SWFLA To Do List: ‘Voyces’ at Arts Center Theatre, Caregiver Boot Camp, more
Celebrate Bonita at Riverside Park
Celebrate Bonita 2024 is coming to Riverside Park on April 27. From 6 until 9 p.m., the city of Bonita Springs will be hosting a free outdoor concert in Downtown Bonita at Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. The event is free to the public.In celebration of the 25th anniversary, the city will have two nationally known acts. Headlining the concert will be LOCASH, “country music's iconic feel-good duo,” as dubbed by People. The celebration includes an opening act by Tyler Farr. “One of the best male vocalists in Country music today” (Taste of Country). Food and beverages will be sold at the event. Proceeds from refreshment sales will benefit the Bonita Springs Assistance Office. Wilson Street to Childers Street on Old 41 Road will close at 5 p.m. for the evening festivities, to ensure pedestrian safety. The road will reopen after the event at approximately 10 p.m. For questions or comments, contact the city at 239-949-6262 or visit our website at cityofbonitasprings.org.
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.
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.
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/.
Baker Senior Center Naples Caregiver Boot Camp
Baker Senior Center Naples will host a Caregiver Boot Camp on Monday, April 29, for family members and friends caring for loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The workshop will be led by Marisa Luizzi, chief cognitive health officer for Baker Senior Center Naples, a nonprofit that provides programs and social services for seniors in Collier and southern Lee counties, Luizzi’s topic will be “What is Music Therapy and Why it Works with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.” Other featured speakers will include Hilary Hayes, regional vice president of South Florida for Platinum Benefit Services Inc., who will address how seniors can navigate finances for long-term care; and Michael Mongin, senior vice president for Moran Wealth Management. The event is 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Baker Senior Center Naples, 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane. The cost is $30 per person, which includes lunch. Registration is required and seats are limited. Information or reservations: Contact Kelley Findlay at 239-325-4444 or send an email to: kfindlay@bakerseniorcenternaples.org.
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.
Rookery Bay to celebrate National Estuaries Day
From 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Saturday, May 4, Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, located at 300 Tower Road, Naples, will offer free admission all day for National Estuaries Day 2024. There will be something for everyone in the family – kayak demos on the water, boat rides, art, kids’ crafts and activities, face painting, photo booths, food trucks, nature and wildlife exhibits, marine-life touch tank, boat tours and an art gallery exhibit. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about the coastal environment as well as the research and conservation taking place at Rookery Bay including sea turtle monitoring, shark research, shorebird monitoring, water quality, natural history, indigenous peoples and pioneers that inhabited the area long ago. For more information: RookeryBay.org.
‘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
‘Carrie: The Musical’ opens at TheatreZone in Naples
TheatreZone of Naples presents “Carrie: The Musical,” an adaptation of Carrie White’s story, as written by Stephen King in 1974. At 7:30 p.m., April 25-28 and May 2-5; 2 p.m. April 27-28 and May 5. Tickets start at $50. The G&L Theatre at the Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Road. Information: theatre.zone.
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., 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.