APRIL
Free admission to Baker Museum
Enjoy free admission to all museum exhibitions at The Baker Museum Art After Hours at The Baker Museum, from 6-9 p.m., Wednesday, April 29. Live music by local musicians and concessions at Heidi’s Place. The museum is at 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., in Naples. Information: artisnaples.org.
Rockin’ Bash 2 returns to Naples
Rockin’ Bash 2 is bringing an evening of music, community and purpose to benefit Legal Aid Service of Collier County’s mission of providing free civil legal services to vulnerable residents. Scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 30, the event will take place at The Maddox, a members-only club located at 2955 Bayshore Drive in Naples. The night features a live performance by the Mark Telesca Band, an interactive dinner and opportunities to support justice through community engagement. Tickets are $200 per person and include dinner, two complimentary drink tickets and live music, with a cash bar available. All net proceeds benefit the programs and projects operated by Legal Aid Service of Collier County.
MAY
‘Community Day’ in May
Rookery Bay Community Day is a free day of fun for all ages. It will be held from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday, May 2, with free admission to the center and a day filled with activities. The event will feature kayak and stand-up paddle demos, face painting, photo booths, music, science and nature activities, an art exhibit by Paul Arsenault, nature book author signings by Bob Gonzales and Susan Levine, and onsite food trucks. There will also be hands-on experiences at Rookery Bay’s touch tanks full of marine life such as sea stars, shrimp, tiny crabs and other critters that live in the estuary waters of Rookery Bay Research Reserve. In addition, Friends of Rookery Bay is offering “sneak peek” 30-minute boat tours with its exclusive eco-tour provider Rising Tide Explorers. The boat tours are $20 per person with pre-registration required online at rookerybay.org.
Pink Floyd tribute act Brit Floyd
The popular tribute show returns to Hertz Arena with more lights, lasers and Pink Floyd classics. At 7:30 p.m., Sunday, May 3. $64-$260. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. Parking on site is $30, or free next door at Miromar Outlets. 948-7825 or hertzarena.com.
National Tourism Week
The Greater Naples Chamber recently announced a Tourism Week Celebration Lunch from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 5, at The Ritz-Carlton Naples Tiburon, 2600 Tiburon Drive. The event is hosted by Greater Naples Chamber, Naples Marco Island Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Visit Florida and Skal International. The event is designed to bring together Southwest Florida’s hospitality and tourism professionals and offers a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders, build meaningful partnerships, and celebrate the people and businesses that make our region a world-class destination. Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce, Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and Marco Island Chamber of Commerce are the community partners for the Tourism Week Celebration Lunch. Tickets for Tourism Week Celebration Lunch are now available for purchase. Tickets for the event are $50 per person. Online registration closes at noon, Monday, May 4. There will be a mandatory valet on site for an additional $11, not included in ticket price. Learn more at napleschamber.org.
Alice Cooper in Fort Myers
The original shock rocker returns to Fort Myers. Cooper pioneered horror-themed, theatrical hard rock with stage shows that feature guillotines, electric chairs, gallows, fake blood and even boa constrictors. His hits include “School’s Out,” “I’m Eighteen,” “Poison,” “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “Only Women Bleed” and “Feed My Frankenstein.” 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 5. Cost: $59-$483. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. Information: 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com.
Chamber to host ‘Wake Up’ gathering
The Greater Naples Chamber will discuss affordable housing in Collier County during Wake Up Naples on Wednesday, May 6. The event begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail N., and the speakers include Andrew Cribbs, CEO and co-founder of Onda Housing Group, Michael Puchalla, CEO and executive director of The Housing Alliance, and Lindsey Touchette, vice president of community engagement at the Collier Community Foundation. Tickets for Wake Up Naples are now available for purchase. Chamber member tickets are $55, nonmembers are $65. All tickets purchased at the event are $75. For more information, visit business.napleschamber.org/wake-up-naples.
Zach Bartholomew: ‘Bird Lives’ at Arts Bonita
“Bird Lives! The Music of Charlie Parker” featuring Mark Small is a high-energy concert that dives deep into the groundbreaking music of Charlie “Bird” Parker. Acclaimed saxophonist Mark Small and award-winning pianist Dr. Zachary Bartholomew, backed by a top-tier rhythm section, will perform the music of the legendary saxophonist whose lightning-fast lines and daring harmonic ideas redefined jazz. At 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 7, at the Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Tickets from $38 to $48. More at artsbonita.org.
Bonita Springs–Estero Christian Women’s Connection
Bonita Springs–Estero Christian Women’s Connection invites you to a May Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., Friday, May 8, at The Club at Grandezza in Estero. The program features a special presentation, “Make a Casual Connection with Accessories!” by Casual Connection, Naples, along with guest speaker Nada Decker sharing her personal story, “Have you ever felt invisible?” Cost is $37 inclusive. Reservations and cancellations must be received by April 29. For reservations, call Nancy at 520-904-2913.
Literacy Collier’s Golf Scramble
Literacy Collier’s 6th Annual Golf Scramble is slated for Friday, May 8, at The Rookery at Marco, 3433 Club Center Blvd., Naples. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Event registration includes a full buffet lunch, prizes, silent auction, and raffle. Individual golfers are $200, with foursomes at $800. To become a sponsor or to register for the event, visit tee2greengolfservices.com/lvcc or call 239-450-7087 or 239-877-1544.
Tee up for a cause
Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples will host its fourth annual golf scramble fundraiser on Saturday, May 9. It will take place at Saltleaf Golf Preserve, located near Hyatt Coconut Point. Tournament check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. For more information, contact Kayla Garrison at kgarrison@cmon.org or 239-260-1707. The tournament is open to golfers of all abilities, and registration is now available online at cmon.org/events/golf-2/.
Stamp Out Hunger’ food drive
The National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive returns Saturday, May 9, giving Southwest Florida residents a simple way to help stock area food pantries. In advance of the date, letter carriers will deliver specially marked plastic bags to addresses throughout the region. Residents are encouraged to fill the bags with nonperishable, shelf-stable food and leave them by their mailbox for pickup on May 9. On Marco Island, you can also drop off donations at an orange bin in the Post Office lobby.
Art Exhibit – ‘Through the Light of the Estuary’
From May 9 through October 29 – The art gallery hosts several exhibitions each year. A partnership with the United Arts Collier brings annual exhibitions of painting, photography and mixed media by artists from Collier and Lee County. The exhibits are juried by local art experts and follow Rookery Bay’s environmental mission with a central theme of plants, waters and wildlife of Southwest Florida. Most works are available for purchase. Free with admission. For more information, visit RookeryBay.org or call 239-530-5972.
Suncoast Signature Cup
To benefit YMCA swim programs, Suncoast Custom Pools will host its second annual Suncoast Signature Cup charity golf tournament on Friday, May 15, at the Quarry Golf Club, 8950 Weathered Stone Dr. in North Naples. The event brings together Southwest Florida’s top professionals, partners and community champions. More than 100 golfers and volunteers participated in last year’s event, raising $100,000, which funded swim lessons for more than 250 children. The Suncoast Custom Pools Signature Cup charity event will feature an 18-hole scramble. For information, visit https://www.sccpools.com/suncoast-signature-cup.
Crafty Critter Saturdays
From 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., April 25 and May 30 – A self-guided, family-friendly crafting activity inspired by nature. Each month features a new theme and all supplies are included with admission — just bring your creativity. Free with admission. To register for events or for more information, visit RookeryBay.org or call 239-530-5972.
ONGOING
Florida: ‘It’s Not the Heat … It’s the Hilarity!’
Compton & Bennett, the authors of “Assisted Living: The Musical” recently announced the debut of their latest comedy hit, “Straight Outta Florida: Throwin’ Shade on The Sunshine State.” Straight Outta Florida is at The Norris Center Theatre in Naples and runs every other Tuesday through April. “Straight Outta Florida” is a 90-minute, song-and-sketch comedy romp. Betsy Bennett and Rick Compton play six characters. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com or call The Norris Center at 239-213-3049.
SWFL Inc. opens nominations for the INCredible Awards
SWFL Inc. recently opened nominations for the 2026 INCredible Awards, a celebration honoring outstanding individuals, businesses and nonprofits in Southwest Florida. The awards ceremony will take place from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point. Nominations close on March 24. The INCredible Awards recognize SWFL Citizen of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year and the Innovation Award, among others. To nominate an individual, business, or nonprofit, visit swflinc.com/incredible-awards-2026. For more information about sponsorships or event details, contact SWFL Inc. at Troy@swflinc.com.
Youth Sailing Club has registration open
The Marco Island Yacht Club’s Youth Sailing Club has opened registration for its summer youth sailing program. Under the direction of Caroline Hugo, the MIYC Youth Sailing Club emphasizes skill development, water safety, and confidence-building while fostering a lifelong appreciation for sailing and the coastal environment. The program accommodates both beginner and intermediate sailors, offering progressive instruction tailored to each age group. Weekly sessions begin June 1 and run through the week ending Aug. 7, with programs designed for children ages 4 to 17. Interested families are encouraged to sign up early by visiting miycsailing.org.
‘America the Beautiful’ exhibit on Marco
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) has a new exhibit, “America the Beautiful” — a large format photography exhibit by Everglades photographer Clyde Butcher. The exhibit will be on display at the Marco Island Historical Museum now through July 11. The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive and is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free and the site is fully ADA compliant and accessible to all visitors. For information call 239-389-6447 or visit themihs.org. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Live music at Dogtooth, Sneaky Pete’s
Live music is available at various venues throughout the week, including Jebry’s Jazz Jam from 6-9 p.m. every Monday at Dogtooth bar and restaurant, 5310 Shirley St., in Naples. Karaoke is from 7-10 p.m., Mondays and Tuesdays, at Sneaky Pete’s, 3465 Bonita Beach Road SW, No. 120, Bonita Springs. Trivia is from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Mondays at Naples, Flatbread of Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Suite 520, in Estero.
Civil Air Patrol
Marco Civil Air Patrol meets the first and third Mondays of every month, starting at 6:30 p.m., at 2003 Mainsail Drive, Marco Executive Airport, in our hangar, on the left of the terminal. Volunteers welcome. Visit FL376.CAP.GOV.
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is located at 300 Tower Rd., Naples. It features aquariums, touch tanks with marine critters, natural history, environmental and wildlife exhibits, an art gallery, picnic area, guided walking trails, butterfly garden and a scenic overlook bridge. Special events and activities for all ages are held year-round including watercolor and photography classes, gallery nights, presentations about wildlife and conservation, birding field trips, marine science camps and more. The hours are 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $10 for adults,$5 for children ages 4-12 and 3 and under are free.
Rookery Bay Eco Kayak & Boat Tours
Rookery Bay Research Reserve also offers guided boat tours or kayak adventures into the tranquil waters of Rookery Bay Reserve. Guests can choose from a variety of tours including shelling trips to deserted white sand islands, sunset tours or bird rookery excursions. Visit RookeryBay.org or call 239-530-5972.
JUNE
Marine biologist camp
Area students entering grades seven through 10 can experience hands-on science this summer at Rookery Bay Research Reserve’s Marine Science Summer Camp. The flexible, half-day program is led by real marine biologists and set in Collier County’s coastal habitats. Held on Fridays in June and July, the camp runs from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at locations across the Reserve. Each session offers a unique theme. Students can choose their own adventure whether in the lab, on the beach or exploring upland habitats by bike.Campers will experience marine science in action such as holding live marine creatures, using microscopes to observe tiny plankton and surveying wildlife in the field. Cost is $75 per session. Register at rookerybay.org/events.
For more event listings, navigate to the Entertainment section and click on the SWFLA To Do List at marconews.com or visit the-banner.com. Calendar items must be emailed to mail@marconews.com or news@naplesnews.com and should be submitted at least a week before desired publication.
This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: SWFLA To Do List: Events in Bonita Springs, Estero, Naples and Marco
Reporting by Marco Eagle / Marco Eagle
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