SWFLA To Do List: Spirit Awards, Sips & Bites, more

Marco Eagle

APRIL

Gulfshore Opera’s ‘Turandot’

"Turandot" ― best known for the famous, beloved aria "Nessun Dorma" ― was Puccini's last opera. Gulfshore Opera sets this massive production in a fantastical "Ice World." The tour visits three major Southwest Florida venues: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda ($35-$65); 7 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Artis-Naples in Naples ($45-$110). Learn more at gulfshoreopera.org.

Grumpy Goat Coffee’s Sips & Bites

Flèche Healthy treats will make its first appearance at Grumpy Goat Coffee’s next Sips & Bites free tasting event from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 25. Flèche Healthy Treats creates a variety of diabetic-friendly sugar-free, gluten-free and dairy-free treats, including cookies and chocolate snacks using natural and wholesome ingredients. Attendees can meet their local master coffee roaster and other artisan food and beverage experts and enjoy samples of their creations in a casual, happy hour style setting. The roastery is located at 28280 Old 41 Rd., Unit 11, Bonita Springs. Information: grumpygoat.com.

‘Southern Gothic Novel’ at Arts Center Theatre

Marco Island Center for the Arts coming to the Arts Center Theatre April 27: “Southern Gothic Novel” by Frank Blocker – A darkly comedic tale of crime and love through a solo portrayal of 17 different characters. Blocker unfolds a gripping narrative set in a secretive Mississippi town, guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Tickets are available now. At Marco Island Center for the Arts' Arts Center Theatre. For tickets and more information, visit marcoislandart.org or call 239-394-4221 or marcoislandart.org/arts-center-theatre/.

Sensory-Friendly Saturdays at Naples Botanical Garden

This event is created especially for guests and families with autism spectrum disorder and other sensory processing needs. Family-friendly hands-on activities and an air-conditioned take-a-break space will be provided. 4-6 p.m., April 27 and May 11 at 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples. Admission is free but must RSVP ahead of time in order to minimize disturbances at naplesgarden.org.

Spirit Awards

The Rotary Club of Marco Island Noontime recently announced a “big” social event for April., the 14th Annual Spirit Awards of Marco Island Great Gatsby Gala. The event will be held at the Island Country Club at 5 p.m., April 27. Enjoy live entertainment and dancing, dining, awards and more. Join the Great Gatsby spirit and dress in Roaring 20s or cocktail attire. The individuals and organizations that are being honored for their exceptional contributions to the community are the Marco Island Historical Society, Jennifer and Derek Tenney, the YMCA of Collier County and Mike Stanczak.  Guests have the opportunity to honor award winners by sponsoring a table. For sponsorship details and/or ticket sales contact Al Diaz, 239-438-5285 or manager@RoyalMarcoWay.com. Proceeds from the event will go back to supporting the needs of the community.

Miracle Leaf Bonita Springs grand opening

Miracle Leaf, a medical cannabis health center in Bonita Springs, recently announced the grand opening of its latest location from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., Saturday, April 27, at 11380 Bonita Beach Rd SE #102. The day-long celebration will feature a variety of vendors, food trucks, entertainment and more. Information: MiracleleafBonitaSprings.com. To contact the Bonita Springs location directly, individuals can email BonitaSprings@MiracleLeaffl.com or call 239-427-1700.

Soprano Shannon Jennings and tenor Leonid Shoshyn star as Princess Turandot and Prince Calaf in Gulfshore Opera's "Turandot."

See Gulfshore Opera's 'Turandot' on Saturday at Artis―Naples

The opera "Turandot" heads to Artis―Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 27. Gulfshore Opera will be joined by the Naples Philharmonic with 62 musicians onstage. The icy, fantasy-themed "Turandot" was Giacomo Puccini's final opera. It tells the story of valiant Prince Calaf, who falls in love with the Ice Princess of Turandot. Tickets from $60. More at artisnaples.org or gulfshoreopera.org.

Christian musician Brandon Lake performs concert at Hertz Arena

Christian worship singer, songwriter and guitarist Brandon Lake brings his Tear Off The Roof Tour to Hertz Arena. The nearly sold-out show also features Doe and Jon Foreman. 7 p.m. Sunday, April 28. $48-$200. Parking on site is $30 (no cash). Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. Information: 239-948-7825 or hertzarena.com.

‘Voyces’ at Arts Center Theatre

Marco Island Center for the Arts coming to the Arts Center Theatre April 28: The Carl Granieri Orchestra’s “Voyces” – Harmonious vocals performing intricate arrangements of songs from every era and genre. Featuring vocalists selected from the CGO Stars of Tomorrow Educational Program and accompanied by Carl Granieri, conductor, pianist, keyboardist, arranger, producer and vocalist. Tickets are available now. At Marco Island Center for the Arts' Arts Center Theatre. For tickets and more information, visit marcoislandart.org or call 239-394-4221 or marcoislandart.org/arts-center-theatre/.

Evening at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at Mercato in North Naples, Florida.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema opens at Mercato

Silverspot ― a popular upscale theater at Mercato in North Naples ― announced last summer that it was leaving. About a week later, the Austin, Texas-based Alamo Drafthouse Cinema said it would move into the space, 9118 Strada Place, after making renovations. Well, they have and the theater opens to the public Monday, April 29. There's also mini golf in the lobby. Tickets for the cinema’s opening week are available for purchase at Drafthouse.com/Southwest-Florida.

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MAY

Estero Historical Society for ‘First Friday’

The Estero Historical Society is hosting a “First Friday on the Deck” fundraiser from 4 until 6 p.m., Friday, May 3, at its headquarters at 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero. It’s an in-person event where you can “relax, socialize and enjoy an exclusive tasting of top-shelf sipping tequilas, paired with appetizers, in a quaint and natural environment.” The cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members, limited to the first 50 RSVPs. To RSVP, visit EsteroHistoricalSociety.com or call 239-272-1911. The event will be at the Estero Historical Society, 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero.

‘La Comedia of Errors’ at Arts Center Theatre

Marco Island Center for the Arts coming to the Arts Center Theatre May 4: The Naples Players present “La Comedia of Errors” – Laugh along with The Naples Players as they present “La Comedia of Errors,” a bilingual adaptation of one of William Shakespeare’s zaniest comedies. Tickets are available now. At Marco Island Center for the Arts' Arts Center Theatre. For tickets and more information, visit marcoislandart.org or call 239-394-4221 or marcoislandart.org/arts-center-theatre/.

‘Paradise and Mr. Prince’ at Arts Center Theatre 

Marco Island Center for the Arts coming to the Arts Center Theatre May 16-19, 23, 25, 26: “Paradise and Mr. Prince” by local playwright Mitch Eil – Join private investigator Dan Paradise on a thrilling adventure. Set against the backdrop of Marco Island, this gripping tale of murder, friendship, and self-discovery. Tickets are available now. At Marco Island Center for the Arts' Arts Center Theatre. For tickets and more information, visit marcoislandart.org or call 239-394-4221 or marcoislandart.org/arts-center-theatre/.

ONGOING

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary guided tours, extended hours

The winter months are the perfect time to explore the swamp, with cooler temperatures and migratory birds stopping by to fuel up. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary offers many ways to enjoy the best of the season, including extended hours now through April 30. Find great gifts and souvenirs in the Nature Store, enjoy sandwiches and salads at the Cypress Café, and new guided tours are offered each Sunday, included with admission. Special events are planned for each month. The Blair Visitor Center, at 375 Sanctuary Road W., is open daily from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with last admission at 3 p.m., from Dec. 16 until April 30, the Visitor Center and boardwalk will stay open until 5 p.m., with last admission at 3 p.m. The center offers access to the 2.25-mile boardwalk that meanders through a variety of habitats, including the largest old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. Admission is $17 for adults, $6 for kids 6-14, and free for children and members. Online tickets recommended: corkscrew.audubon.org/visit.

Southwest Florida Theatre Company's 'Route 66'

The MACC's resident theater company performs the 20th Century's greatest "Rock 'n' Road" hits in this new musical revue. The 34 songs include “Dead Man’s Curve,” “King of the Road,” “Little Old Lady from Pasadena,” “Little GTO” and “Fun, Fun, Fun." Now through May 4. Cost: $48-$53. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers. Information: 277-1700 or gcsarts.org.

‘Hamilton’ at B.B. Mann Hall

The musical “Hamilton” opened on Broadway in 2015 and quickly became a national sensation with its rap songs, colorblind casting and biographical story about Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and the other founding fathers of the United States. The blockbuster returns to B.B. Mann after breaking sales records there in 2020. Limited tickets available. April 23-May 5. $52-$180. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. Information: 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com.

Broadway Palm's 'The Addams Family'

The 2010 Broadway musical is based on the creepy, kooky family from the 1960s TV show and the popular movie franchise. One of those characters, Wednesday Addams, is the star of the hit Netflix TV series "Wednesday." April 12-May 25. $35-$80.Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Information: 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.

Monday Night Bingo

Monday Night Bingo at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island is back! It’s 23rd season. Bingo is played every Monday Night at the Synagogue, located at 991 Winterberry Drive through May and then twice a month in the summer. Doors open at 5:30 pm.  A complimentary supper is served at 6 p.m. The supper is a kosher hot dog, on a special roll, with relish, sauerkraut, and onions.  Dessert is cake, ice cream and a beverage of coffee or tea. Bonanza is posted at 6 pm and an additional prize, Hot Ball, is also offered. For further information call the Synagogue office at 239-642 0800.  

‘Daydreaming,’ Niki Butcher’s hand-painted photography at MIHM

The Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) presents “Daydreaming,” Niki Butcher’s hand-painted photography at the Marco Island Historical Museum (MIHM) on display now through June 8. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The exhibit includes more than 60 images created over five decades by photographer and artist Niki Butcher. Inspired by vintage hand-painted postcards of the 1930s, Butcher invites the viewer to see the historical, beautiful, and sometimes quirky aspects of Florida and the world through the eyes of a thoughtful optimist.

Rookery Bay Eco Kayak & Boat Tours

Join Rookery Bay Research Reserve for a guided boat tour or kayak adventure into the beautiful waters of Rookery Bay Reserve. With our kayak tours, guests paddle through beautiful mangrove tunnels, teeming mudflats and intricate oyster reefs while searching for amazing wildlife like sea stars, large snails, birds, dolphins and manatees! Our boat tours are small 6-passenger boats and offer a comfortable and informative ride. Guests can choose from different tours including a shelling trip to a deserted a barrier island or a sunset tour. Find out more at RookeryBay.org or call 239-530-5972. 

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center

The attraction features aquariums, touch tanks with marine critters, natural history, environmental and wildlife exhibits art gallery, picnic area and walking trails. Hours are 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.  Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-12 and children 3 and under are free. Admission benefits the Friends of Rookery Bay, a nonprofit that supports the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Guests may apply their admission fee toward Friends of Rookery Bay membership on the day of their visit. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is located at 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Information: RookeryBay.org.

Koreshan Sunday Market 

Friends of Koreshan Sunday Market has returned. It's open 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Sundays, at a new location, Three Oaks Town Center, 18731 Three Oaks Parkway, south Lee County. More on Facebook.

Estero Farmers Market at Miromar Outlets

Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays near Corkscrew Road entrance; 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Find it on Facebook for more. 

Golden Gate Community Farmers Market

Open year-round, Saturdays 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays at 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Golden Gate; From 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sundays, at 11725 Collier Blvd., Golden Gate. Visit farmermarket2.com for more. 

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

Did you know Collier County is home to the largest state park in Florida? Explore this mesmerizing trip back to yesteryear and see wildlife in the wild. Safety protocols in place. Open 8 a.m. to sunset; $3 vehicle fee. 137 Coastline Drive, Copeland. Information: floridastateparks.org; 239-961-1925.

Baker Museum

Hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, noon-4 Sundays. Docent tours 11 a.m.; 1 p.m. only on Sundays. The Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Information: 239-597-1900 or artisnaples.org.

Revs Institute

Did you know Naples is home to one of the top 10 car museums in the world? If you haven't done so yet, check out this amazing collection of vehicles assembled over decades. 2500 Horseshoe Drive S. Visitors must observe COVID-19 protocols. Reserve tickets online for specific dates and times in advance. No walkups. Information: revinstitute.org or 239-687-REVS.

Koreshan walking tour

Discover the various botanical specimens collected by the Utopian pioneer Koreshans and their specific purpose on this walking tour. Guests will tour the late 18th/early 20th century settlement and learn the history of this progressive society which promoted women's right to vote, equality of the sexes and education for all. Cost: $10 and $4 park admission. Purchase tickets online at  friendsofkoreshan.org/page-7741.

Koreshan Unity Settlement

Explore the 19th century religious Koreshan Unity Settlement, its structures, and gardens. Join guided walking tours in Koreshan State Park and learn about these idealistic pioneers. Guided Tours are $10, non-refundable, and may be purchased online only at http://friendsofkoreshan.org/shop/guided-tours/historic-settlement-tours/.

Key Marco artifacts

Thanks to an unprecedented five-year loan extension by the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, the world-famous Key Marco Cat will continue on exhibit at the Marco Island Historical Museum (MIHM) through 2026. Through April 30, 2024, 13 additional Key Marco artifacts from the PENN Museum will be on exhibit at MIHM. Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. For information, call 239-389-6447 or visit theMIHS.org.

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum

Now open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every day, at 3075 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel. Admission is $23.95 for adults (18 and older), $21.95 for seniors, $14.95 youth (12 to 17) and students with their ID, $8.95 for children (5 to 11) and free to children younger than 5 and active military. Visitors who bike to the museum receive $1 off admission. Information: 239-395-2233, shellmuseum.org. 

IMAG History & Science Center

Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers. Tickets are available online, and advance ticket purchases are necessary currently to limit the number of guests in accordance with CDC recommendations. Information: theimag.org.

Gordon River Greenway

A hidden gem in Naples is the Gordon River Greenway. Walk, ride your bike or kayak on or along the scenic from 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. There's 12-foot-wide pathways and 10-foot-wide elevated boardwalks. Restrooms and other amenities available. (1596 Golden Gate Parkway; 239-252-4000 or gordonrivergreenway.org)

Naples Zoo

New hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples. Offering timed online tickets to the general public. All guests will be required to reserve a timed ticket online, with reduced ticket prices. Tickets can only be purchased online. Information: 239-262-5409, napleszoo.org.

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.