MAY
Zach Person, from blues to rock and indie, at Arts Bonita
After gaining national attention on American Idol, Zach Person has emerged as one of the most electrifying young names in guitar-driven rock. The Austin-based singer, songwriter, and guitarist brings a loud, raw, high-voltage sound built on blistering solos, deep blues roots, hard-driving riffs, and the kind of primal stage connection that can shift the energy of a room in an instant. At 7:30 p.m., May 15, at the Performing Arts Center, Hinman Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. More at artsbonita.org.
k20 Kindness Without Borders Summit at FGCU
This new event promotes the power of kindness with various speakers and celebrities, including keynote speaker Brian D. McLaren, author of “Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart.” The first day focuses on kindness in business and leadership. The second day is aimed at a more general audience and includes an interfaith panel, doctors discussing kindness in healthcare and the screening of the inspirational movie “The Power of Small.” Friday and Saturday, May 15-16. Tickets for McLaren’s 4 p.m. Friday keynote speech are $25. Registration for the entire summit is $124-$325. Admission is free for FGCU students, teachers, staff and anyone else with an FGCU ID. The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Estero. More at fgcu.edu/cas/centers/rockcenter.
City of Palms Dog Show
The annual dog show features four days of dog competitions, vendors, food trucks and the popular Fast CAT races (a timed 100-yard dash for dogs). Two dog clubs will show off more than 100 breeds of dogs in this cluster-style show. First up is the Highlands County area’s Heartland Dog Club of Florida on Thursday, May 14. That will be followed by the Greater Fort Myers Dog Club from Friday through Sunday, May 15-17. Times are 8 a.m. to about 5 p.m. daily. Admission and parking are free. Mike Greenwell Regional Park (formerly known as the Lee County Civic Center Complex), 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers. Information: greaterfortmyersdogclub.org.
Erica Rhodes at Off the Hook
The comedian performs May 15-17 at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. Cost: $25 general admission, plus a fee. At 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., Friday, May 15; 6 and 8 p.m., Saturday, May 16; and 6 p.m., Sunday, May 17. More at offthehookcomedy.com.
Tribute band Don Jovi at Arts Bonita
Don Jovi delivers a full-throttle tribute to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Bon Jovi, built around the band’s arena-sized songwriting, big choruses and guitar-driven punch that defined a generation of rock radio. The show leans into faithful arrangements, signature tones, and the hook-heavy setlist that made Bon Jovi one of rock’s best-known live bands. At 7:30 p.m., May 16, at the Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Ticket prices and more at artsbonita.org.
Empty Bowls
From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 19, at Baker Senior Center Naples (BSCN), 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane. Empty Bowls is inspired by the beauty that surrounds us here in Florida. A coastal scene, elegant tropical botanicals, or let your imagination take the brush all for a creative evening that supports a cause. Cost: $25 for BSCN members and $35 for non-members (must be 60+). Registration is required. Call 239-325-4444.
Fort Myers Film Festival
The annual festival returns with more independent shorts, documentaries and feature films. Wednesday through Sunday, May 20-24. Tickets are $12 per film or block of films, or $25-$100 for the red-carpet opening night featuring the documentary “Multiple Choice.” Movies are shown at five Lee County locations: Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, the Alliance for the Arts, IMAG, Calusa Nature Center and The Laboratory Theater of Florida. More at fortmyersfilmfestival.com.
Karaoke Night
From 7 p.m. until 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 21, at Baker Senior Center Naples, 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane. Sing your heart out, cheer on friends and enjoy music together. No experience is required. This program free to BSCN members; $5 for non-members (must be 60+). Registration is required. Call 239-325-4444.
David Lucas at Off the Hook
The comedian performs May 22-23 at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. Cost: $25 general admission, plus a fee. At 7 and 9 p.m. Friday, May 22; and 6 and 8 p.m., Saturday, May 23. More at offthehookcomedy.com.
‘The Sounds of 1967’at Broadway Palm
In this new music revue, an aspiring musician travels the world trying to discover her sound in the swinging ‘60s. The show is packed with hits from 1967, including Motown, folk and psychedelic rock. May 22-June 20. $33-$88. Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Information: 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.
Memorial Day, Marco Island
A ceremony will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, May 25, at the Unity Bandshell at Veterans Community Park, 901 Park Ave, Marco Island. Information: cityofmarcoisland.com.
Memorial Day, Bonita Springs
The Bonita Springs Veterans Advisory Committee is inviting the public to attend a Memorial Day Service at 9 a.m., May 25. The service will be located at the Liles Hotel Lawn, 27300 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. The guest speaker is US Navy Lt. Raymond Sandelli (ret). The Memorial Day Ceremony will include traditional commemorations such as the posting of the colors, the presentation of the Blue/Gold Star Banners, a 21-gun salute, and the laying of the wreaths. For more information, call 239-949-6262.
‘Weird Al’ Yankovic
The comedy rock artist’s Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour will perform with special guest Puddles Pity Party at Hertz Arena at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 27. Tickets start at $40 and arena parking is $30. 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. More at hertzarena.com.
Naples Philharmonic Concert
From 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Thursday, May 28, at Baker Senior Center Naples (BSCN), 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane. The Naples Philharmonic was founded in 1982 and, in its first season, performed four concerts as a chamber orchestra. Since then, the ensemble has grown in scope, size and artistic impact and now performs more than 140 orchestral and chamber concerts. No charge for BSCN members and $5 for non-members (must be 60-plus). Registration is required. Call 239-325-4444.
Shinedown at Hertz Arena
The band’s Dance, Kid, Dance Act II tour with special guests Coheed and Cambria, Black Stone Cherry, & DJ Rock Feed will perform at Hertz Arena at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 28. Tickets start at $60 and arena parking is $30. At 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. More at hertzarena.com.
Teen Bash on Marco Island
The traditional ‘End Of School Teen Bash’ is from 12:30 until 3 p.m., May 29, at Mackle Park, 1361 Andalusia Terrace, Marco Island. Food, drinks, music and more. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.
Kennedy at Off the Hook
The comedian performs May 29 and 30 at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. Cost: $50 general admission, plus a fee. At 6 p.m. Friday, May 29, and 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., Saturday, May 30. More at offthehookcomedy.com.
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.
Live at The Cove
Rockin’ Pirate Palooza: Live music from 6-9 p.m., Saturday, May 30, in Paradise Coast Sports Complex. This includes a free live performance with food trucks, prize giveaways and special pirate-themed drinks available. The Cove Beer & Wine Bar, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples. More at playparadisecoast.com.
ONGOING
Burrowing Owl Photo Contest
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife has announced the return of its annual Burrowing Owl Photo Contest, inviting amateur photographers to participate now through May 17. The contest encourages nature lovers and photography enthusiasts of all ages to capture images of Cape Coral’s official bird — the burrowing owl — in its natural habitat. The contest highlights both artistic talent and the importance of local wildlife conservation. Participants may enter in one of two categories: Youth (ages 7–17) and adult (18 and up). Winners will be announced during a special awards ceremony at noon, May 30, at Rotary Park. Full contest rules, submission guidelines, and entry details are available at ccfriendsofwildlife.org. The contest is open exclusively to amateur photographers, who must self-certify their eligibility upon entry.
‘Much Ado About Nothing’
This timeless Shakespearean play consists of comedy, romance and some interesting twists. Showing now through May 24 at Kizzie Theater, 701 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. Mainstage tickets start at $58, but discounts are available for students, educators, military, veterans and first responders. More at naplesplayers.org.
‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’
Follow Carole King’s legendary music career as it plays out on the stage. Showing through May 31 at Moran Mainstage, Baker Theatre and Education Center, 100 Goodlette-Frank Road S., Naples. Tickets start at $44. More at gulfshoreplayhouse.org.
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.
Nature’s Palette
This exhibition features works that reflect the Garden’s living collections and the surrounding environment. The pieces were made by members of the National Association of Women Artists Florida Chapter. Now through June 21 in Kapnick Hall at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples. Free with Garden admission. More at naplesgarden.org.
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.
JUNE
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.
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.
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, Estero, Naples and Marco Island
Reporting by Marco Eagle / Marco Eagle
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