The Gulf Coast welcomes springtime this month with can’t-miss happenings. In Naples, Revs Institute hosts an exhibit from the photographer of motorsports’ golden age. On Sanibel, the Shell Festival and Show returns to celebrate the shelling capital of the world. And in Cape Coral, a Civil War diary-turned-symphonic cantata makes its world premiere. Don’t miss these March events.
Through May 2027
Closer Still: Jesse Alexander: At the Track at Revs Institute, Naples
One of the nation’s foremost resources for car enthusiasts, Revs Institute recently acquired, digitized and preserved the Jesse Alexander Photograph Collection. The premier motorsports photographer of the latter half of the 20th century, he encapsulated the high-speed, high-intensity moments, personalities and notorious racing vehicles of the day. Now, more than 1,700 original signed prints and myriad photographic negatives are on view through season. After its stay at Revs’ Library in Naples, the collection will move to its permanent home at the recently opened, advanced Archive and Research Center in Fort Myers. Learn more.
Through Mar. 21
Marco on the Move at Marco Island Historical Museum
A brand-new exhibition, Marco on the Move, takes guests on a time-traveling journey through the island’s history and the notable visitors who traveled there. Rebecca Mazeroski, museum manager and curator, showcases stories and memorabilia of everything from the Atlantic Coast Line train to Marco Island Airways, highlighting the time before roads connected the island to the mainland, when boats, planes and trains were the only options. Learn more.
Mar. 3
Limón Dance Company at Artis—Naples
America’s first modern dance company pays a visit to Hayes Hall this month, performing contemporary numbers with classic influences alongside Naples Philharmonic. Founded and continuously inspired by the late José Limón—who many remember as the most outstanding male modern dancer and choreographer—the company moves with expression and mastery to Bach’s “Chaconne” and Villa-Lobos’ The Emperor Jones. Learn more.
Mar. 5-7
Sanibel Shell Festival & Show at Sanibel Community House
Back for its 89th year, this beloved festival showcases why Sanibel Island is hailed as the shell capital of the world, with deep dives into the artistic creations and scientific accomplishments taking shape along the Gulf Coast. This year, find seashell-crafted flowers, mirrors, collections and Sailors’ Valentines. Proceeds from the event go toward the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club’s annual grants program—benefitting conchology and malacology education and research—and The Community House. Learn more.
Mar. 5-15
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story at Theatre Zone, Naples
An ode to the life and career of the legendary rock ‘n’ roll icon, this musical highlights how Buddy Holly revolutionized the music scene. During the late 1950s, Buddy Holly reached the top of the charts with “That’ll Be The Day” and “Peggy Sue,” but it was his creative spirit and exuberant energy that fans adored. Written by Alan Janes, who also wrote the 1999 script for Animal Farm, the show originated in London and has enjoyed a 37-year successful run on stage. Learn more.
Mar. 5 — Apr. 4
The Importance of Being Earnest at Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples
Oscar Wilde’s timeless 1895 comedy takes the stage under Gulfshore Playhouse founder Kristen Coury’s direction this month, bringing all the pomp and circumstance of London high society—expect the type of over-the-top costumes and staging that could only be achieved in the 2025-opened Baker Theatre and Education Center’s facilities. Two English gentlemen have forsaken sensible lifestyles for freedom, but everything changes in the face of love. As their lies snowball and facades crumble, audiences anticipate which will come out on top: romance and identity or independence and deception. Learn more.
Mar. 7 and 8
Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival
An annual celebration of local “pink gold” (Gulf pink) shrimp, the 67th annual Shrimp Festival connects seafood, philanthropy and heritage in a weekend of seaside events. This year, the festival features a 5K race, an arts and crafts fair, a parade, a queens pageant, shrimp boils and a shrimp-eating contest. Through the Lions Club, proceeds support local charities that address needs such as eye surgeries, student scholarships, large-print books for libraries and guide dog training. Learn more.
Mar. 7-15
Festival Under the Stars at Opera Naples
Already well underway, Opera Naples’ yearly alfresco festival continues this month with three more shows. Stars and Standards: An American Songbook Celebration takes the stage March 7 at Wang Opera Center; Turandot, by Giacomo Puccini, takes place on March 11 and 13 at Baker Park; and The Elixir of Love, by Gaetano Donizetti, performs March 12 and 14 at Baker Park. Topping off the operatic festivities, the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation International Voice Competition hosts its semifinal round on March 14, with the final round held the following day. Learn more.
Mar. 11 — Apr. 12
9 to 5: The Musical at The Naples Players’ Kizzie Theater
Everyone knows Dolly Parton’s hit song “9 to 5”—and its accompanying 1980 film starring Parton and Jane Fonda. This stage adaptation keeps the spirit of feminine strength and friendship alive with music and lyrics from the famed songstress and a screenplay written by Patricia Resnick. Taking the stage along Fifth Avenue South, the musical is altogether energetic, comical and empowering, following the satirical story of a trio of secretaries seeking revenge. Learn more.
Mar. 13-15
Comedian Marlon Wayans Live at Off The Hook Comedy Club, Naples
You may know Wayans from his leading role in the comedic Scary Movie franchise, or maybe as one of the undercover cops in White Chicks, but now, Marlon Wayans delivers humor in a different format. In his national Wild Child Tour, he brings seasoned wit and outlandish stories to five sets on the Gulf’s favorite comedy stage. Learn more.
Mar. 14
Wings of Wonder: The Miraculous Monarch Butterfly Migration to Central Mexico at Naples Art District, Naples
Naples Art District celebrates its 20th anniversary with a sacred tribute, collaborating with the Collier County ¡ARTE VIVA! Celebration of Hispanic Arts and Culture. During this free community event, art studios and artists showcase work influenced by monarch butterflies, an emblem of Mexican culture. To extend festivities, the district showcases its 20 steel butterfly sculptures (some on Shirley Street, J & C Boulevard and Yahl Street), which will be sold at the end of season and support the District’s programming. Learn more.
Mar. 14 — Aug. 2
Discovering Ansel Adams at Artis—Naples
This traveling exhibition, expanded by Artis—Naples’ contemporary art curator Dianne Brás-Feliciano, features the transformational stages of Ansel Adams’ career and life. From his first photograph, taken as a child while visiting Yosemite National Park in 1916, to personal artifacts such as his compass, light meters and letters, the exhibit offers an intimate understanding of the well-known photographer and conservationist. Dianne welcomes local landscape photographer Brian Zepeda to present his work and conduct portfolio reviews for visitors alongside Adams’ work. Learn more.
Mar. 20
Don McLean at Hard Rock Casino, Immokalee
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame singer-songwriter and guitarist Don McLean brings his “Starry, Starry Night” tour to Immokalee, performing the iconic folk rock hits that continue to receive awards decades after their release. At 80 years old, the “American Pie” singer’s tone carries the same emotional weight as it did in 1971, when he first sang the words, “The day the music died.” Learn more.
Mar. 21 and 22
The Witness: Incidents of the War of the Rebellion at Faith Presbyterian Church, Cape Coral
This world premiere event, featuring the iconic Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, follows the untold story of artistic director Matthew Koller’s great-great-grandfather, James Waxler, as narrated through personal journal entries. The Witness follows James’ experience as a Union soldier in the Civil War, offering a first-person account of how the horrors of slavery and war changed a young man forever. Mathew commissioned longtime friend and award-winning composer Thomas LaVoy (known for his historical compositions) to create works based on the journal, poetry by Walt Whitman and music by formerly enslaved composers. Learn more.
Mar. 22
Five Painters & A Potter at The Clay Place, Naples
Ceramicist Jim Rice opens the doors to his studio gallery, The Clay Place, joining with local painters Tara O’Neill, Phil Fisher, Natalie Guess, Rick Wobbe and Paul Arsenault for an annual art showcase. Although the Gulf Coast inspires each—whether it’s the ocean tide, popular Naples sites or wildlife—their works differ in method, style and form. Here, guests enjoy live bluegrass music by Captain Joe and the Bottom Feeders and browse the displayed works, all available for purchase. Learn more.
Mar. 23 — Apr. 10
Mally Khorasantchi at Harmon-Meek Gallery, Naples
Beloved local artist and winner of United Arts Council of Collier County’s “Stars in the Arts Award,” Mally Khorasantchi showcases new works in her signature, story-driven collage style in a solo exhibition, just off the heels of her Florida Contemporary showcase at Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum. Mally’s mixed-media collages are in permanent collections in Germany, Russia and Southwest Florida. Here, gallery visitors find vibrant renderings of the natural world and human condition. Learn more.
Mar. 24-28
Celebrate Bonita Springs at Downtown Bonita Springs
Beyond all the recent restaurant openings, renovations and growth, the Bonita Springs community holds a deep connection to its local history. During this four-day celebration, residents take to the downtown corridor for an immersive stroll, as Old 41 staples like the Liles Hotel to Riverside Park are illuminated with lights, music, projections and art. Businesses host live music and dining specials, and on the last night, a free concert showcases local student work in Riverside Park. Learn more.
Mar. 24 — Apr. 29
The Sky Meets the Sea at SH Modern Art, Fort Myers
This spring group exhibition explores light, landscape and nature’s emotional power. Kathy Buist’s abstract, ethereal skies meet Arturo Samaniego’s textured paintings that range from minimalist to boldly layered. The recently opened Fort Myers art gallery and advisory brings together these two internationally recognized artists’ works, leading visitors through the color and luminosity of the natural world—of the sky and the seas. Learn more.
Mar. 27 — Apr. 26
Julius Caesar at The Laboratory Theater of Florida, Fort Myers
Fort Myers’ towering pink theater brings Shakespeare’s classic to life, with all political, conspiratorial and war themes that made the work famous some 400 years ago. After defeating Pompey the Great, Caesar’s reign is reaching its height, but the country is in disarray. Soon, his men’s harbored suspicions turn into a murderous plot. Learn more.
Mar. 27 and 31; Apr. 1
Porgy and Bess at Punta Gorda’s Charlotte Performing Arts and Naples’ Norris Center
George Gershwin’s jazz-fueled opera tells the story of steadfast love between two people faced with boundaries: the disabled beggar Porgy and the past-anguished Bess. Described as a defining work of American music theater, the opera performance, with Metropolitan Opera’s bass-baritone Kevin Short, infuses grit with adversity through jazz and blues at both the Norris Community Center off Cambier Park and the Charlotte Performing Arts Center. Learn more.