SWFLA To Do List: Earth Day celebrations, Art in Bloom, more
APRIL 19
Calusa Garden Club presents Art in Bloom
Calusa Garden Club of Marco Island presents “Art in Bloom,” a display of floral designs that interpret art, at Marco Island Center for the Arts from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Friday, April 19. A reception will follow from 4 until 5:30. The exhibit is presented in connection with Marco Island Center for the Arts Adult Student Show and Marco Island Academy Student Show.
Earth Day on the ‘Farm’ in Naples
Naples’ Empowerment Farm will host an Earth Day event starting with Sunrise Yoga at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 20 at the farm’s five-acre campus at 2600 Garland Rd., Naples. The event also includes an outdoor marketplace of local vendors, planting demonstrations, farm animal interactions and a raffle before ending at noon. Tickets are $20 per person for ages 11 and up. Children under 20 get in free. Registration and raffle tickets are available online at EmpowermentFarm.org. Day-of registration is available, but space is limited and registration in advance is recommended. Attendees should wear close-toed shoes for safety and plan to be outside for the entirety of the event. Empowerment Farm is still in the early phases of building out their campus, but attendees will be able to tour the farmyard, food forest, and operations center while learning about the future plans for the remainder of the campus and upcoming programming. Proceeds of Earth Day on the Farm benefit Empowerment Farm programs for children and adults which cultivate community through compassion, cooperation and connection to the land, animals, and each other.
Earth Day Celebration at the Wonder Gardens
Enjoy education stations, a scavenger hunt, yoga demonstrations, tarot readings, touch tables, yard games, arts and crafts, and photo opportunities on April 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. An Earth Day Market will take place, featuring a variety of local vendors. Events are free with paid Wonder Gardens admission ― $12 per adult, $10 per senior (ages 65+) and $7 per child (ages 3-12). Children under 3 are free. Face painting, animal meet and greets and terrarium building are also available for an additional fee. 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. Information: wondergardens.org or 239-992-2591.
Earth Day at The Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch
Participate in an eco-friendly workshop of planting trees and discovering sustainable practices. Free. From 9 until 11 a.m. April 20. At 1215 Roberts Ave., Immokalee. Information: colliermuseums.com.
Darius McCrary at Off the Hook
The comedian performs standup at 7 p.m., April 23. Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. $25 general admission, plus a fee. offthehookcomedy.com or 239-389-6901.
‘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.
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.
‘ ‘Til Death Do Us Part … You First’ at Arts Center Theatre
Marco Island Center for the Arts coming to the Arts Center Theatre April 24: “ ‘Til Death Do Us Part … You First,” with Peter Fogel, directed by Chazz Palminteri – A comedic masterpiece follows the journey of eternal bachelor Peter Fogel as he navigates the complexities of love and commitment in a riotous whirlwind of relatable characters and witty humor. 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/.
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.
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.
‘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.
‘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/.
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ONGOING
‘Love Letters’ at Arts Center Theatre
Marco Island Center for the Arts coming to the Arts Center Theatre now through April 21: “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney – A heartwarming tale of lifelong correspondence between two captivating characters. With five unique casts performing in rotation, experience the depth of feeling and precision of detail that has made this play a smash hit both off and on Broadway. 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/.
‘She Loves Me’
This romantic musical following a busy sales season for clerks at a 1930s European parfumerie will be at the Gulfshore Playhouse, 755 Eight Ave. S., March 21-April 21. Tickets start at $45. Information: gulfshoreplayhouse.org.
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.
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.
MAY
‘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/.
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.