marnie. After years without acting, Jerry insists they accept a young New York banker’s unconventional job offer. Learn more
May 14
Ella Langley ‘The Dandelion Tour’ at Hertz Arena, Estero
Since her debut album in 2024, country singer-songwriter Ella Langley’s tunes have reached the top of the charts: Her single “Choosin’ Texas” earned the No. 1 place on Billboard’s Hot 100. For the first time, she brings her rootsy Southern rock to the Gulf Coast with her third album, Dandelion. Learn more
May 16
The Great Canoe Races of Naples at Baker Park, Naples
After five years on ice, Gulfshore Life Defenders of the Gulf Matt Young and Morgan Layton revived The Great Canoe Races—a nearly 50-year Naples tradition—last year. This year, the Young Professionals of Naples pair is back at the helm, marking the end of season with live entertainment, a beer garden and friendly competitions on the water. Contests range from professional kayak races to the build-your-vessel heat, where anything floatable goes. Learn more
May 17
Sal Vulcano: Everything’s Fine Tour at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
A frontman of Impractical Jokers, one of the most recognized reality shows of all time, Sal Vulcano brings his national stand-up tour to Downtown Fort Myers. The actor, producer and improv master shares life stories and sarcastic takes on the stage. For groups of seven or fewer, opt for the premium loge box, where elevated seating offers comfort, convenience and service. Learn more
May 20-24
The Fort Myers Film Festival at Sidney & Berne Davis Arts Center, Fort Myers
During the 16th annual film festival, founder Eric Radatz spotlights local and national filmmakers with intimate daytime and nighttime screenings. The event takes over Lee County with daily programming at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and special screenings at IMAG History & Science Center, Babcock Ranch, BIG ARTS Sanibel, Alliance for the Arts, the Laboratory Theater of Florida and Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium. Don’t miss the opening night red carpet at SBDAC. Learn more
May 23
Sandbar Memorial Day H2O Music Fest, Boca Grande
This Memorial Day celebration brings hundreds of tubers, kayakers and boaters together to kick off summer at the Boca Grande Sandbar. Vessels-turned-stages offer the main attraction: upbeat music from country artists Redferrin and Taylor Holder, regional blues band American Made and DJ Dank Williams. Learn more