‘Essence of Motown’
Marco Island Historical Society’s 2026 World Class Entertainment Series of tribute performances honoring some of the world’s most famous musicians. “Essence of Motown,” Thursday, March 26 —Many Soul/R&B artists were discovered and celebrated in Detroit, spawning a unique and infectious sound and style called Motown. This tribute pays homage to this music by singing hits from The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Drifters and many more. At the Rose History Auditorium, Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Tickets are $55 per person. Curtain is at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6. For tickets visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447.
Sip & Create – Beaded Suncatchers
Thursday, March 26, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Baker Senior Center Naples, 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane. Enjoy light refreshments and wine while creating your own beautiful beaded suncatcher. No experience needed. Get creative, sip some drinks and leave with a handmade treasure. No charge for BSCN members and $10 for non-members (must be 60+). Registration is required. Information: 239-325-4444.
Jamie Lissow at Off the Hook
The comedian performs March 26-29 at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. $30-35 general admission. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 6 and 8 p.m. Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28, and 6 p.m. Sunday, March 29. Information: offthehookcomedy.com or 239-389-6901.
‘Shamrock & Sinatra’ with Naples Big Band
A celebration that fuses the luck of the Irish with the glamour of classic American swing. The full big band orchestra serves up Sinatra-style crooning and brassy swing alongside beloved Irish favorites, creating a one-of-a-kind evening where Dublin meets Vegas in grand style. Naples Big Band is celebrating decades of live music in Southwest Florida, delighting audiences since 2004. At 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 28 at the Performing Arts Center, Hinman Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Tickets: Tier 1, $48; Tier 2, $43 and Tier 3, $38. More at artsbonita.org.
Butterfly release
Avow’s Annual Butterfly Release returns Saturday, March 28, at North Collier Regional Park, where the Southwest Florida community will gather to honor and remember loved ones. During this signature Avow event, more than 1,000 butterflies will fill the air following a remembrance ceremony that includes music, reflections and the reading of names. The morning begins with a walk-through butterfly exhibit from 9 to 10:35 a.m., offering guests an up-close experience with the butterflies. The remembrance ceremony begins at 10:45 a.m., immediately followed by the collective butterfly release. To learn more or register a loved one’s name, visit AvowCares.org/ButterflyRelease.
Meet the Authors
Naples Italian American Foundation hosts event, as five local authors share their stories 1-4 p.m., Saturday, March 28, at 7035 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples. Free admission, light refreshments served. 239-597-5210 or niafoundation.org.
Go ‘Beyond the Garden Gates’
On Saturday, March 28, a number of local residents will collaborate with the Edison and Ford Winter Estates to provide a private tour of their gardens. The private tour, titled “Beyond the Garden Gates,” will showcase seven meticulously designed gardens. After the tour, attendees are welcome to join a reception in the Moonlight Garden at the Estates, where refreshments will be available. The tours are scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by the reception from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Registration to participate in the garden tour is mandatory at EdisonFord.org. The fee is $150 for non-members or $120 for Edison Ford members, which includes both the tour and the reception with refreshments. Information packets detailing garden locations will be distributed at the Banyan Café in the Estates’ parking lot at 9 a.m. on March 28.
Tigertail Beach cleanup
Friends of Tigertail will be hosting their quarterly cleanup at Tigertail Beach from 8 until 11 a.m., Saturday March 28. Meet at the Tigertail Beach kiosk. Wear shoes that may get wet. It is recommended to wear sunscreen and a hat. All youth participants will receive a certificate of appreciation for volunteering. Bring your own water bottle to help reduce waste. Learn more at FriendsofTigertail.com. Parking stickers at collierparks.com/collier_park/beach-parking-information/.
ONGOING
Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience
Step inside Claude Monet’s gardens and Vincent Van Gogh’s swirling stars in two immersive shows that uses projections and symphonic music to bring more than 700 of the artists’ famous paintings to life. From Feb. 13-March 29. Cost: $37-$48. Coconut Point, 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero. Information: beyondexhibitions.com.
Goodbye Key Marco Cat
Time is running out on the Smithsonian’s seven-year loan of the Key Marco Cat to the Marco Island Historical Museum. It returns to Washington, D.C. in April. The museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. 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 Importance of Being Ernest’
This Oscar Wilde comedy based in Victorian England is taking the stage courtesy of Gulfshore Playhouse. Showing now through April 4 at Moran Mainstage, Baker Theatre and Education Center, 100 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples. Tickets start at $39. Information: gulfshoreplayhouse.org.
Broadway Palm’s ‘Cats’
The ever-popular Andrew Lloyd Webber musical returns to Broadway Palm. The Tony Award-winning musical follows a tribe of magical cats gathering for their annual ball. Feb. 20 through April 4. Cost: $43-$88. Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. More: 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.
Joan Miró: Fire in the Soul
This collection of Miró’s pieces ranges from graphic to vibrant and dreamlike. Admire his symbolic imagery and spiritual undertones now through April 4 at Naples Art Institute, 585 Park St., Naples. Admission is $15 for non-members and is free for those under the age of 18. Information: naplesart.org.
‘9 to 5’ at Naples Players
This uplifting celebration of friendship based on the novel by Patricia Resnick is taking the stage in the form of a musical with songs by Dolly Parton. Showing March 11-April 12 at Kizzie Theater, 701 5th Ave S., Naples. Tickets to the relaxed performance on March 28 are $10, and the remaining shows start at $57. Information: naplesplayers.org.
Marco Island Farmers’ Market
The Marco Island’s farmers market is from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., every Wednesday through April 15 at Veteran’s Community Park, 901 Park Ave., Marco Island. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.
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.
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.
APRIL
Tony Award-winning musical ‘Kimberly Akimbo’
This hit musical about “growing up and growing old” follows a teenager’s struggle with a rare disease that causes her to age rapidly. April 1-5. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. Cost: $59-$95. Information: 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com.
East Sunrise Service on Marco Island
The largest event for Marco Island, the 36th Annual Easter Sunrise Service on the Beach will be held Sunday, April 5. The tradition began over 30 years ago with approximately 240 attendees. Dove Award–nominated Christian artist and local resident Matt Papa will lead Easter morning music. Interim City Manager Dr. Casey Lucius will offer the opening welcome, followed by the Easter message delivered by Pastor Scott Kerens of Marco Presbyterian Church. The service starts at 7 a.m. at the beach in front of the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, 400 S. Collier Boulevard. The one-hour service is free and open to the public and welcomes residents and visitors of all faith backgrounds.
Coastal Art Walk
The next festival is from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., April 12. At Marco Island Esplanade, 760 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island. Information: 239-290-7927.
Wonder Gardens to host Early Earth Day event
Wonder Gardens will host an Early Earth Day celebration from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., Saturday, April 18. The event will feature “family fun, games and educational activities for children of all ages, including animal meet and greets, arts and crafts, face painting, photo opportunities and more.” The celebration will also include a market featuring local vendors and small businesses offering a variety of items for purchase. Paid admission to the gardens is required to participate in Early Earth Day; however, no advance registration is needed. For more information, visit WonderGardens.org.
73rd Annual Hibiscus Show/Plant Sale
The James E. Hendry Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society recently announced the dates for their 73rd Annual Hibiscus Show/Plant Sale. It will be from 1 until 3 p.m., Saturday, April 18, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers. This free show is the oldest of all Florida’s hibiscus shows, attracting several hundred people annually. In addition, more than 400 Hybrid Hibiscus plants will be for sale for $20. All credit cards are accepted. Parking and admission is free. Monthly meetings for the chapter are held at The Berne Davis Botanical Garden, 2166 Virginia Avenue, Fort Myers, at 1:30 p.m., the second Sunday of each month. More at hendrychapterhibiscus.com.
MAY
Purrs & Paddles
For the Love of Cats invites the public to “Stay and Play in May” at the Purrs & Paddles Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, May 2, at the National Pickleball Center at East Naples Community Park. The tournament is open to players of all levels. Spectators are also encouraged to attend. Players and visitors will enjoy a Kitten Meet and Greet, featuring a dedicated, supervised space where you can spend time with some of the adoptable kittens. With a $100 donation, supporters can submit a photo of their cat to join the Whisker Warriors There’s also “Serve Looks: Best Dressed on the Court,” a competition inviting players to showcase fun and creative pickleball attire. Cat-themed looks are welcome and prizes will be awarded for standout style. Registration and photo submissions are now open. For more information, visit Purrsandpaddles.givesmart.com.
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
