Looking for some fun in Southwest Florida?
Here are our top things to do this weekend and beyond, including a new cornhole tournament at Bonita Springs’ Sports Challenge America and three book-signing events with bestselling “Doc Ford” novelist Randy Wayne White. Plus a look at what’s ahead in August.
To submit events, email the details to reporter Charles Runnells at crunnells@gannett.com.
1. Randy Wayne White book tour
Southwest Florida crime novelist Randy Wayne White brings his new book tour to Fort Myers and Punta Gorda. The New York Times-bestselling writer will meet fans and sign copies of his new Doc Ford thriller, “Tomlinson’s Wake” at Players Circle Theater in Fort Myers (6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26), Copperfish Books in Punta Gorda (2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, limited tickets remaining) and Barnes & Noble in Fort Myers (6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28). Tickets for Players Circle and Copperfish Books are $35-$41, including a copy of the book. Admission is free at Barnes & Noble. Learn more at randywaynewhite.com.
2. Steve Keene art exhibit ‘RAUSCHENBERG 100 – A Centennial Celebration’
TIME magazine once called Brooklyn artist Steve Keene “The Assembly-Line Picasso.” He’s known for cranking out all his paintings in a matter of weeks — sometimes days — one after the other in assembly-line fashion. And now he’s doing it again in south Fort Myers. This time, he’s mass-producing 100 paintings to celebrate what would have been the 100th birthday year for the late art legend (and Captiva Island resident) Bob Rauschenberg. The paintings use many “found” photographs and images of Rauschenberg, himself. Aug. 25 to Dec. 6. Free. No opening reception, although future events will be announced. Bob Rauschenberg Gallery Annex in the library at Florida SouthWestern State College, 8099 College Parkway S.W., Building J, south Fort Myers. 489-9313 or rauschenberggallery.com
3. ‘Oklahoma! In Concert’
Players Circle stages a concert version of the beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein musical with eight professional singers and 20 up-and-coming young performers. Aug. 21-31. $35-$45. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 800-3292 or playerscircletheater.com
4. Theatre Conspiracy’s ‘Sharing the Same Umbrella’
In this world-premiere from playwright Wayne Keller — who also works as a bartender at Broadway Palm — a sister and a group of friends hatch a plan to get Helen’s life on track a year after her husband’s death. After various plots fail, a mystery man arrives and opens up new possibilities. Aug. 22-31. $35. Off Broadway Palm at the Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. theatreconspiracyfl.com
5. New cornhole tournament at Sports Challenge America
The Bonita Springs sports complex hosts its first-ever cornhole tournament. The winning doubles team takes home a $500 cash prize. 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23. Entry fee is $25 per player and comes with full-day access to the Sports Challenge America facility, including unlimited play on the ping pong and pool tables. Participants must be 18 or older and are encouraged to register early. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. Sports Challenge America, 28120 Racetrack Road, Bonita Springs. 663-1810 or sportschallengeamerica.com
MORE THINGS TO DO
LOOKING AHEAD
Music aLive Fest at Mango Rita’s
The second music festival brings together eleven of Southwest Florida’s favorite local bands to raise money for Golisano Children’s Hospital and two local musicians undergoing expensive medical treatment. Singer Sandra Markowitz (aka Siren Voxx) of Rock Candy is being treated for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and Music aLive co-founder Fritz Caraher is being treated for polycythemia. The musical lineup includes Red Hannah, Rock Candy, the School of Rock Fort Myers House Band, Buckleheads, 10,000 Views and lots more. In honor of late metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, all the musical acts will cover a song by Ozzy or Black Sabbath. The fest also includes food, raffles, a silent auction and more. Noon to 1 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 31. $20 ($80-$100 for VIP admission, including premium seating in front of the stage). Mango Rita’s Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, south Fort Myers. musicaliveswfl.com
Disney on Ice at Hertz Arena
The touring show returns to Southwest Florida with Disney characters skating across the arena floor, including favorites from “Toy Story,” “Zootopia,” “Frozen,” “Moana 2” and more. Sept. 4-7. $38-$115. Parking on site is $20, plus taxes and fees (no cash). Free parking next door at Miromar Outlets. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 948-7825 or hertzarena.com
The Australian Pink Floyd Show at B.B. Mann
This touring Pink Floyd tribute includes a light and laser show, video animations, great sound and several huge inflatables (including the band’s own Pink Kangaroo). They’ll also be celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Pink Floyd’s formation in 1965 and the 50th anniversary of the album “Wish You Were Here.” 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4. $46-$100. Limited seating remains. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com
Charles Runnells is an arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. To reach him, call 239-335-0368 or email crunnells@gannett.com. Follow or message him on social media: Facebook(@charles.runnells.7), Instagram (@crunnells1) and X (@CharlesRunnells)
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Best things to do this week in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs: Doc Ford book signings and more
Reporting by Charles Runnells, Fort Myers News-Press / Fort Myers News-Press
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