As season kicks into gear once more, Gulf Coast spins on autumnal events fill the agenda. On Marco Island, Naples painter Paul Arsenault showcases five decades of work capturing the region’s beauty. In Naples, an international film festival descends on the city’s downtown, promising plenty of impressive talent. And in Cape Coral, the largest Oktoberfest event in Southwest Florida welcomes all. Don’t miss the following October festivities.
Through Oct. 27
Internalizing the External: A New Perspective on Nature at Naples Botanical Garden
Kapnick Hall displays a collection of muted and meditative works by assemblage artist Ran Adler. Find works crafted from a harmonious assortment of natural materials. Don’t miss the meet-the-artist event on October 19. Learn More
Oct. 1 — Feb. 15
Reflections of South Florida: A 50-Year Art Adventure at Marco Island Historical Museum
Esteemed Naples plein-air painter Paul Arsenault commemorates his decades-long commitment to capturing the charming beauty of Southwest Florida with a retrospective collection of works. Celebrate Marco Island Historical Museum’s 30th anniversary, which coincides with the exhibit. Learn More
Oct. 2-20
Rumors at The Naples Players
Playwright Neil Simon’s farcical 1988 play is filled to the brim with chaos and miscommunication in the new performing arts company’s new Kizzie Theatre. Four affluent couples gather to celebrate the 10-year wedding anniversary of New York’s deputy mayor only to find an injured man and missing wife in this murder-mystery show. Learn More
Oct. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27
Haunted Walk at Calusa Nature Center, Fort Myers
The nature center’s Pine Loop Trail promises plenty of spooky fun. On weekends during the month of October, brave guests face frights in the dark of the haunted woods. Event proceeds benefit the organization’s animal residents. Learn More
Oct. 5
Forest Bathing at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Preserve, Naples
Reflect and recenter during this immersive event guided by GoForest Bathing’s certified instructor, Robin DeMattia. The Japanese restorative practice encourages relaxation and can reduce stress levels. Guests 18 years and older venture down the preserve’s Snail Trail, tapping into the senses and indulging in outdoor wonders. Learn More
Oct. 7
Naples Area Board of Realtors 2024 Golf Tournament at Vineyards Country Club
Golfers of all ages tee up for a day on the greens with unlimited breakfast, beverages and a lunch buffet. The event supports the organization’s nonprofit, the NABOR® Charitable Foundation, which funds housing, disaster relief, educational scholarships and other humanitarian efforts in Southwest Florida. Learn More
Oct. 8 — Nov. 7
Opening Group Exhibition at Harmon-Meek Gallery, Naples
Explore the expertly curated selection of mixed-media works from artists represented by the gallery. With more than 60 years of experience under its belt, the gallery is home to artists specializing in a myriad of mediums, including Mally Khorasantchi and Hunt Slonem. Learn More
Oct. 12 — Feb. 2
Alex Katz: Theater and Dance at Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum
The figuratist’s courtship with the performing arts is distilled into this showcase of 15 works he produced in collaboration with the Paul Taylor Dance Company. The collection of concept paintings highlights his fascination with the avant-garde and reveals an undercurrent of antagonism between artist and choreographer as they each chase their artistic vision. Learn More
Oct 17
Moonlight on the Boardwalk at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples
The sanctuary welcomes children and adults to gather under the bright light of the evening’s supermoon. Explore the boardwalk with red light flashlights provided by Sanctuary staff to better see nighttime critters, and enjoy an array of nocturnal-themed family-friendly activities, including a touch table, mini boardwalk tour and a storytime. Learn More
Oct 17 — Nov. 21
Note to Self at Wasmer Art Gallery, ArtsComplex, Florida Gulf Coast University
Welcome three FGCU alumni back to campus as they present a multimedia collection of introspective works strung together by the strong throughline of autobiography. Join artists at the exhibit’s opening reception on October 17 for conversation, bites from Viet Yum food truck, live Jazz performed by FGCU’s Bower School of Music Jazz ensemble and a unique print-making experience. Learn More
Oct. 18-20, 25-27
39th Annual Cape Coral Oktoberfest at the German-American Social Club of Cape Coral
Indulge in two weekends of fun at Southwest Florida’s largest Oktoberfest celebration, complete with traditional German beer, sit-down dinners of schnitzel with mushroom gravy, live music performances and Celtic dancers. Learn More
Oct. 19
STARability’s 7th Annual Run, Walk & Roll 5K at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, Naples
Lace your running shoes and join STARability in their mission to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Southwest Florida. This inclusive, pet-friendly race takes participants around the sports complex as supportive friends and family cheer from the sidelines. Learn More
Oct. 19
Swamp Celebration 2024 at Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery, Ochopee
Celebrate Big Cypress National Preserve’s 50th anniversary at the famous Everglades photographer’s gallery. Guests choose between three levels of swamp walk adventures, all led by experienced tour guides eager to educate explorers on the rich ecosystem. Fuel a day of adventuring with lunch and snacks from Juanchitos food truck. Learn More
Oct. 24 and 25
Wicked Walk at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers
Tour the spooky—but not too scary—halls of the Downtown Fort Myers art center, which partners with Lee County Public Schools to put on this immersive experience. More than 150 students amp up their versions of ghost stories with artworks, song and dance. Learn More
Oct. 24-27
Naples International Film Festival at Artis—Naples
NIFF brings a taste of Hollywood glamour to Southwest Florida. Join Artis—Naples for a screening of 60 films over four days, interspersed with parties and insightful conversations with actors and directors. Festivities kick off with a dazzling red carpet event and end on a high note with a screening of Batman (1989) set against Naples Philharmonic’s live performance of the film score. Learn More
Oct. 25-27
Stone Crab Festival at Tin City, Naples
Stone crab season opens with a festive celebration that begins with the ceremonial cracking of the first stone crab claw and features an abundance of seafood, live music and arts and crafts vendors. Held at Naples’ iconic Tin City and organized by Pinchers restaurant, this event is not one to miss. Learn More
Oct. 26
Elle King at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
The Grammy Award-nominated singer brings her ‘Baby Daddy’s Weekend’ tour to Southwest Florida for her first-ever performance at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee. Known for her powerful vocals and alternative country sound, Elle King charms audiences with her signature style. Learn More
Oct. 27 — Nov. 24
Anything Goes at Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples
The theater company’s first full production in the new Baker Theatre and Education Center is the playhouse’s largest-ever production. Watch the antics and escapades unfold aboard the ocean liner S.S. American, as the cast of characters go to hilarious lengths for love. Learn More
Oct. 30 — Dec. 7
Shades of Art at Aldo Castillo Gallery, Estero
Embrace fall with a diverse range of multimedia contemporary works that lean into the tonal hues of the season. The exhibit, located at the gallery’s Miromar Design Center location, showcases the works of international contemporary artists who share fresh concepts and techniques. Learn More