JULY
Gulf Coast Symphony performs America at 250: A Symphonic Celebration
The orchestra opens its 2026-27 pops season with a night of patriotic and American music, including “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Aaron Copland’s “Rodeo,” George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and “Hymn to the Fallen” from the movie “Saving Private Ryan.” At 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 3. Cost: $56-$155. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com.
‘America 250: From our roots to the future’ art exhibit
A group art show featuring patriotic work celebrating America’s 250th birthday and the country’s past, present and future. July 3-30. Free with a suggested donation at the door. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., downtown Fort Myers. 333-1933 or sbdac.com.
Fireworks at Naples Pier
Bring chairs and blankets to watch the fireworks launch at 9 p.m., Saturday, July 4, from near Naples Pier. The fireworks show typically lasts about 30 minutes. Personal use of fireworks and sparklers is prohibited. Parking is limited, so visitors are urged to plan ahead and find parking on the street or in downtown parking garages; or to walk, take bicycles or use a ride service. Free. Naples Pier, 12th Ave. S. More at fifthavenuesouth.com/events-calendar.
America 250 Celebration in Naples
Fourth of July Parade is 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 4, with a new route. Parade begins at the corner of Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South. Parade participants will walk east on Fifth and turn south (right) onto Eighth Street South, ending in front of City Hall. The City of Naples is asking people to not sit along Third Street South, as that’s where staging will take place.
Fourth of July parade in Bonita Springs
Bonita Springs Professional Firefighters Local 3444 hosts the annual parade on Old 41 Road. It includes bands, fife-and-drum corps, floats, military units and more. This year’s parade theme is “Small Town Big Spirit” and begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 4. Free. The parade travels along Old 41 Road between Rosemary Drive and Kentucky Street in downtown Bonita Springs. The parade route will be closed from 8:30 a.m. until after the parade. For more information, call Tyler Bess at 239-301-8402 or visit bonitaspringsparade.com.
Downtown Fort Myers ‘250 America’ Fourth of July Celebration
Downtown Fort Myers’ “250 America” party includes live music from blues-rock band Deb & The Dynamics and a fireworks-and-drone show at 9:15 p.m. (weather permitting). Bring your own chairs and blankets. Starts at 7 p.m., Saturday, July 4. Free general admission, $15 for premium seating in the amphitheater. Many downtown Fort Myers venues are also selling tickets for rooftop and waterfront events with a better view of the fireworks-and-drone show. Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, 2000 W. First St., downtown Fort Myers. Information: myriverdistrict.com.
Bay Street Yard’s Fourth of July Party
The outdoor entertainment venue celebrates July 4th with live music, a deejay, a dunk tank, street-side grilled hot dogs and burgers on Bay Street, and festive food and drink specials (such as red, white and blue Jell-O shots). Visitors can also enjoy Bay Street Yard’s usual food trucks and yard games. From 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 a.m., Saturday, July 4. Free admission. Bay Street Yard, 2136 Bay St., downtown Fort Myers. Information: BayStreetYard.com/Specials-Events.
Freedom 5K
Participants run or walk across the Cape Coral Bridge in this annual event. 7-10 a.m. Saturday, July 4. Registration starts at 6 a.m. and costs $20-$40 (or $15 for the Kids Fun Run, ages 12 and younger). Race starts at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge, 2051 Cape Coral Parkway E., Cape Coral. Information: freedom5kcc.com.
Red, White & Boom on Cape Coral Parkway
Country singer Chris Lane headlines Cape Coral’s annual Independence Day celebration. The fun includes fireworks at 9:30 p.m., food, vendors and more live musical acts. From 5-10 p.m., Saturday, July 4. Free. Tickets for the VIP Boom Zone are sold out. The outdoor event takes place in downtown Cape Coral at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge. The bridge and Cape Coral Parkway will be closed from 3 a.m. Saturday until 3 a.m. Sunday from Del Prado Boulevard to the bridge. No pets or personal fireworks allowed. Information: capeboom.com.
Farmer Joe’s 4th of July customer appreciation event
The Cape Coral grocery store celebrates the holiday ― and its customers ― with games, live music, vendors, shopping deals, face painting and free hamburgers and hot dogs. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Free. The parking lot at Farmer Joe’s, 1401 S.W. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. farmerjoes.com
Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July parade
The island’s annual 4th of July parade returns with colorful floats and other parade participants traveling along Estero Boulevard from Bay Oaks Recreation Center to Times Square. At 10 a.m., Saturday, July 4. Free. Spectators are encouraged to bring beach chairs and to take the Beach Trolley to Fort Myers Beach, since parking will be limited. The Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed to inbound traffic from 9 a.m. until noon. Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach. Information: fortmyersbeach.org/events/fort-myers-beach-fourth-of-july-celebration.
Fort Myers Beach fireworks and Freedom By The Bay concert
The Beach’s annual fireworks show starts at about 9 p.m., Saturday, July 4 at Times Square. It will be preceded by the 4:15 p.m. Freedom By The Bay Concert at Bayside Veterans Park. The concert includes a patriotic ceremony at 4:15 p.m. and live musical acts from 5-8 p.m. All events are free. Spectators are encouraged to bring beach chairs and to take the Beach Trolley to Fort Myers Beach, since parking will be limited. Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed to inbound traffic from 8:30-11:30 p.m. Bayside Veterans Park and Times Square, Fort Myers Beach. Information: fortmyersbeach.org/events/fort-myers-beach-fourth-of-july-celebration.
San Carlos Park Fourth of July Parade
The annual parade starts at about 8:30 a.m., Saturday, July 4, at Sunshine Ace Hardware plaza at the corner of Sanibel Boulevard and U.S. 41. Then it travels along Sanibel Boulevard to Lee Road, San Carlos Boulevard East and Three Oaks Boulevard before ending at Three Oaks Park. People are encouraged to sign up and participate in the parade by walking or traveling in decorated floats, cars, trucks, bicycles and motorcycles. No registration fee. Organized by the San Carlos Park Fire Department. Information: facebook.com/SanCarlosParkFD.
Sanibel Independence Day Parade
The popular annual parade features community groups, decorated vehicles and more traveling along Periwinkle Way. At 9:30 a.m., Saturday, July 4. Free. For more information, call Trish Phillips at 239-246-2981 or visit tinyurl.com/5n7k3n37.
Sanibel Island’s Fourth of July Road Rally
The nonprofit Friends of Randy of Sanibel returns with the 46th-annual scavenger hunt. Participants drive around the island and find answers to various questions without leaving their vehicles. Teams are scored on the amount of time, mileage and correct answers. The rally starts at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 4, at The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market, 703 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel Island. This year’s event benefits the Sanibel Sea School. $50 per car to participate. Limited to 50 cars. To register, call Randy Carson at 699-8739 or email him at rcarsonsan@gmail.com.
Stars, Stripes & Sanibel Community Celebration
This annual 4th of July party takes place after the parade and features food, music, games, swimming, crafts, a water-balloon battle and an apple pie-baking contest 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Free. Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel Island. Information: 472-0345 or mysanibel.com/317/Recreation.
Sanibel Island’s Red, White & BOOM fireworks
The City of Sanibel’s annual fireworks display launches from the north end of Baily Road West. Best viewing will be from the Sanibel Causeway islands and bayside, according to organizers. No roadside or illegal parking allowed. Fireworks launch at about 9 p.m., Saturday, July 4. Free. The fireworks show caps a day full of patriotic activities on Sanibel and Captiva islands, including a parade, parties, a jazz concert, a barbecue buffet and a pancake breakfast. For a full list of events, visit tinyurl.com/5n7k3n37.
Marine Science Summer 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.
Campers dive into the microscopic world, using lab equipment to study plankton and discover the fascinating adaptations of invertebrates.
Stage 2 Improv on Marco
The Marco Island Center for the Arts is bringing spontaneous comedy, audience interaction and nonstop laughter to the stage this summer with the return of Stage 2 Improv at Arts Center Theatre. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 11; followed by Aug. 15, at Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center, next to the Marco Brewery. Inspired by the hit television show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Stage 2 Improv delivers a completely unscripted and unrehearsed comedy experience where audience suggestions inspire every game, scene, and song. No two performances are ever the same, making each show a one-of-a-kind evening of entertainment. Tickets are $20 per person and on sale now. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Arts Center Theatre box office at 239-784-1186 or by visiting marcoislandart.org/arts-center-theatre.
America 250 — Spirit of the Everglades
The Third Thursdays Lecture Series on at 2 p.m., July 16, at the Museum of the Everglades, 105 West Broadway Avenue, Everglades City. Museum Manager Thomas Lockyear will discuss the spirit of individuals who have called the Everglades area their home — from the region’s indigenous people to early pioneer settlers to the modern-day entrepreneurs. Presented in the context of the America 250 celebration, Lockyear will share stories of the courage, resourcefulness, fortitude, ingenuity and vision.
Shell Museum presents free summer lecture series
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium will have a lecture series this summer and fall, which will be offered live via Zoom and is free for registrants. The classes include:
Although free of charge, pre-registration for lectures is required. To register, visit ShellMuseum.org/learn-and-experience/lectures. For more information, visit ShellMuseum.org or call 239-395-2233.
ONGOING
Live Music Thursdays
Live music starting at 6 p.m., every Thursday, at CJ’s on the Bay, in the Esplanade Shoppes, 740 N Collier Blvd., Unit 105, Marco Island. Call 239-389-4511 or visit cjsonthebay.com.
Theatre Conspiracy’s ‘Almost, Maine’
Theatre Conspiracy had planned to pack up and move to North Carolina this year. Instead, the long-running theater company decided to stay longer with shows planned over the summer and beyond. First up: “Almost, Maine.” In John Cariani’s romantic comedy, the residents of a tiny fictional town are falling in and out of love in charming, unexpected and hilarious ways. Now through June 28. $36 (or buy one, get one free for $18 each). Off Broadway Palm at the Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. More at theatreconspiracyfl.com.
‘America the Beautiful’ exhibit on Marco Island
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) has an 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.
American Modernism art exhibit
American Modernism from a private collection shows how artists utilized painting, drawing and printmaking in a way that broke away from traditional realism and shifted into a modern style. Through July 12 at Naples Art Institute, 585 Park Street, Naples. Admission is $15 for non-members and is free for those younger than 18. More at naplesart.org.
‘Les Miserables’ at Naples Players
See the timeless musical centered around Jean Valjean, a resilient man during the time of the French Revolution. Now through July 26. Tickets start at $57.50. Kizzie Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. For more information: 239-263-7990 or naplesplayers.org.
Shell Museum says ‘The Toll’s On Us!’
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium has launched a new “The Toll’s On Us!” promotion during June and July. It’s designed to help encourage residents of Lee and Collier counties to visit Sanibel and the museum; the org will provide $9 (the cost of the Causeway toll) off a party’s admission. The discount offer is valid June 1 through July 31. At time of purchase, one member of the party must show proof of residency (e.g., driver’s license, utility bill, lease agreement). The offer cannot be combined with other discounts. For more information, visit ShellMuseum.org.
Broadway Palm’s ‘The Wizard of Oz’
Follow the yellow brick road as America’s most beloved movie comes to life on stage with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, Toto and more. No through Aug. 8. Cost: $33-$88. Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. More at 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.
World War II ‘Caught on Film’
The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center offers a behind-the-scenes look at World War II in its upcoming exhibition “Caught on Film: The Wartime Photography of Ken Regele and the U.S. Army Signal Corps.” The exhibition showcases a selection of donated World War II photographs taken by the U.S. Army Signal Corp photographers. The photographs are part of the Museum’s Ken Regele Collection and document the war from the Allied D-Day invasion through to the liberation of concentration camps by United States Army divisions. The exhibition will be on display at the Museum throughout the summer. The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center is located at 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, Suite 108, Naples. For operating hours or more insight into the exhibit, visit hmcec.org.
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.
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.
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
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Marco Eagle | USA TODAY Network
