Events

 Watch the Boston Red Sox run their spring training bases from late February through March at JetBlue Park at Fenway South, in Fort Myers. 239-226-4700 or 877-REDSOX9 (733-7699); MLB.com/redsox.  The Minnesota Twins also play ball in February and March at Hammond Stadium in the CenturyLink Sports Complex in Fort Myers. 1-800-33-TWINS (89467); MLB.com/twins.  Summer means Fort Myers Mighty Mussels baseball, when this Class A Advanced Affiliate team of the Minnesota Twins pounds the diamond at Hammond Stadium, April through September. 239-768-4210; MILB.com/fort-myers.  Fast-paced professional hockey hits the ice at Hertz Arena when the Florida Everblades, an East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) team, play 36 home games from October through April. 239-948-PUCK (7825); FloridaEverblades.com.

NATURE

 Koreshan State Park features boating, camping, fishing, hiking, paddling and wildlife viewing. Call 239-992-0311; FloridaStateParks. org/Parks-and-Trails/Koreshan-State-Park  The Great Calusa Paddling Trail is a 190mile marked canoe and kayak trail that meanders through the coastal waters and tributaries of Lee County, Florida. It attracts everyone from first time kayakers to advanced paddlers and is home to abundant marine life, shore birds and crustaceans; FortMyers-Sanibel.com/ CalusaBlueway.  CREW Land & Water Trust Enjoy guided hikes, family nature walks and birding expeditions along the four trail systems. 239-657-2253; CrewTrust.org.  Lovers Key State Park’s year-round programs include walking trails, estuary tours, and fishing and birding clinics. 239-463-4588; FloridaStateParks.org/Parks-and-Trails//Lovers-KeyState-Park.

ART, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

 The Estero Art League meets for Open Painting each Monday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. January – May and September - December at the Estero Community Center. Various classes are also available. 239-729-1738; EsteroArtLeague.com.  Art shows and classes, exhibits, films, concerts, live theater and special events fill the calendar year-round at the Center for Performing Arts and the Center for Visual Arts in Bonita Springs. National art festivals are held in January, February and March. Call or visit online for a full schedule. 239-495-8989; ArtCenterBonita.org.  Top entertainers and recording artists appear at Hertz Arena. Visit the website for event and ticket information. HertzArena.com.  Live music fills the air at Koreshan State Park most Saturdays, January - March at 3:30 p.m. in the Historic Art Hall, home to an 1885 Steinway piano. 239-992-0311; FloridaStateParks.org/ Parks-and-Trails/Koreshan-State-Park.  The Southwest Florida Symphony, which debuted in 1961, performs a series of four Masterworks concerts, two Pop concerts and several holiday Pops concerts at The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. 239-418-1500; SWFLSO.org.

SHOPPING

 Koreshan Sunday Farmer’s Market and Native Plant Sale: Join us in the historic settlement of Koreshans every Sunday 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Our Farmer’s Market offers local and organic produce, fresh seafood and dips, unique crafts, local honey, native plants, handcrafted jewelry, hot crepes and BBQ, beautiful art, and cool gifts! ! 239-949-2379; Fort Myers-Sanibel. com/Event/Farmers-market.  Special events and family-friendly entertainment take place throughout the year at area shopping malls. Call or go online for the latest information. Coconut Point 239-9929966; ShopCoconutPoint.com; Gulf Coast Town Center 239-267-5107; GulfCoastTownCenter. com; and Miromar Outlets 239-948-3766; MiromarOutlets.com.

EDUCATION

 South County Regional Library programs for adults, toddlers, kids, teens and families include everything from informative exhibits and reading sessions to to small business seminars. 239-533-4400; Leegov.com/Library.

HISTORY

 Koreshan State Park Guided Historic Tours take place January – March: FridaySunday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.; April – December: Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. only. Explore the 19th century religious Koreshan settlement, its structures, and gardens. Join our guided walking tours and learn about these idealistic pioneers. The walking tour is about an hour and a half. Tickets for guided tours can be purchased online at FriendsofKoreshan.org. 239992-0311; FloridaStateParks.org/Parks-and-Trails/ Koreshan-State-Park.  The Estero Historical Society’s (EHS) restored and authentically furnished HansonHall-Collier House (The Cottage) and 1904 Estero Creek School are open to visitors from 1 to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, showcasing exhibits and photos of Estero’s early days. 239-272-1911; EsteroHistoricalSociety.com.

January 2022

 15-16 - Bonita Springs National Art Festival at Riverside Park in downtown Bonita is a juried fine arts and fine crafts event that attracts national and international artists. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 239-495-8989; ArtCenterBonita.org.  28-29 - Ghost Walks at Koreshan State Park are held at 6:45, 7, 7:15, 7:30, 7:45 and 8 p.m. The guided tours with actors in period costumes recount history and fascinating tales by moonlight and luminaries. Reservations required. 239-992-0311. FloridaStateParks.org/Parks-andTrails/Koreshan-State-Park.  29-30 Estero Fine Art Show at Jet Blue Park draws top artists and is juried by a team of art professionals. The event includes art displays and demonstrations throughout both days 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 248-762-2462; HotWorks.org.

February 2022

 4-5 - Ghost Walks at Koreshan State Park continue (see preceding listing). Reservations required. 239-992-0311; FloridaStateParks.org/ Parks-and-Trails/Koreshan-State-Park.  11-20 - The Edison Festival of Light held in downtown Fort Myers, honors one of Southwest Florida’s most famous resident: Thomas Alva Edison. Food, music, crafts, fun run, car show and more throughout the celebration. The Grand Parade, the Southeast’s largest night parade, begins at 7 p.m. on the 19th (visit website for parade route). 239-334-2999; EdisonFestival.org.  12-13 - Bonita Springs National Art Festival at Riverside Park in downtown Bonita is a juried fine arts and fine crafts event that attracts national and international artists. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 239-495-8989; ArtCenterBonita.org.

A Wide Range of Events for Everyone Throughout the Year

 12-13 - The 16th Annual Coconut Point Art Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Coconut Point Mall. Free admission. Browse the fine art and enjoy music and more at this nationally top-rated event. 239-992-9966; ArtFestival.com/ Festivals/Coconut-Point-Art-Festival-0.  24 - Estero Forever Foundation 2nd Annual Celebration at the Club at Grandezza 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. An unforgettable evening of fine dining and dancing to the musical entertainment of Estero's own Billy Dean & Dawn. Tickets available at EsteroForeverFoundation.org.  24-March 6 - The Annual Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair includes exhibits, entertainment and lots of fun for all ages. SWFLCFair.com.  26 - The Annual Burrowing Owl Festival, held at Rotary Park Environmental Center, in Cape Coral, includes exhibits, guided nature walks, crafts for kids, and bus tours to local owl burrows for a glimpse of these captivating, pint-sized birds. The event is sponsored by the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife. 239-980-2593; CCFriendsOfWildlife.org.  27 - March 8 - The Annual Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair, includes exhibits, entertainment and lots of fun for all ages. SWFLCFair.com.

March 2022

 5 - Southwest Florida Reading Festival is a fun-packed day of discovery and creativity with family activities and celebrity authors sharing the inside scoop on their latest books. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fort Myers Regional Library Campus, 2450 1st Street, Fort Myers. 239-533-4600; ReadFest.org.  5-6 - Bonita Springs National Art Festival at Riverside Park in downtown Bonita is a juried fine arts and fine crafts event that attracts national and international artists. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 239-495-8989; ArtCenterBonita.org.  12-13 - Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival offers tempting treats, a crafts expo and family entertainment. 239 -451-3425; FortMyersBeachShrimpFestival.com.  TBD-Village of Estero 7th Anniversary Community Celebration will be held at Estero Community Park from 11:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will include live entertainment, food trucks with an assortment of tasty food and beverages plus plenty of activities for the kids. 239-2215035; estero-fl.gov.

April 2022

 TBD - Celebrate The J.N. “Ding” Darling Day at Lakes Park in Fort Myers. The day’s highlights include heron sculpture unveiling, urban birding walk and much more. 239-472-1100; DingDarlingSociety.org.

May 2022

 13 - “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Invitational This ninth annual “catch, release, and care” tournament is based at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Fisherman’s Wharf in Fort Myers Beach to benefit the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Anglers vie for 100-percent purse cash awards for the most tarpon caught. 239-472-1100, ext. 256; DingDarlingSociety.org.  21-23 - Bonita Springs International Film Festival presents more than 70 narrative, documentary, animation and short films from around the world, complemented by workshops, demonstrations and Q&A sessions with filmmakers, writers, directors and actors. 239-495-8989; ArtCenterBonita.org.

June 2022

 TBD - Annual Estero Chamber of Commerce Members’ Luncheon. We will also reveal the Person, Business and Volunteer of the Year Awards. Business and community members are invited to celebrate the year’s achievements and honorees at the luncheon. Reservations required. 239-948-7990; EsteroChamber.org.

EVENTS

July 2022

 4 - Independence Day is celebrated throughout Estero, with special sidewalk sales and other events at Miromar Outlets, Coconut Point Mall and Gulf Coast Town Center. • Miromar Outlets, 239-948-3766;

MiromarOutlets.com • Gulf Coast Town Center, 239-267-5107;

GulfCoastTownCenter.com • Coconut Point Mall, 239-992-9966;

ShopCoconutPoint.com

October 2022

 16-18 – “Ding” Darling Days returns to traditional October dates. It will be held at Lake Park in Fort Myers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nature crafts, carnival games and nature activities. 239472-1100, ext. 4; Check the website for updates at DingDarlingDays.com.  23 - Estero Community Park Yard Sale features local residents selling their treasures at the park from 7:30 a.m. to noon. 239-533-1470; LeeGov.com/parks.  29-30 - Trick or Treat! Family Halloween events take place at local malls and the Koreshan Historic Site. Call for details: Coconut Point Mall, 239-992-9966; ShopCoconutPoint.com. • Koreshan Historic Site 239-992-0311;

FloridaStateParks.org/Parks-and-Trails/Koreshan-

State-Park • Miromar Outlets, 239-948-3766;

MiromarOutlets.com • Gulf Coast Town Center, 239-267-5107;

GulfCoastTownCenter.com

December 2022

 3 - Light Up Estero heralds the holiday season with a tree-lighting ceremony that begins at 5 p.m. at Estero Community Park. Call the Estero Chamber for details: 239-948-7990; EsteroChamber.org.  TBA - Estero Chamber Holiday Party is a festive event. Come enjoy the holidays with all your friends in our growing community. 239-9487990; EsteroChamber.org.  TBA - Holiday Celebrations and events spread good cheer throughout the month at local shopping venues. Contact them for details, including when Santa is scheduled to appear: • Miromar Outlets, 239-948-3766;

MiromarOutlets.com • Gulf Coast Town Center, 239-267-5107;

GulfCoastTownCenter.com • Coconut Point Mall, 239-992-9966;

ShopCoconutPoint.com.