calendar
Grab a stein and sample imported German bier, along with German wines and spirits. Held at the German-American Social Club, the event also includes a carnival area with rides and games for kids. capecoraloktoberfest.com
CELEBRATING NATURE Oct. 20 “Ding” Darling Day, Sanibel Island
The “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island celebrates the birthday of its namesake Jay N. “Ding” Darling, who was the father of the Federal Duck Stamp program and a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, on “Ding” Darling Day. Bring the family out for free eco-activities, from refuge tram tours and wildlife presentations to archery clinics and yoga sessions. The artistically inclined can partake in origami, craft and nature sketching classes. Tarpon Bay Explorers offers free stand-up paddleboarding clinics, and discounted boating excursions and rental kayaks. dingdarlingdays.com
FOR THE FILM BUFF
Oct. 24-27 Naples International Film Festival
Now in its 11th year, the Naples International Film Festival (NIFF) just keeps getting bigger and better. The four-day event offers more than 60 screenings at the Silverspot Cinema. Domestic and international narrative, documentary and short films from established and emerging filmmakers are presented. With $25,000 in cash prizes up for grabs, filmmakers can compete in juried competitions as well as audience awards. NIFF is now part of Artis—Naples, and its Cultural Campus serves as the venue for the opening night film and party (Oct. 24) and the closing night awards ceremony (Oct. 27), which features Jack Everly conducting the Naples Philharmonic in John Williams’ triumphant score to the classic Steven Spielberg film Raiders of the Lost Ark. naplesfilmfest.com
A HITCHCOCK MOMENT
Oct. 25-26 Psycho With A Live Orchestra, Punta Gorda & Fort Myers
The Southwest Florida Symphony puts
the force of live music behind an Alfred Hitchcock thriller. As if Psycho, the 1960 psychological horror film, isn’t suspenseful enough, the orchestra makes watching the movie an even more intense experience. See the film and hear the musicians at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda on Oct. 25 and at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers on Oct. 26. swflso.org
NO TRICKS, ALL TREATS
Oct. 31 Fall Family Candy and Costume Festival, Sanibel Island
Dress in your favorite Halloween costume and head to The Community House on Sanibel Island for some festive fall fun. The evening event (5-7 p.m.) is an opportunity to mingle with neighbors, play games and eat lots of candy! Admission is a bag or two of candy per family. sanibelcommunityhouse.net
GET CRACKING
Oct. 25-27 Stone Crab Festival, Naples
To kick off the stone crab season that runs from October to May, Naples holds its annual Stone Crab Festival at venues on the Old Naples Waterfront—Tin City, Bayfront, Port of Naples Marina and other locations. Plenty of fresh stone crab claws are cracked, served and devoured. Folks enjoy live music the entire weekend. stonecrabfestival.com
THE ICE AGE
Oct. 19 and 26 Florida Everblades, Estero
The Florida Everblades kick off their home games for the 2019-2020 hockey season in October. They take on the Norfolk Admirals on Oct. 19 and challenge the Orlando Solar Bears on Oct. 26. You don’t have to be a diehard ice hockey fan to enjoy a rousing game of non-stop super-speed action played at the Hertz Arena in Estero. floridaeverblades.com
TOTI Media, Inc. does its best to ensure that information in this calendar is up to date. However, we still encourage our readers to call ahead for detailed information before attending these local events.