CALENDAR


 

Get it in the Spotlight: calendar@swspotlight.com

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

April 

2: SATURDAY

EGG fest [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. Where: Riverside Park. Cost: $20. For more information visit sunshineaceeggfest.com/B

Avow Butterfly Release [9 a.m.] Join Avow Hospice to celebrate life, give flight to butterflies, and remember loved ones. Where: Cambier Park. Cost: Free. For more information visit avowcares.org.

Estero Fest [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 [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

Singer Songwriter Listening Room [2 to 4 p.m.] A family-friendly event where listeners can come hear songs about living, laughing and loving — no political or COVID songs allowed. Where: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds St., rooms A and B. Cost: Free./B

Naples Big Band [5 to 8 p.m.] The Naples Big Band brings its classic sound with a modern spirit to Fort Myers. Where: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Cost: $10. For more information visit naplesbigband.com/FM

3: SUNDAY

Naples Dixieland Jazz Band [2 p.m. to 4 p.m.] The Naples Jazz Society’s Naples Dixieland Jazz Band is in its 18th season. Where: Cambier Park. Cost. Free. For more information visit naplesjazzsociety.com/N

4: MONDAY

Stardust Memories Big Band [7 p.m. to 9 p.m.] “The Gene Krupa Story” featuring Arthor von Blomberg. Where: Cambier Park. Cost. Free. For more information visit stardustmemoriesbigband.com/N

5: 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

Stardust Memories Big Band [7 to 9 p.m.] “The Gene Krupa Story” featuring Arthor von Blomberg. Where: Riverside Park. Cost. Free. For more information visit stardustmemoriesbigband.com/B

6: WEDNESDAY

How Did They Get That Shot? [10 a.m.] Join award-winning photographer Carol Matthai for a beginner-to-intermediate wildlife photography class. The class is a lecture-style overview of techniques to improve photo composition and storytelling and is geared specifically toward capturing stunning images of wildlife in southern Florida. This class is included in Matthai’s Going Wild! series at Lovers Key State Park. Class is open to camera and cell phone photographers alike. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase is required. Fees: $45 per participant, includes park entry fees. To purchase tickets, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com/B

7: THURSDAY

JP Soars Gypsy Blue Revue [6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.] The Mercato’s concert series welcomes back JP Soars and Anne Harris. Where: Mercato, 9132 Strada Place (on the lawn). Cost: Free. For more information visit mercatoshops.com/N

Family Storytime [10:30 a.m.] For children through age 5 and caregivers. Families with young children enjoy a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movement. Space is limited. First come,

first served. Where: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds St./B

9: SATURDAY

Pirates in Paradise [9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.] The Estero Historical Society’s Yesterday and Today Speaker Series presents Pirates in Paradise with popular local history lecturer, Jacob Winge. Where: Villages at Country Creek Clubhouse, 21135 Country Creek Dr. Cost: $10. For more information visit esterohistoricalsociety.org/E

Naples Artcrafters Art and Craft Show [10 a.m. to 4 p.m.] Where: Fleischmann Park. Cost: Free. For more information visit naplesartcrafters.com/N

History Walk: Land of the Calusa [10 a.m. to noon] Learn about the archaeology of the first peoples to live in Bonita Springs beginning over 8,000 years ago. Hear the stories of the mighty Calusa Chiefdom, which controlled all of Southwest Florida and whose capital was Mound Key in Estero Bay, including their contact with the Spanish starting in 1513. See demonstrations of the tools the Calusa used to prosper: the atlatl (an ancient device to throw a spear for fishing)

shell tool making, weaving, and more. Walk to Depot and Island Parks and learn about our native plants used by Native Americans. Start/End at Liles Hotel History Center in Riverside Park. Total walk distance is about 1 mile 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

10: SUNDAY

Florida Gopher Tortoise Day [10 a.m. to noon] Koreshan State Park is supporting Florida Gopher Tortoise Day with special events and presentations dedicated to learning about this wonderfully interesting reptile. A burrow camera will allow attendees to get a glimpse inside an actual gopher tortoise burrow. Where: Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road. Cost: Free with park entry fee./E

Gulf Coast Big Band [2 to 4 p.m.] The Gulf Coast Big Band has been performing since 1991. The Band plays big band and jazz standards to the delight of thousands at Sunday afternoon concerts. Where: Cambier Park. Cost: Free. For more information visit gulfcoastbigband.com/N

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

Holocaust Remembrance Day concert [4 p.m.] The chamber music orchestra Camerata will conduct a special program to commemorate Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and pay tribute to the human spirit. Where: St. John’s Episcopal Church. Cost: $40. To purchase tickets email cn@cameratanaples.org. or call 239-596-8404./N

11: MONDAY

Naples Big Band [5 to 8 p.m.] The Naples Big Band brings its classic sound with a modern spirit to Cambier Park for its final show of the season. Where: Cambier Park. Cost: $5 suggested donation. For more information visit naplesbigband.com/N

Films for Film Lovers:Our Mothers” [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 to 9 p.m.] “Big Band Classics.” Where: Riverside Park. Cost. Free. For more information visit stardustmemoriesbigband.com/B

13: WEDNESDAY

Stardust Memories Big Band [7 p.m. to 9 p.m.] “Big Band Classics.” Where: Cambier Park. Cost. Free. For more information visit stardustmemoriesbigband.com/N

19: TUESDAY

Shells of Southwest Florida [11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.] An Advanced Florida Master Naturalist will share information on shells and the mysterious creatures that reside inside. Find out how shells are created and learn about behaviors and anatomy along with fun facts. Where: Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road. Cost: Free with park entry fee./E

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 to 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., year-round] 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. Guest 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 a 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. Cost: $80 annual membership. For more information visit naplesdecorativeartists.com

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 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

Bonita Springs City Council [Wed., April 6, 5:30 p.m.] Where: City Council Chambers, 9101 Bonita Beach Road./B

Estero Village Council [Wed., April 6, 9:30 a.m.] Where: Village Council Chambers, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle./E

Naples City Council [April 6 , 8:30 a.m.] Where: City Council Chambers, 735 8th St. S./N

All dates, times and prices are subject to change.