The Gulf delights with events for everyone this month. In Naples, Artis—Naples sets the scene for true-crime lovers with Broadway’s CHICAGO. On Marco Island, a classic American narrative is reframed. In Bonita Springs, the annual Brew Fest returns to Riverside Park, with pours from breweries near and far. And in Fort Myers, a 70-year-old under-the-radar painter has his first solo art show.
Through Feb. 19
Becoming Tomorrow’s Dream: Onajide Shabaka at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Wasmer Art Gallery, Fort Myers
Miami-based multimedia artist Onajide Shabaka channels his fascination with ethnobotany—studying sociology through human relationships with the natural environment—into a dynamic exhibit of historical imagery and clippings of Florida-native flora. The pairing nods to folk healing practices and traces the evolution of family dynamics, environmental shifts and social progress since the final years of slavery. On February 3, the university’s jazz band debuts compositions inspired by Onajide’s work. Learn more.
Through Feb. 22
Edison Festival of Light throughout Downtown Fort Myers
What began in 1938 as the Pageant of Light, with a Coronation Ball honoring Thomas Edison, now features celebrations throughout the month. Expect discovery days, parades, races and car shows at some of the city’s hottest hubs: Caloosa Sound Convention Center, Edison & Ford Winter Estates, River District and Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Learn more
Feb. 2-19
Reynier Llanes at Harmon-Meek Gallery, Naples
Known for his ethereal, impressionistic paintings, narrative artworks and occasional use of coffee as a medium, Reynier Llanes debuts new work with a solo show—the culmination of nine years of representation with the Naples gallery. The artist presents new installments from the Poets series, exploring relationships, the passage of time and our role as observers of historical events in an increasingly connected society. Learn more
Feb. 4 — Mar. 1
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at The Naples Players’ Price Studio Theater
This thought-provoking black-box studio performance adapts Mark Haddon’s 2003 Costa Book of the Year-winning, coming-of-age mystery about a boy with autism who decides to investigate the death of his neighbor’s dog. Innovative lighting and prop work make this show a visual feast, while close-quarters encourage crowd engagement. Learn more
Feb. 5
Old-Fashioned Cocktail Hour at Historic Palm Cottage, Naples
Bartenders from Tulia Italian Steak (formerly The French Brasserie Rustique) bring their classic cocktail expertise to Naples’ oldest house for an evening of spirited conversation. Beyond basic imbibing, the event offers instruction on the precise mixture of whiskey, sugar, bitters, dilution and—not to be forgotten—garnish to recreate the ideal sipper at home. Learn more
Feb. 5-22
Moonlight and Magnolias at Marco Island Center for the Arts
MICA takes audiences behind the scenes of an American cinematic classic: Gone with the Wind. Ron Hutchinson’s 2004 play traces the unbelievable true story of producer David O. Selznick’s five-day sprint to fix his unpolished screenplay with the help of lauded screenwriter Ben Hecht, The Wizard of Oz director Victor Fleming and a diet of peanuts and bananas. It’s a story of resilience, identity and silver-screen dreams. Learn more
Feb. 6
Apollo’s Fire at BIG ARTS Sanibel
The Grammy Award-winning ensemble, founded over 30 years ago by award-winning harpsichordist and conductor Jeannette Sorrell, returns to the Gulf Coast for the first time since its 2019 performance at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Like Apollo, the Greek and Roman god of music and poetry, this orchestra evokes emotion and passion with its baroque music. Performing across continents in sold-out halls and stages, Apollo’s Fire highlights classical music in an effortlessly harmonious—and often humorous—manner. Learn more
Feb. 6-8
Annual Ikebana Exhibition at Naples Botanical Garden
The Naples Chapter of Ikebana International and Naples Botanical Garden showcase the meditational range of ikebana, an emotionally expressive floral art form dating back to late 1400s Japan. During the three-day annual event, visitors partake in demonstrations, activities and a Ginza-style marketplace. Learn more
Feb. 6-25
Plastic Trophies at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center’s Capital Gallery, Fort Myers
After decades spent quietly working in and around the art world, 70-year-old Fort Myers artist William Everhart makes his solo show debut in Downtown Fort Myers, showcasing a series of paintings, drawings and silhouette-style cut-outs that trace the highs and lows of the 1960s. From John F. Kennedy’s assassination to Beatlemania to Marilyn Monroe, each piece captures a moment in the limelight—whether celebratory, somber or darkly comedic. Learn more
Feb. 7
Annual Antique Ford Car Show at Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers
Pristine 1900s Ford coupes, vibrant Mustang convertibles and vintage Buicks with sleek lines fill the lawn on Edison and Ford Winter Estates alongside live music and food truck bites. For over half a century, owners and enthusiasts have gathered to honor Henry Ford’s legacy as an industry pioneer. Learn more
Feb. 7
Punta Gorda to “Paint the Town Purple” for Alzheimer’s Awareness at Fishermen’s Village
The people of Punta Gorda don their purple attire to rally in support of Alzheimer’s awareness at this all-day, inaugural event. Learn about the disease, brain health, risk factors, early warning signs and caregiver resources from The Alzheimer’s Association’s Brain Bus parked at Fishermen’s Village. Learn more
Feb. 7
The Living Flow: The Way of Water exhibit opening and Clyde and Niki Butcher Meet & Greet at Big Cypress Gallery, Ochopee
The local legend photographer’s black-and-white images trace Florida’s lifeline—water—in its voyage from the Kissimmee River Basin and Lake Okeechobee to the Everglades and out to Florida Bay. Where inspired artwork meets a love for the region’s swamp, Big Cypress Gallery is Clyde’s photographic homestead. During the February 7 opening, learn about Florida’s environmental conservation efforts, wander the property and get books signed by some of the Everglades’ most loyal champions: the Butchers. Learn more
Feb. 9-15
Chubb Classic at Tiburón Golf Club, Naples
Seventy-eight players take to The Black Course to battle it out for a $1.8 million purse in three days of 54-hole stroke play. The longest-running PGA TOUR Champions tournament in one metropolitan area, the Chubb Classic donates 10% of every purchase to Grace Place for Children and Families to combat poverty through educational programs and food insecurity for 300 families in Collier County. Learn more
Feb. 10-15
Broadway Series: CHICAGO at Artis–Naples
For true-crime and musical lovers, Broadway’s CHICAGO takes the Artis—Naples stage. Based on a real-life murder case covered by a Chicago Tribune reporter, the story follows two rival female murderers during Chicago’s Jazz Age. The longest-running American Broadway musical, with over 10,000 performances, CHICAGO’s revival has won six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy. Learn more
Feb. 10 — Mar. 1
The Play That Goes Wrong at Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers
A true showcase for the Downtown Fort Myers theater’s set design and props teams, this madcap comedy is filled with breakaway furnishings and surprises. The production follows a fictional theatre troupe as they try to make it to opening night amid injuries, broken set pieces and general mayhem. Learn more
Feb. 10 — Mar. 6
Nature at Bailey Homestead Preserve, Sanibel Island
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and Art League members showcase their artwork inspired by the region’s coastal domain. Artists present oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings and drawings, fused glass, mixed-media works and sculptures within the 1896-built homestead. Learn more
Feb. 12
Palette to Palate at SOHO Design Group, Naples
Following last year’s hit premiere event, Naples Art District assembles local chefs to recreate artwork through light bites. Spend the evening nibbling edible inspirations, viewing and purchasing artwork on display, and bidding on raffle items. All proceeds support the Art District’s annual programs and events. Learn more
Feb. 13-15
Everglades Seafood Festival, Everglades City
The annual Everglades Seafood Festival returns with three days of fresh seafood, crafts, carnival attractions and live country music, including a performance from Southwest Florida-native Charlie Pace Band. Hosted by the Florida Stone Crabbers Association, the weekend’s proceeds go toward education and opportunities for students, local charities, hurricane disaster relief and the commercial fishers—all in the world’s stone crab capital. Learn more
Feb. 17
Storytelling Series: Josh Goforth — Appalachia Music and Song at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Wasmer Art Gallery, Fort Myers
Nationally known for his expressive storytelling and rounded skill with 20 instruments (coined the “Master Fiddler”), Josh Goforth returns for his second time headlining FGCU’s Storytelling Series. His performances, steeped in folk stories and song, narrate his Appalachian upbringing and heritage. Performing among the gallery’s artistic display, he conveys what it means to keep collected memories alive. Learn more
Feb. 17-22
Fifth Third Bank Broadway Series: Back to the Future: The Musical at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
The science fiction trilogy that electrified audiences from 1985 to 1990 takes to the stage with an award-winning Broadway tour. The musical combines the creative minds behind Back to the Future and Forrest Gump, along with a Tony Award-winning director. Learn more
Feb. 19
Mark Sanders: The Music of Barry Manilow at Arts Bonita
Arts Bonita resident musician and Broadway artist known for his role in Mamma Mia! Mark Sanders applies his musical proficiency and versatility to Barry Manilow’s chart-topping repertoire. With a live band backing songs like “Copacabana,” the spirited performance shines a light on Manilow’s pop, soft rock and contemporary legacy spanning decades. Learn more
Feb. 20-22
Naples Orchid Society Annual Show & Sale at Naples Botanical Garden
Following the 2026 theme ‘Orchid Rodeo,’ Naples Orchid Society growers compete for awards with arrangements of rare orchids, blooming floor and table displays, and potted and cut arrays. A new addition this year, visitors enjoy extended hours and live music. Learn more
Feb. 20-22
Naples National Art Fair by Naples Art Institute, Cambier Park
Back for its 47th year, the outdoor art fair brings local, national and international artists curated by Naples Art Institute to the tree-shaded Cambier Park. Artists present and compete with original works across numerous categories, including oil and watercolor, ceramics and wood. Some 20,000 visitors peruse the aisles between showcase tents, purchase works and interact with artists in one central location. Learn more
Feb. 21
Bonita Brew Fest at Riverside Park, Bonita Springs
Local breweries Swamp Cat, Chubby Mermaid and Bonehook come together with Dogfish Head, New Belgium and other national breweries at Riverside Park in the heart of Bonita. Enjoy over 200 unlimited free samples, plus local food truck vendors supporting Southwest Florida Brewcrafters. Learn more
Feb. 21
Opera à la carte at Moorings Presbyterian Church, Naples
Rising soprano Jazmine Saunders makes her way from the Metropolitan Opera to Naples for an operatic review spanning Verdi, Mascagni, Beethoven and Wagner. A member of the famed opera house’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, the soprano made her 2025 Met debut as Barbarina in Le Nozze di Figaro. Now, she leads the second concert in Naples Community Orchestra’s musical season with a performance hinging on themes of fate, love and sacrifice. Learn more
Feb. 21 and 22
Scalia/Ginsburg at Wang Opera Center, Naples
Opera Naples artistic director Ramón Tebar’s most anticipated show of the season, this celebrated modern opera emerges as a stand-out moment on this year’s Festival Under the Stars lineup. Composer Derrick Wang will be involved with the production from start to finish, coaching singers, speaking at the February 19 A Toast to Opera preview event and attending the public performances. Learn more
Feb. 24
Miami City Ballet at Artis—Naples
A returning favorite, Miami City Ballet joins forces with Naples Philharmonic, performing selections from Balanchine’s Serenade and Don Quixote alongside world premiere choreography by groundbreaking choreographer Alexei Ratmansky. Miami City Ballet is one of the nation’s leading ballet companies, putting on a show of dynamic grace and artistic excellence. Learn more
Feb. 25
Classical Chamber Music Series: American Virtuosi at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers
An annual event that lives up to its name, American Virtuosi unites some of the country’s most respected chamber music performers for an intimate performance. SBDAC’s Artistic Director and American String Quartet violinist Peter Winograd takes the stage alongside Philadelphia Orchestra concertmaster David Kim and acclaimed violists, cellists, pianists and soloists. Learn more
Feb. 25—Mar. 7
The Bridges of Madison County at Gulf Coast Symphony’s Music & Arts Community Center, Fort Myers
Gulf Coast Symphony takes audiences on an emotionally fraught tour of the American heartland with this modern musical from Tony-winning composer, lyricist and playwright Jason Robert Brown and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and author Marsha Norman. Rife with swelling music and drama, the story follows an Italian woman who marries an American soldier and immigrates to Iowa. When a chance for real love emerges, she finds herself at a crossroads. Learn more
Feb. 27
A Brother’s Revival with David ‘Rook’ Goldflies at Arts Bonita
The Allman Brothers Band left a lasting mark on rock music in the late 1900s. Now, the Florida-native group’s bassist, David ‘Rook’ Goldflies, resurrects the Southern tunes from his stint with the ensemble alongside a group of seasoned and emerging rock musicians. In 2019, he formed A Brother’s Revival, fueling listeners’ nostalgia. Learn more
Feb. 27 and 28
Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes World Tour at Hertz Arena, Estero
The two-time Grammy Award-nominated comedian brings his deadpan delivery to Southwest Florida for two nights of stand-up grounded in stories from his new book, Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind. Laugh along to clean and relatable humor as he dives into family, personal idiosyncrasies and tall tales. Learn more