MAY
Retro Game Night at museum
It’s Retro Game Night from 5-8 p.m., Friday, May 22, at Naples Depot Museum, 1051 Fifth Ave. S. Bring your own blanket and revisit your childhood game closet with the following retro games like Monopoly, Trouble, Sorry!, Uno, Simon, Yahtzee and Battleship. Play games and enjoy the ice cream sundae bar, provided by Dairy Queen of Downtown Naples, all free! All ages are welcome. More at colliermuseums.com.
Improv Comedy Art Show at Arts Bonita
An evening of unscripted comedy featuring talented multi-generational improvisers and special guest artist David Christopher, whose 30 years of improv and sketch comedy experience bring an added spark to the stage. Audience suggestions drive the show, giving performers the inspiration for spontaneous scenes, games, characters, and stories created live. Locations, professions, emotions, sound effects and unexpected scenarios become the foundation for fast-moving comedy shaped in the moment. Every performance is completely unique, built from the energy, ideas and imagination of the audience. At 7:30 p.m., May 22, at Moe Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Tickets and more at artsbonita.org.
David Lucas at Off the Hook
David Lucas is an American stand-up comedian and writer known for his brutal roasting skills, quick wit, and contrarian comedy style. 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 weekend at Margaritaville
The resort offers a weekend’s worth of live entertainment every night, a Memorial Day exercise challenge and more. On Memorial Day, the resort hosts a Murph Challenge, a national tribute to Navy Seal Michael P. Murphy, who was killed in 2005 during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan. The challenge is organized by Hammerhead Gym and includes a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats and a final one-mile run (modifications welcome). Memorial Day weekend events are free for resort guests. Military, first responders and government employees get 35 percent off their resort stay. Day passes are $45 for the full day, $15-$35 for a half day. Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach, 251 Crescent St., Fort Myers Beach. 899-4001 or margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-beach-resort-fort-myers-beach.
‘Family Wonder Days’ at Naples Botanical Garden
Enjoy “Family Wonder Days,” from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday, May 23, at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive. Check out games, activities, and scavenger hunts for the whole family. Grab an activity guide and journey through the lush landscape to observe our feathered friends, pollinators, and plants that make the Garden special. Local performers add to the fun with family-friendly music throughout the weekend. More at naplesgarden.org.
All American Country BBQ in Cape Coral
The annual Memorial Day weekend festival includes barbecue, German beer, country dance music and live Southern rock from The Big Cypress Band. Noon to 8 p.m., Sunday, May 24. There’s a $5 admission at the gate (free for active-duty and retired military with valid ID, and ages 11 and younger). German American Social Club, 2102 S.W. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. 283-1400 or facebook.com/gasc.capecoral.
Side-by-Side at Artis—Naples
Naples Philharmonic and Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra unite at 7 p.m.. Sunday, May 24. The program culminates with a side-by-side performance by the nearly 100-musician combined ensemble in Hayes Hall. Tickets start at $15. More at artisnaples.org.
Fort Myers Film Festival
The annual festival returns with more independent shorts, documentaries and feature films. Now through Sunday, May 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. Information: fortmyersfilmfestival.com.
‘Weird Al’ Yankovic at Hertz Arena
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.
Florida Rep’s ‘The Queen of Bingo’
This zany, interactive comedy takes on bingo, family, widowhood, hot flashes and more. Two sisters “on the other side of 50” want to add some excitement in their lives, so they turn to bingo. During the show’s intermission, audiences can stay in their seats for a round of bingo that includes a notable Southwest Florida bingo caller each night. Celebrity callers include Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson, Gulf Coast News reporter Dave Elias and more. May 27-June 14. Tickets start at $67. ArtStage Studio Theatre at Florida Repertory Theatre, 2268 Bay St., downtown Fort Myers. 332-4488 or floridarep.org.
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.
Duane Betts and the Palmetto Motel at Arts Bonita
Duane Betts brings an evolution to the Southern rock tradition. With a fiery legacy forged by his father, the legendary Dickey Betts, the second-generation musician infuses it with his own soul-stirring blend of blues, raw passion and six-string mastery. Backed by his band, Palmetto Motel, Betts delivers a dynamic live show filled with searing guitar solos, heartfelt storytelling, and a mix of classic influences with fresh energy. At 7:30 p.m., May 30, at Hinman Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Tickets and more at artsbonita.org.
‘Velvet Curtain’ concert reading at Arts Bonita
Get exclusive access behind the scenes with Velvet Curtain, a new original musical by local composer, playwright and actress Jodie Fox. This concert presentation offers a first-look experience featuring standout selections from the show’s sharp, character-driven score, performed by eight of the region’s top local artists. Set in the fast-paced, gloriously messy world of backstage theatre, “Velvet Curtain” delivers laugh-out-loud comedy, genuine heart, and irresistible theatrical mischief, inviting audiences a rare glimpse into the creative process at this exciting stage of development. Be among the first to experience this wonderfully clever show before the curtain officially rises! At 1 p.m., May 31, at the Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. More at artsbonita.org.
Cold Stares at Arts Bonita
The Cold Stares is one of the most electrifying live acts on the road. For nearly a decade, they built an international following with a fierce, high-impact show and relentless touring across the U.S. and Europe, establishing the band as a formidable force in modern rock and blues. Their album “Voices” was voted one of the Best Albums of 2023 by Classic Rock Magazine, marking a pivotal moment in the band’s evolution. At 7 p.m., May 31, at the Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Tickets and more at artsbonita.org.
ONGOING
‘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.
‘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.
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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