MAY
Opera Naples Spring Luncheon
Check out live opera performance by soprano Evelyn Saavedra while dining from a chef-designed menu, paired with a complimentary glass of wine. Wednesday, May 13, at noon. Tickets $110, with proceeds benefitting Opera Naples Education and Productions. Amber Cove, 885 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. More at operanaples.org.
All That Jazz
Head to Artis―Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., 6 or 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, for the music of hard bop innovator Horace Silver who takes center stage in the final All That Jazz performance of the season. Silver blended soul, blues and gospel into jazz, creating tunes that were as danceable and joyful as they were deeply expressive. More at artisnaples.org.
Ella Langley at Hertz
The country singer will perform at Hertz Arena at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 14, as part of The Dandelion Tour. Tickets start at $46 and arena parking is $30. 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. For more information, call 239-948-7825 or visit hertzarena.com.
Fort Myers Music Walk
Downtown Fort Myers comes alive with music at this monthly celebration with bands in the streets and inside the bars and venues. 6-10 p.m., Friday, May 15. Free. Music Walk takes place on the third Friday of each month. Downtown Fort Myers. facebook.com/RiverDistrictAlliance.
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.
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.
Foghat and Nazareth at Seminole Casino
Two ’70s rock bands perform 8-9:30 p.m., Saturday, May 16, at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee, 506 S. First St. Foghat ― whose hits have included “Slow Ride” and “Fool for the City” ― performs with Nazareth, whose big hit was “Hair of the Dog” in 1975. More at casinohardrock.com.
Tom Briscoe ‘It’s not Mansplaining …’ at Arts Bonita
“Tom Briscoe’s Dry Bar Comedy” special has drawn millions of views, and his comedy albums are heard regularly on SiriusXM. Briscoe makes his Arts Bonita debut with “It’s Not Mansplaining, It’s Old Mansplaining,” a clean stand-up comedy show that takes on marriage, family life, aging and the absurd logic of the generational divide. At 7 p.m., May 17, 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.
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.
‘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
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., 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.
‘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.
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
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