CALENDAR


Get it in the Spotlight: calendar@swspotlight.com

B/Bonita Springs E/Estero FM/Fort Myers FMB/Fort Myers Beach N/Naples

March

17: THURSDAY

St. Paddy’s Day Block Party [4 p.m.] Get ready to (sham)rock all day long at Mercato. Experience a pitcher-perfect St. Patrick’s Day Block Party in the street between Bar Tulia & Dunkin’s Diamonds. Enjoy performances from Irish dancers, bagpipers and live music from The Rowdy Bards. Where: Mercato, 9132 Strada Place (on the lawn). Cost: Free. For more information visit mercatoshops.com./N

19: SATURDAY

Calusa Day at Lover’s Key [10 a.m. to 4 p.m.] Join the Friends of Lover’s Key to celebrate Archaeology Month on the Calusa Coast at Lovers Key State Park. Explore Calusacentric activities on the Observation Deck of the Welcome and Discovery Center, discover the natural history of the ecosystems the Calusa once ruled in the center’s Exhibit Hall, or embark on a self-guided hike or paddle to see an authentic Calusa shell midden located inside the park’s canal system. Paddling rentals require additional fees. At 3 p.m., Florida Public Archaeology Network’s Southwest Outreach Coordinator, Natalie A. De La Torre Salas, MA, RPA, will host a lecture on the archaeology of the Calusa. Space is limited for the lecture, and reservations are required. Where: Lovers Key State Park. Cost: Free with park entry fee. For more information visit friendsofloverskey.org/B

19-20: SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Naples Downtown Art Show [10 a.m. to 5 p.m.] In its 34th year, The Naples Downtown Art Show is ranked among the top art shows in the country. Amenities include music, culinary treats, convenient free parking and a Kids Zone. Where: 5th Avenue South. Cost: Free. For more information visit naplesart.org./N

20: SUNDAY

Bonita Springs Concert Band [2 p.m. to 4 p.m.] Enjoy music by the Bonita Springs Concert Band. Where: Riverside Park. Cost. Free. For more information visit bonitaspringsconcertband.com/B

21: MONDAY

Films for Film Lovers:Happy End” [7 p.m.] Films on Monday nights in the Center for Performing Arts Moe Auditorium & Film Center, furnished with a large movie screen and comfortable chairs to watch the best foreign and independent films.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Where: 10150 Bonita Beach Road SE. Cost: $10 per person. Visit artcenterbonita.org for more information./B

Stardust Memories Big Band [7 p.m. to 9 p.m.] “The Andrew Sisters & Glenn Miller” Where: Cambier Park. Cost. Free. visit stardustmemoriesbigband.com for more information./N

Mona Lisa is Missing” [6:30 p.m.] A special screening open to the public of an award-winning and witty documentary about the theft in 1911 and recovery in 1913 of the “Mona Lisa.” The two filmmakers will share their stories of filming this quest to figure out why and how an Italian immigrant wall painter carried out this daring theft. Attendees will have the option to attend early at 5:30 p.m. and enjoy a pasta buffet. Call by March 18 to participate in the pre-film dinner. Cost: dinner and film $25; screening and talk alone $10. Where: Naples Italian American Foundation, 7035 Airport Pulling Road. For more information call Mike Kaminski at 734-812-2939./N

22: TUESDAY

Early Birding Walks at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary [8 to 11 a.m.] Experience the sights and sounds of the awakening swamp with one of our naturalists guiding you to look for birds. Learn about the birds’ life habits and the importance to these birds of the native upland and freshwater wetland plants and habitats that occur at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Plus, learn what you can do to help improve habitats for birds. Where: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, 375 Sanctuary Road, W. Limited to 10 participants. Participants must be 16 years or older. For pricing and to register visit corkscrew.audubon.org/guided-walks./N

Beginning cell phone photography at Koreshan [10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.] Join an Advanced Florida Master Naturalist for a beginning photography tour of the architecture within the Koreshan historical settlement. Bring your cell phone and learn the basics of photography, cell phone photo tricks and the best places to snap that perfect photo, all within Koreshan State Park. Advance registration is required at eventbrite.com/e/167505911691. Where: Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road. Cost: Free with park entry fee./E

Stardust Memories Big Band [7 p.m. to 9 p.m.] “The Andrew Sisters & Glenn Miller” Where: Riverside Park. Cost. Free. For more information visit stardustmemoriesbigband.com./B

25-26: FRIDAY & SATURDAY

Friends of Bonita Library Book Sale [Fri. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.] Come and view all the amazing books, DVDs, CDs and puzzle choices at bargain basement prices. The Friends of the Bonita Springs Library supports library services and broadens the library’s impact in our community. Where: Bonita Springs Library, 10560 Reynolds St./B

26: SATURDAY

Estero Health & Wellness Fair [9 a.m. to noon] Attendees will be able to meet local health providers and wellness conscious businesses in one place and ask questions and make connections. This is organized by Lee County Parks and Recreation in partnership with Lee Health. Where: Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd. Cost: Free. For more information call 239-533-1470.

Friends of Lover’s Key Inaugural Beauty and the Beach Annual Gala [6:30 p.m.] All proceeds from this inaugural event will go towards funding and supporting the new Welcome and Discovery at Lovers

Key State Park’s educational programs and exhibits, as well as provide for local children’s camps and learning opportunities. Where: Lover’s Key State Park. Cost: $350 per person. For more information visit friendsofloverskey.org./B

Naples Concert Band [7 p.m. to 9 p.m.] Enjoy unforgettable music with the Naples Concert Band. Where: Cambier Park. Cost: Free. For more information visit naplesconcertband.com./N

Estero Park Yard Sale [7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.] Vendors will set up their items in the south parking lot near the recreation center. Where: Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd. Cost: Free. For more information call 239-533-1470./E

History Walk: Cruising Down the River [10 a.m. to noon] The Imperial River and its tributaries were the main means of travel and commerce in Bonita Springs before construction of the first railroads and the Tamiami Trail (now Old US 41) in the 1920s. The river was a vital to fishing and recreation, attracting winter visitors and new residents. Walk along the river to Depot Park and over the river to

Island Park. Learn about the community’s main dock and Rosemary Creek. See and learn about the construction of historic homes built in the 1930s Riverside subdivision. Learn about the river’s ecosystem, its importance to the past and present, including our current water issues (water quality, flooding, etc.). Start/End at Liles Hotel History Center in Riverside Park. Total walk distance is about 2 miles and tour duration of 1.5 to 2 hours. Cost: $20 in advance, $30 the day of. For more information and reservations call 239-992-6997 or visit BonitaSpringsHistoricalSociety.org./B

27: SUNDAY

Naples Big Band [2 p.m.] Enjoy music by the Naples Big Band Where: Cambier Park. Cost: Free. For more information visit napesbigband.com./N

28: MONDAY

Raku & You [5:30 to 8:30 p.m.] Raku is a centuries old pottery glazing and firing process. The technique produces a lustrous, often metallic, finish. Raku & You is an evening devoted to this ancient process. Attendees choose from a number of bisque-fired pots and are introduced to the history of Raku while applying glaze to their pot in their own unique design. Where: Center for Visual Arts, 26100 Old 41 Road. Cost: $70 per person. For more information and to register, call 239-495- 8989 or visit artcenterbonita.org./B

29: TUESDAY

Butterflies at Koreshan [10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.] An Advanced Florida Master Naturalist will be in the park to share information on butterflies of Koreshan State Park and Southwest Florida. Topics will touch on differences between moths and butterflies, butterfly development, plants that support butterflies, netting techniques, and more. Where: Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road. Cost: Free with park entry fee./E

UPCOMING

EGG fest [April 2 – 8 a.m.] The EGGfest is a family-friendly event featuring live music, grilling demonstrations, all-you-can-eat samples, craft beer, and special offers and prizes for the chefs— both professional and amateur. The chefs use Big Green Egg Grills—a multi-functional ceramic charcoal barbecue cooker that can be used as a grill, oven, or smoker. Proceeds from the ticket sales will be directed towards five local youth-focused charities that are collaborating with Farm City Barbeque Charities for EGGFest: Collier County 4H Association, Youth Leadership Collier, Rotary Club of Naples, Collier County Junior Deputies League, Key Clubs, and the Immokalee Foundation. Where: Riverside Park. Cost: $20. /B. For more information visit sunshineaceeggfest.com.

Estero Fest [April 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.] The Ben Allen Band is set to perform at The Estero Chamber of Commerce’s Estero Fest 2022. Kid’s zone with bounce house, face painting and Too Tall Torrie. Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd. Cost: Free. For more information call 239-533-1470./E

International Fest [April 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.] Head to the Mercato’s lawn for a global journey filled with culture and cuisine. Enjoy authentic treats, unique handmade crafts & cultural knick-knacks from all around the world. Featuring live performances from mariachi bands, Polynesian dancers, African drummers and bagpipe players. Where: Mercato, 9132 Strada Place (on the lawn). Cost: Free. For more information visit mercatoshops.com./N

ONGOING

Bonita Lions Wednesday Fresh Market [8 a.m. to noon] Locally grown produce and much more. Where: Old US 41 Rd./B

CREW Bird Rookery Swamp Guided Walk [Every Wednesday 9 to 11:30 a.m. through April] Join a CREW Land & Water Trust volunteer for an entertaining and informative 2.5-hour guided walk on a portion of the

Bird Rookery Swamp trails near Naples. The Bird Rookery Swamp trail is part of the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (owned by the South Florida Water Management District). It includes a 1500 ft. boardwalk and nearly 12 miles of raised trails on old railroad trams. The cypress/maple swamp is home to wading birds, owls, deer, bear, panther, bobcat, limpkins and much more. Be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes and clothing. Bring water to drink. Sunscreen and a hat are advisable. Cameras and binoculars are optional. Limited to 15 hikers. Only service animals allowed. Where: Bird Rookery Swamp, 1295 Shady Hollow Blvd. W. Cost: $5. For tickets and more information visit crewtrust.org./B

Koreshan State Park Historic Settlement Tours [Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10 – 11:30 a.m.] Explore the 19th century religious Koreshan Unity Settlement, its structures, and gardens. Join our guided walking tours and learn about these idealistic pioneers. The walking tour is about an hour and a half. Tours start at the Historic Settlement Entrance. Where: Koreshan State Park, Corkscrew Road. Cost: Guided Tours are $10 plus park entry fee. For tickets and more information visit friendsofkoreshan.org./E

Koreshan Sunday Farmers Market [8 a.m. to 1 p.m.] Enjoy local produce, honey, fresh guacamole and salsas, sea glass, jewelry,

art & crafts, tie-dye and more. Where: Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road. Cost: Park entrance fee. Contact the Ranger Station at 239-992-0311 for more information./E

Local Roots Farmer’s Market at Coconut Point [Every Thursday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April] Fresh produce, seafood, meats, cut flowers, locally harvested honey, and baked goods. You can also find a colorful assortment of handcrafts, non-foods for sale such as soaps, candles, hand woven baskets and hats. Where: Parking lot near Panera Bread./E

Mindful Meditation Group, Outdoors [Every Saturday 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., yearround] Take time to turn within and practice conscious breathing, sitting and walking in a beautiful garden setting. Beginners through advanced are welcome. We meet in a large, covered pavilion and maintain social distancing. Cost: Free. Where: Unitarian Congregation of Naples, 6340 Napa Woods Way. For more information email Ann at yoganni@yahoo.com or call 239-682-4575./N

Music in the Garden [2nd Saturday of every month through June, 2 to 4 p.m.] Waterlilies bloom, palms sway, and music floats on the air at Naples Botanical Garden. Guests can soak in the sounds of local musicians as they perform on the Water Garden Stage. Blankets and chairs are welcome for guests seeking vantage points on the Performance Lawn. Cost: Free with Garden admission. Where: Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive. For more information visit naplesgarden.org./N

Naples Art District: Art Alive [1st Wednesday, Thursday and 3rd Saturday of the month, Wednesday 3 to 7 p.m., Thursday & Saturday 1 to 5 p.m.] “ART ALIVE” evening consists of over 70 professional artists, who will be showcasing their recent works of art and demonstrating their medium. Meet the artist, celebrate the art and bring home unique treasures for your home. Look for the NAD Art Studio signs. For directions and more information visit NaplesArtDistrict.com./N

Naples Decorative Artists [Third Friday of the month, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.] Naples Decorative Artists meets for instructional programs taught by art instructors from near and far. Every month features a new and exciting lesson using various mediums and methods. Where: VFW Post 7721, 800 Neff’s Way at the corner of Collier Blvd. and Pine Ridge Road. Cost: $80 annual membership. For more information visit naplesdecorativeartists.com/N

Pedaling for Parkinson’s [Every Tuesday 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.] The Bonita Springs YMCA is offering free cycling classes for people with Parkinson’s disease. Physician referral and consent

form required. Participants must wear a heart rate monitor to class. Where: Bonita Springs YMCA, 27200 Kent Road. Cost: Free for the first 8 classes. For more information contact the YMCA at 239-221-7560./B

Shangri-La Springs Organic Garden Tours [Every Tuesday & Wednesday, 10 to 11 a.m.] The one-hour tours are led by Cecelia Morales, organic garden manager, and include a sensory-based walking tour around the garden’s subtropical, tropical, annual and perennial crops and orchard with information on “what makes a garden” including organic garden methods and permaculture principles. Tours must be scheduled in advance and are limited to 20 people. Closed-toe shoes, masks, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and refillable water bottles are recommended. Cost: $15 per person. Where: Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Road. For more information call 239-949-0749./B

Table Tennis Program [Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday, Tues. 6 to 8 p.m.; Sat. noon to 2 p.m.] All ages and levels welcome. Cost: $64 per month; $15 drop-in. Youth Lessons Tues. & Wed. 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Cost: $56 per month. Ping Pong Parkinson’s Sat. 2 to 3 p.m. Cost: Free. Where Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd. Table Tennis Therapy available for those with disabilities, Alzheimer’s, dementia Contact USATT Certified Instructor Purvi Naik 239-272-8941./E

Vanderbilt Farmers Market [Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.] Fresh fruits & vegetables, seafood, honey, prepared foods, specialty foods & more. Where: Shoppes at Vanderbilt, 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road./N

Yoga at Lovers Key State Park [Every Monday at the gazebo 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Wednesday and Friday at mid-beach, 9 to 10 a.m.] Join instructors from the FMB Yoga Project for an hour of Open Vinyasa Flow (multilevel) and experience the magic of yoga on the on the beach. Bring your yoga mat, water, and any props you may need, as no equipment will be provided by the instructors this season. This class will be limited in size due to Covid restrictions and pre-registration is encouraged. Where: Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd. Cost: $15 per class plus park entry fee. For more information and to register visit fmbyogaproject.com./B

MEETINGS

Naples City Council [Wed., March 23, 8:30 a.m.] Where: City Council Chambers, 735 8th St. S./N

All dates, times and prices are subject to change.