On The Gulf
Celebrating the Arts in Cape Coral
The Cape Coral Art Festival returns for Its 41st year January 10 & 11. The weekend is a celebration of art, community, creativity, and culture.
Drawing over 140,000 visitors each year, the festival transforms downtown Cape Coral into a bustling outdoor gallery with more than 200 national and international artists and craftsmen, working in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, glass, photography, jewelry, and mixed media. Funds raised from the event go directly back into the community, helping youth programs, scholarships, and humanitarian initiatives across Lee County. This year’s festival features the Business Showcase
The Cape Coral Art Festival, featuring more than 200 artists, is January 10 & 11.
and Art Way on the Parkway, a display of art by students in Lee County schools. There will also be food vendors.
Presented by the Rotary Club of Cape Coral, Art Festival is located along Cape Coral Pkwy. between Del Pardo Blvd. & Coronado Pkwy. It is open Saturday, January 10, 10am-5pm & Sunday, January 11, 10am-4pm. Admission and parking are free. Call 699-7942 for information.
Seminole Pow Wow
Hard Rock
Florida’s Seminole tribe is celebrating the 52nd annual Tribal Fair & Pow Wow, January
30-February 1 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. in Hollywood, Florida.
This annual family-friendly event is a celebration of Seminole culture and arts feature vendors, exhibition dancing, wildlife shows, arts & crafts contests, drumming exhibitions, movie screenings, and a free concert on Sunday, February 1.
The Seminole Tribe’s Tribal Fair & Pow Wow, is January 30-February1, 9am-5pm. Admission is free. Primitive camping facilities are available.
The Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Florida. For information, call 866-625-5374.
Christmas
Carol Sing Moves to Saturday
The 34th Annual Christmas Carol Sing will be Saturday, December 6, at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers.
“The Carol Sing has traditionally been on the first Tuesday of December, but we thought we would try it on a Saturday this year, in hopes that more families will attend,” said the church’s Pastor, Rev. Dr. Paul deJong.
The Seminole Tribal Fair & Pow Wow, January 30- February 1, features exhibition drumming.
Because of the overwhelming popularity of the event, two singalongs are planned at 1 & 4pm. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to show time.
The 75-minute performance will include the Carol Sing Community Choir, soloists, and other special guests singing favorite holiday carols with audience sing-a-longs. Santa Claus will be making an appearance.
Admission is free, although organizers request voluntary donations of at least two cans of non-perishable food for The Soup Kitchen, operated by Community Cooperative, a nonprofit organization made up of social service entrepreneurs dedicated to ending hunger and homelessness in Southwest Florida.
Voluntary cash donations are encouraged. Community Cooperative can buy five times as much food for the same amount of money that residents spend at local grocery stores. Funds will support initiatives like Sam’s Community Café & Kitchen, Mobile Food Pantries, Meals on Wheels of SWFL, Mobile Hot Food and Social & Education Resource Centers, Community Cooperative works every day to ensure families and individuals have access to nutritious meals, stability, and hope.
First Presbyterian Church is located at 2438 Second Street in downtown Fort Myers, between Lee St. and Royal Palm Ave. For information, call 334-2261.
Edison & Ford Estates Celebrate 50 Years of Holiday Nights
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates celebrates the 50th anniversary of their Holiday Nights with displays on view through January 4, 5:30-9pm. This year’s ‘Golden Jubilee’ will feature gold lights and decorations. Guided Holiday Tradition Tours will be offered at 6 & 7pm nightly. Visitors can also stroll around at their own pace on a self-guided tour. Inside-theHomes tours will be offered on December 3, 10, & 17 at 6:30pm for a special up-close look at the homes’ decorated interiors.
& Ford Winter
The family-oriented event includes the Children’s Tree Trail, which features 50 trees decorated with handmade ornaments from Lee County school children. Holiday films will be shown on the Ford lawn at 6:30pm each night. From 6-8pm Sunday evenings through December 21, children can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
On Wednesday nights from 6-8pm, there will be a family science show and guests will have an opportunity to learn about the diffraction of holiday lights, the
Rookery Bay’s annual Festival of Birds is January 15-19.
chemistry of slime, and how to drive a robot.
There will be holiday music on several nights, including strolling carolers, a pianist, and saxophone and trumpet players.
Holiday Nights is open through January 4, 5:30-9pm (closed for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day). Edison & Ford Winter Estates, located at 2350 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers, is open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 9am5:30pm and until 9pm during December for Holiday Nights. For information, call 334-7419.
Festival of Birds at Rookery Bay
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve’s annual Festival of Birds will be held January 15-19. There will be guided field trips to wildlife hotspots around Southwest Florida, birdfeatured activities throughout the month and a special keynote presentation and reception. The Festival features field trips including birding walks, boat trips, kayaking adventures, swamp tromps, swamp buggy excursions, a moonlight hike, boardwalk walk, biking and car caravan to locations such as Six Mile Cypress Slough, Bunche Beach, Clam Pass, Corkscrew Swamp, CREW Marsh Trails, Eagle Lakes Park, Fakahatchee Strand, Six Mile Cypress Slough, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Harns Marsh, Rookery Bay Research Reserve and Tigertail Beach. There are three new adventures this year: Picayune Strand Forest, Sunrise Walk; Tigertail Beach, Sleuthing the Lagoon; Big Cypress, Birding Caravan and Wet Walk in the Swamp and Rookery Bay Research Reserve, Sunset Kayak Trip.
Special activities include: January 16: Nature Collage (9:30am), Nature Journaling Workshop (1:30pm), Birds & Butterflies: Shell Decoupage (1:30pm).
January 17: Essentials of Digital Photography (9:30am) January 18: Moon Walk: Nights in Nature (5:30) The Keynote Speaker is Paul
The Edison
Estates celebrates their Holiday Night’s ‘Golden Jubilee’ through January 4.
N.Gray, Audubon Florida’s Science Coordinator in Everglades Restoration Program. His presentation is titled, ‘Brief History of Ornithology in the Americas, Florida and the Birth of the Audubon Societies.’ The reception is January 15 at 5:30pm.
Preregistration is required for all field trips, keynote presentation and activities.
Rookery Bay Estuarine Research reserve is located at 300 Tower Rd. in Naples. Call 530-5972 for information.
‘Ding’ Darling Hosts Student Photography Contest
The annual ‘Ding’ DarlingTheodore Cross High School Photography Contest is accepting submissions from high school students in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades, and Hendry counties until January 15.
Student photographers can compete for cash, gift bags, and other prizes, including $1,000 for first place.
The contest’s namesake, Ted Cross lived on Sanibel Island, created Birders Unite, a birding website that ranked legislators according to their record of bird protection support.
Late in life, Cross indulged his love for birds and photography and traveled the world to collect stunning portraits and stories to chronicle his adventures.
He photographed often at ‘Ding’ Darling, and a number of the images in his book, Waterbirds reflect his love for the refuge.
Digital image entries can be shot from any outdoor venue in the state of Florida. A writing component to the contest requires entrants to submit a 100-word description of the moment captured and how it reflects what nature and wildlife mean to the photographer.
Only digital images are accepted and may be taken with any camera, including smartphones.
The photograph must be taken of nature and/or wildlife in the open outdoors in the state of Florida, which may include parks, refuges, backyards, and other open spaces.
‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge is hosting its 14th annual high school student photography contest.
Panoramic photos are not allowed.
Filters, cropping, enhancements, and borders are permitted. However, adding any elements not existing in the original scene will not be allowed. Judges will consider technical excellence (sharpness, lighting, composition, exposure), creativity, and the explanation of photograph.
‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located at 1 Wildlife Drive on Sanibel. The Refuge is open approximately dawn to dusk Saturday-Thursday. Entry to the visitor center and the Bailey Tract are free. There are fees for Wildlife Drive and the Indigo Trail. Call 472-1100 for information.
Selby Gardens Celebrates A Child’s Garden of Verses at Spanish Point
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens presents the exhibition, Robert Louis Stevenson: A Child’s Garden of Verses, through August 30 at it’s Historic Spanish Point campus. The exhibition celebrates childhood and the imagination of youth through the words and images of A Child’s Garden of Verses, the beloved book of poetry for children by the celebrated Scottish writer, Robert Louis Stevenson. The exhibition features photographs of pages
from a vintage edition of the book, combining Stevenson’s poetry with illustrations by the notable American artist, Alexander Dobkin. Accompanying the photographs are simple interactive activities that draw inspiration from Stevenson’s poems. An audio recording enables visitors to hear the poems read by Selby Gardens’ Artist-in-Residence, Patti Smith.
Marie Selby’s Botanical Garden’s Historic Spanish Point campus, located at 401 N. Tamiami Trail in Osprey, is open daily 10am5pm (open 10am-3pm Christmas Eve, closed Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day. For information, call 941-366-5731.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens celebrates Robert Louis Stevenson with a special exhibition at their Historic Spanish Point campus through August 30.
‘Minute Masterpieces’ at Tribby Art Center
T
ribby Art Center hosts
‘Minute Masterpieces: Fine Art by Miniature Art Society of Florida Artists and Urbanscapes by Alberto Chailosky,’ an exhibition of 143 miniature paintings by 38 artists living in 15 states across the United States, as well as five works from mixed-media artist Alberto Chailosky of Fort Myers. The exhibition is on view through January 17, 2026.
‘Minute Masterpieces’ is the first exhibition in Fort Myers to feature works by members of the Miniature Art Society of Florida. Headquartered in Dunedin, Florida, and with members throughout the United States and several other countries, it has brought Florida to the forefront in
Friendship Through Flowers
by Kara Moyer
AS AN ENTHUSIASTIC GARDENER AND POSSIBLY overzealous house plant collector (it depends on who you ask), I was thrilled to learn more about Ikebana (pronounced ‘ee-keh-bah-nah’). Simply translated, it means ‘the Japanese art of floral arranging.’
I’ve invested many well-spent hours meticulously arranging flowers to display on my kitchen countertop and felt relatively confident entering the world of Ikebana. How hard could it be? But as this now admittedly amateur floral designer quickly learned, this genuine and authentic art form, which dates to as early as the 6th century, is much more multifaceted and intricate than the straightforward definition would suggest.
There are now over a thousand different Ikebana schools throughout the world.
Southwest Florida is fortunate enough to be home for the Naples Chapter of Ikebana International, now entering its 53rd season. They welcomed me with open arms to their meeting at Kapnick Hall inside the Naples Botanical Garden, where they meet on the first Wednesday of each month from November through May. Once inside I was instantly struck with a sense of warmth and community.
38 of approximately 80 members were in attendance, plus a handful of first-time guests such as me. Fresh coffee and breakfast pastries were provided while you perused the Ginza, a members-sponsored market offering Japanese cultural items and Ikebana crafting supplies for purchase. Against the far wall, a console table overflowing with vibrant orange and yellow flowers and lush greenery awaited the
group’s monthly DIY arrangement session that followed a live demonstration from member and Ikebana master, Loris Dallal. It felt less like an organizational meeting than a hospitable gathering of friends, both old and new. Ikebana arrangements are easily recognizable, often because of what you don’t see. Known for its bare space and minimal components, it’s a stark contrast from what we think of at the mention of a bouquet of flowers. From a composition standpoint, it centers around purposeful lines, forms, and space. But it isn’t just about looking pretty. Ikebana is a balance of display with intent.
Ikebana was originally born from the sacred practice of offering flowers at temple altars to the Buddha. References of these customs can be traced back as early as the sixth century and it’s estimated the first official schools were established by the seventh century to formally teach the art form. By the 17th century, it had become widely prevalent among the general public and no longer reserved for temples and the Japanese aristocracy. There are now over a thousand different Ikebana schools throughout the world. It’s difficult to pinpoint an exact number since the form is ever evolving and constantly open to modern interpretations and approaches.
Ikebana is rooted deep in Japanese philosophy, which pays homage to the beauty of nature through mindfulness.
The Naples chapter studies four specific schools, and each school meets independently throughout the month: Ikenobo, Ohara, Sogetsu, and Kado Sensho Ikenobo. All vary in technique, materials, and even rules. Kado Sensho Ikenobo, for example, emphasizes the use of only natural elements and particularly blooming flowers, with ‘Kado’ loosely translating to ‘flower masters.’
Sogetsu, comparatively, takes more liberties with the integration of natural and non-natural elements and fewer spatial limitations. Possibly the most practiced, it’s also the most widely recognized in the Western Hemisphere. They’re more commonly featured as show-stopping arrangements in public entrances like hotels, somewhat of a loose amalgamation between modern floral bouquet arranging and the ancient origins of Ikebana.
Despite the varying schools, what’s undeniable is the consistent foundation. Ikebana, across the board, is rooted deep in Japanese philosophy, which pays homage to the beauty of nature through mindfulness. Simplicity over density. It honors its history in Buddhist religion and ancient Asian culture. It emphasizes harmony, balance, and the coexistence of Heaven, Earth, and humankind.
in Japan shortly after World War II. Through partnerships with Ikebana school masters in Tokyo, she established the organization with the goal of cultivating peace and harmony among countries through the shared practice of Ikebana. Upon her return to the U.S., Allen visited various cities on the east coast teaching and sharing her knowledge of Ikebana, thereby founding additional chapters. Since its forma-
While I tend to grab a vase from the cabinet that I think just looks pretty or will simply fit the bouquet my husband thoughtfully surprised me with, Ikebana is grounded in intention, so much so that even the vessel in which the stems are meticulously placed is selected with purpose. It slows the process of creating by honing focus. The buds or blooms of the flowers aren’t the only shining stars of the arrangement; the vessel, stems, leaves, and even the negative spaces are integral pieces of the whole. It’s disciplined and precise, yet expressive and harmonious.
There’s a calculated significance in every detail, sometimes specifically measured out to establish an asymmetrical yet balanced union between the vessel and stems. Selections and quantities of stems are considered, and while it may sometimes look sparce that’s also on purpose, of course. The ‘less is more’ approach allows each element to exhibit its inherent beauty and acknowledges the value of its existence in the world.
tion, Ikebana International has spread to over forty countries, with approximately 140 individual chapters. At least 27 states have active chapters, and Ikebana International in its entirety is run almost exclusively by volunteers.
Since its birth, Allen declared Ikebana International’s motto as “Friendship through Flowers.” It’s evident from the Naples chapter meeting that this motto is still alive and well almost 70 years later.
She narrated each step in precise detail, from the placement of the kenzan, a pin-like base that holds the elements in place, to molding each stem into the angle you need to balance the arrangement. Every element had a back story. She effectively foraged her neighborhood for seagrass stems, rescued the root ball of a tree torn down for new commercial construction and transformed it into a vase, and clipped orchids from her own garden that very morning.
As a brand-new student, it was captivating how she unintentionally reiterated the magnitude of intention in every aspect of Ikebana. Her peers applauded at the completion of each arrangement. No question was too small, and no detail was overlooked. From what looked like scraps came a beautifully curated, thoughtful work of art.
The Naples Chapter has an exciting season on the horizon, most notably their Annual ‘Balance and Harmony’ exhibition weekend in February, featuring three full days of demonstrations from master Ikebana teachers, ginza shopping, and DIY opportunities. If it’s anything like their meeting, it will not be one to miss. Attendance is included with regular admission to the Naples Botanical Garden.
Members of the Naples Chapter enjoy numerous other benefits, such as the annual luncheon, friendly competitions with prizes, and of course, the monthly meetings with in-house demonstrations.
While it may sound like a standard organization that simply appreciates floral arrangements, a spin on a typical garden club, there is a depth to Ikebana and the Naples Chapter of Ikebana International that is distinctive and unique. It embodies the motto of creating friendship through flowers in the enormous sense of community through shared interests that it fosters.
What could have looked like a pile of clippings headed for the trash after an afternoon pruning the garden, was transformed into four spectacular arrangements.
Ikebana International was founded in 1956 by the late Ellen Gordon Allen, wife of United States Army General Frank Allen, who discovered the art form while they were stationed
Loris Dallal’s demonstration inside Kapnick Hall was breathtaking. What could have looked, for many, like a pile of clippings headed for the trash after a productive afternoon pruning the garden, was transformed into four spectacular, magazine-worthy arrangements. Her focus on incorporating wood elements was both impressive and, to my surprise, not intimidating, even to the most novice observers like me.
In the hustle and bustle and often chaotic nature of everyday, between traffic and schedules and to-do’s, my time in Kapnick Hall felt purposeful and communal. It was a meaningful pause in the noise. And next time I spend the day pruning my garden, or my husband surprises me with flowers, I will pause before I toss the clippings in the trash bin. I will consider, with a more mindful purpose, which vase to choose. • For more information on Ikebana International Naples Chapter, become a member, or inquire about the upcoming Annual Exhibition, visit their website: ikebananaples.com.
The Art of Starting Over
by Nancy Stetson
ARTISTS ARE USED TO STARTING OVER.
With each new work—a fresh canvas, a slab of clay, a block of wood—they begin over and over again to create something new.
But the devastation of Hurricane Ian in September 2022 demanded new begin nings in ways never before faced. The catastrophic hurricane and storm surge took lives, livelihoods and homes. And it destroyed the Fort Myers Beach Art Association building, the home gallery and work studio for its artist members. Three years later, they’re getting back on their feet with a rented space off-island and a growing membership.
Approximately a third of the members experienced flooding, says Sue Simoneau, the association’s communications coordinator and former president, noting that even those who didn’t live on Fort Myers Beach suffered serious hurricane damage.
“We were very concerned about them,” she says.
Simoneau, who was in Rhode Island when Ian hit, hoped the gallery survived.
The plein-air group goes out twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
“We hoped and hoped,” she says. “But it was too big a storm. So much of Fort Myers Beach got washed away, and our gallery got squashed flatter than a pancake. It was a very sad time. So many of our members were in distress. We lost our space.”
Simoneau recalls that the husband of one of the members combed through the wreckage of the gallery. He was able to recover six
paintings, but they were severely damaged by the water and sand. Many members not only lost their work at the gallery, but in their homes, along with the art supplies they’d collected over the years.
No one, she says, felt like making art.
As part of the association’s plein-air group, she was used to going out weekly with fellow members and painting landscapes outside. “But after the hurricane, it was very hard to find a place where you could go and paint,” she says. “Nobody was in the mood to paint, there was so much wreckage everywhere. It took us a while to get in the right frame of mind, because people had really, really suffered. Our reaction was, ‘we can’t go out and paint.’ We didn’t feel like it.
“You felt bad for a while. Everyone you knew had suffered in some way. You couldn’t forget it easily.”
Eventually, she says, they began to find places where there wasn’t trash in the trees and piles of hurricane debris. “Artistically, it took a while to get ourselves going again,” she says. “But we gradually did.”
But there was the problem of what to do about the gallery/studio.
“I felt like we were a ship without a port,” says gallery manager Suzan Lanz.
They found a temporary home off-island at the Fort Myers Congregational United Church of Christ.
Simoneau had approached them: “I went to them and said, ‘We’ve just been wiped off the face of the Earth. Our season can’t begin. We don’t
“Many members not only lost their work at the gallery, but in their homes, along with the art supplies they’d collected over the years.”
know what we can do. We don’t know if we can pay you.’ They said, ‘Come on in.’
“It was an incredible relationship, and after a couple of months we started paying rent. They let us use the church hall and the kitchen several times a week. When I think of what Christian charity is, I think of those people, because they took us in when we had nothing.”
The Fort Myers Beach Art Association met at the church from November 2022- April 2024. But while they had a temporary home, they had no place to show their work. They met with other arts groups around Southwest Florida and were welcomed in. The Tribby Art Center at Shell Point Village gave them space for summer shows for a couple years. The Alliance for the Arts offered them a show one year, then two shows the next. Arts Bonita, the Cape Coral Art Gallery and the First Presbyterian Church in Bonita also took them in.
“The board looked and looked,” Simoneau says. “In their hearts, they did not want to give up on Fort Myers Beach. But all of it was prone to flooding from hurricanes.”
“There was just nothing appropriate for us that we could afford,” Lanz says. “We started exploring things off-island, mostly on San Carlos Boulevard,
but we were concerned: would it get water? Water and artworks do not mix.”
Maybe, Lanz thought, they should expand their horizons.
“We think of this as a new chapter. We needed a break after the hurricane. Now we need to have a future.”
“All around, we found incredible people who just were so generous,” Simoneau says. “That was the best part of the experience. People we’d had no contact with before took us in and helped us out.”
It sustained them until they could get on their feet. But they knew they needed a space of their own.
An architect drew up plans for a new building, as the association still owns the lot. But a new gallery and studio would cost $3 million and would also have to incorporate an elevator. “That gets costly for a small non-profit,” Lanz says.
They considered other solutions, including finding a place to lease until they could figure out what they wanted to do. They looked at a few places on Fort Myers Beach, including an old movie theatre and Santini Plaza.
optimistic and celebratory. (The group is calling 2025-2026 their ‘75th anniversary season.’)
The gallery displays a new exhibit every four or six weeks and is the site for workshops and classes for members and non-members. There are pot luck dinners for members to get to know each other, and the plein-air group goes out twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Lanz wanted to be in Cypress Square, located at the intersection of McGregor Blvd. and Cypress Lake Drive. The fact that the plaza also houses multiple restaurants, including The Prawnbroker Restaurant & Fish Market and Blu Sushi, was a plus.
“The stars aligned for us after a year of looking,” Lanz says. A space was available. “We signed the lease (for three years) and moved in.”
The gallery opened its new space May 1.
The gallery has a sunny yellow exterior.Inside, its white walls are filled with members’ artwork. Sunlight pours through windows on two sides of the building. “It’s slightly smaller than we would like,” she admits. “But I love it. It’s our new little home for now.”
“We’re collaborative, friendly, more casual,” Lanz says about the not-for-profit, all-volunteer art association. “We’re all doing it for the love of art, love of community, building fellowship, learning art and making friends. That’s why I joined. “
“And they’re open to all levels of artist, from beginners to professionals with multiple awards,” she adds.
Membership has increased, and in November was almost back to its pre-hurricane numbers.
“The minute we opened that gallery, people from Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Bonita just started pouring in,” Simoneau says. “There are so many possibilities now because we have a space again and can really grow. It’s exciting to have that many new people want to belong.”
“We think of this as a new chapter. We needed a break after the hurricane. Now we need to have a future. Now that the hurricane’s behind us, I think there’s an upside now to change, grow, develop. We’ve
Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year is a little premature, though, Lanz admits, as the art association was founded in 1951. It’s official 75th anniversary takes place January 2026. But after surviving a catastrophic hurricane, you can’t blame them for wanting to be a little
launched into this new era, and I think wonderful things are going to be happening.”
•
The new Fort Myers Beach Art Association & Gallery are located at 13451 McGregor Blvd., unit 1. For information, call 463-3909.
Lisa Marie Rogali
by Nancy Stetson
is Carmen “I
t’s fun to play Carmen,” says mezzo-soprano Lisa Marie Rogali.
She relishes the role.
She’s portraying the titular character in the classic Bizet opera at three different venues this December, all Gulfshore Opera productions.
As Carmen, Rogali not only gets to sing, but dance, flirt shamelessly, fight, and, because this is opera, also die a dramatic death at the end.
“She’s such an iconic character for so many reasons,” Rogali says. “There’s a reason why Carmen’s so popular. She’s unapologetically herself, always. She has this natural magnetic charm that everyone is drawn towards. She doesn’t even have to try, she’s just naturally magnetic. That’s why everyone loves Carmen.”
Yes, the character’s a bit of a flirt, Rogali admits, but she doesn’t like to see her played one-dimensionally. And that’s certainly not the way she herself approaches the role.
As Gulfshore Opera founder/general director Steffanie Pearce describes Carmen, “She’s an absolutely magnetic, sensuous young woman. And she has a really free spirit. She can be in a crowd of other girls and just stands out because of who she is.”
Some productions present Carmen in a harsher light, as a woman of questionable morals.
“Most people think she is very flirty and very alluring,” says Rogali, “but that’s just part of who she is. She’s 100% in the moment all the time. She is always herself, and she’s not going to lie. She’s going to have fun, do what she wants to do, make the most of her life.”
Romani women such as Carmen were seen as outsiders in 19th-century Spain, she explains. “They were very discriminated against and were stereotyped during this time. She still makes the best out of her life, even though she’s been dealt a rather difficult hand in life.”
At 30, Rogali says she’s “maybe on the younger side of playing Carmen,” though this is her fourth time in one year playing the role. “You have to have a warm developed voice in order to play the character,” she says. “Her music is very challenging, and you have to be on stage all the time. Her voice is a warmer, richer mezzo and oftentimes people wait until they’re older to play her, because your voice develops as you get older.
“I personally see her as being young. It’s so much fun to play. You do everything: you get to dance, you get to have fun, you get to yell at the tenor and have fights on the stage. She gets to do everything.
“It’s not just about the voice, it really is an acting role. In a lot of operas you see people just stand there and sing, but in Carmen you have to be feisty and run around the stage. You have to dance. And you have to have stamina to do that.”
This is the fourth time within a year Rogali will be performing the role. She made her debut in Carmen in the 2024-2025 season at Virginia Opera and Florentine Opera. The Virginia Pilot called her portrayal “the essence of sultry, supple sex appeal, especially when she lounges on a table or seductively dances.”
Rogali hopes to make this one of her signature roles.
“Carmen is one of the great classics and best-selling operas,” says Pearce. “It was quite scandalous when it first came out in the Victorian era, but then everyone said, ‘What the hell, it’s great opera.’ The proper society declared it too scandalous, but then everyone realized it had great tunes.”
“A woman being so free was shocking,” Rogali explains. “And then there was her death at the end. After Bizet died, the opera blew up. It’s one of the best of the best.”
“Opera is theater,” Pearce declares. “I often use the word ‘pageantry.’ We associate that with opera. There is pageantry in this in Act IV—a crowd scene, a festival parade before the big bull fight. That scene is often cut, because it requires a lot of costumes and a lot of people. Often in big companies, it’s often cut, but we’re going to do it.
“This is grand opera, and I want to fill the stage. We don’t get to do it that often, but when we do it, we want to do it right.”
“Grand opera is big! It’s loud, it’s passionate, as opposed to chamber opera or opera theater. Grand opera is grand, with big orchestras. Operas that were conceived as grand opera were created for the largest opera houses. The orchestras were bigger, the solo roles were more dramatic and they had bigger choruses onstage.”
•
Written by Georges Bizet, the opera, performed in French, is set in 1830 Seville. It tells the story of a young woman, Carmen, who is a free spirit. She flirts with Don Jose, who initially rejects her, but then becomes obsessed with her. When her interests turn to another man—a dashing matador—Don Jose winds up killing her. Rogali says. “It’s a tragedy.
“It’s way more fun to die onstage than to be the one who has to watch someone die. You get to be dramatic, then you pass out and the people around you have to watch and be sad. It’s way more fun to die.
“The tenor kills me, then he has to hold me and sing his last note all sad. It’s a big fight, and it ends in that tragedy.”
Pearce knew she needed someone spectacular as Carmen, and searched internationally. “I even went to see another production with a much bigger company than ours,” Pearce says. “It’s such a very distinctive role for the mezzo-soprano. There aren’t that many people who are recognized as a great Carmen. You have
to have this really rich, seductive quality of your voice, but you also have to have that look.
“I always cast people who act and whose stage presence embodies the character as well as their voice. That’s why I chose Lisa Marie. Lisa Marie is so fabulous. She made her debut in the role last year, she’s young, she has a totally natural sensual quality to her. A lot of times Carmen is played like a prostitute. But that’s not interesting to me. She’s just this gorgeous young woman who is full of fire and is totally fearless. That’s fascinating to all these men. They all want to tame her, I think that’s what it is.”
Brendan Boyle, playing the tenor, Don Jose, is very exciting, Pearce says. “It’s a more dramatic-sounding voice,” she says. “He’s a big, virile guy. He looks great in a soldier costume. There’s gonna be sparks!”
Rogali played against Boyle in a different production in the fall. The two playing the same roles in the Gulfshore Playhouse production is “a funny coincidence, not planned,” Rogali says. “It’s a cool coincidence. We had great stage chemistry in a different production.”
Both Rogali and Pearce see Carmen as being accessible to people who may not regularly attend opera. They both point out that people already know two songs from it: ‘Habanera’ and the ‘Toreador Song.’ “It has great melodies people can walk away humming.”
“It’s the perfect first opera to see, for anybody, because you would recognize the music,” Rogali says. “You may not know you know it, but you do. They use these tunes in movies and commercials, when they play opera. And it has everything. All these aspects make it the perfect opera to see. It’s fast-paced, too, so you don’t get bored.”
“If you like theater and you like music, there you go... you got both,” says Pearce. But, she warns, “It’s a gritty story. I wouldn’t bring my 10-year-old grandchild to it.”
“This is grand opera, and I want to fill the stage. We don’t get to do it that often, but when we do it, we want to do it right.”
“There’s that sexy rhythm they dance to,” Pearce says, explianing how Bizet incorporated a lot of Spanish rhythms in his operas, giving it a familiar “flamenco-style flavor.” And then there’s the spicy story: bad girl, good girl. He goes for the bad girl, and his entire life is ruined.”
“And this one is not stuffy,’ she adds. “Which is another reason why we’re doing it. That could be our motto: Making opera accessible, de-stigmatizing opera. We make it very accessible for people who have not been to the opera, or think it’s not for them.” •
As part of its mission to bring opera to Southwest Florida, the Gulfshore Opera production will travel to three counties in early December: opening in Fort Myers at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on December 2. On December 4, the production will perform at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda. Both productions will be accompanied by the Florida Philharmonic. The last performance is in Naples at Artis—Naples on December 7, accompanied by the Naples Philharmonic. For information, call Gulfshore Opera at 529-3925.
The Baker Museum
Discovering Ansel Adams
MARCH 14–AUGUST 2
Artis—Naples
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard • NAPLES 800-597-1900
artisnaples.org
This exhibition presents a collection of photographs, documents, and personal artifacts, offering a window into the formative years of Adams’ career. It explores his transition from soft-focus Pictorialist influences to the sharply detailed work in Yosemite that forged a visual language that defined his career and cemented his role as an advocate for landscapes in the United States. His photographs, technical innovations, and artistic choices offer a look at how he transformed his passion into a lifelong mission to capture and protect the natural world.
The James Museum of Western Wildlife Art
Edward S. Curtis: Photographer of His Time thru MARCH 29
150 Central Avenue • ST. PETERSBURG 727-892-4200
thejamesmuseum.org
Curtis was an American photographer and ethnologist, best known for his extensive photographic record of Native American cultures in the early 20th-century. This exhibition offers a look at his three-decade photographic career. The heart of the exhibition is a Portrait Gallery Installation featuring 84 Native American portraits, approximately one from each Native American tribe he visited. The exhibition presents Curtis’ work along with artwork by his contemporaries —including Dorothea Lange, Thomas Hart Benton, and Edward Steichen.
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
The Medici Dynasty: Rennaisance in Florence thru APRIL 12
Florida Southern University
800 East Palmetto Street
LAKELAND
863-688-7743
agbmuseum.org
Tracing the trials and tribulations of the legendary Medici dynasty and their influence, power, and patronage over the Italian Renaissance, this exhibition arrives in the United States for the first time, featuring more than 60 paintings of Renaissance portraiture and artifacts from the Stibbert Museum in Florence, Italy.
The Margulies
Collection at the Warehouse Pop Art: Johns, Lichtenstein, Warhol, Wesselmann, Rosenquist, Chamberlain, Segal thru APRIL 4
591 NW 27th Street
MIAMI
305-576-1051
margulieswarehouse.com
Exhibition features sculpture and paintings from the Margulies collection, from the 1960s-1990s, by Roy Lichtenstein, Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, Tom Wesselmann, James Rosenquist, John Chamberlain, and George Segal. A common thread in these works is the use of found objects or handmade elements, including Segal’s ‘Subway’, which integrates a real New York City subway car with a plaster cast of a woman riding alone,and Warhol’s silkscreens of a Brillo’ box an d Campbells Soup can. These works illustrate the radical shift in art history where artists both embraced and critiqued the media, commerce, and popular culture.
Norton Museum of Art Art and Life in Rembrandt’s Time
thru MARCH 29
1460 S. Dixie Highway WEST PALM BEACH
561-832-5196
norton.org
The first major presentation of The Leiden Collection in the United States, the exhibition features more than 70 works by 27 artists, from portraits and character studies to genre scenes and historical subjects. It includes 17 paintings by Rembrandt van Rijn, as well as paintings by Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Johannes Vermeer, Hendrick ter Brugghen, and Carel Fabritius, among others. Through the prism of the 17th-century Netherlands and its leading artists, the exhibition sheds light on a crucial era of innovation in the history of art. Envisioned to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the Dutch founding of New Amsterdam on the island of present-day Manhattan, it is the largest show of privately held Dutch 17th-century paintings ever in the United States, with some of the most famous works of art of the era.
Boca Raton Museum of Art
Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line
thru MARCH 1
501 Plaza Real BOCA RATON 561-392-2500 bocamuseum.org
A groundbreaking exhibition celebrating the work and influence of Czech artist Alphonse Mucha, a pioneering figure of the Art Nouveau movement. This major retrospective features more than 100 of Mucha’s works and re-examines his revolutionary contributions to graphic design and poster art. It showcases his iconic flowing linework and decorative style, which helped define the visual aesthetic of the early 20th century. By blending fine-art craftsmanship with commercial appeal, he elevated poster design, magazine covers, postcards, and calendars to a respected art form. Presenting select Mucha originals alongside later works they inspired, the exhibition also reveals Mucha’s influence extending far beyond his own lifetime, as he was rediscovered and embraced by the 1960s counterculture,
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Beyond Glass: The Paintings of Louis Comfort Tiffany
MARCH 3 – ongoing 445 North Park Avenue WINTER PARK 407-645-5311 morsemuseum.org
Though acclaimed for his innovations in glass, Louis Comfort Tiffany began his artistic career as a painter. Although he eventually switched his focus to his design work at Tiffany Studios, he continued to paint throughout his life. Many of Tiffany’s paintings, often done in watercolor, show people and places in the Middle East. As a young man, he traveled extensively and was fascinated by the architecture, people, and culture of North Africa. His later paintings sometimes focused on his family and their travels in the eastern United States. They also often included flowers and other landscape elements painted in the Impressionist style. This exhibition showcases his paintings and exploration of color and light in the medium.
Naples Art Institute
Joan Miró: Fire in the Soul DECEMBER 13–MARCH 29 585 Park Street NAPLES 239-262-6517 naplesart.org
Joan Miró was a Spanish painter, sculptor, and ceramicist born in Barcelona. A leading figure in modern art, he developed a distinctive style blending abstraction with playful, dreamlike imagery, often featuring bold colors, organic shapes, and symbolic motifs. Though associated with Surrealism, he forged his own path. This exhibition offers a selection of Miró’s works, ranging from graphics to paintings, revealing the themes of nature, mysticism, and the Catalan identity that shaped his unique artistic language. Through symbolic imagery and spiritual undertones, the show explores his poetic and transcendent vision of the world.
Sarasota Art Museum
Art Deco:
The Golden Age of Illustration thru MARCH 29
Ringling College of Art & Design 1001 South Tamiami Trail SARASOTA 941-309-4300
sarasotaartmuseum.org
Celebrating Art Deco’s centennial anniversary, the exhibition showcases 100 rare posters from the Crouse Collection created by some of the world’s earliest master graphic designers during the 1920s & 1930s. During the 1920s, a bold new artistic style arose, an exciting, dramatic, and glamorous new genre bidding farewell to the soft, organic forms of Art Nouveau. One of Art Deco’s most significant contributions was the art of printed graphics, giving birth to the disciplines of illustration and typography. Featuring subjects ranging from automobiles, airlines, and ocean liners to drinks and tobacco, works celebrate modernity, dynamism, and luxury—the dreams and desires of the turbulent early twentieth century. In addition to the iconic posters, the exhibition features selected sculptural works, cocktail shakers, and furniture.
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
In Caravaggio’s Light thru MARCH 22
255 Beach Drive NE ST. PETERSBURG
727-896-2667
mfastpete.org
A landmark exhibition featuring some 40 Baroque Masterpieces from the Fondazione Roberto Longhi that delve into the dramatic brilliance and emotional depth of Baroque art, as seen through the influence of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. At the exhibition’s heart is Caravaggio’s masterpiece, ‘Boy Bitten by a Lizard,’ paintied in 1597. Its intense realism, dramatic light, and theatric power shattered artistic conventions. This is the first time in more than a decade that the Longhi version of the iconic painting will be on view in the United States. The exhibition also charts his impact on European art, exploring works by his closest followers: Valentin de Boulogne’, Jusepe de Ribera, Carlo Saraceni, and Matthias Stomer. To complement ‘In Caravaggio’s Light’, the Museum concurrently presents ‘Baroque Continuum: Caravaggio and the Caravaggisti Over Time’, an exhibition that traces the enduring reach of Caravaggio’s innovations from the Baroque period through to the present day.
The Salvador Dali Museum
Alberto Giacometti & Salvador Dalí: Through & Beyond Surrealism thru APRIL 19
One Dali Boulevard ST. PETERSBURG 727-823-3767 thedali.org
A collaboration between The Dalí Museum and Fondation Alberto et Annette Giacometti in Paris, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see these two modern masters side by side, revealing their shared exploration of perception and form. It features more than 70 paintings, sculptures and archival materials displayed in parallel, exploring the friendship and similarities in the artists’ visions, despite their distinct stylistic approaches. It delves into the artistic dialogue between the two that began in the 1930s. Though very different in style their artistic paths intertwined as both artists engaged with psychoanalytic theory, collaborated on designs for a surrealist ‘dream garden’ and pioneered the new medium of the ‘surrealist object,’ a radical reconsideration of form and meaning.
Appleton Museum of Art
Ancient Pathways: A Legacy of Trade ONGOING
College of Central Florida
4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. OCALA
352-291-4455
appletonmuseum.org
The Silk Road was not a single route but a vast network of land and sea trade paths linking China to the Mediterranean more than 2,000 years ago. Stretching over 4,000 miles, it carried not only silk and spices but also ideas, cultures and art between great civilizations like China, Rome and Persia for more than a millennium. Drawn from the Appleton’s permanent collection, the exhibition explores the enduring impact of this exchange through artworks and objects inspired by centuries of global connection.
The
John & Mable
Ringling Museum of Art
Seventeenth-Century Dutch Paintings from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
thru NOVEMBER 1
State Art Museum of Florida
Florida State University 5401 Bay Shore Road SARASOTA
941-359-5700
ringling.org
The exhibition showcases five outstanding examples of 17th-century Dutch painting from the collection of Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts along with The Ringling’s holdings of Dutch art. Featuring a dramatic seascape, an expansive landscape, and captivating portraits set in detailed interiors, it provides perspective on the artistry, historical significance, and continuing appeal of Dutch painting from this period, and offers a window into the vibrant artistic production of the Netherlands as the small nation rose to global prominence in the 17th century. The five exceptional paintings from the col
The Wolfsonian World’s
Fair:
Visions of Tomorrow thru MARCH 2
Florida International University 1001 Washington Avenue MIAMI BEACH 305-531-1001
thewolf.fiu.edu
The wonders of 19th- and 20th-century world’s fairs—towering architecture and dazzling displays of the latest in technology, science, industry, and art—promised fairgoers a bright and modern future, often offering reassurance and hope during times of crisis and change. Featuring Wolfsonian collection works such as posters, books, souvenirs, and one of the first consumer TVs, the exhibition spotlights the pavilions, attractions, and themes that drew millions to eight major international expositions, from Paris (1889), Barcelona (1929), Chicago (1933-34), New York (1939-40 & 19641965), Brussels (1958), Montréal (1967), and Spokane (1974).
Iby Jason MacNeil
n January 2025, Gar th Hudson, the last surviving member of the original classic lineup from the iconic Americana group The Band, passed away. He was 87. The Band—featuring the multi-instrumentalist Hudson, guitarist/singer Robbie Robertson, singer/drummer/fiddler Levon Helm, keyboardist/singer Richard Manuel, and singer/guitarist/bassist Rick Danko—were responsible for some of the genre’s most timeless signatures. From ‘Up On Cripple Creek’ and ‘I Shall Be Released’ to ‘Tears Of Rage’ and ‘The Weight,’ The Band remains giants in popular music.
Filling the position once held by Robbie Robertson was, to say the least, an imposing task.
But while The Band are no more, guitarist Jim Weider has continued carrying the torch of the beloved quintet in The Weight Band, an original group who have two studio albums to their credit, but blend their own songs with The Band’s signatures in concert. For Weider, who became a member of The Band in the early ‘80s and replaced Robertson, it’s been a lifelong love and passion.
“They moved to my hometown,” Weider says of The Band relocating to Woodstock, New York in the late ‘60s. “They lived here. And as soon as I heard them, I was a fan.”
The Weight Band was a natural evolution for Weider following his years with The Band. Weider says the seed of The Weight Band began when the musician began performing with Levon Helm.
“It kind of formed then because we started doing some Band songs,” Weider says from his home in upstate New York. “Garth would sit in. And then Levon passed (in 2012), and I went out and did a few shows with Garth Hudson, Jimmy Vivino from Conan O’Brien’s show ( Late Night with Conan O’Brien ), and Randy Ciarlante, who was the second drummer in The Band in the ‘90s. We started doing some Band tunes, and people went crazy to hear them again.”
After Rick Danko’s passing in 1999, The Band was ‘put to rest,’
as Weider describes. Vivino returned to work as part of Conan’s band and Weider was left to discover the next chapter of his musical career.
“I kind of said, ‘Well, I got to write an album. We can’t just be playing cover tunes,’” Weider says. “So we did World Gone Mad (in 2018) and Marty Grebb, from Bonnie Raitt’s group, was in The Weight Band. He eventually passed (in 2020) and we got Matt Zeiner, a great vocalist from the Dickey Betts Band to join up with us and we did an album called Shines Like Gold (in 2022). We’ve been together for 13, 14 years. This is our fourteenth year together.”
Over the years, The Weight Band has had a few stellar musicians in its lineup, including Bryan Isaacs, now with The Lumineers, and singer/bassist Albert Rogers. The result is a collection of musicians whose sum is greater than their already great individual parts.
“We’ll throw in an Allman Brothers tune, some Grateful Dead songs, along with our album songs and some classic Band tunes like ‘The Weight’ and ‘Up On Cripple Creek,’”
Weider, who contributed and played on the post-Robertson albums by The Band including 1993’s Jehrico, 1996’s High On The Hog, and 1999’s Jubilation, says finding the appropriate name for The Weight Band came from a friend.
“I said, ‘I’m not sure what the heck to call it,’” he recalls. “We were out doing some Band songs when we first started. He said, ‘Well, why don’t you call it The Weight?’ It started out as The Weight, which is a classic song by The Band, one of their most famous tunes.” So, that’s what we called it for a long time. Then, I found out there was another band that had that name [an Austrian rock group]. I didn’t know who it was. So, we just added Band onto it, so it’s The Weight Band.
‘The Weight’ is also one of a handful of signature songs by The Band that The Weight Band routinely performs. Weider says part of the aim with The Weight Band was to create original music that complemented the classic tracks almost seamlessly.
“When I wrote and co-wrote the songs, I just wanted them to fit right in,” he says. “I don’t know, if you heard the Shines Like Gold album, I think I actually did that. They kind of blend in with the originals, and the originals blend in with The Band songs. I didn’t want it to be shockingly different.”
Weider says the biggest hurdle in creating Shines Like Gold was the songwriting process. But once he got the ball rolling with producer Colin Linden, things started heading in the right direction.
“Those songs came easier,” he says. “I worked with Colin Linden, who’s a close friend and songwriter. We wrote ‘Remedy’ together (from 2018’s World Gone Mad album). We write a lot together. Writing the songs came easier because we were stuck in with Covid, there were no gigs. So, I just went down every day and started working on songs. And that’s the way to get yourself into that headspace. Once you get going, they start coming. But you have to work at it. It was really great. It came easier because of the world conditions we were in.
“Not unlike what is going on now, another kind of condition. It’s just a big chaotic circus down here, that’s why I like to play ‘Life Is a Carnival’ or a song like ‘World Gone Mad.’ I’ve got to bring that back into the set, because boy, it’s just chaos down here.”
Despite the currently turbulent geopolitical times, Weider looks back fondly on his time in The Band. He said it was a very easy decision to join the group when he was offered the opportunity.
“I was ecstatic,” he says. “I was already playing with Levon. I had moved back to Woodstock and started playing with the Levon All-Stars. So, we were starting to play a few Band tunes here and there. Eventually, they would come and sit in as they moved back from California and stuff. Danko started moving back. I started just playing some shows with myself, Levon, and Rick. Then it kind of grew. It was a no-brainer. I was ecstatic to be offered to play with all of the original members.”
Weider didn’t have a lot of time to get butterflies sharing the same stage with Helm, Danko, Manuel, and Hudson. In fact, he hit the ground running after flying to Dallas to meet the group. His first assignment in filling the position once held by Robbie Robertson was, to say the least, an imposing task.
“It was big shoes,” he says with a laugh. “There was no rehearsal. The first show was in Dallas, Texas before around 10,000 people opening up for Crosby, Stills, and Nash. They flew me out. I had to
kick off all the intros because they were all guitar intros. ‘Walcott’ (known as ‘The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show’), ‘It Makes No Difference,’ and ‘Up On Cripple Creek.’ All those were guitar intros to songs. It was intimidating for sure. It was exciting. But I had already played with Levon and the guys a little bit, but not all of them at one time.”
Weider says The Band’s greatest strength as musicians was the fact they played each and every gig as if their lives depended on it. Regardless of the venue or situation, they left nothing to chance once they hit the stage. Weider recalls, “Nobody held back. You just felt the music, you know. They were all great musicians, every one of them. And when they played, they gave 110%.”
Having played for years with The Band, Weider says there were many highlights along the way. One in particular stands out for him was when The Band were part of the star-studded lineup for The Wall — Live In Berlin, the July 21, 1990 concert by Roger Waters that celebrated the destruction of the Berlin Wall and the fall of the Eastern Bloc.
“Playing the Berlin Wall meant a lot to me,” he says. “We opened and played one of the shows; Ronnie Hawkins played with us. There were a lot of people there, hundreds of thousands. It was a meaningful experience for the wall to go down. To be part of that was pretty amazing.”
What is also pretty amazing is the future plans for The Weight Band. The group, which now consists of Weider, Zeiner, Rogers, singer/keyboardist Brian Mitchell, and drummer/singer Michael Bram, has shows running through well into 2026. Although there are no plans for a proper studio album, Weider says he’s considering making a live album, which would include some new original material. And while the 2025 edition of Camp Cripple Creek, which celebrates The Band’s music, was put on hold, Weider says he hopes to revisit the camp in the future.
The only thing that might not be in the cards next year is a concert celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Last Waltz , the iconic farewell 1976 concert and album The Band staged featuring Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, and Bob Dylan, among others. With 2026 marking a half-century since that legendary swan song and subsequent documentary, Weider says he would have to land some phenomenal guests to make it work. He says, “If I could get some really special guests like David Hidalgo from Los Lobos or Jackie Greene, I would consider it.”
Having played with members of The Band for years and enjoying their company both on and off the stage, Weider says it’s bittersweet to play those signature songs knowing all of those five musicians are no longer with us. •
“I think about them all the time,” Weider says. “Yeah, it is bittersweet in a way. After playing with them for so long, 15 years, we had a lot of road miles. And a lot of laughs. And some great music.”
The Weight Band performs January 24 at the Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, located at 10150 Bonita Springs Rd. in Bonita Springs. Call 495-8989 for information.
Weider says. “It’s always a blast to play Bonita Springs. People have a really great time.”
Alliance for the Arts
10091 McGregor Blvd. • FORT MYERS 239-939-2787 artinlee.org
TUE-FRI 9am- 7pm, SAT 9am- 1pm
Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing creativity and artistic expression in our community. Offering a range of programs including art classes, movie nights, youth camps, free galleries, family art projects, live theatre, monthly night markets, concerts. There’s something for everyone!
exhibitions
Main Gallery
Dec 5-23: Small Works Off the Walls
Jan 9-Feb 28: From Skin to Mud Foulds Theatre Gallery
Dec 5-23: Wonderland - Terry Lynn
Jan 9-Feb 28: Pop-Up Auction House
Member Gallery
Dec 5-23: Lee Art Education Assoc.
Jan 9-Feb 28: Organic Abstractions
ArtFest Fort Myers
Edwards Drive
Downtown River District FORT MYERS
239-768-3602 artfestfortmyers.com
FEB 6: 6-10pm & FEB 7 & 8: 10am-5pm
ArtFest Fort Myers brings 200 exceptional artists from across the country to the Downtown River District, along with live entertainment, delicious food, the region’s largest high school art competition, and hands-on art experiences for all ages- celebrating creativity, community, and the transformative power of the arts.
Arts for ACT Gallery
2265 First Street • FORT MYERS
239-337-5050 artsforactgallery.com
MON-SAT 11:30am-8pm & SUN 11:30am-4pm (open until 9pm during Art Walk, 1st Fri of month)
In the heart of the River District in Fort Myers, this non-profit gallery is owned by Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc. It has been an ongoing fundraiser for ACT for over 25 years. It is a “must-see” destination for all art lovers and collectors
exhibitions
Dec: Watercolor Visions of Florida - Shah Hadjebi
Jan: Donna Kollar
Feb: Tabbe Budde
Mar: Michele Geller
Apr: Terry Lynn Spry
May: Dallas Contant
Jun: Leema Snyder
Jul: ReStyled-ReCycled group show
Aug: All Things Alice group shows
Sep: Quilters Unlimited
Oct: All Hallows Eve group show
Nov: SWFL Craft Guild
Dec: Stacey Roush
Arts Bonita
Visual Arts Center
26100 Old 41 Road • BONITA SPRINGS 239-495-8989 artsbonita.org
MON-SAT 9am-5pm
The Arts Bonita Visual Arts Center Exhibition Gallery showcases a dynamic range of artwork from local, national, and international artists. Featuring rotating exhibitions across diverse media, it serves as a vibrant hub for creativity, education, and cultural exchange— inviting visitors to explore, reflect, and connect through the power of visual art.
exhibitions
Main Gallery
thru Dec 4: Tammy DeCaro
Dec 11-Jan 15: Crooked Highway - Jason Hackenwerth
Jan 22-Feb 26: Land That I Love - Members show
Mar 5-Apr 2: Julia Bonnells
Mar 5-Apr 2: Romancing the Stone
Apr 9-May 14: Atelier Program - Student Work
May 28-Jul 2: Forged & Found - Celebration of Metal in Art
Jul 9-Aug 13: Alchemy & Magic
Tranovich Gallery thru Dec 4: Pareidolia
Dec 11-Jan 15: Brut POP - Signal Noise for the MassesWalt Nichols
Jan 22-Feb 26: Land That I Love - Members show
Apr 9-May 14: Mandala Meditations - On the Fabric of Life - Agnes Stor y
Performing Arts Center
Hinman Gallery-in-the-Round
10150 Bonita Beach Rd • BONITA SPRINGS
239-495-8989 artsbonita.org
Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm
The Hinman Gallery-in-the-Round at Arts Bonita offers an immersive exhibition experience, allowing visitors to engage with artwork from every angle. Its circular design enhances visual flow and connection between pieces, creating an intimate setting for diverse artistic expressions and community exhibitions that celebrate creativity and innovation in the arts. exhibitions
thru Jan 8: Fort Myers Beach Art Association
Jan 15-Feb 19: Through the Lens - A Photographer’s Perspective
Feb 26-Apr 2: Kendra Hensley
May 21-Jun 25: The Geometry of Emotion
Jul 2-Aug 30: The Elements - Earth, Wind, Water, Fire
Jul 6- Sep 3: Seasons of Color
Cape Coral Art League
516 Cultural Part Boulevard • CAPE CORAL
BIG ARTS
900 Dunlop Road • SANIBEL 239-395-0900
bigarts.org
MON-FRI 9am-4pm & SUN 9am-1pm
BIG ARTS provides an array of quality entertainment, arts, and education programs that enrich and nurture the lives of Sanibel and Captiva residents and visitors through professionally led classes and workshops, rotating gallery exhibits, free community events, stimulating lectures, and dynamic performing arts presentations of the highest caliber. exhibitions thru Dec 15: Curious - Reynier Llanes thru Jan 12: Just Keep SwimmingMarti Koehler
Dec 19-Jan 25: Ode to Joy - Sanibel Captiva Art League
Jan 23-Apr 17: A Journey to the OracleEbenezer Leyva
Jan 29-Mar 15: Impressions and RelicsJonas Stirner
Mar 19-Apr 26: The Profound Drama of the Ordinary - Rene Miville
Apr 24-May 31: BIG ARTS Artist Instructors
May 1-Jun 8: Art as Therapy - Hope Healthcare’s Art Therapy Program & Lee Health’s Arts in Healthcare Program
Jun 13-Jul 24: Florida SouthWestern State College Student Show thru Jun 30: I Am My HomeMariaPia Malerba
239-772-5657
capecoralartleague.org
MON-THU 11am-4pm
The Cape Coral Art League is a non-profit. It is an independent community of local artists who support, encourage, and inspire each other through classes, workshops, exhibits, and open painting sessions. The League is a place to explore your artistic side, learn from exceptional educators, make new life-long friends, enjoy fellowship.
Cape Coral Art Center
4533 Coronado Parkway. • CAPE CORAL
239-574-0802
exhibitions
Main Gallery
Dec 4-18: Holiday Silent Auction
Jan 8-29: Sun Seekers
Feb 5-26: Wild About Wildlife
Mar 5-Apr 2: Purple Reigns
Apr 9-30: Celebrating Color
May 7-21: Florida Life Studio 1
Dec 4-18: Holiday Silent Auction
Jan 8-29: Leadership
Feb 5-26: Black History Month
Mar 5-Apr 2: Class Act
Apr 9-30: Season Highlights
May 7-21: Members show
capecoral.gov/department/parks_and_recreationhome/cape_coral_art_center.php
MON-SAT 9am-4pm & Closed Sun
Cape Coral Art Center features rotating exhibitions in two vibrant galleries, showcasing diverse works in many mediums. Through solo, curated, and open call shows, artists share creativity in a welcoming community space. Enjoy free admission and free monthly receptions held the second Friday of select months from 5-7p.m.
Side Gallery
exhibitions
Main Gallery
thru Dec 18: Liminal
Jan 2-29: Strangescapes
Feb 6-26: Expressions
Mar 6-26: Art Focus
Apr 3-23: Emerging Voices
May 1-Jun 25: Paint Strokes of AscensionLove, Life and Spirituality
Jul 3-30: 250 Years of American Landscapes
Aug 7-Sep 24: Retrospective: Larger Than Life
thru Dec 18: Merry & Bright Art Market Sale Take Over
Jan 2-29: Outside the Lines
Mar 6-26: Inspire
Apr 3-23: The Third Dimension
May 1-28: Bloom & Thrive
Aug 7-Sep 4: The Symphony of Sound and Shape
Cape Coral Art Festival
Cape Coral Parkway. between Del Prado Blvd. & Coronado Pkwy.
CAPE CORAL
239-699-7942
capecoralartfestival.com
JANUARY 10: 10am-5pm & JANUARY 11: 10am- 4pm
The 41st annual Cape Coral Art Festival, Lee County’s largest special event, draws over 140,000 visitors each January. Celebrating its 41st year in 2026, it showcases 240 juried artists and crafters presenting exceptional handmade works. Presented by the Rotary Club of Cape Coral, all proceeds support community projects through the Cape Coral Rotary Foundation. Exhibitors list available on website.
Art Council of Southwest Florida
Coco Art Galleries
cocoartgallery.com
Coconut Point Mall
8074 Mediterranean Drive • ESTERO
239-949-3073
DAILY 11am-5pm & Thu 9am-5pm (closed 1st Mon of month)
Coastland Center Mall
1758 Tamiami Trail N • NAPLES
239-436-3530
DAILY 12-6pm (closed 2nd Mon of month)
A nonprofit, cooperative gallery owned by the Art Council of Southwest Florida, Inc. We showcase and sell the work of talented local artists, providing a platform for art appreciation and education through exhibitions, workshops, and events.
exhibitions
ESTERO
Dec 2-Jan 4: SWFL Fine Arts Guild
Jan 6-Feb 1: Naples Decorative Artists
Feb 4-Mar 1: Art Quiliters Unlimited
Mar 3-Apr 4: SWFL Watercolor Society
Apr 7-May 3: Estero Art League
NAPLES
Dec 13-Jan 11: SWFL Pastel Society
Jan: 13-Feb 8: Arts Bonita
Feb 10-Mar 8: SWFL Watercolor Society
Mar 10-28: SWFL Pastel Society
Mar 30-Apr 26-: Art Council of SWFL
Clyde Butcher
Fine Art Photography
clydebutcher.com
Venice Gallery & Studio 237 Warfield Avenue • VENICE
941-486-0811
TUE-FRI 10am-4:30pm
Internationally renowned photographer Clyde Butcher celebrates and captures the natural world in heirloom-quality, exquisite black & white photographs. Butcher has traveled extensively across the United States and abroad to capture the diversity, dignity, and beauty of nature on film for more than fifty years. Venice Gallery houses Butcher’s darkroom and offers visitors and collectors the opportunity to experience these powerful images up close.
Big
Cypress
Gallery
52388 Tamiami Trail • OCHOPEE 239-695-2428
DAILY 10am-5pm
The gallery is nestled in the lush sub-tropical western Everglades, offering visitors and collectors the opportunity to experience Butcher’s powerful images up close. Gift shop, Swamp Walk tours, and lodging available. exhibitions
Dec 12- Mar 19: Lifeworks in Photography (Bishop Museum of Science & Nature, Bradenton)
Mar 31-Jul 11: America the Beautiful (Marco Island Historical Museum)
Florida Gulf Coast University
Art Galleries
Arts Complex • 10501 FGCU Boulevard S. • FORT MYERS
239-590-7199
fdcu.edu/artgalleries
MON-FRI 10am-4pm
Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries’ mission is to broaden the learning and cultural experiences of FGCU students and the community. Exhibitions focus on contemporary art from local, national and international artists as well as the faculty and students. Exhibitions and events are free and open to the public.
exhibitions thru Dec 12: Beloved - A Tribute to Andy Owens (Arts Complex lobby & Bradshaw Library)
Dec 5-12: Senior Projects - Fall
Jan 7-May 3: Brian Yates & selections from Permanent Collection Bradshaw Library)
Jan 23-Feb 19: Becoming Tomorrow’s Dream - Onajide Shabaka
Mar 20-Apr 2: Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition
Apr 17-May 1: Senior Projects - Spring thru Jul 1: Crumbs (Arts Complex lobby) thru Sep 30: Diamonds in the Light (Arts Complex lobby) thru October 31: The Trees Know (outside btwn Student Center & Sugden Hall)
Harbour View Gallery
5789 Cape Harbour Drive • suite 104
CAPE CORAL
239-540-5789
harbourviewgallery.com
Oct-Dec: MON 11am-3:30pm & TUE-SUN 11am-8pm • Jan-May: DAILY 11am-8pm. The only artist owned co-op gallery in Cape Coral. Exhibits only juried, local artists and is always staffed by an exhibiting artist. Each month they feature a 2-D and 3-D artist, and hold a special reception on the first Tuesday of the month.
exhibitions
Jan 4 -Feb 1: Janet Sams, Sandy Jones
Feb 1-Mar 1: Tetiana Neroda, Nicholae Blanchard
Mar 1-Apr 6: Linda McQuinn, Jan Butler
Apr 6-May 3: Dr. Jane Ruprecht, Carolyn Cora
May 3-31: Terrie Hall, Jim Crawford
May 31-Jul 5: Helen Kinkin, Beverly Fox
Jul 5-Aug 2: Pat Johnson
Aug 2-Sep 9: Heather Rivera
Sep 6-Oct 4: Mariner High School Art Club
Oct 4-Nov 11: Rebecca Christopher, Sharon Tondreau
Nov 1-29: Kathy Fitzgerald, Allan Kamrad
Nov 29-Jan 3: Pat Johnson, Tabby Budde
Fort Myers Beach Art Association
13451 McGregor Blvd • unit 1 • Cypress Square FORT MYERS
239-463-3909
fortmyersbeachart.com
MON-WED 10am-3pm & THU-SAT 12-6pm
We’ve opened a new gallery in Fort Myers where we offer exhibits of affordable Southwest Florida art that change every 4-6 weeks. We also have short workshops, watercolor classes, drop-in painting, and two plein air painting groups that meet on Wednesdays and Saturdays, all year. Founded on the beach 75 years ago, we’re an allvolunteer group run by artists for artists.
exhibitions
thru Dec 5: 75th Anniversary Celebration Show
Dec 8-Jan 2: Art Divine Holiday Show
thru Jan 8: Coming Around (Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, Bonita Springs)
Dec 8-Jan 2: Art Divine Holiday Show
Jan 2-29: Winter Show - Outside the Lines (Cape Coral Arts Center, Cape Coral)
Jan 5-30: Cool to Be Square
Feb 2-27: Soaring - Spring Juried Show
Mar 2-Apr 10: Lucky Charms
Hirdie Girdie Gallery
2490 Library Way • SANIBEL
239-395-0027
hirdiegirdiegallery.com
MON-SAT 11am-5pm & SUN 11am-4pm
Hirdie Girdie is an artists’ cooperative, all our artists are from the SWFL area. Our unique work is created by member artists: Laura Black, Chris Christian, Tracy Owen-Cullimore, Tamara Culp, Kori Ann Evans, Renee Farr, Zdenka Fiala, Maureen Ginipro, Carolyn Gora, JoAnn LaPadula, Oliver Martin, Christine Music, Penny Ripley, Gilberto Sanchez, Marty Sherman and Kay Stammers. A scheduled stop on the Sanibel Art Trolley.
Maggie DeMarco
Contemporary Art 5760 Shirley Street • # 8 NAPLES 401-527-6554
maggiedemarcoart.com
EVERY THU & SECOND SAT 1-5pm: open house
FIRST WED 5-8pm: ‘Art After Dark’ BY APPOINTMENT
Specializing in abstract paintings, collage and florals. events
Jan 16-18: Artful Arrangements
Hotworks
941-755-3088
hotworks.org
Outdoor fine art show features only original, handmade artwork and crafts, recognized nationally in the Top 100 Art Fairs in America. shows
JAN 31 & FEB 1: Sarasota Fine Art Show (Sarasota Art Museum)
MAR 14 & 15: Naples Fine Art Show (Coastland Center)
APR 11 & 12: Fort Myers Fine Art Show (JetBlue Park)
OCT 24 & 25: Naples Fine Art Show (Coastand Center)
Marco Island Center for the Arts
1010 Winterberry Drive MARCO ISLAND
239-394-4221 marcoislandart.org
DAILY 9am-4pm
Marco Island Center for the Arts inspires artistic expression and advances education and appreciation of the arts. The Art Center honors Marco Island and Southwest Florida’s rich, diverse, and creative heritage through active community engagement in the visual and performing arts.
exhibitions
thru Dec 2: Ron Orlando
Dec 2-4: Festival of Trees
Dec 8-Jan 6: Glazed & Amazed - Clay Guild
Dec 8-Jan 6: Mini Masters
Dec 8-Jan 6: Judith Chinski
Jan 12-Jan 27: Margo Kostecka
Jan 12-Feb 24: Magic of the Sea
Feb 2-Feb 24: Joyce Flynn Hirsch
Mar 2-24: Members Show
Mar 2-24: Bonnie Brisky
Mar 30-Apr 28: Adult Student Exhibit
Mar 30-Apr 28: Marco Island Academy
May 4-26: Gaby Sweden
May 4-Jun 23: Snap Crackle and Pop Art!
Jun 1-23: Joan Sonnenberg
Jun 29-Jul 28: Draw The World
Jun 29-Jul 28: Adriana Rangel-Houser
Aug 3-25: Luis Manzananares
Aug 3-Sep 29: Summertime
Aug 31-Sep 29: Rae Ann Ross Lynch
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Downtown Sarasota 1534 Mound Street SARASOTA
Historic Spanish Point 401 N. Tamiami Trail OSPREY
941-366-5731
selby.org
DAILY 10am-5pm
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens provides 45 acres of bayfront sanctuaries connecting people with air plants of the world, native nature, and our regional history. Established by forward thinking women of their time, Selby Gardens is composed of the 15acre Downtown Sarasota campus and the 30-acre Historic Spanish Point campus in the Osprey area of Sarasota County, Florida.
exhibitions thru Dec 7: The Orchid Show - Rebecca Louise Law thru Aug 31: Robert Louis Stevenson - A Child’s Garden of Verses
Feb 8-May 31: Alexander Calder - The Nature of Movement
Jun 20-Sep 13: Lynn Goldsmith & Patti SmithFlowers and Friendship
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens
5827 Riverside Drive • PUNTA GORDA 941-621-8299
peacerivergardens.org
TUE-SUN 9am-4pm (DAILY 9am-4pm starting Jan 1)
Nestled alongside the serene Peace River, our 30-acre sanctuary combines the richness of five unique ecosystems: marshlands, wetlands, mangroves, uplands, and tidal basins. Our gardens are alive with year-round blooms, showcased alongside a sprawling network of 15,000+ square feet of boardwalks and docks — perfect for immersing yourself in our collection of grand sculptures, special exhibitions and events.
exhibitions thru Apr 19: Origami in The Garden
Venice Art Center
390 Nokomis Avenue S. • VENICE 941-485-7136 veniceartcenter.com
MON-FRI 9am-4pm & SAT (Nov-May) 9am-1pm
Offers many class opportunities for adults and youth with talented instructors teaching all levels and interests. Hosts unique annual exhibits and solo artists’ shows, with receptions. Check website for monthly exhibitions, concerts, lectures, classes, special events.
exhibitions thru Dec 4: The Next Chapter thru Dec 4: Centennial Celebration
Dec 9-Jan 2: Grand Ideas
Dec 9-Jan 2: Mighty Minis
Jan 9-Feb 10: Colors in Motion
Jan 9-Feb 10: Meet My BeatlesLeoma Lovegrove
Feb 20 & 21: Fine Arts Show & Sale
Feb 25-Mar 10: Annual Art Auction
Mar 20-Apr 9: Spring Members Show
Apr 17-30: You Name It
Apr 17-30: Phyllis Parker
May 5-13: South Sarasota County School Show
May 22-Jun 18: Over the Top
May 22-Jun 18: Jeff Cornell
Jun 26-Jul 16: Celebration
Jun 26-Jul 16: Val Dwek
Jul 24-Aug 13: Keep It Cool
Jul 24-Aug 13: Pat Kelly & students
Visual Arts Center
Tower Gallery
751 Tarpon Bay Road • SANIBEL 239-472-4557 towergallery.net
DAILY 10am-6pm
Tower Gallery is a fine art gallery comprised of hand selected award winning local artists. It is the longest running gallery in all of Southwest Florida. It is an artists’ cooperative of more than 20 artists working in two-dimensional and three-dimensional mediums such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, photography, ceramic, jewelry, fiber, wood, glass and metal.
210 Maud Street • PUNTA GORDA
941-639-8810
visaulartcenter.org
MON, THU & FRI: 9am-4pm • TUE & WED: 9am-7pm
SAT 10am-4pm
The Visual Arts Center is a premier destination for creative expression, offering art classes for all skill levels. Its 12,000-square-foot facility includes three galleries featuring rotating exhibits, six classrooms including a pottery studio, a glass studio, a jewelry studio, and a Gift Gallery featuring members’ artwork. Something for everyone! exhibitions
Main Gallery
thru Dec 29: Art for Everyone
Jan 8-Feb 3: Dream Big or Go Small
Feb 19-Mar 26: Biennial Nat’l Art Exhibition
Apr 1-22: Bloom
Apr 24-30: Charlotte High & Middle School students
May 1-9: Charlotte Elementary School students
May 14-Jun 16: Under the Surface
Jul 30-Aug 31: Member show
Goff Gallery
thru Dec 29: Art for Everyone
Jan 8-Feb 3: Dream Big or Go Small
Feb 13-Mar 26: Biennial Nat’l Art Exhibition
Apr 1-22: Portraits & Life Drawing
Apr 24-30: Charlotte High & Middle-School students
May 1-9: Charlotte Elementary School students
Jul 30-Aug 31: Members Rebecca Hall
thru Dec 29: Joy to the Hall
Jan 8-Feb 3: The Art of Us - Susan Fraley & Rosalie Mack
Apr 1-22: Afternoon Delight
May 4-9: Spring Fling
Dec
MONDAY 1
•75th Anniversary Celebration: Music, exhibition reception. Ft Myers Beach Art Assoc, 13451McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 3-7. Free. 463-3909.
•Dave Koz & Friends: Christmas concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.
•Indie Film Screening & Discussion: Hosted by Fort Myers Film Festival. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, film 7p. talk after film. 810-6323.
TUESDAY 2
•Art Reception: Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. 6-8p. Free. 540-5789.
•Canadian Brass Holiday Concert: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-966-6161.
•Carmen: Gulfshore Opera concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 529-3925.
•Early Birding Walk: 3-hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. register. 348-9151.
•Festival of Trees: Christmas tree exhibition & auction. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 9a-4p. Free. 394-4221.
•FGCU Symphony Orchestra & Choirs: Joy & Triumphant concert. Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Dr, Naples. 4 & 7p. 745-4268.
•Messiah: Handel & Haydn Society Orchestra & Chorus concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.
WEDNESDAY 3
•Art After Dark: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 249-1977.
•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.
•Festival of Trees Preview Party: Holiday decorated trees fundraiser. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 4-6p. Tree viewing 11a-9p. rsvp. 333-1933.
•Festival of Trees: Christmas tree exhibition & auction. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 9a-4p. Free. 394-4221.
•Holiday Nights Inside-the-Homes Tour: Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6:30p. reserve. 334-7419.
•Ikebana Meeting: Demo & workshop - Holiday competition. Naples Botanical Garden, Buehler Auditorium, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9:30a-12p. Free.
•Joe Bonamassa: Blues concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 8p. 941-953-3368.
•Leslie Odom Jr: Concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd,
Joe Bonamassa performs December 5 at the Hertz Arena in Estero.
Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.
•The Occasions Band: Concert. Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 7p. 941-485-7136.
THURSDAY 4
•Art Reception: Wine & cheese. Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Blvd, Cape Coral. 5-6:30p. Free. 772-5657.
•Aznavoorian Sisters: Grand Piano Series concert. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 469-333-3231.
•Carmen: Gulfshore Opera concert. Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda. 7p. 529-3925.
•Chasing Dallas: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 6:30p. Free. 693-7111.
•Festival of Trees Wine & Paint Party: Holiday decorated trees fundraiser. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Tree viewing 10a-10p. rsvp. 333-1933.
•Festival of Trees: Christmas tree exhibition & auction. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 9a-4p. Free. 394-4221.
•FGCU Piano Ensembles: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.
•Goldpine: Americana band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
•Moon Walk: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve boardwalk, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 3 hr walk. 5p. register. 530-5972.
•Oak Ridge Boys: Farewell concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-953-3368.
•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries.
Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.
•Sarasota Contemporary Dance: Yaya Diamond & The Dream Chasers. FSU Center for Performing Arts, Cook Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-260-8485.
FRIDAY
•Art Reception & Artist Talk: Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 590-7199.
•Art Reception & Holiday Party: Bayshore Art Gallery, 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Tue-Sat 5-8p. Free. 778-4665.
•Art Reception: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 939-2787.
•Art Reception: DAAS Co-op Gallery Alliance for the Arts campus, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30-9p. Free. 590-8645.
•Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at several galleries & studios in downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129.
•Beach & Estuary Walk: Guided 1-hour walk. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 9a. register. 463-4588.
•Brad Johnson & The Killin’ Time Band: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon,
2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 8p. 985-9839.
•Christmas Gala Fundraiser: Black-Tie. Naples Historical Society Historic, Palm Cottage, 137 12th Ave S, Naples. 6:30p. rsvp. 261-8164.
•Festival of Trees Concert & Wreath Lighting: Music by The Nowhere Band. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-10p, tree lighting 7p, music 7:30p. Free. 333-1933.
•FGCU Bower School of Music & the Arts Students Concert: Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Dr, Ft Myers. 4p. Free. 344-7025.
•FGCU Chamber Strings: Concert. Sanibel Luminary Festival. Sanibel Congregational Church, 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 4:30p. Free. 745-4268.
•Gretchen Wilson: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel Seminole Center, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007.
•Holiday Lights: Illuminated & decorated trail. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 6-9p. 275-3435.
•Holiday Marketplace: Art show & sale. Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 9:30a-2p. Free. 941-639-8810.
•Holidays on Ice: Comedy. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7:30p. 784-1186.
•Jingle Bell Bash: Music, photos with Santa, holiday activities. Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. 5:307:30p. 514-0084.
•Joe Bonamassa: Blues concert, Brian Kelley opens. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.
•Junie B in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells: FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 590-4268.
•Memphis Lightening: Blues band.
Goldpine performs December 4 at Arts Bonita’s Performing Arts Center in Bonita Springs.
EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS
What Goes On
DECEMBER JANUARY
What Goes On DECEMBER-JANUARY
Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8p. 693-7111.
•Night at the Nest: FGCU Athletics gala fundraiser. Cocktails, dinner, auctions. Alico Arena, FGCU, 12181 FGCU Lake Pkwy E, Ft Myers. 5:30p. rsvp. 590-7107.
•Open Mic: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers.9:30. 479-5233.
•Sarasota Contemporary Dance: Yaya Diamond & The Dream Chasers. FSU Center for Performing Arts, Cook Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-260-8485.
•The American Sirens: Swing jazz & pop concert Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.
•Zach Barthomolew Trio: Jazz concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.
SATURDAY 6
•Art Reception: Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 337-5050.
•Austrailia’s Thunder from Down Under: Male dancers. Seminole Casino Hotel Seminole Center, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800218-0007.
•Authors & illustrators Book Fair: Author signings demos, readings, activities, sales. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 12-4p. Free. 941365-2032.
•Blood Brothers: Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia blues band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
•Book Signing: Artist Paul Arsenault. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 2-6p. 530-5977.
•Brad Johnson & The KillingTime Band: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 8p. 985-9839.
•Bromeliad Sale: Experts, plant sale. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Free plant sale, workshops. register. 10a-3p. 334-7419.
•Christmas Carol Sing: Public sing-alongs. First Presbyterian Church, 2438 Second St, Ft Myers. 3 & 7p. Free. 334-2261.
•Collier County Snow Fest: Family festival, live music, kids activities & games, Santa, food, outdoor film 6:30p. Paradise Coast Sports Complex. 3865 City Gate Blvd S, Naples. 3-7p. 252-4386.
•Cowboy Christmas: Pictures with Santa. Immokalee Pioneer Museum, 1215 Roberts Ave, Immokalee. 10a-1p. Free. 2522611.
•Festival of Trees Santa’s Block Party: Holiday decorated trees fundraiser. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 10a-20p. Tree viewing 10a-10p. 333-1933.
•Ft Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade: Leaving Salty Sam’s Marina 6p, heading northwest under Matanzas Pass Bridge, past Coast Guard station, thru Estero Pass,past Pink Shell Resort, along Estero Island, across Matanzas Harbor. Live music at Bayside Veterans Park. Starts 6p. Free. 454-7500.
•Guided Forest Bathing: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center,
300 Tower Rd, Naples. 2 hr walk. 9:30a. register. 530-5972.
•Holiday Lights: Illuminated & decorated trail. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 6-9p. 275-3435.
•Holiday Marketplace & Santa’s Workshop: Art show & sale, kids area. Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 9:30a-2p. Free. 941-639-8810.
•Holidays on Ice: Comedy. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 3p. 784-1186.
•Joe Crookston: Americana concert, J Michael opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.
•Junie B in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells: FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 590-4268.
•Lecture: Jennifer Jones, 1st African-American Rockette. Discussion, book signing. Sarasota Art Museum, Ringling College, 1001 S Tamiami T, Sarasota. 1p. 941-309-4300.
•Live Band: Flat Liners. The Cove, Paradise Coast Sports Complex outdoor bar. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 252-4386.
•Naples Jazzmasters: Free concert. Norris Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 1-3p. 612-327-3835.
•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.
•Sarasota Contemporary Dance: Yaya Diamond & The Dream Chasers. FSU Center for Performing Arts, Cook Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-260-8485.
•Steven Spooner: Piano concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 745-4268.
SUNDAY 7
•Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 6937111.
•Bromeliad Sale: Experts, plant sale. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Free plant sale, workshops. register. 10a-3p. 334-7419.
•Carmen: Gulfshore Opera concert w Naples Philharmonic. ArtisNaples, 58333 Pelican Bay Blvd. Naples. 7p. 529-3925.
•Festival of Trees Sydney’s Rooftop Santa Party: Holiday decorated trees fundraiser. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6p-12a. Free. Tree viewing 11a-6p. 333-1933.
•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Messiah & More concert Peace Lutheran Church, 9850 Immokalee Rd, Naples. 7p. 288-2535.
•Holiday Lights: Illuminated & decorated trail. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 6-9p. 275-3435.
•Holidays on Ice: Comedy. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 3p. 784-1186.
•Independent Artist Showcase: Brian Boyd concert. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941366-1505.
•Junie B in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells: FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU
Grand Piano Series presents the Aznavoorian Sisters, December 4 at Artis—Naples in Naples.
Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 590-4268.
•Lee County Community Band: Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd N, Cape Coral. 3p. Free. 600-9052.
•Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor holiday concert. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtown Naples. 2-4p. Fr270-1221.
•Nurse Blake - But Did You Die: Comedy. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 4814849.
•Sarasota Contemporary Dance: Yaya Diamond & The Dream Chasers. FSU Center for Performing Arts, Cook Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-260-8485.
•Sarasota Orchestra: Symphonic Dances. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941953-3434.
•Toronzo Cannon: Blues concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
MONDAY 8
•Anthem: Pop concert. The Village Church at Shell Point, 15100 Shell Point Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667. •ensembleNewSRQ: Songbird. Classical music concert. First Congregational Church, 1031 S Euclid Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. ensrq.org.
•Independent Artist Showcase: Brian Boyd concert. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941366-1505.
•Night Tour: 2-hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 5:30p. register. 348-9151.
•Sarasota Orchestra: Symphonic Dances. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941953-3434.
•Voices of Naples: Christmas concert. Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 777 Mooring Line Dr, Naples. 7p. Free. 455-2582.
TUESDAY 9
•Art Reception: Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010
Winterberry Dr, Marco Island.
5:30-7p. Free. 394-4221.
•Bianca & Robin’s Drag Queen Bingo: Music & games. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 7:30p. 941-255-1022.
•Early Birding Walk: 3-hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. register. 348-9151.
•Holiday on Tap: Choral Artistry Beer Choir. Palm City Brewing, 7887 Drew Cir, Ft Myers. 7p. 560-5695.
•Naples Philharmonic: Schubert’s Trout Quintet. Philharmonic members chamber music concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.
•Sarasota Orchestra: Symphonic Dances. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 2:30p. 941953-3434.
•Songwriters Showcase: Acoustic concert w TBA. Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. 7p. 463-4588.
WEDNESDAY 10
•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.
•Holiday Nights Inside-the-Homes Tour: Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6:30p. reserve. 34-7419.
•Lecture: Art, What’s It All About Anyway? Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 11a. Free. 941-365-2032.
•Sierra Club Calusa Group Meeting: Tice Fire Station, 9351 Workmen Way, Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free. 218-1354.
•Sunset Stroll: 3-hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 3:30p. register. 348-9151.
THURSDAY 11
•Ancient Forest Tour: 3-hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 9a. register. 348-9151.
•Art Reception: Arts Bonita Visual Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 6-8p. Free. 4958989.
•Broadway Holiday: Cabaret Fundraiser - Arts Bonita Young Actors Theatre. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 6p. 495-8989.
•Enchanted Noel: Astralis Chamber Ensemble concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 2771700.
•Evening on Fifth: Live music, dancing, art demos & exhibits, dining, shopping along 5th Ave S, Naples. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 6928436.
•Holiday Concert: BIG ARTS Community Chorus & Concert Band. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7p. Free. 395-0900.
•Imperial Enchantment - A Night in the Mystical Palace: Opera Naples Gala Fundraiser. Cocktails, diner, auction, concert, music & dancing. Royal Poinciana Golf Club, 1600 Solana Rd, Naples. 6p. rsvp. 963-9050.
•Jazz Thursday: The Barker Project Holiday Show, cocktails. Sarasota Art Museum, Ringling College, 1001 S Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 5:30-8p. 941-309-4300.
•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: Beethoven & Cinderella. Classical music. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.
•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.
•Piano Talks: Christmas with Jodie. Cabaret w Jodie DeSalvo. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.
•Songwriters Under the Stars: Acoustic concert w Andy Wahlberg, Doug Shemenski opens. Calusa Nature Center Planetarium, 3487 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers., 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.
•Voices of Naples: Christmas concert. Grace Lutheran Church, 860 Banyan Blvd, Naples. 7p. free. 455-2582.
•Zach Barthomolew - A Charlie Brown Christmas: Jazz concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
What Goes On DECEMBER-JANUARY
Donad Harrison performs with the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchesta on December 17 at Artis—Naples in Naples.
FRIDAY 12
•A Celtic Christmas: Via Nova Chorale. First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St, Sarasota. 7p. 941-263-2086.
•Coastal Vibes: Holiday art show & sale of 12”x12” art. Tower Gallery, 751 Tarpon Bay Rd. 5-7p. Free. 579-0659.
•Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.
•Holiday Lights: Illuminated & decorated trail. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 6-9p. 275-3435.
•Holiday Tea: Live music. Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 2:30p. 941-485-7136.
•Holidays on Ice: Comedy. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7:30p. 784-1186.
•New York Holidays: Jazz concert w Svetlana & the NY Collective. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
•Shell Walk: Guided 1.5-hour walk. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 9a. register. 463-4588.
•Southern Spirit: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 8p. 985-9839.
•The Fab Four: Beatles tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.
•Trisha Yearwood: Country music concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.
•Whiteny Grace - Merry Christmas, Darling: Concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 277-1700.
•Music in the Garden: Karibbean Groove. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p. 643-7275.
•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: Beethoven & Cinderella. Classical music. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.
•Open Artist Studios: Dozen artist studios. SRQ East Art Studios, 8326 Consumer Ct, Sarasota. 5-7p. Free. 941-363-1724.
•Southern Spirit: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 8p. 985-9839.
SUNDAY 14
•Art Reception & Gallery Talk: Shah Hadjebi. Ft Myers Beach Art Assoc, 13451McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 1p. Free. 463-3909.
•Best of Hans Zimmer: Gulf Coast Symphony tribute concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 6p. 277-1700.
•Best of The Beatles: Gulf Coast Symphony tribute concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 8:30p. 2771700.
•Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 6937111.
•Yappy Hour: Happy hour w dogs, live entertainment. Bell Tower Shops center court, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free. 939-2787.
SATURDAY 13
•A Celtic Christmas: Via Nova Chorale. First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St, Sarasota. 74p. 941-263-2086.
•Country Christmas: Back Country Boys concert. The Cove, Paradise Coast Sports Complex outdoor bar. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 5-8p. 252-4386.
•Deck the Halls: Aeriali violinist Janice Martin concert. Gulf Coast Symphony & Ft Myers Mastersingers concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.
•Family Day - Tinkers & Toymakers: Crafts, games, activities. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 10a-1p. Free. 2528476.
•Femmes of Rock: Concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
•Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.
•Holiday Lights: Illuminated & decorated trail. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 6-9p. 275-3435.
•Holidays on Ice: Comedy. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 3p. 784-1186.
•Jingle & Jam: Holiday music festival, Santa, kids activities, food trucks, bar. Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Garden, 5827 Riverside Dr, Punta Gorda. 9a-4p. 941-621-8299.
•Bonita Springs Concert Band: Christmas concert. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. Bring lawn chair or blanket. 6-7:30p. Free. 405-3320.
•Drag Queen Bingo: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.
•Florida Philharmonic: Home for the Holiday concert w Florida Phil Chorus & Gulfshore Opera Choir. Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, 11330 Burnt Store Rd, Punta Gorda. 3:30p. 941-529-6094.
•Holiday Lights: Illuminated & decorated trail. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 6-9p. 275-3435.
•Holidays on Ice: Comedy. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 3p. 784-1186.
•Jeff Allen: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 5p. 389-6901.
•Jingle & Jam: Holiday music festival, Santa, kids activities, food trucks, bar. Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Garden, 5827 Riverside Dr, Punta Gorda. 9a-4p. 941-621-8299.
•Matt Fraser: Medium. Seminole Casino Hotel Seminole Center, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800218-0007.
•Michael W Smith: Christmas concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 4814849.
•Naples Philharmonic: Schubert’s Trout Quintet. Philharmonic members chamber music concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.
•Sarah Brightman: Winter Symphony concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.
•The Ultimate Doors: Tribute band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.
•Yoga by the Sea: Ft Myers Beach Art Assoc, 13451McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a. 463-3909.
MONDAY 15
•Classcially Christmas: Venice Chorale Christmas concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave, Venice. 7p. 941-218-3779.
•Guided Birding Walk - Wintering Birds: 3-hour walk. CREW Marsh Trails, 4680 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee. 8a. register. 657-2253.
•Naples Big Band: Christmas concert. Cambier Park, 755 Park St S, Naples. 7-9p. Free. 777-0416.
•Night Tour: 2-hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 5:30p. register. 348-9151.
•Sarah Brightman - Winter Symphony: Concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-953-3368.
TUESDAY 16
•Early Birding Walk: 3-hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. register. 348-9151.
•Lecture: Surrealist Photographers. Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 1p. Free. 941-4857136.
•Michael Feinstein: Holiday concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941953-3368.
•Sarasota Orchestra: Strauss & Higdon. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 4p. 941-953-3434.
WEDNESDAY 17
•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.
•Donald Harrison: Jazz concert w Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.
•Holiday Nights Inside-the-Homes Tour: Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6:30p. reserve. 334-7419.
•Naples Big Band: Swing into the Holidays. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
•The Nutcracker Origins: Grand Piano Series Narrative Musicales w Konstantin Soukhovetski. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.
•Wheel of Fortune Live: Game show. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941953-3368.
•Will Moseley: Country concert. Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino, 17735 Reservation Rd, Okeechobee. 8p. 863-467-9998.
THURSDAY 18
•Art of Blues Band: Steve Avery & Bill Buchman concert. Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 7p. 941-485-7136.
•Audubon of SWFL Meeting: The Collaboratory,10868 Metro Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 410-6971.
•Christmas in Killarney: Irish music & dance. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.
•Double Vision: Foreigner tribute band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
•Jazz at the MACC: Charlie Brown Christmas & Holiday Classics concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.
•Lecture: Dignitaries on the Dais. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008.
•Mark Sanders - The Wonder of Christmas: Cabaret. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
•Naples Philharmonic Holiday Pops: Naples Philharmonic concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.
•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.
•Sanibel Captiva Art League Meeting: Guest speaker Jan Atkielski. Sanibel Rec Center, 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 10a-1p. Free. 322-8593.
•The Midnight Messengers: Jazz concert. Sidney’s Rooftop, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 333-1933.
FRIDAY 19
•Ali Siddiq: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.
•Art Reception: BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 5-7p. Free. 395-0900.
•Art Reception: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 5-7p. Free. 941-485-7136.
•Christmas in Killarney: Irish music & dance. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.
•Christmas Karaoke: Singing, food & beverages. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 6-8p. Free. 2528476.
•Holiday Lights: Illuminated & decorated trail. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 6-9p. 275-3435.
•Holiday Open House: BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 5p. Free. 395-0900.
•Home for the Holidays: Concert presented by TheatreZone. G&L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 7:30p. 888-966-3352.
•Improv Comedy: Hallmark Holiday Movies. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
•Mark Twain Tonight: One-Man show. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941953-3368.
•Lunch & Learn
Lecture: Prescribed Fire. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 12p. 5305940.
•Music Walk: Live music & dancing at several cafes, clubs & galleries. Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129.
•Naples Philharmonic Holiday Pops: Naples Philharmonic
What Goes On DECEMBER-JANUARY
concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.
•Sounds of the Season: Key Chorale concert w Venice Symphony. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-552-8768.
•Walk on the Wild Side: Guided walk. Myers Beach Art Assoc, 13451McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a. Free. register. 463-3909.
SATURDAY 20
•Arts & Crafts Fair: Holiday sale, Santa 12-1:30p. Bell Tower Shops center court, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 10a3. Free. 939-2787.
•Holiday Lights: Illuminated & decorated trail. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 6-9p. 275-3435.
•Home for the Holidays: Concert presented by TheatreZone. G&L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 2 & 7:30p. 888-966-3352.
•Live Band: Brad Allison Band. The Cove, Paradise Coast Sports Complex outdoor bar. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 252-4386.
•Mark Twain Tonight: One-Man show. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941953-3368.
•My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, I’m Home for the Holidays: Comedy. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
•Naples Philharmonic Holiday Pops: Naples Philharmonic concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 2 & 7:30p. 597-1900.
•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.
•Singin’ & Swinging - The Holiday Songbook: Charlie Blum & Kristen Estes. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7:30p. 7841186.
•Sounds of the Season: Key Chorale concert w Venice Symphony. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-552-8768.
•The Nutcracker: Gulf Coast Symphony concert w Gulfshore Ballet. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 277-1700.
SUNDAY 21
•Arts & Crafts Fair: Holiday sale, Santa 12-1:30p. Bell Tower Shops center court, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 10a3. Free. 939-2787.
•Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.
•Cirque Musical Holiday Wonderland: Circus & concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 6p. 941-953-3368.
•Holiday Lights: Illuminated & decorated trail. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 6-9p. 275-3435.
•Home for the Holidays: Concert presented by TheatreZone. G&L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd,
Naples. 2p. 888-966-3352.
•Jim Breuer: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389- 6901.
•Naples Philharmonic Holiday Pops: Naples Philharmonic concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 2p. 597-1900.
•Singin’ & Swinging - The Holiday Songbook: Charlie Blum & Kristen Estes. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7:30p. 7841186.
•Sounds of the Season: Key Chorale concert w Venice Symphony. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-552-8768.
•SWFL Concert Band: Concert. S Ft Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Rd, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 666-5970.
•The Nutcracker: Gulf Coast Symphony concert w Gulfshore Ballet. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 2 & 6:30p. 2771700.
MONDAY 22
•A Very Broadway Christmas: Concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941953-3368.
•Holiday Family Film Night: Polar Express. BIG ARTS Community Chorus & Concert Band. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7p. Free. 395-0900.
•Holiday Havoc: Christmas train. Dinner & show. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 6:30p. 275-8487.
•Jim Breuer: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.
TUESDAY 23
•A Christmas Carol: Concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3368.
•Christmas Eve Express - Holiday Havoc. Dinner & show. Murder
Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 6:30p. 275-8487.
WEDNESDAY 24
•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.
•Christmas Eve Express - Holiday Havoc. Dinner & show. Murder
Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30p. 275-8487.
FRIDAY 26
•Holiday Lights: Illuminated & decorated trail. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 6-9p. 275-3435.
•Sailor Circus - Winter’s Dream: Youth circus holiday show. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 2 & 7p. 941-355-9805.
SATURDAY 27
•A Pioneer Christmas: Crafts, games, activities. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. 10a1p. Free. 642-1440.
•Backyard Bluesfest: Wayne Baker Brooks, Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-8p. 693-7111.
•Beach Cleanup: With park ranger. Lovers Key State Park Discovery Center, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a. Free, register. 463-4588.
•Coconut Point New Year’s Eve Art Festival: Art fair, live music. Coconut Point Mall parking lot, 23130 Fashion Dr, Estero. 10a-5p. Free. 561-746-6615.
•Florida Everblades vs Reading Royals: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.
•Holiday Lights: Illuminated & decorated trail. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 6-9p. 275-3435.
•Live Band: Sudamerica Latin Groove. The Cove, Paradise Coast Sports Complex outdoor bar. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 252-4386.
•Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet: Ballet. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 3 & 7p. 941-953-3368.
•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.
•Sailor Circus - Winter’s Dream: Youth circus holiday show. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 2 & 7p. 941-355-9805.
SUNDAY 28
•Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.
•Florida Everblades vs Reading Royals: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.
•Holiday Lights: Illuminated & decorated trail. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 6-9p. 275-3435.
•Sailor Circus - Winter’s Dream: Youth circus holiday show. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 1 & 5p. 941-355-9805.
•Straight No Chaser: A cappella concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.
MONDAY 29
•Florida Everblades vs Reading Royals: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.
•Sailor Circus - Winter’s Dream: Youth circus holiday show. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 2 & 7p. 941-355-9805.
TheatreZone presents ‘Home for the Holidays,’ December 19-21 in the G&L Theater at the Community School of Naples.
•Straight No Chaser: A cappella concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941953-3368.
TUESDAY 30
•A Pioneer Christmas: Crafts, games, activities. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. 10a1p. Free. 642-1440.
•Nutcracker - Magical Christmas Ballet: BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.
•Salute to Vienna New Year’s Eve Concert: Classical music concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-953-3368.
•WWE Live: Holiday tour – pro wrestling. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.
WEDNESDAY 31
•A Pioneer Christmas: Crafts, games, activities. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. 10a1p. Free. 642-1440.
•Art After Hours: Live music, food & drinks. Baker Museum, ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6-9p. Free. 597-1900.
•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.
•Bobby Collins: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.
•Disco Boogie Fever: New Year’s Eve music of the 70s dance party. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 6 & 8:30p. 941255-1022.
•New Year’s Eve Celebration: DJ & live music. Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral. 5-8p. Free. 772-5657.
•New Year’s Eve Celebration: Live music, open bar, hors d’oeuvres. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 9p-1a. rsvp. 333-1933.
•New Year’s Eve Gala: Dinner & show. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 8p. 275-8487.
•New Year’s Eve Gala: Dinner, concert, dancing, fireworks. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. 7p-1a. rsvp. 941-366-5731.
•Tribute to the King: Elvis Presley tribute concert. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 11:30a, show 1p & dinner 5:30p, show 7:30p. 2784422.
Jan
THURSDAY 1
•Kelly Collette: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.
What Goes On DECEMBER-JANUARY
FRIDAY 2
•Art Reception: Bayshore Art Gallery, 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Tue-Sat 5-8p. Free. 778-4665.
•Art Reception: DAAS Co-op Gallery, Alliance for the Arts campus, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30-9p. Free. 590-8645.
•Art Reception: Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Live music. Free. 333-1933.
•Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at several galleries & studios in downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129.
•Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.
•Open House: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 10a-2p. Free. 941-639-8810.
•Sean Chambers: Blues concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
SATURDAY 3
•Art Reception: Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 337-5050.
•Detroit Doors: Tribute concert. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 7p. 323-6570.
•Donna the Buffalo: Americana concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
•Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.
•Guided Forest Bathing: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 2 hr walk. 9:30a. register. 530-5972.
•Hike the Loop: 12-mile guided hike. CREW Bird Rookery Swamp Trails, 1295 Shady Hollow Blvd W Rd, Naples. 7:30a. register. 657-2253.
•Live Band: Local band. The Cove, Paradise Coast Sports Complex outdoor bar. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 252-4386.
•Moon Walk: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve boardwalk, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 2 hr walk. 5p. register. 530-5972.
•Music in the Garden: Hat Trick. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p. 643-7275.
•Naples New Year’s Art Show: Outdoor art fair. 5th Ave S, Naples. 10a-5p. Free. 262-6517.
•Open House: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 10a-2p. Free. 941-639-8810.
•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.
•Reckless Saints: Americana concert, Bob Williams opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.
SUNDAY 4
•Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band.
Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.
•Detroit Doors: Tribute oncert. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 7p. 323-6570.
•Naples Big Band: Concert. Veterans Park, 901 Park Ave, Marco Island. 2-4p. Free. 7770416.
•Naples New Year’s Art Show: Outdoor art fair 5th Ave S, Naples. 10a-5p. Free. 262-6517.
MONDAY 5
•Indie Film Screening & Discussion: Hosted by Fort Myers Film Festival. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, film 7p. talk after film. 810-6323.
•Night Tour: 2-hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 5:30p. register. 348-9151.
•Stevie Wonder Tribute Band: Concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.
•Tom Arnold: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.
TUESDAY 6
•Art Reception: Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. 6-8p. Free. 540-5789.
•Bachelors of Broadway: Pop concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.
•Early Birding Walk: 3-hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. register. 348-9151.
•Songwriters at Showcase: Acoustic concert w TBA. The Collaboratory, 2031 Jackson St, Ft Myers. 6:30p. 463-4588.
•Tom Arnold: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.
WEDNESDAY 7
•Ancient Forest Tour: 3-hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 9a. register. 348-9151.
•Art After Dark: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 249-1977.
•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.
•Ikebana Meeting: Demo & workshop - Ellen Kelley. Naples Botanical Garden, Buehler Auditorium, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9:30a-12p. Free.
•Tom Arnold: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.
•Yates McKendree Band: Blues band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
The Americana Community Music Association presents Reckless Saints on January 3 at the All Faiths Unitarian Congregation in Fort Myers.
THURSDAY 8
•Art Reception: Wine & cheese. Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Blvd, Cape Coral. 5-6:30p. Free. 772-5657.
•Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis: Tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.
•Jazz Thursday: Robert Nissim’s Post-Bop Quintet, cocktails. Sarasota Art Museum, Ringling College, 1001 S Tamiami T, Sarasota. 5:30-8p. 941-309-4300.
•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: New World Symphony. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.
•Nathan James: Legends tribute concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.
•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.
•Russell Peters: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.
•Sister Sadie: Bluegrass concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.
•Zach Bartholomew: Jazz & the Spanish Tinge. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
FRIDAY 9
•Art Reception: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 939-2787.
•Art Reception: Cape Coral Art Center, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 5-7p. Free. 574-0802.
•Art Reception: Ft Myers Beach
District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.
•Barry Manilow: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.
•Bonita Springs National Art Festival: Outdoor fine art & fine craft fair. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. 10a-5p. 495-8989.
•Celebration in the Sky: Free fireworks show. Seminole Casino Hotel Seminole Center, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 5Liveband 830p, fireworks 9pp. 800-218-0007.
•Clyde Butcher Studio & Darkroom Tour: Clyde Butcher’s Venice Gallery & Studio, 237 Warfield Ave S, Venice. 10a-3p. register. 941-486-0811.
•Cornell Gunter’s Coasters: Doo-wop concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.
•Florida Cracker Collective: Americana concert w Grant Peeples, Larrey Manhgum, Doug Spears. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.
•Kardenni: Magician. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 7:30p. 941-475-6756.
Art Assoc, 13451McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 463-3909.
•Art Reception: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 5-7p. Free. 941-485-7136.
•Carolyn Wonderland: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8p. 693-7111.
•Improv Comedy Art Show: Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: New World Symphony. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.
•No More Talk of Darkness: Jeremy Stolle concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.
•Open House: Classes, workshops, networking. Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 10a-2p. register. Free. 941-639-8810.
•Renee Fleming: Concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-953-3368.
•Russell Peters: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.
•Shayna Steele: Jazz concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933.
•The Spinners: Concert. Seminole Hotel Seminole Center, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007.
•TV Classics: Venice Symphony. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-2180658.
•Yappy Hour: Happy hour w dogs, live entertainment. Bell Tower Shops center court, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free. 939-2787.
SATURDAY 10
•20th Anniversary Celebration: Butterfly art inside & outside. Naples. Art
•Live Band: Local band. The Cove, Paradise Coast Sports Complex outdoor bar. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 252-4386.
•Open Artist Studios: Dozen artist studios. SRQ East Art Studios, 8326 Consumer Ct, Sarasota. 5-7p. Free. 941-363-1724.
•Open House: Classes, workshops, networking. Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 10a-2p. register. Free. 941-639-8810.
•Russell Peters: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.
•Schmaltz & Pepper: Modern Yiddish music concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 745-4268.
•Shades of Bublé: Pop concert. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7:30p. 395-0900.
•Tito Puente Jr & Nestor Torres: Latin music concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 2771700.
•TV Classics: Venice Symphony concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-218-0658.
•Wild About CROW: Fundraiser w cocktails, dinner, music, auctions, animals. Forest Country Club, 6100 Club Blvd SW, Ft Myers. 6p. register. 472-3644.
SUNDAY 11
•Barry Manilow: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.
•Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.
•Bonita Springs National Art Festival: Outdoor fine art & fine craft fair. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. 10a-5p. 495-8989.
•Decades: Back to the 80s: Gulf Coast Symphony concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.
What Goes On DECEMBER-JANUARY
•Jay Leno: Comedy. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.
•Lee County Community Band: Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd N, Cape Coral. 3p. Free. 600-9052.
•Naples Dixieland Jazz Band: Free outdoor concert. Cambier Park, 6th Ave S & 8th St S, Naples. 2-4p. 612-327-3835.
•Tango After Dark: Dance concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-953-3368.
•Windjammers: Circus music concert & Sailor Circus show. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 1:30p. Free. 941355-9805.
MONDAY 12
•Author Lecture & Lunch:
Madeline Martin. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 12p. 333-1933.
•Evening on Fifth: Live music, dancing, art demos & exhibits, dining, shopping along 5th Ave S, Naples. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 692-8436.
•Naples Big Band: Concert Cambier Park, 755 Park St S, Naples. 7-9p. Free. 777-0416.
•Scotch & Chocolate: Sip & learn about scotch, paired with sweets. Naples Historical Society, Historic Palm Cottage, 137 12th Ave S, Naples. 4-6p (register). 261-8164.
•Sunset Stroll: 3-hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 3:30p. register. 348-9151.
•US Air Force Concert Band: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.
TUESDAY 13
•Art Reception: Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 5:30-7p. Free. 394-4221.
•Blue Man Group: Performance. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-953-3368.
•Early Birding Walk: 3-hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. register. 348-9151.
•Guitars by Candlelight: Benise & Pavlo concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 277-1700.
•Mike Imbasciani Folk Legends: Blues & folk concert. Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 7p. 941-485-7136.
•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Mandy Gonzalez Sings Broadway. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.
•Songwriters Showcase: Acoustic concert w TBA. Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. 7p. 463-4588.
WEDNESDAY 14
•Blue Man Group: Performance. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-953-3368.
•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.
Zach Bartholomew performs ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ on December 11 and ‘Jazz with a Spanish Tinge’ on January 8 at Arts Bonita’s Performing Arts‘ Center in Bonita Springs.
•ensemleNewSRQ: Free modern classical concert. St Andrew Church, 6908 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota. 2p. reserve. 941-9666161.
•Florida Everblades vs Jacksonville IceMen: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.
•Marvelous Miraculous Circus Machine: Science & technology circus. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 7p. 941-3559805.
•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Mandy Gonzalez Sings Broadway. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.
•Night Tour: 2-hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew
Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 5:30p. register. 348-9151.
•Sierra Club Calusa Group Meeting: Tice Fire Station, 9351 Workmen Way, Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free. 218-1354.
THURSDAY 15
•Art Reception: Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 6-8p. Free. 495-8989.
•Art Reception: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 5-7p. Free. 941-639-8810.
•Audubon of SWFL Meeting: The Collaboratory,10868 Metro Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 410-6971.
•Benjamin Grosvenor: Grand Piano Series concert. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 469-333-3231.
•Festival of Birds Reception: Keynote speaker Paul Gray, Audubon Florida. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 5:30p. register. 530-5972
•Festival of Birds: Presentations, guided field trips, birding walks, buggy rides, boat tours, speakers. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9a-4p. register. 530-5972
•Jazz at the MACC: Gulf Jazz Collective with Laila Baili. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411
•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Mandy Gonzalez Sings Broadway. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.
•Sarasota Contemporary Dance: Jehanne. FSU Center for Performing Arts, Cook Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-260-8485.
•Wyatt Ellis: Bluegrass concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933.
SATURDAY 17
•A Night at the Opera: Concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 277-1700.
•Appalachian Road Show: Bluegrass band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
•Artful Arrangements: Naples Art District artists’ works re-imagined by floral designers. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. 249-1977.
Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.
•Lonesome River band: Bluegrass concert. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7:30p. 395-0900.
•Mark Sanders - Broadway Duets: Cabaret w Judy McLane. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Mandy Gonzalez Sings Broadway. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.
•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.
•Sanibel Captiva Art League Meeting: Guest speaker Antonia Crook. Sanibel Library, 770 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 10a-1p. Free. 322-8593.
•Sarasota Contemporary Dance: Jehanne. FSU Center for Performing Arts, Cook Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-260-8485.
•Songwriters Under the Stars: Acoustic concert w Myles & Tim Thompson, Gareth Rockliffe opens. Calusa Nature Center Planetarium, 3487 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers., 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.
FRIDAY 16
•Artful Friday: Naples Art District artists’ works re-imagined by floral designers. Naples Art District, Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. 249-1977.
•Beatlemania Now: Tribute band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
•Florida Everblades vs Jacksonville IceMen: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.
•Jersey Boys & Girls: Pop tribute concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.
•Music Walk: Live music & dancing at several cafes, clubs & galleries. Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129.
•Yacht Rock & Soul: Rock concert. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7:30p. 395-0900.
SUNDAY 18
•A Serenade and a Symphony: Venice Symphony Chamber Winds concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-218-0658.
•Artful Arrangements: Naples Art District artists’ works re-imagined by floral designers. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. 249-1977.
•Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.
•Celebrating of Martin Luther King Jr: Reenactments of MLK Jr speeches, live music & dance. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-366-1505.
•Backyard Bluesfest: Selwyn Birchwood, Mark Telesca, Tommy Lee Cooks. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-7p. 693-7111.
•Festival of Birds: Presentations, guided field trips, birding walks, buggy rides, boat tours, speakers. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9a-4p. register. 530-5972.
•Florida Everblades vs Jacksonville IceMen: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.
•Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Guest speaker. St Hilary’s Episcopal Church, Browning Hall, 5011 McGregor Bvld, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. gulfcoastwriters.org.
•Jersey Boys & Girls: Pop tribute concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.
•Lecture: Jared Goss, author of The Birth of Art Deco. Discussion, book signing. Sarasota Art Museum, Ringling College, 1001 S Tamiami T, Sarasota. 1p. 941-309-4300.
•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Mandy Gonzalez Sings Broadway. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 2 & 7:30p. 597-1900.
•New York Voices: Jazz concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.
•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.
•Ray Bonneville: Americana concert, Bill Frey opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.
•Sarasota Contemporary Dance: Jehanne. FSU Center for Performing Arts, Cook Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-260-8485.
•Southern Fried Swamp Jam: Four outdoor concerts - Marshall Tucker Band, Molly Hatchet, Bellamy Brothers, Pure Praire League. Truck show, motorcycle show, food trucks. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 3a-9p. Free. 800-218-0007.
•Vibes & Tie Dyes: Moonstone Riders concert. The Cove, Paradise Coast Sports Complex outdoor bar. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 5-8p. 252-4386.
•Dwight Icenhower’s Tribute to Elvis: Concert Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.
•Festival of Birds: Presentations, guided field trips, birding walks, buggy rides, boat tours, speakers. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9a-4p. register. 530-5972.
•Guided Walk - Edible & Medicinal Plants: 2-hour walk. CREW Flint Pen Strand Trails, 15970 Bonita Beach Rd SW, Bonita Springs. 9a. register. 657-2253.
•Moon Walk: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve boardwalk, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 3 hr walk. 5:30p. register. 530-5972.
•Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor concert - Stars Over Naples. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtown Naples. 2-4p. 270-1221.
•Sarasota Contemporary Dance: Jehanne. FSU Center for Performing Arts, Cook Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-260-8485.
MONDAY 19
•ensembleNewSRQ: Goldbeater’s Skin. Classical music concert. First Congregational Church, 1031 S Euclid Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. ensrq.org.
•Festival of Birds: Presentations, guided field trips, birding walks, buggy rides, boat tours, speakers. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9a-4p. register. 530-5972.
•Guided Walk - Shorebirds: CREW Flint Pen Strand Trails, 15970 Bonita Beach Rd SW, Bonita Springs. 8a. register. 657-2253.
•Legends of the 60s: Tribute concert w Chris Esposito. Presented by TheatreZone. G&L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 7:30p. 888-966-3352.
•Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: Concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941966-6161.
•Tango After Dark: dance performance. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.
•The Smothers & Others Tribute Show: Paul Aldrich. Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt
What Goes On
Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.
•Orpheus Chamber Orchestra: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 693-4849.
•Sunset Concert: TBA. Marie Selby Botanical Garden, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. 5:30p. 941-366-5731.
•The Players: Former members of Chicago concert. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7:30p. 395-0900.
FRIDAY
30
•Aaron Lewis: Outdoor concert. Seminole Casino Hotel Seminole Center, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007.
•Abbamania Canada: Abba tribute concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 4958989.
•Art Reception: BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 5-7p. Free. 395-0900.
•Circus Arts Conservatory Gala: Benefit circus performance. Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota. 6p. 941-355-9805.
•Dueling Pianos: Paul Nicodemi & Matt Newbold. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933.
•Florida Everblades vs Atlanta Gladiators: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.
•Frank Bang Big Band: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8p. 693-7111.
•Garden Side Chickee Chat: Author Bob Gonzalez. Naples Historical Society, Historic Palm Cottage, 137 12th Ave S, Naples. 11a (register). 261-8164.
•Mutts Gone Nutts: Comedy w stunt dogs. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.
•Naples Philharmonic: Concert. United Church, 320 N Barfield Dr, Marco Island. 4p. Free. 597-1900.
•Seminole Tribal Fair & Pow Wow: Celebration of Native culture & arts, wildlife shows, drumming competitions, dance perfrormances. family event. Seminole Hard Rock Casino, 1 Seminole way, Hollywood. 9a-5p. Free. 866-625-5374.
•90 Years of Wonder: Fundraiser gala w food, live entertainment, animal demos, auctions. Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 5-9p. rsvp. 992-2591.
SATURDAY 31
•Aaron Lewis & the Stateliners: Concert. Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino, 17735 Reservation Rd, Okeechobee. 8p. 863-467-9998.
•Andrew Collins Trio: Folk concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
•Art in the Park: Outdoor art & craft fair. Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd, 10a-5p. Free. 262-6517.
•Emily Siar & Michael Baron: Soprano & piano concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 745-4268.
•Florida Everblades vs Atlanta
Gladiators: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.
•Heather Pierson Duo: Americana concert, Clark Johnson opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.
•Live Band: Local band. The Cove, Paradise Coast Sports Complex outdoor bar. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 252-4386.
•Morgan James: Pop concert. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7:30p. 395-0900.
•Naples Big Band: Traditional Swing & Ballroom Salute. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.
•Naples Jazzmasters: Free concert. Norris Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 1-3p. 612-327-3835.
•Naples Philharmonic: Concert. Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Dr, Naples. 7:30p. Free. 597-1900.
•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.
•Sarasota Fine Art Show: Outdoor art fair. Sarasota Art Museum 1001 S Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Free. 10a5p. 941-755-3088.
•Seminole Tribal Fair & Pow Wow: Celebration of Native culture & arts, wildlife shows, drumming competitions, dance performances. family event. Seminole Hard Rock Casino, 1 Seminole way, Hollywood. 9a-5p. Free. 866-625-5374.
ongoing Theater
•& Juliet: Jan 27-Feb 1. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 597-1900.
•A Christmas Carol: Dec 4-21. Venice Theatre, Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.
•A Christmas Story - The Musical: thru Dec 28. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.
•A Christmas Tail: Dec 3-21. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 941475-6756.
•A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: Jan 16-Feb 1. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.
•A Heartwarming Musical: Jan 7-18. Sarasota Players. Crossings at Siesta Key, 32501 S Tamiami Tr, # 1130, Sarasota. 941-365-2494.
•A Tailor Near Me: Dec 10-Feb 15. Florida Studio Theatre. Keating Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota. 941-366-9000.
•Advice: Dec 9-Jan 11. Florida Repertory Theatre, ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.
•Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None: Jan 8-25. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 323-6570.
•Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d: Jan 21-Mar 14. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-351-8000.
•Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap: Jan 11-Feb 15. Gulfshore Playhouse. Baker Theatre & Education Center, 100 Goodlette-Frank Rd S, Naples. 261-7529.
•All is Calm - The Christmas Truce of 1914: Dec 3-19. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Historic Asolo Theatre, Florida State Center for Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-351-8000.
•Always… Patsy Cline: Jan 6-25. Florida Repertory Theatre, Historic Arcade Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.
•Beau Jest: Jan 14-Feb 15. The Naples Players. Kizzie Theater, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.
•Black Nativity: thru Dec 21. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. 941-366-1505.
•Blue Man Group - Bluevolution: Jan 13 & 14. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-9533368.
•Cats: Dec 6-15. Academy of Dramatic Arts. The Naples Players. Kizzie Theater, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.
•Circle Forward: Jan 27-Mar 1. Gulfshore Playhouse. Baker Theatre & Education Center, 100 Goodlette-Frank Rd S, Naples. 261-7529.
•Clown Bar Christmas: Dec 4-21. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.
•Cold Case: Dec 26-Mar 1. Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.
•Come From Away: thru Dec 28. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-351-8000.
•Fiddler on the Roof: Jan 3-Feb 14. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.
•Four Old Broads - On the High Seas: Jan 8-Feb 1. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 941-255-1022.
•Grumpy Old Men - the Musical: Jan 8-18. TheatreZone, G & L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 888-966-3352.
•Ho Ho Ho! The Christmas Show: Dec 2-21. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. 800-3292.
•Holiday Havoc: thru Dec 24. Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.
•Holidays on Ice: Dec 5-14. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Island Center for the Arts, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 784-1186.
•Home for the Holidays: Dec 19-21. TheatreZone, G & L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 888966-3352.
•Honky Tonk Laundry: Jan 9- Feb 1. Venice Theatre, Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.
•Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: Dec 12-21. Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862.
•Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: thru Dec 21. Gulfshore Playhouse. Baker Theatre & Education Center, 100 Goodlette-Frank Rd S, Naples. 261-7529.
•Job: Jan 9-Feb 15. Urbanite
The Seminole Tribal Fair & Pow Wow is Jan 30-February 1 at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood.
Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota. 941-321-1397.
•Junie B in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!: Dec 5-7. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 590-4268.
•Les Miserables: Dec 30-Jan 4. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 597-1900.
•Little Women - The Musical: thru Dec 21. The Naples Players. Kizzie Theater, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.
•Little Women - the Musical: Jan 6-Feb 1. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. 800-3292.
•Lucky Stiff: thru Dec 28. Florida Studio Theatre. Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St, Sarasota. 941-3669000.
•Mark Twain Tonight: Dec 19 & 20. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-953-3368.
•Million Dollar Quartet: Jan 28Feb 14. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Ft Myers. 277-1700.
•Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Beauty Pageant: Jan 9-25. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Island Center for the Arts, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 784-1186.
•Monsters of the American Cinema: thru Dec 7. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota. 941-321-1397.
•Once Upon a Christmastime: thru
Dec 6. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Ft Myers. 277-1700.
•Over the Tavern: thru Dec 14. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 941-255-1022.
•Paradise Blue: Jan 7-Feb 8. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. 941-366-1505.
•Primary Trust: Jan 7-Feb 11. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-351-8000.
•Rent: Dec 3-14. Sarasota Players. Crossings at Siesta Key, 32501 S Tamiami Tr, # 1130, Sarasota. 941-365-2494.
•Riverdance: Jan 27-29. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-953-3368.
•Sailor Circus Holiday Show: Dec 26-29. Sailor Circus Arena. 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 941-355-9805.
•Sarasota Contemporary Dance Ensemble: Jehanne. Jan 15-18. FSU Center for Performing Arts, Cook Theater, 555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-260-8485.
•Sarasota Contemporary Dance Ensemble: Yaya Diamond & The Dream Chasers. Dec 4-7. FSU Center for Performing Arts, Cook Theater, 555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-260-8485.
•Singing & Swinging – The Holiday Songbook: Dec 20 & 21. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Island
Center for the Arts, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 784-1186.
•Some Like It Hot: Jan 13-18. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 481-4849.
•Some Like It Hot: Jan 21-25. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-953-3368.
•Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street: Jan 23-Feb 1. Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862.
•The Amish Project: thru Dec 7. Venice Theatre, Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941488-1115.
•The Blue-Sky Boys: Jan 21-Mar 8. Florida Studio Theatre Children’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St, Sarasota. 941-366-9000.
•The Book of Mormon: Dec 9-14. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-953-3368.
•The Cottage: Jan 9-25. The Studio Players, Joan Jenks Auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 389-9192.
•The Nutcracker: Dec 2-24, selected matinees. Broadway Children’s Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674.
•The Nutcracker: Dec 20 & 21. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Ft Myers. 277-1700.
•The Rainmaker: Jan 16-Feb 8. Venice Theatre, Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941488-1115.
•The Sweet Delilah Swim Club: Jan 14-Feb 8. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 941-475-6756.
•The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge: Dec 2-21. Florida Repertory Theatre, Historic Arcade Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.
•Tuesdays with Morrie: Jan 27-Mar 1. Florida Repertory Theatre, ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.
•Unnecessary Farce: Jan 16-Feb 21. Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674.
•Winter Wonderettes: thru Dec 28. Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674.
Art Galleries
•Aldo Castillo Gallery: 1634 5th Ave S, Naples.. Tue-Sun 11a-7p. 312-375-8887.
•Alliance for the Arts: 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Main Gallery—Dec 5-23: Small Works Off the Walls; Jan 9-Feb 28: From Skin to Mud. Foulds Theatre Gallery— Dec 5-23: Terry Lynn; Jan 9-Feb 28: Pop-Up Auction House. Member Gallery— D ec 5-23: Lee Art Education Assoc.; Jan 9-Feb 28: Organic Abstractions. Receptions 1st Fri 5-7p. Tue-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-1p. 939-2787.
•Arsenault Studio & Banyan Arts Gallery: Judith Liegeois Designs, 1199 3rd St, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a5p & Sun 1-5p. Free. 263-1214.
•Art Center Sarasota: 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Dec 4-Jan 10: Delsy Rubio; Jan 22-Feb 21: Members Show. Mon-Fri 10a-5p & Sat 12-5p. 941-365-2032.
•Art Lab: Naples Art District, 1819 J&C Blvd, Naples. Open studios Thu & 2nd Sat 1-5p. 646-358-2531.
•Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center: 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. Hinman Gallery-in-the-Round: thru Jan 8: Coming Around - Fort Myers Beach Art Association; Jan 15-Feb 19: Through the Lens - A Photographer’s Perspective. MonFri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-2p. 495-8989.
•Arts Bonita Visual Arts Center: 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Main Gallery: thru Dec 4: Tammy DeCaro; Dec 11-Jan 15: Crooked Highway - Jason Hackenwerth; Jan 22-Feb 26: Land That I Love -
Members show. Tranovich Gallery: thru Dec 4: Pareidolia; Dec 11-Jan 15: Brut POP - Signal Noise for the Masses - Walt Nichols; Jan 22-Feb 26: Land That I Love - Members show. 2265 First St, Ft Myers. Daily 12-8p. 337-5050.
•Arts for ACT Gallery: Dec: Watercolor Visons of Florida -Shah Hadjabi; Jan: Donna Kollar. 2265 First St, Ft Myers. Daily 12-8p. 337-5050.
OF•Arts of the Inland Gallery: LaBelle Gallery & Cultural Center, 471 N Lee St, LaBelle. FriSun 1-5p. 863-843-2929
•Baker Museum: Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. thru Feb 8: Tamara de Lempicka; thru Jun 28: Florida Contemporary; thru May 24: Sonia Loise Davis; thru Jun 28: Florida Contemporary. Jan 10-ongoing: Jan 10-fall 2026: Stories in Glass & Ceramics. Art After Hours: Free last Wed 6-9p - live music, food, drinks. Tue-Sat 10a-4p, Sun 12-4p. 597-1900.
•Bayshore Art Gallery: 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Receptions 1st Fri, 5-8p. Tue-Sat 11a-5p. 778-4665.
•BIG ARTS: 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Thru Dec 15: Curious - Reynier Llanes; thru Jan 12: Just Keep Swimming - Marti Koehler; Dec 19-Jan 25: Ode to Joy - Sanibel Captiva Art League; Jan 23-Apr 17: A Journey to the Oracle - Ebenezer Leyva; Jan 29-Mar 15: Impressions and Relics - Jonas Stirner. Mon-Fri 9a-4p, Sat & Sun 9a-1p. 395-0900.
•Bob Rauschenberg Gallery Annex: FSW State College, bldg. J-118, 8099 College Pkwy SW, Ft Myers. thru Dec 6: Steve Keene -Rauschenberg 100 Centennial Celebration. Mon-Sat 10a-4p. Free. 489-9313.
•Bokeelia Art Gallery: 8315 Main St, Bokeelia. Wed-Sun 10a-5p. 738-5280.
•Cape Coral Art Center: Rubicond
Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. Main Gallery— thru Dec 18: Liminal - Xavier Brignoni; Jan 2-29: Strangescapes. Side gallery— thru Dec 18: Merry & Bright Market; Jan 2-29: Outside the Lines - Ft Myers Beach Art Assoc. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Receptions second Fri of month. 574-0802.
•Cape Coral Art League: 516 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Dec 4-18: Silent Auction; Jan 8-29: Sun Seekers, Leadership. Mon-Thu 11a-4p. Receptions 1st Thu. Open painting Wed 1-4p. Meetings 1st Mon 11a. Closed Aug. 772-5657.
•Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery: 52388 Tamiami Tr, Ochopee. Daily 10a-4:30p. 6952428.
•Clyde Butcher’s Venice Gallery & Studio: 237 Warfield Ave, Venice. Tue-Fri 10a-4:30p. 486-0811.
•Coco Art Gallery: Art Council of SWFL gallery. Coconut Point Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Estero. Dec 2-Jan 4 SWFL Fine Crafts Guild; Jan 6-Feb 1: Naples Decorative Artists. Receptions 1st Wed 5-7p. Tue-Sun 11a-5p. 949-3073.
•Coco Art Gallery: Art Council of SWFL gallery. Coastland Center, 1924 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Dec 13-Jan 11: SWFL Pastel Society; Jan 13-Feb 8: Arts Bonita. Receptions 2nd Wed 5-7p. Wed-Sun 12-6p. 436-3530.
•Creative Liberties Artist Residencies at Gaze Modern Gallery: ARCOS Gallery, 340 Central Ave, Sarasota. Open studio: 2nd Sat 11a-3p. Thu-Sat 10a-3p, Sat & Sun by appt. 941-799-6634.
•Creative Liberties Artist Studios & Gallery: 901-B Apricot Ave, Sarasota. Open studio: 2nd Sat 11a-3p. Thu-Sat 10a-3p, Sat & Sun by appt. 941-799-6634.
•Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Academy: 927 N Lime Ave, Sarasota. Thu-Sat 10a-3p, Sat & Sun by appt. 941-799-6634.
•DAAS Co-op Art Gallery: Dec 5-28: Xania Castillo. 10051 McGregor Blvd, #104, Ft Myers. Wed-Sun 10a-2p. Receptions 1st Fri 6-10p. 955-0422.
•East West Fine Art: Mercato, 9115 Strada Pl, #5130, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-7p & Sun 12-6p. 821-9459.
•Eydel Fine Arts Gallery: 800 5th Ave S, #101, Naples. Mon & WedSat 11a-5p, Tue 12-4p, Sun 12-5p. 821-9459.
•Emily James Art Gallery: 720 5th Ave S, # 111, Naples. Mon 3-7p, Tue & Wed 11a-7p, Sat 11a-8p, Sun 12-5p. 777-3283.
•Englewood Art Center: Ringling College of Art & Design, 350 S McCall Rd, Englewood. Tue & Thu 9a-9p, Wed-Sat 9a-4p. 941474-5548.
•Estero Art League: Estero Park Community Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Open paint Mon & Thu 9a-3p.
•Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries: 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. Wasmer Gallery–Dec 5-12: Senior Projects; Jan 23-Feb 19: Becoming Tomorrow’s Dream – Onajide Shabaka. Cohen Student Union & Sugden Hall— thru Oct 31, 2026: The Trees Know. Arts Complex Lobby— thru Dec 12: Beloved - A Tribute to Andy Owens; thru Jul 1: Crumbs; thru Sep 30, 2026: Diamonds in the Light. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. 590-7199.
•Florida Gulf Coast University
Wilson Bradshaw Library: 10501 FGCU Blvd S., 3rd fl, Ft Myers. thru Dec 12: Claire van Vliet; thru
Dec 12: Beloved - A Tribute to Andy Owens; thru May 1: Nature’s Canvas; Jan 7-May 3: Brian Yates. Mon-Thu 7a-11:30p, Fri 7a-8p, Sat 1-6p, Sun 11a-11:30p. 590-7199.
•Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center: 525 Kumquat Cr, Sarasota. Mon & Tue 5-7p & by appt. 941-894-6469.
•Fort Myers Beach Art Association & Gallery: Cypress Square, 13451 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. thru Dec 5: Celebration; thru Jan 8: Coming Around (Arts Bonita); Dec 8-Jan 2: Art Divine; Jan 2-29: Outside the Lines (at Cape Coral Art Center) Jan 5-30: Cool to Be Square. Mon-Wed 10a-3p & Thu-Sat 12-6. 463-3909. •Gardner Colby Gallery: 386 & 365 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 403-7787.
•Grand Illusion Gallery: 2443 First St, Ft Myers. Tue-Sat 10:30a-5:30p, 1st & 3rd Fri 6-10p. 461-7245.
•Guess-Fisher Gallery: 985 Central Ave, Naples. Tue-Sat 1-6p. 659-2787.
•Harbour View Gallery: 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. Dec: Ken Yacavone, Resa Abbey; Jan 4 -Feb 1: Janet Sams, Sandy Jones. Receptions 1st Tue 6-8p. Daily OctMay 11a-8p, closed Sun Jun-Sep. 540-5789.
•Harmon-Meek Modern: 382 12th Ave S, Naples. Tue-Sat 12-4p. 261-2637.
•High Tide Studio & Gallery: 995 Central Ave, Naples. Tue-Sat 10a4p & by appt. 228-6934.
•Hirdie-Girdie Art Gallery: 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat 11a-5p, Thu 11a-8p, Sun 12-4p. 395-0027.
•HW Gallery: 462 9th St N, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 263-6640.
•Island Visions: 2224 First St, Ft Myers. Sun-Thu 11a-6p, Fri & Sat 11a-9p. 282-0452.
•Joel Shapses Gallery: Naples Art District, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. NOV-APR Thu & Sat 1-5p and by appt. 954-830-3156.
•LaBelle Gallery & Cultural Center: 471 N Lee St, LaBelle. FriSun 1-5p. 863-843-2929
•Larimart Gallery: 2359 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Galleria Shoppes, #410, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-7p & Sat 103p. 276-0448.
•Laurel Schmid Fine Art Gallery & Studio: 5760 Shirley St, #15, Naples. Tue-Fri 1-5p & 2nd Sat 1-5p. 789-3823.
•Lehigh Acres Art League: River Forest Assoc Clubhouse, 13506 Island Rd, Lehigh Acres. Meets & paints Mon 10a-3p.
•Lovegrove Gallery & Garden: 1415 Dean St., #102 Ft Myers. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. 938-5655
•MARA Art Studio & Gallery: 76 S Palm Ave, Sarasota. Tue-Fri 11a-4p. 941-914-8110.
•Marco Island Center for the Arts: 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. Main Galleries—Dec 8-Jan 6: Clay Guide; Jan 12-Feb 24: Magic of the Sea. La Petite Galerie— thru Dec 2: Ron Orlando; Dec 8-Jan 6: Patrice Schelkun; Jan 12-27: Margo Kostecka. Festival of Trees: Dec 2-4 10a-12p. Mon-Fri 9a-4p. 394-4221.
•Method & Concept: 26 10th St. S, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-5p. 529-2633.
•Naples Art District: Dozens of artists’ studios & galleries. Shirley St & J&C. Open studios Thu & Sat 1-5p, Art After Dark 1st Wed 5-8p. Thu & Sat 1-5p. 249-1977.
•Naples Art Institute: 585 Park St, Naples. Dec 13-Mar 29: Joan Miro. Mon-Fri 9a-5p. 262-6517.
The Andrew Collins Trio perform January 31 at Arts Bonita’s Performing Arts Center in Bonita Springs.
What Goes On DECEMBER-JANUARY
•Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens: 5827 Riverside Dr, Punta Gorda. thru Apr 19: Origami in the Garden. Gardens Aglow: Sat 10a-1p. Dogs welcome Tue. Tue-Sun 9a-4p. 941-621-8299.
•Pine Island Art: 4577 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 283-4432
•Quidley & Company Fine Art Gallery: 375 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-7p & Sun 11a-5p. 261-4300.
•Rachel Pierce Art Gallery: 1571 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Daily 10a-3p. 292-3327.
•Rachel Pierce Art Gallery: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 Cleveland Ave SW, Ft Myers. Daily 10a-3p. 292-3327.
•Rene Miville Gallery: Franklin Shops, 2200 1st St, 2nd fl, Ft Myers. Mon-Sat 10a-8p & Sun 12-7p. 333-3130.
•Ringling College of Art & Design: 2700 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Basch Gallery (Thompson Academic Center, Bradenton Rd)— Dec 12: Anthony Rice - Like a Deer; Jan 12-Mar 8: The Maestro of Murano – Lino Tagliapietra. Cooley Photography Center (Bradenton Rd)— Voices & Spaces. Crossley Gallery (Hughes Studio Bldg, Bradenton Rd). Goldstein Gallery (E Tamiami Cir). Madeby Gallery (Dr MLK Jr Way)— Student Show. Selby Gallery (N Tamiami Tr)— thru Dec 5: Portraits of Courage - Vietnam Remembered; Jan 23-Feb 28: Illustration Faculty Traditional Painting. Smith Gallery (Bradenton Rd)— thru Dec 5: Illest of Ill - Fairy Garden, Jan 20-Apr 1: Ligature XVI. Stulberg Gallery (Dr MLK Jr Way)— thru Dec 19: Roots & Resilience - Art for Change; Jan 20-Mar 28: OriginsSarasota Artist Colony 1945-1965. Thompson Gallery (Keating Center, Bradenton Rd)— Jan 20-Apr 1: Tom Stephens. Al galleries: Apr 24-29 & May 1-9: Best of Ringling Senior Thesis. Gallery days & hours vary. 941-359-7563.
•Ringling Museum of Art: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. thru Jan 11, 2026: Yoshida Hiroshi; thru May 31, 2026: Juana Romani; thru Nov 1, 2026: 17th Century Dutch Paintings. Circus Museum— ongoing: The Greatest Show on Earth. Bayfront Gardens. Daily 10a-5p, Thu 10a-8p. 941-359-5700.
•Sanibel Captiva Art League: Exhibits— thru Dec 5: Sky (Bailey Homestead Preserve, Sanibel); thru Jan 6: Serendipity (Sanibel Library); Dec 19-Jan 25: Ode to Jy (BIG ARTS, Sanibel); Jan 7-Feb 11: Cast Ashore (Sanibel Community House. Meetings 3rd Thu 1-3p. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 322-8593.
•Sanibel Community House: 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Jan 7-Feb 11: Sanibel-Captiva Art League. 9a-3p. 472-2155.
•Sanibel Public Library: 770 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. thru Jan 6: Sanibel Captiva Art League. MonFri 9a-35p. 472-2155.
•Sarasota Art Museum: Ringling College, 1001 S Tamiami T, Sarasota. thru Mar 29: Art Deco
- Golden Age of Illustration; thru Mar 29: Abstract Opulence; thru Apr 26: Radical Softness; thru Apr 26: Molly Hatch; thru Aug 19: Slumpies; thru Sep 27: Something Borrowed, Something New; thru Sep 27: Maria Guzman Capron; thru Oct 25: Prints of Sol LeWitt. Mon-Sat 10a-5p, Sun 11a-5p. 941309-4300.
•Sea Grape Gallery: 113 Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. Mon-Fri 10a-5p & Sat 10a-4p. 941-575-1718
•Sheldon Fine Art: 460 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Sun-Thu 10a-6p, Fri-Sat 10a-9p. 649-6255.
•Sidney & Berne Davis Arts Center: 2301 First St, Ft Myers. Jan 2-29: Neon Coast; Feb 6-25:
Shah Hadjebi. Festival of Trees: Dec 3-7. Mon, Tue & Thu 10a-5p, Wed & Fri 10a-10p. 337-1933.
•smallwalls: Naples Art District, 6240 Shirley St, #103, Naples. By appt. 1st Wed 3-7p, 1st Thu 11a-5p, 3rd Sat 11a-5p. 402-201-6160.
•SPAACES Studio: 2051 Princeton St, Sarasota. thru Jan 17: The Politics of Perception; Jan 30-Feb 7: Ringling Fine Art Student Pop-Up. Fri & Sat 11a-2p & by appt. 941-374-3492.
•SRQ East Art Studios: 8326
Consumer Ct, Sarasota. Dozen artist studios. Open studios 2nd Sat 5-7p. 941-363-1724.
•Sweet Art Gallery: 852 1st Ave S, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-5p & Sat 11a-2p. 597-2110.
•Tammra Sigler Studio: 5760 Shirley St, # 11, Naples. By appt. 821-1017.
•Tower Gallery Artist Cooperative: 751 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel. Daily 10a-4p. 579-0659.
•Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point: 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. thru Jan 17: Minute Masterpieces - Miniature Art Society of Florida; thru Jan 17: Urbanscapes - Alberto Chailosky; thru Jan 17: In Glass & Fabric - Michael Armstrong & Carol Mann; Jan 28-Mar 21: Above & Beyond - Sun Smith-Forêt; Jan 28-Mar 21: Rhythm & BloomsStephanie Trick. Tue-Sat 10a-3p. 415-5667.
•Union Artists Studios: Alliance for the Arts campus, 10051 McGregor Blvd, #202, Edwards Bldg, Ft Myers. Sat 10a-2p & by appt. 980-1394.
•Venice Art Center: 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. thru Dec 4: Colors in Motion; thru Dec 4: Centennial celebration; Dec 9-Jan 2: Grand Ideas; Dec 9-Jan 2: Mighty Minis; Jan 9-Feb 10: Colors in Motion; Jan 9-Feb 10: Meet My Beatles - Leoma Lovegrove. Mon-Fri 9a-4p & Sat 9am-. 941-485-7136.
•Visual Arts Center: 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. Main Gallery— thru Dec 29: Art for Everyone; Jan 8-Feb 3: Dream Big or Go Small. Goff Gallery— thru Dec 29: Art for Everyone; Jan 8-Feb 3: Dream Big or Go Small. Rebecca Hall— thru Dec 29: Joy to the Hall; Jan 8-Feb 3: Susan Fraley & Rosalie Mack. Mon & Fri 10a-4p, Tu-Thu 10a-7p, Sat 10a-2p. 941-639-8810.
Attractions
•Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Tribe of Florida Museum: Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 30290 Josie Billie Hwy, Clewiston. Exhibit— Beautiful & Proud, Miniature Marvels, Elgin Jumper. Daily 9a-5p. 877-902-1113.
•Architecture Sarasota: McCullough Pavilion, 265 S Orange Ave, Sarasota. Thu-Sat 10a-4:30p & Sun 11a-4:30p. 941-364-2199.
•Artis-Naples: Baker Museum of Art, Daniels Pavilion, Hayes Hall, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 597-1900.
•Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium: Great Hall of Shells, Living Gallery of Aquariums. Ongoing photo
exhibits— Adorned by the SeaBrilliant Colors of the Sea. 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. TueFri 11a-3p. 395-2233.
•Berne Davis Botanical Garden: 2166 Virginia Ave, Ft Myers. Tue & Thu 10a-1p. Guided tours. Plein Air painting workshops: Tue & Thu 9a-1p. 332-4942.
•Bishop Museum of Science & Nature: 201 10th St W, Bradenton. Exhibits, manatee habitat, planetarium. Tue-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. 941-746-4131.
•Burroughs Home & Gardens: 2505 First St, Ft Myers. Tours Tue-Thu 11a. register. 337-9505
•Calusa Heritage Trail: Randall Research Center, 13810 Waterfront Dr, Pineland. Guided tours TueSat 10a; Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat 1p. Sunrise-sunset. 283-2062.
•Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium: 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. Museum, butterfly aviary, walking trails, animal talks, butterfly talks, planetarium shows daily. Holiday Lights: Fri-Sun Dec 5-28, 6-9p. Guided walks select Tue, Thu, Sat 10a; Full moon night hikes select nites. 8p. Planetarium shows Mon-Sat 12 & 2p & Sun 12, 2, 3:30p. Tue-Sun 10a-4p. 275-3435.
•Cape Coral Historical Museum: 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Museum buildings & gardens. thru Jan 31: Ohm Sweet Ohm – How a handshake Brought Power to Cape Coral. Wed-Fri 11a4p & Sat 10a-2p. 772-7037.
•Children’s Museum of Naples: North Collier Park, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. Sun-Tue & Thu-Sat 10a-4:30p. Closed MonWed in Oct. 514-0084.
•Collier County Museum at Government Center: 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. thru Jan 3: A Cottage Christmas. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-8476.
•Conservancy of SWFL: 1495 Smith Preserve Way, off Goodlette Frank Rd. Nature Center, exhibits, kayaking, nature walks, electric boat eco-tours. Guided walks MonSat. register. Tue-Sat 9:30a-4p. Free. 262-0304.
•Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: 375 Sanctuary Rd. Visitor center, boardwalk, exhibits, guided walks, swamp walks, night events. Guided boardwalk tours 10a, register.
Daily 8a-3p, visitor center 8a-1p. 348-9151.
•CREW: Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. Marsh Hiking Trails, 4600 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee. Guided wildlife walks & hospital tours, presentations 11a daily, Trails open daily sunrisesunset. Free. 657-2253.
•CROW: Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife. 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Visitor Education Center, wildlife presentations daily 11a; speakers. Dec: Mon-Fri 10a-4p, Jan: Mon-Sat 10a-4p. Free. 472-3644.
•’Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. Wildlife viewing, education Center. Wildlife drive: Sat-Thu 7a-7p; Visitor center: Sat-Thu 9a-5p. 472-1100.
•Edison & Ford Winter Estates: 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Historic homes, gardens, laboratory, museum. Exhibits— Ongoing: Rebirth & Renewal; ongoing: Fanatics - Edison, Mack & Baseball in Fort Myers. Guided homes tours daily; Automotive Tour: Mon 10:30a; Inside homes tour: Tue & Thu 10a (pre-register); Yoga by the River: Wed 10a; Step into History lectures: Tue & Thu 10:30a & 2p.; Piano recitals Wed 1p. Holiday Nights Celebration: thru Jan 4, 5:30-9p. Daily 9a-5:30p. 334-7419.
•Estero Historic Cottage Museum: One-room schoolhouse & historic cottage. Estero Park, 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Sat 1-4p. Free. 272-1911.
•Estero Historical Society: Estero Park, 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Sat 1-4p. Free. 272-1911.
•Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center: 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, # 108, Naples. Guided tours. Tue-Sun 1-4:30p. 263-9200.
•IMAG History & Science Center: Exhibits, activities, live sea life touch-tank & feedings, films. 2000 Cranford St, Ft Myers. MonSat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. 321-7420.
•Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch: 1215 Roberts Ave W, Immokalee. thru Jan 31: Aztec dancers. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-2611.
•Marco Island Historical Museum: 180 S Heathwood
The exhibition, ‘Origami in the Garden’ is on view thru April 19 at the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Garden in Punta Gorda.
Dr, Marco Island. thru Mar 21: Marco on the Move. Mar 31-Jul 11: America the Beautiful - Clyde Butcher. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 642-1440.
•Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. thru Dec 7: The Orchid Show; Dec 5-Jan 3: Lights in Bloom. 10a-5p daily. 941-366-5731.
•Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Tr, Osprey. thru Aug 30: Robert Louis Stevenson - A Child’s Garden of Verses. Daily 10a-5p. 941-366-5731
•Mound House: 451 Connecticut St, Ft Myers Beach. Guided tours Tue, Wed & Sat 9a-3p; programs Tue, Wed, Sat 10a; Shell Mound tours Tue-Sat 10a, 12 & 2p; Garden tours Tue & Fri 1p; Untold Stories tours Thu 2p; Free guided beach walks Tue & Thu 9a at Newton Park, 4650 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Wed-Sat 7:30a-6:30p. 765-0865.
•MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota. Daily 10a-5p. 941-388-4441.
•Museum of the Everglades: 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. thru Feb 14: Sharing the Path. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 695-0008.
•Museum of the Islands: 5728 Sesame Dr, Bokeelia. Tue, Thu, Sat 11a-3p. 283-1525.
•Naples Botanical Garden: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Exhibitions—
Jan 24-May 25: Chroma Flora. Fogg Café exhibit— thru Jan 11: John Eder Photos. thru Jan 4: Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden 6-10p. Music in the Garden: 2nd Sat. Birding tours: Tue 8a. Tours daily 10a-1p on hour. Daily 9a-5p, Wed 9a-8p. 643-7275.
•Naples Historical Society Historic Palm Cottage: Museum & gardens. Naples Historical Society, 137 12th Ave. S, Naples. Tours: Tue-Sat 124p (register). Dec 2-24: Christmas at Palm Cottage 12-4p (register). Tue-Sat 12-4p. 261-8164.
•Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples. Wildlife & botanical exhibits. Tours. Daily 9a-4:30p. 262-5409.
•Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary: 41660 Horseshoe Rd, Punta Gorda. By appt. Mon-Fri 9a-12p, Sat & Sun 11a-4p. 543-1130.
•Paradise Coast Sports Complex: 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. Sports facility. Live music Sat nites 5-8p at The Cove. Free. 252-4386.
•Peace River Wildlife Center: Ponce de Leon Park, 3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy, Punta Gorda. Exhibit— thru Apr 19: Origami in the Garden. Daily 11a-4p. 941637-3830
•Randell Research Center: 7450 Pineland Rd, Pineland. Calusa Heritage Trail, South Florida archeology & ethnography exhibits. Guide Calusa Heritage Trail tours Tue-Sat 10a; Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat 1p. Sunrise-sunset. 283-2062.
•Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center: 300 Tower Rd, Naples. Exhibits— thru Jan 31: Gulf to Glades. Exhibits, daily programs, guided boat & kayak eco-tours. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. 530-5940.
•Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Native Landscapes & Garden Center: 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Exhibits, demonstration gardens, workshops. Tue-Thu 9a-3p. 472-1932.
•Sanibel Historical Museum & Village: 950 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Guided tours daily 10:30a. Tue-Sat 10a-4p. 472-4648.
What Goes On DECEMBER-JANUARY
•Sarasota Jungle Gardens: 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. Live animal shows, tours. Daily 10a-4p. 941-355-5305
•Williams Academy Black History Museum: Clemente Park, 1936 Henderson Ave, Ft Myers. Ongoing: 50 Years of Hip Hop, Anderson Avenue Economic Renaissance, MLK Corridor’s Revival. Wed-Fri 11a-4p & Sat by appt. Free. 3328778.
•Wonder Gardens: 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Botanical gardens, animals, alligator feedings. Guided tours Thu-Mon 1p. Daily 9a-4p. 992-2591.
Parks & Beaches
•Alison Hagerup Beach: 14790 Captiva Dr, Captiva. Dawn-dusk. Parking fee. 472-2472.
•Alva Park: 21471 N River Rd, Alva. Dawn-dusk. Free. 694-0398.
•Bailey Homestead Preserve: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Exhibit— thru Dec 5: Sky. Walking tours Mon 2p & Thu 10a. thru Apr 1: Natives in the Garden exhibit. Tue-Fri 9a-3p. Free. 472-1932.
•Bonita Beach Park: 27954 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs. Dawn-dusk. Free. 533-7444.
•Boca Grande Park: 131 1st St, Boca Grande. Dawn-dusk. Free. 839-6008.
•Bowditch Point Park: 50 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Dawn-dusk. Free. 463-3764.
•Bowman’s Beach Park: 1700 Bowman’s Beach Rd, Sanibel. Dawn-dusk. 533-7575.
•Brooks Park: 50 South Rd, Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 3400397.
•Buckingham Park: 9800 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 237-9306.
•Bunche Beach: 18201 John Morris Rd, Ft Myers. Guided beach walks Wed 9a thru Apr. Dawn-dusk. Free. 707-6794.
•Caloosahatchee Park: 18500 North River Rd, Alva. Dawn-dusk. Free. 693-2690.
•Cayo Costa State Park: 4 nautical miles west of Pine Island. Accessible only by boat or kayak. Camping, boating, bicycling trails. 8a-sunset daily. 941-964-0375.
•Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park: 12301 Burnt Store Rd, Punta Gorda. Environmental Center, hiking & bicycling trails, guided hikes. 8a-sunset daily. 941-5755816.
•Collier-Seminole State Park: US 41, S Naples. Hiking & bicycling trails, boating, camping, boardwalk. 8a-sunset. 394-3397.
•Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: 11135 Gulfshore Dr, Naples. Beach. Hiking trail, paddling, boating, boardwalk, restaurant. 8a-sunset. 597-6196.
•Dog Beach: 14436 Bonita Beach Causeway, Bonita Springs. Dogs can run free. Dawn-dusk. Free. 229-0632.
•Estero Bay Preserve State Park: 4940 Broadway W, Estero. Hiking trails, off-road bicycling trails, boating. 8a-sunset daily. 992-0311.
•Estero Park: 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Rec Center. 6a-9p. Free. 248-1609.
•Everglades National Park: Gulf Coast Visitor Center, 815 Oyster
Bar Ln. Everglades City. 695-3311.
•Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park: 8137 Coastline Dr, Copeland. Hiking & bicycling trails, boardwalk, paddling, historic site. 8a-sunset daily. 695-4593.
•Four Freedoms Park: 4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral. Dawn-dusk. Free. 574-0804.
•Gasparilla State Park: 880 Belcher Rd, Boca Grande. 8a-sunset daily. Bicycling & hiking trails, paddling, museum. 8amsunset daily. 941-964-0375.
•Harlem Heights Park: 7340 Concourse Dr, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 839-7062.
•Hickey Creek Park: 17980 Palm Beach Blvd, Alva. Dawn-dusk. Free. 693-2690.
•John Yarbrough Park: 14608
Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, F Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 218-1032.
•Judd Park: 1297 Parkview Ct, N Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 357-5443.
•Koreshan State Historic Site State Park: US Hwy 41 & Corkscrew Rd, Estero. Access to Mound Key Archeological State Park. Historic settlement, hiking trials, boating, paddling, camping. 8a-sunset daily, historic site 8a-5p daily. 992-0311.
•Kurt Donaldson Park: 180 Hunter Blvd, Cape Coral. Dawn-dusk. Free. 357-5443.
•Lake Manatee State Park: 20007 State Rd 64 E, Bradenton. Hiking & bicycling trails, paddling, boating. 8a-sunset. 941-741-3028.
•Lakes Park: 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Ft Myers. 7a-dusk. 533-7575.
•Lehigh Acres Park: 1400 W 5th St, Lehigh Acres. Dawn-dusk. Free. 204-1165.
•Lehigh Acres Trailhead Park: 213 David Ave, Lehigh Acres. Dawndusk. Free. 204-1165.
•Lighthouse Beach Park: 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 7a-dusk. 472-0345.
•Lovers Key State Park: 8700 Estero Blvd. Ft Myers Beach. Bicycling & hiking trails, boating, paddling. Guided walks select Fri & Sat 10:30a; wildlife lectures Wed 10:30a; sunset meditations Mon 1.5 hrs before sunset; seashell walk 1st Fri 10:30a; wildlife hikes 1st Sat 10:30a; beach & estuary walk 3rd Fri 10:30a. 8a-sunset daily. 463-4588.
•Lynn Hall Beach Park: 950 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Dawn-dusk. Free. 229-7356.
•Manatee Park: 10901 Palm Beach Blvd, Ft Myers. Free butterfly garden tours Sun 9a thru Mar. Free. 690-5030.
•Matlacha Park: 4577 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. Community Center. 7a-9p. Free. 771-1078.
•Myakka River State Park: 13207 SR 72, Sarasota. Canoeing, camping, paddling, hiking & bicycling horseback riding trails, wildlife tours by air-boat & tram, scenic drive, guided walks. 8a-sunset daily. 941-361-6511.
•Nalle Grade Park: 8350 Nalle Grade Rd, N Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 357-5443.
•Naples Preserve: Eco-center. 1690 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Free. 261-4290.
•North Collier Park: 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples. Free. 652-4512.
•North Fort Myers Park: 2000 N Recreation Park Way, N Ft Myers. Rec Center. Dawn-dusk. Free. 533-7200
•North Shore Park: 13001 N Cleveland Ave, N Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 357-5443.
•Olga Park: 2325 S Olga Dr, Ft Myers. Community Center. Dawndusk. Free. 694-2291.
•Oscar Scherer State Park: 1843 S Tamiami Tr, Osprey. Hiking & bicycling trails, paddling, camping. 8a-sunset daily. 941-483-5956.
•Phillips Park: 5675 Sesame Dr, Bokeelia. Dawn-dusk. Free. 771-1078.
•Pinewood Trails Park: 5901 Pine Island Rd NW, Bokeelia. Dawndusk. Free. 771-1078.
•Rotary Park: 5505 Rose Garden Rd, Cape Coral. Tom Allen Butterfly House, nature trails, environmental center. 8a-4p. Free. 549-4606.
•Rutenberg Park: 6500 South Pointe Blvd, Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 340-0397.
•San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve: 18201 John Morris Rd, Ft Myers. Free. 765-6794.
•Schandler Hall Park: 419 Royal Palm Park Rd, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 533-7200.
•Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: 7791 Penzance Blvd, Ft Myers. Boardwalk, interpretive center open Tue-Sun 10a-4p. Guided boardwalk walks daily 9:30a. Guided ‘wet walks’ select Sat & Wed 9:30a & 1p Sep & Oct. Dawn-dusk. Free. 533-7550.
•Stump Pass Beach State Park: 900 Gulf Blvd (south end of Manasota Key, Englewood). Hiking, paddling, guided tours. 8a-sunset daily. 941-964-0375.
•Three Oaks Park: 18251 Three Oaks Pkwy, Ft Myers. Dawn-9:15p. Free. 478-6998.
•Veterans Park: 55 Homestead Rd, Lehigh Acres. Rec Center. Dawndusk. Free. 369-1521.
•Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park: 16730 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. Rec Center. Dawndusk. Free. 533-7468.
Libraries
•Bonita Springs: 10560 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a5p. 533-4860.
•Cape Coral-Lee County: 921 S.W. 39th Ter, Cape Coral. Mon-Wed 9a-8p. Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a5p. 533-4500.
•Captiva: 11560 Chapin Ln, Captiva. Mon, Wed, Fri 10a-4p. 533-4890.
•Collier County Library Headquarters: 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7311.
•Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon: 3095 Blount St, Fort Myers. Tue 12-8p, Wed & Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a5p. 533-4150.
•East County: 881 Gunnery Rd N, Lehigh Acres. Mon-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4200.
•East Naples: 8787 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p.
•Estates: 1266 Golden Gate Blvd W, Naples. Mon-Thu 10a-6p Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7109.
•Everglades City: 102 Copeland Ave N, Everglades City. Mon-Fri 9a-12p & 1-4:30p. 295-2511.
•Florida Gulf Coast University Wilson Bradshaw Library: 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. Mon-Thu 7a-11:30p, Fri 7a-8p, Sat 1-6p, Sun 11a-11:30p. 590-7199.
•Florida SouthWestern State College: Collier campus. 7505 Grand Lely Dr, Building G, Naples. Mon-Thu 7:30a-7p, Fri 8a-4p, Sat 10a-4p.732-3774.
•Florida SouthWestern State College: Lee Campus. 8099
College Pkwy, Building J, Fort Myers. Mon-Thu 7:30a-7p, Fri 8a4p, Sat 10a-4p.489-9220.
•Fort Myers: 2450 First St, Ft Myers. Min-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4600.
•Fort Myers Beach: 2755 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Mon-Fri 9a-5p & sat 9a-1p. 765-8162.
•Golden Gate: 2432 Lucerne Rd, Naples. Mon-Thu 10a-6p, Fri &Sat 9a-5p. 252-4542.
•Immokalee: 417 N First St, Immokalee. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7073.
•Johann Fust: 1040 W 10th St, Boca Grande. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 941-964-2488
•Lakes: 15290 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. Mon-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4000.
•Marco Island: 210 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. Mon-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7064.
•Naples: 650 Central Ave, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p.
•North Fort Myers: 2001 N Tamiami Tr, N Ft Myers. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4320.
•Northwest: 519 Chiquita Blvd N, Cape Coral. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 5334700.
•Pine Island: 10701 Russell Rd, Bokeelia. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4350.
•Riverdale: 21471 N River Rd, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. 533-4370.
•Sanibel: 770 Dunlop Rd Sanibel. Mon & Thu 9a-8p; Tue, Wed, Fri 9a-5p; Sat 9a-1p. 472-2483.
•South: 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p.
•South County: 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy, Estero. Mon-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4400.
•Talking Books: 1651 Lee St, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 9a-5p. 533-4780.
•Vanderbilt Beach: 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7160.
Live Music & Comedy
•Americana Community Music Association Listening Room: All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Select Fri- Sun 7p. 691-4069.
•Bay Street Yard: 2136 Bay St, Ft Myers. Live music select nites. 270-5941.
•Bone Hook Brewery: 1514
Immokalee Rd, Naples. Live music select nites. 631-8522.
•Buckingham Blues Bar: 5641 Buckingham Rd., Ft Myers. Live music select nites. Free open blues jam Wed 8-11p & Sun 3-6p: Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band w Rex Bongo & Harry Cassano. 693-7111.
•Buddha Bar: 12701 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music select WedSun nites. 482-8565.
•Cape Cabaret: 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. Tue nites: jazz & blues jams 7-9:30p; Comedy nites: Fri & select Sat nites 7p; live music select nites 7-10p. Tue. 549-3000.
•Coastal Dayz Brewery: 2161
McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers, Live music select nites & Sat 2-5p. Free. 204-9665.
•Eight-Foot Brewing: 4417 SE 16th Pl, #11, Cape Coral. Live music select Sat 6-9p. Free. 337-7646.
•Fancy’s Southern Café: 2214 Bay
St, Ft Myers. Live music select nights. 208-2564.
•Fancy’s Southern Café: 8890 Salrose Ln, #101, Ft Myers. Live music select nights. 561-2988.
•Fort Myers Brewing Company: 12811 Commerce Lake Dr, #27, Ft Myers. Live music Wed 6-9p, Fri & Sat 7-10p, Sun 2-5p. Free. 313-6576.
•Howl: 14360 S Tamaimi Tr, Ft Myers. Open mic Wed 8-11p; live music select nites. 332-0161.
•Lobby Bar: Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Dr, Ft Myers. Live music Fri & Sat 6-9p. Free. 314-3723.
•Matanzas on the Bay: 414 Crescent St, Ft Myers Beach. Live music nitely 5-9p & Sun 12-4p; last Wed 7-9p Comedy Nite. Free. 463-3838.
•Millennial Brewing: 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Ft Myers. Live music Fri nites 6-9p. Free. 271-2255.
•Off the Hook Comedy Club: 2500 Vanderbilt Beach, Naples. Comedians Thu-Sat & select Sun, Tue, Wed nites. 540-7867.
•Ollie’s Pub: 1019 Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral. Tue: Open jam; live music select Fri & Sat nites. 540-7867.
•Palace Pub & Wine: 1317 Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral. Live music & burlesque select nites. 217-0919.
•Point Ybel Brewing Company: 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music select nites. Free. 603-6535.
•Rack ‘em Spirits & Times: 1011 SE 47th Ter, Cape Coral. Live music select Fri & Sat nites. Free. 540-7225.
•Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Café: 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. Comedians Thu-Sat nites. 479-5233.
•Social House: 1406 Hendry St, Ft Myers. Live music 5-8p— Thu: Emma Coleman; Fri: Nathan Tata; Sat: Briz & Lady; Sun Madison Morris. Free. 337-7646.
•South Street City Oven & Grill: 1410 Pine Ridge Rd, # 4, Naples. Live music select Fri-Sun 8-11p. Free. 435-9333.
•South Street City Oven & Grill: 8845 Founders Square Dr, Naples. Live music select Fri-Sun 8-11p. Free. 435-9333.
•Space 39 Art Bar & Martini Lounge: 39 Patio de Leon, Ft Myers. Live music select Wed-Sat nites. 204-9949.
•Sugarshack Downtown: 27421 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Live music nitely. 301-4321.
•Swamp Cat Brewing: 1943 Fowler St, Ft Myers. Live music Fri & Sat nites. 887-3223.
•Ter-Tini’s Music & Event Hall: 1901 Crystal Dr, Ft Myers. Live music select nites. 344-6147.
•The Beach Bar: 1668 I St, Ft Myers Beach. Live music nitely. 224-4901.
•The Cove: Paradise Coast Sports Complex outdoor bar. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. Live Sat & select Fri nites 5-8p. Free. 252-4386
•The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon: 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music select Fri & Sat nites. 985-9839.
•The Rhythm House: 16440 S Tamiami Tr, Ft Myers. Tue & Sat 6:30-9:30p. 466-8326.
•The Stage: 9144 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs. Live tribute bands select nites. 405-8566.
•Whiskey Park: 3300 Mercantile Ave, Naples. Live music Fri & Sat 9:30p-1a. 263-6777.
•Z’s Music Kitchen: 12655 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. Live music select Fri & Sat 6-9p. 304-9552.
