Summer kicks off in Southwest Florida. In Naples, United Kingdom touring group STOMP brings percussive performance art to the Gulf Coast. Also in Naples, the storied canoe race returns after a four-year hiatus. And in Fort Myers, country music star Luke Bryan takes to the JetBlue Park stage for the venue’s inaugural concert. Don’t miss these June events.
Through June 6
Art as Therapy: Hope and Healing Through Art at Big ARTS Sanibel
BIG ARTS brings the healing power of art to the forefront, providing a platform for patients from Hope Healthcare and Lee Health to express the grief and daily struggles of grappling with illness through evocative paintings and mixed-media pieces. Sponsored by long-time BIG Arts Sanibel supporters Jim and Gaye Pigott, this year’s showcase underscores how creativity can aid in processing trauma and fostering emotional recovery. Learn More
Through June 28
Legally Blonde The Musical at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Fort Myers
Based on the 2001 rom-com starring Reese Witherspoon, Legally Blonde The Musical brings all the fun and empowerment of the film to the stage, following sorority girl-turned-scholar Elle Woods’ journey of self-discovery. Broadway Palm newcomer Kendall Parrett takes on the iconic leading role, bringing her signature belting vocals (what, like it’s hard?) and vibrant energy to the part. This upbeat production features lively, pop-inspired anthems like “Omigod You Guys,” “Whipped into Shape” and “Bend and Snap,” and high-energy dance sequences, infusing the fan-favorite story with modern musical flare. Learn More
Through Sept. 6
Folklore, Fish Tales, & Family Stories: Legends of the Everglades at United Arts Collier, Naples
Home to countless myths and rich lore, the Everglades’ mysteries and histories serve as the inspiration for the museum’s annual student showcase. Local kids from kindergarten to 12th grade bring their curiosity and creativity to life through gouache paintings, landscape photography, expressive short stories and other artistic vignettes. Learn More
June 1 — Aug. 15
Convincing the Masses: Propaganda at Home and Abroad at Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, Naples
The museum dissects the origins and influences on bias through a compelling exploration of how propaganda and symbolism shaped societal worldviews during Nazi Germany. Along with video footage, the debut exhibition showcases a curated collection of era artifacts, including uniforms, flags, magazines and propaganda booklets, all donated by the Southwest Florida community, including descendants of survivors and American soldiers. Learn More
June 2-16
Color Me Happy at East West Fine Art, Naples
Russian painters Natalia Litosova and Oleg Kalaytanov present floral artistry that transcends the ordinary through their masterful use of the sfumato technique, an artistic method that softens transitions between colors. The painters’ hybrid impressionist-realist influences shine in introspective botanical works, blending cool, pearlescent hues with bold brushwork. Learn More
June 3 and 4
STOMP at Artis—Naples
The United Kingdom-born musical group brings its thundering, performance art to Southwest Florida for the first time in nearly a decade. Internationally renowned for turning everyday objects into percussive instruments, the group hammers out beats with brooms, hubcaps and garbage cans alongside masterfully choreographed footwork that turns every movement into music. Learn More
June 5-8 and 12-15
Ghost: The Musical at TheatreZone, Naples
TheatreZone closes out its 20th anniversary season with a rare off-season production. Based on the Academy Award-winning 1990 film starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, Ghost: The Musical follows Sam and Molly, a young, New York City couple, whose love story takes a turn when Sam is murdered. Part romance, part ghost story, the show balances comedy and suspenseful drama with a contemporary score that blends elements of pop and rock with Broadway-style ballads. Learn More
June 6 and 7
Pole Vault in the Plaza at Mercato, Naples
Led by Naples native and former Community School of Naples Track & Field athlete Simon Weardon, this annual World Athletics-sanctioned competition gives vaulters the chance to have their scores considered for national and world records. Talent to watch for includes world record holder Scout Ryland, who at only 10 years old, scored a 10-foot jump. Vaulters soar to new heights at this annual event, featuring a silent auction and raffle in support of St. Matthew’s House. Learn More
June 6-26
Icons & Idols: Art in Pop Culture at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers
One of the Downtown Fort Myers gallery’s largest annual shows, this year’s juried, pop culture-inspired exhibition chronicles the evolution of fame and celebrity from the 1950s to the modern figures who dominate popular media. This year’s exhibit showcases a range of mediums, including three-dimensional installations and performance art. Learn More
June 7
National Trails Day Nature Walk & Talk at Babcock Ranch, Punta Gorda
Built with an environmentally friendly ethos and sustainable design integrated into its model, Babcock Ranch opens its community to the public for National Trails Day. Environmental conservation manager and wildlife biologist Christina Kontos leads a 2-mile educational tour through the area, which includes more than 30 indigenous species. Learn More
June 7
Naples Pride Fest at Cambier Park, Naples
Naples Pride celebrates the region’s LGBTQ+ community in this annual festival that brings together more than 100 vendors for people to shop, drink and play. A Drag Extravaganza takes to the main stage, featuring animated performances from entertainers like Fort Lauderdale-based Nikki Adams and Miami-based TP Lords. Proceeds from the Hate Has No Home Here-themed festival help support Naples Pride in their ongoing advocacy efforts. Learn More
June 12 and 13
Leanne Morgan: Just Getting Started tour at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
The Tennessee stand-up comedian’s national headlining tour comes on the heels of her breakout Netflix special and Top 10 chartbuster, Leanne Morgan: I’m Every Woman. Leanne’s approachable quips about everyday life and funny family stories have made her an audience favorite, but comedy isn’t the only tool in her arsenal. In January, the New York Times-bestselling memoirist made her film debut alongside Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell in You’re Cordially Invited, and she recently landed a role in a new sitcom produced by Chuck Lorre. Learn More
June 14
The Great Canoe Races of Naples, Baker Park
Returning after a four-year hiatus, the 45-year-old locals’ rite celebrates the end of season. While longtime fans will see some changes—relocating to the Gordon River and the retirement of the elaborate themed canoe contest—the spirit remains. Hosted at Baker Park, the race adds two new heats: the playful “Choose Your Vessel” (anything human-powered, from SUPs to flamingo float rafts) and a “Naples First Responder” round, where police, paramedics, wildlife officers and other hometown heroes compete for bragging rights. Learn More
June 14
Luke Bryan at JetBlue Park at Fenway South, Fort Myers
The Boston Red Sox training ground expands its local presence with a first-ever musical performance, bringing contemporary country star Luke Bryan to the field. Known for his energetic stage presence and hits that transcend country and pop charts, the singer/songwriter has leveraged his success to advocate for up-and-coming country artists like Tennessee native Conner Smith, The Voice participant Ashland Craft, and basketball-player-turned-songwriter Adrien Nunez, who will serve as opening acts for the concert. Learn More
June 15
Festival of Great Organ Music at Artis—Naples
The powerful and ethereal sound of a four-manual Casavant Frères organ fills Hayes Hall in this annual concert, showcasing the instrument’s beauty in a tight, 90-minute performance. Local organists and choir directors from the Southwest Florida Chapter of the American Guild of Organists—including former Artis—Naples organist and director of the Naples Philharmonic youth and adult choruses, James Cochran—return to demonstrate their mastery of the keyed behemoth. Learn More
June 17 — Aug. 9
Backstage Hollywood: The Photographs of Bob Willoughby at Marco Island Historical Museum
A love letter to the silver screen, the exhibit showcases the captivating celebrity portraiture of Bob Willoughby, the first outside photographer permitted on film sets during Hollywood’s nascent days. Willoughby’s work gained popularity after LIFE magazine published a story celebrating his candid shots of prolific actress Judy Garland—of The Wizard of Oz fame—during the filming of George Cukor’s 1954 A Star Is Born. Learn More
June 19
Zachary Bartholomew: The Blue Note Sound: Horace-Scope, The Music of Horace Silver at Arts Bonita
Fresh off the debut of his first album, Balancing Act, Arts Bonita resident pianist Zachary Bartholomew continues his ongoing concert series with a celebration of prominent ’50s jazz pianist Horace Silver’s Hard Bop period. An all-star band accompanies Zachary, including Grammy-Award winner David Fernandez on saxophone and Brandon Robertson, the current director of Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra, on bass in this upbeat, sophisticated performance. Learn More
June 20
Dueling Pianos: Pete Moran and Matt Newbold at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers
Guests take the reins of the setlist in an interactive performance from accomplished pianists Pete Moran and Matt Newbold. The musicians’ improvisational back-and-forth performance takes inspiration from legendary North Carolina pianist Ben Folds. Matt captivates with his mastery of the craft earned over his two-decade-long dueling piano career, while Pete, a former entertainment director at the defunct Walt Disney World Resort piano bar, Jellyrolls, showcases his ability to play by ear. Learn More
June 20 and 21
David Koechner at Off the Hook Comedy Club, Naples
Best known for his roles as Todd Packer in The Office and Champ Kind in Anchorman, the acting and comedy veteran brings his Second City Theater-honed comedic style, characterized by a blend of outrageous character work, classic comedy and sharp improvisation, to the stage. Learn More
June 21 and 22
Tranquility—Mind, Body & Soul Sessions at Naples Grande Beach Resort
Florida event planning company 11:11 Hospitality invites guests to reconnect and recharge at a two-day wellness retreat designed to promote deep relaxation and personal growth. Optional wellness workshops and experiences like guided meditation, sound baths and breathwork fill the weekend’s event lineup, allowing guests to create a choose-your-own-adventure wellness experience set against a serene, beachside backdrop. Learn More
June 22
Alejandro Fernández: de Rey a Ray Tour at Hertz Arena, Estero
One of Mexico’s biggest names in music takes the stage at Hertz Arena, belting out heartfelt ballads like 1988 release Yo Nací Para Amarte and upbeat, ranchera-inspired hits like Amor Gitano, his collaborative song with Beyoncé. Initially championed for his modernized interpretations of traditional Latin folk music, particularly mariachi and flamenco, the singer (known to fans as “El Potrillo”) has seamlessly expanded into the realm of new-age pop music, captivating global audiences along the way. Learn More
June 25 — July 27
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at The Naples Players
The Naples Players opens its season with composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s thrilling musical masterpiece. Set against the haunting backdrop of Victorian London, the Tony Award-winning production follows a vengeful barber whose thirst for blood compels him to slit the throats of his clients and partner and have a pie shop owner bake their remains into meat pies. Darkly funny and chilling, the show features challenging vocals that puts its cast to the test. Learn More
June 26-29
In the Heights at Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers
The Lee County arts organization’s Youth Theatre tackles Lin-Manuel Miranda’s genre-bending 2008 debut musical. With contemporary dance numbers set to rap, hip-hop and traditional Broadway musical styles, the teens’ take on this exuberant, Tony Award-winning production is set in New York’s largest Dominican neighborhood, Washington Heights, and explores the themes of ambition and cultural identity through the lens of a bodega owner who dreams of returning to the Dominican Republic to revive his family’s business. Learn More
June 28 and 29
Tasting the Tropics at Naples Botanical Garden
In an ode to Southwest Florida’s bounty, Naples Botanical Garden presents a tropical fruit-themed festival complete with live music, educational demonstrations, lunch offerings from Taco Tummy food truck and a sampling of the Garden’s fruit harvest. A guided tour through the Garden’s fruiting plants—like mango and coconut trees—celebrates the summer harvest season, and experiences from a jackfruit processing demonstration to a chance to chat with local author of the award winning book The Mango Tree: A Memoir of Fruit, Florida, and Felony Annabelle Tometich round out the event. Learn More