MAY
Teen Bash on Marco Island
The traditional ‘End Of School Teen Bash’ is from 12:30 until 3 p.m., Friday, May 29, at Mackle Park, 1361 Andalusia Terrace, Marco Island. There will be 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.
‘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.
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.
Josh Rouse at Arts Bonita
The critically acclaimed singer-songwriter is known for his melodic, introspective soft rock and folk-pop songs. Fan favorites include “Come Back,” “Love Vibration,” “1972” and “Winter in the Hamptons.” At 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 5. Cost: $38-$48. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artsbonita.org.
The Magical Mystery Doors
Blends the trinity of 1960s rock music ― Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and The Doors ― into one unique performance. They perform at Arts Bonita on Sunday, June 7. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the box office. For more information and ticket reservations, visit ArtsBonita.org or call 239-495-8989.
‘The Laramie Project‘
The Arts Bonita Actors Theatre brings the true story of play The Laramie Project to the stage June 11-14. On Friday, June 12, is young guitar prodigy Taj Farrant, strumming away on stage and creating a name for himself at just 16 years old. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the box office. For more information and ticket reservations, visit ArtsBonita.org or call 239-495-8989.
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. June 12-28. $36 (or buy one, get one free for $18 each). Discount preview on June 11 is $15. Off Broadway Palm at the Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. More at theatreconspiracyfl.com.
‘Love Letters’
A.R. Gurney’s popular romance told through five decades of notes, letters and cards between a man and a woman whose relationship goes through many changes: June 11-14 at Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. $35-$50. For more information: 800-3292 or playerscircletheater.com.
Australian blues-rocker Taj Farrant at Arts Bonita
The young blues-rock guitarist debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Blues Chart with his acclaimed 2024 album “Chapter One.” His musical influences range from AC/DC to Gary Moore. 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 12. $40-$50. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Information: 495-8989 or artsbonita.org.
California reggae-rock group Fortunate Youth
Show starts at about 9 p.m. Friday, June 12, at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Cost: $42. Information: 985-9839 or theranchfortmyers.com.
Beach cleanup
From 8 a.m. until 10, June 13. Meet at the South Beach Boardwalk. For more information, visit cityofmarcoisland.com/events.
Collectibles show
This new, community-focused event lets you buy, sell and trade new and rare sports cards, trading cards, anime, Pokémon, pop-culture and sports collectibles and more. Plus, there will be giveaways, vendors, a deejay, live music, family-friendly activities and appearances by actors Hector David Jr. and Najee De-Tiege (who played the Green Samurai Ranger and Blue Samurai Ranger, respectively, on the TV series “Power Rangers Samurai”). From 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturday, June 13. Admission is $5-$10 ($15-$20 for “earlybird” VIP admission at 9 a.m. with first access to vendors and deals). Fort Myers Skatium, 2250 Broadway, Fort Myers. More at TheHobbyXChange.com.
LA Guns with Phil Lewis and Tracii Guns
At 9 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at Mango Rita’s Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 11, South Fort Myers. $41-$71 ($98-$237 for VIP). More at tinyurl.com/3s8cmhnj.
Pirate Day on Marco Island
From 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., June 19, at the Marco Island Historical Museum at 180 S. Heathwood Dr. More at themihs.info.
Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers
Bringing soul and blues tunes that they started in Southern Georgia on June 19. The Tifton-based band has been described as performing a mix of classic rock like Bob Seger to blues with a Southern rock sound inspired by the likes of the Allman Brothers. Peackeepers in January 2025 released its third album, “Burn it Down.” Tickets are available for purchase online or at the box office. For more information and ticket reservations, visit ArtsBonita.org or call 239-495-8989.
Billy Currington at Hertz Arena
The Georgia-born country singer is known for his laid-back vibes and big country hits, including “Good Directions,” “People Are Crazy,” “Pretty Good At Drinkin’ Beer” and “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right.” The concert features opening acts Kelsey Hart and Kenny Whitmore. At 8 p.m., Friday, June 19. Cost: $44-$206. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. Parking on site is $30, or free next door at Miromar Outlets. More at 948-7825 or hertzarena.com.
Juneteenth Celebration
Celebrate the Juneteenth holiday with vendors, live entertainment, food trucks, games, carnival rides and a deejay. From 4-9 p.m., Saturday, June 20. Free. Presented by the Lee County Black History Society. The STARS Complex, 2980 Edison Ave., Fort Myers. For more information: 332-8778 or leecountyblackhistorysociety.org.
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.
U4ia at Arts Bonita
On June 26, with their tribute to Irish rock band U2, is U4ia. At the Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the box office. For more information and ticket reservations, visit ArtsBonita.org or call 239-495-8989.
Tattoo Expo in Fort Myers
The annual event returns with more than 200 tattoo artists tattooing on site, plus vendors, tattoo contests, live music and entertainment, food and more. Friday through Sunday, June 26-28. $25-$30 (or $50 for a weekend pass). Caloosa Sound Convention Center at Luminary Hotel & Co., 1375 Monroe St., downtown Fort Myers. More at floridagctattooexpo.com.
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. June 26-Aug. 8. Cost: $33-$88. Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. More at 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.
PokeKon Fest
Celebrate all things Pokémon with vendors, artists, trivia, a cosplay contest, anime voice actor Lindsay Sheppard (S-Snake in “One Piece,” Claire François in “I’m in Love with the Villainess”) and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 28. Admission $20 (free for ages 10 and younger). DoubleTree by Hilton in Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, south Fort Myers. More at pokekon.com/FortMyers.
ONGOING
‘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.
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. Now through June 14. Tickets start at $67. ArtStage Studio Theatre at Florida Repertory Theatre, 2268 Bay St., downtown Fort Myers. 332-4488 or floridarep.org.
‘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. Now through June 20. $33-$88. Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Information: 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.
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.
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.
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, Estero, Naples and Marco Island
Reporting by Marco Eagle / Marco Eagle
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