NOVEMBER
‘Tinsel Tuesdays’ at Marco museum
Shop gift items at the Marco Island Historical Museum Gift Store this holiday season. The Marco Island Historical Society presents “Tinsel Tuesdays,” now through Dec. 23 at the gift shop. The store is open from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. On “Tinsel Tuesdays,” visitors will enjoy 10 percent off on merchandise with some exclusions. There also will be a drawing for a Golden Shell Giveaway.
The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive and is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 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.
Rookery Bay Science Nite Series: ‘Oceans, Plastics and Peace of Mind’
Rookery Bay will offer three after-hours programs this fall, blending science and conservation. Topics include ocean and weather Q&A with humor (Nov. 25) and nature’s role in boosting well-being (Dec. 17). Programs run from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at the Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Cost is $10, $ for students, free for teachers. Register at rookerybay.org/events.
68th Annual Farm-City BBQ
The 68th annual Farm-City BBQ will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at the Collier County Fairgrounds, bringing together Collier County’s business community, elected officials, families and residents for a day of food, fellowship and fundraising in support of youth development programs. Learn more at FarmCityBBQ.com.
European holiday magic is coming to Marco Island
Our Daily Bread and the Marco Island Center for the Arts are presenting Marco Island’s First Old World Christmas Bazaar Market, and “immersive shopping experience” to be held at Veteran’s Park from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 29 and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov 30. Shoppers will find artisan vendors offering handmade jewelry, home décor and holiday crafts and gifts; food and drinks, children’s activities and holiday music. Applications are now open for artisan merchants who would like to sell their creations at the market. Booth spaces are available at $125 for a 10’x10’ setup, or $50 for table-only spaces under a tented area. Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, to apply as a vendor, or to become a sponsor, please visit marcoislandart.org or contact email info@marcoislandart.org.
Kevin Herrera at Off the Hook
The comedian performs Nov. 28-30 at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. Cost: $25 general admission, plus a fee. 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, 6 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. Information: offthehookcomedy.com or 239-389-6901.
Naples Ballet & Philharmonic
The Nutcracker: A festive performance perfect for kicking off the holiday season 7 p.m. Nov. 29 and Nov. 30 at Artis–Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. Information: artisnaples.org.
21st Annual Iron Joe Turkey Ride & Walk at Eagle Lakes
Naples Pathways Coalition recently announced details on the 21st Annual Iron Joe Turkey Ride & Walk, which takes place the Sunday after Thanksgiving at Eagle Lakes Community Park. It begins at 7 a.m., Nov. 30, with registration and breakfast at the park, 11565 Tamiami Trail East, Naples. Registration is open at runsignup.com/Race/FL/Naples/IronJoeTurkeyRide.
ONGOING
‘The Wildlife Art of Ron Orlando’
Marco Island Center for the Arts presents “The Wildlife Art of Ron Orlando” in La Petite Gallery from now through Dec. 2. Growing up in New Jersey, Orlando developed a lifelong love of nature while exploring the wooded lot behind his childhood home. That early fascination with the natural world evolved into a passion for painting, leading to a career that beautifully merges art and conservation. The Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island. Information: marcoislandart.org.
‘Once Upon a Christmas Time’ at the MACC
This new, original musical celebrates the holiday season in a land far away, where fairytale creatures search for the meaning of Christmas to the tune of beloved holiday songs. Written by Southwest Florida Theatre Company’s music director, Julie Carver. Nov. 19-Dec. 6. Cost: $65-$74. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, south Fort Myers. Information: 277-1700 or gulfcoastsymphony.org.
‘A Christmas Story’ at Broadway Palm
The musical version of the massively popular holiday movie, complete with the infamous leg lamp, the Red Ryder rifle, pink bunny pajamas, an irritable department-store Santa and a triple-dog dare to lick a freezing flagpole. Nov. 21-Dec. 28. $78-$98 ($43-$48 for ages 12 and younger). Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.
Tamara de Lempicka art show
Her art is now on view at The Baker Museum in Naples through Feb. 8. Exhibition explores artist’s singular contributions to modern art through a selection of her most striking paintings and drawings, tracing her rise to prominence in 1920s Paris and her later years in the United States and Mexico. Information: artisnaples.org.
‘Marco on the Move’ exhibit
The Marco Island Historical Society presents the island’s early modes of transportation from boats and bicycles to wheels and wings with a new exhibit, “Marco on the Move,” at the Marco Island Historical Museum. The exhibit runs through March 21. The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive and is open from 9 a.m. to 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.
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.
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.
AAUW
American Association of University Women (AAUW)) meets at 10 a.m., the third Thursday of the month at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 350 S. Barfield Dr., Marco Island.
DECEMBER
12th Annual Festival of Trees
Marco Island Center for the Arts is inviting artists, creatives, families, businesses and organizations — everyone — to help “spread holiday cheer” and participate in the 12th Annual Festival of Trees, Dec. 2-5. Tree installation takes place on Dec. 1, with the festival and silent auction running from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Dec. 2-4. The auction closes at 4 p.m., Dec. 4, and trees must be picked up on Dec. 5. Visitors are invited to stroll through the festive gallery, vote for their favorite tree, and bid in the silent auction. Proceeds are shared between the decorator and Marco Island Center for the Arts or may be designated as full donation to support the nonprofit’s mission. For details or to register, visit marcoislandart.org or call 239-394-4221.
Boater’s Local Knowledge-Backwater Edition
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s certified classes provide boater safety best practices, local navigation information, weather and tide information around Marco Island, the 10,000 Islands and Everglades National Park. Boater’s Local Knowledge-Backwater Edition, 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 2. This course is recommended for intermediate boaters and above. Top Spot Chart #N204 is required for use during this class. Cost for each class ranges from $45 to $70, depending on the materials provided by instructors. All Classes will be held at the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Station, 903 Collier Court, Caxambas Park, Marco Island. For more information or to sign up, visit wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=070-09-05&category=boating-courses. For more information about these and other boating courses offered call 239-384-7416 or email cgauxcourses@gmail.com.
FGCU Athletics’ Night
Florida Gulf Coast University Athletics fundraising celebration, Night at the Nest Gala, will be held on Friday, Dec. 5, at Alico Arena. Celebrating its 15th year, this event brings together alumni, fans and community champions for an a celebration in support of the more than 265 student-athletes “who represent the heart and soul of FGCU Athletics.” There will be a “refined culinary experience,” a live auction, a silent auction and more. Reservations are available for $3,000 per table of 10. Additional event partnership opportunities are available, and a limited number of individual tickets will be offered. For more information, visit fgcu.edu/natn.
Holiday offerings on the Marco stage
In December, Arts Center Theatre offers two events. “Selections from Holidays on Ice” by David Sedaris, directed by Brett Marston is on stage Dec. 5 through 14 and delivers “wickedly funny holiday tales.” “Singing and Swingin’ – The Holiday Songbook” is Dec. 21 and 22 with Charlie Blum and featuring guest Kristyn Estes. Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online at marcoislandart.org or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186.
Holiday market at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Everyone’s welcome to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s Holiday Market on Dec. 7. The event is from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., with the last admission at 1 p.m. All activities, except for the sleigh rides, are included in the regular admission price: $17 for adults, $6 for kids aged 6-14, and free for members and children under 6. Adult tickets cost $25, while child tickets for ages 3 to 17 are just $5. You can grab your admission and sleigh ride tickets at Audubon.org/corkscrew/events.
Navigating Everglades National Park
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s certified classes provide boater safety best practices, local navigation information, weather and tide information around Marco Island, the 10,000 Islands and Everglades National Park. Navigating Everglades National Park, 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9. Cost for each class ranges from $45 to $70, depending on the materials provided by instructors. All Classes will be held at the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Station, 903 Collier Court, Caxambas Park, Marco Island. For more information or to sign up, visit wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=070-09-05&category=boating-courses. For more information about these and other boating courses offered call 239-384-7416 or email cgauxcourses@gmail.com.
Boat America
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s certified classes provide boater safety best practices, local navigation information, weather and tide information around Marco Island, the 10,000 Islands and Everglades National Park. Boat America, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13. All Classes will be held at the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Station, 903 Collier Court, Caxambas Park, Marco Island. For more information or to sign up, visit wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=070-09-05&category=boating-courses. For more information about these and other boating courses offered call 239-384-7416 or email cgauxcourses@gmail.com.
Darius Rucker returns for Naples’ Live Fest
Country star Darius Rucker will headline Naples’ sixth-annual Live Fest on Saturday, Dec. 13, on the driving range of Tiburon Golf Club at The Ritz Carlton Golf Resort. The outdoor show is part of the Grant Thornton Invitational, a mixed-team golf event featuring PGA and LPGA pros. Rucker returns to Live Fest for the first time since playing the inaugural event in 2019 with co-headliners Lady A (formerly Lady Antebellum). He’ll share the stage with Southwest Florida band Rock Republic and “American Idol” semifinalist Casey Bishop. Two more acts will be announced later this summer. Tickets are on sale now. General-admission tickets for the concert are $150. Admission is free for ages 9 and younger. Other ticket packages are available, including VIP tickets starting at $355.For tickets or more information, visit livefest.com.
Marco Island Christmas decoration contest
Committee Chairman Dave Rice announced the dates and plans for the 32nd Annual Marco Island Christmas House and Business Contest on behalf of this year’s committee. The dates are as follows: Dec. 15-17 – Preliminary judging on all three nights from 6:30- 9:30 p.m.; Dec. 19 – Final judging trolley ride to select the winner. The Island is divided into nine zones and judging teams select the top contenders in each zone by visiting every street on the island. For further information contact Committee Chair Dave Rice at marcodave@comcast.net.
JANUARY
‘Four Old Broads’ on the Marco stage
“Four Old Broads: Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Beauty Pageant” by Leslie Kimbell, directed by Christi Lueck-Sadiq is at the Marco Island Center for the Arts from Jan. 8-25. “Southern sass and outrageous antics return as Lurleen Dupree hosts her seventh annual pageant, with rival retirees ready to compete, cheat, and charm their way to the crown in a riotous comedy full of surprises.” Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online at marcoislandart.org or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186.
FEBRUARY
‘Moonlight and Magnolias’ on the Marco stage
“Moonlight and Magnolias” by Ron Hutchinson, directed by Marlene Strollo is at the Marco Island Center for the Arts from Feb. 5-22. “Go behind the Hollywood curtain to witness the chaotic, true-to-life creation of ‘Gone with the Wind,’ when three men are locked in a room and given five days — and a diet of bananas and peanuts — to write the screenplay that became an American classic.” Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online at marcoislandart.org or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186.
MARCH
‘California Suite’ on the Marco stage
“California Suite” by Neil Simon, directed by Paula Keenan is at the Marco Island Center for the Arts from March 5-22. “A quartet of comedic tales unfolds in a single hotel suite, from custody battles to romantic mishaps and vacation disasters. Simon’s wit shines in this heartfelt and hilarious look at human relationships.” Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online at marcoislandart.org or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186.
APRIL
‘You’ve Got Hate Mail’ on the Marco stage
“You’ve Got Hate Mail” by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore, directed by Joan Gerberding is at the Marco Island Center for the Arts from April 2-19. “In this fast-paced comedy, digital drama explodes when an extra-marital affair unravels through a series of misdirected e-mails. Told entirely through digital communication, this play offers a modern twist on classic farce.” Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online at marcoislandart.org or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186.
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 Island
Reporting by Marco Eagle / Marco Eagle
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