CALENDAR
Where To Go & What To Do
Sanibel Shell Crafters
(Mondays 10am3pm) Year-round Mondays to watch crafting, or class that begins promptly. Free lessons, you pay for supplies. Limited space. Adults are encouraged, children must be accompanied if crafting. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 239-4722155, sanibelcommunityhouse.net
The Painted Conch
(Mondays-Thursdays and Saturdays, 6:30pm; Fridays,7pm; Sundays, 12pm) In one evening complete original artwork while enjoying friends, music and favorite beverages. Materials provided, available on-site artist. 1242 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. 239-6736660, thepaintedconch.com
Paint Escape
(Open painting: TuesdaysSaturdays, 10am-6pm; ladies’ night: Fridays, 6-9pm) Ceramic painting for children and adults, decorative items for the home or as a gift. Ladies’ night Fridays with music, wine and cheese. 808 SE 47th St., Cape Coral. 239-9452006, paintescapeonline.net
Open Mic Night at The French Press
(Wednesdays, 6:30pm) Open Mic Night Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30pm. The French Press, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, No. 101, Cape Coral. 239-542-0212, thefrenchpressfl.com
Improv Cafe
(July 8, 4pm) First Saturdays youth groups perform shortform and long-form improv that includes audience suggestions. Moe Auditorium, Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 239-4958989, artcenterbonita.org
SoCo Second Saturday
(July 8 and Aug. 12, 5pm) SoCo (South of Colonial Boulevard) is a family event with art gallery receptions, vendors, live music, artist demonstrations and talks, musical and theater performances, art exhibition receptions and wine tastings. Self-guided walking tour, parking at Alliance for the Arts campus and Royal Palm Square. Afterparty at Broadway Palm Dinner Theater at 10pm. 1400 Colonial Blvd., Suite 84, Fort Myers. 239-590-8645, socoswfl.com
A Night of Nutty Science at Cape Coral Yacht Club!
(July 12, 6pm) Join the Nutty Scientists to participate in six handson activities related to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Activities include two projects that children take home. Available snacks and drinks, parents or guardians must stay with children. Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Parkway, Cape Coral. 239-574-0806, capecoral.net
Muscle Car City’s Monthly Car and Bike Show
(July 15 and Aug. 19, 9am-1pm) Third Saturdays, Tom’s Traveling Tunes, trivia and door prizes. Trophies, free to registrants and spectators. Breakfast and lunch 8am-4pm. Muscle Car City, 3811 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. 941-5755959, musclecarcity.net
Happy Birthday, Henry Ford!
(July 30, 9am) Henry Ford and the Edison & Ford Winter Estates celebrate Ford’s 154th birthday with programs, presentations and cake. Check for further event details. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-334-741, edisonfordwinterestates.org
Southwest Performing Arts Center Presents: Grind, A Tribute to Alice in Chains
(July 8, 9pm) The tribute has headlined at Club La Vela Panama City Beach and at multiple House of Blues locations. Experience this band at SanJan Theater at Southwest Performing Arts Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs. 239-389-6901, swflpac.com
Steve Miller Band With Peter Frampton
(July 15, 7:30 pm.) Steve Miller Band with special guest Peter Frampton. Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 239-948-7825, germainarena.com
Fort Myers Music Walk
(July 21 and Aug. 18, 7pm) Third Fridays, a dozen participating venues feature music by local and regional talent. 855-732-3836, fortmyersmusicwalk.com
Mary Poppins
(July 1-Aug. 12, Wednesdays-Sundays, evening and matinee shows available) Everyone’s favorite nanny! Irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-278-4422, broadwaypalm.com
Right Bed, Wrong Husband
(July 1-29, Wednesdays-Sundays, evening and matinee shows available) To increase his allowance, young bachelor Ted writes his tight-fisted uncle to tell him he has married. When the uncle unexpectedly visits and mistakes Ted’s best friend’s wife as Ted’s wife, things get a bit complicated. Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers., 239-278-4422, broadwaypalm.com
PAW Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue
(July 18 and 19, 6 pm; July 19, 2pm) It’s the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race between Adventure Bay’s Mayor Goodway and Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger, but Goodway’s nowhere to be found. PAW Patrol to the rescue! Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-4814849, bbmannpah.com
Adventures in Paradise Shelling & Lunch Cruise
(Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 8:30am) A powered catamaran cruise to Sanibel and Captiva—dolphins and shells! Take a picnic lunch or dine at Barnacle’s restaurant. Bring a swimsuit, beach shoes and shelling bag. Complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, soft drinks and water. Reservations. Adventures in Paradise, 14341 Port Comfort Road, Fort Myers. 239-472-8443, adventureinparadiseinc.com
Caloosahatchee River Cruise
(Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 11:30am and 2pm) Captains Lance and Harry Julian draw on five generations of maritime business and 40 years of maritime tourism. A 90-minute tour, dolphins, mangrove forests, bald eagles, bird rookeries and manatees. Also learn about the Caloosahatchee River, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford—all from the deck of the M/V Edison Explorer. 2360 W. 1st St., Fort Myers. 239-919-2965, purefortmyers.com
Fort Myers Sunset Cruise
(Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, July 1-Aug. 2, 7:15pm; Aug. 4-19, 6:45pm) Relaxing river cruising, a different hue with the glow of the sunset, wildlife coming home to roost and nature beginning its ritual of settling down for the night. All from the deck of the M/V Edison Explorer. 2360 W. 1st Street, Fort Myers. 239-919-2965, purefortmyers.com
Adventures in Paradise Sunset Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise
(Daily, 7:15pm) Wild dolphins in a magical setting and one of Florida’s largest populations of wading birds, manatees and seasonal birds such as the white pelican and bald eagle. Narrated by a knowledgeable captain and first mate. Complimentary soft drinks, bottled water and snacks. Reservations. Adventures in Paradise, 14341 Port Comfort Road, Fort Myers. 239-472-8443, adventureinparadiseinc.com
Fort Myers Art Walk
(July 7 and Aug. 4, 6pm; July 8 and Aug. 5, 11am) First Fridays, 10 art galleries, self-guided walking tour of the River District core and Gardner’s Park. 239-337-5050, fortmyersartwalk.com
Bike Night
(July 8, 6pm) Second Saturdays, hundreds of motorcycles along Fort Myers’ downtown streets; live bands, 6-10pm. Free; many venues featuring specials. 855-732-3836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Mystery Walk
(July 14 and Aug. 11, 6pm) Second Fridays, a new theme for each event. Check in at Iberia Bank, 2247 First St., Fort Myers, beginning at 6pm, have until 10pm to complete all clues for cash prizes. 855-732-3836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Car Cruise-In Fort Myers
(July 22 and Aug. 26, 4pm) From classic to cool, Fort Myers’ downtown streets lined with show cars, fourth Saturdays, 4-8pm. Music, food, drinks and more. Free; many venues featuring additional specials. 855-7323836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Bat Kayak Tour
(July 27 and Aug. 24, 6pm) Tour departs from North Fort Myers with GAEA Guides-Guided Kayak Nature Tours; meeting location given upon registration. Visit a lovely creek in the wilderness of North Fort Myers, part of our estuary system, with many plants and animals. Rotary Park Environmental Center, 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral. 239-549-4606, capecoral.net
Pet Walk
(July 28 and Aug. 25, 6pm) Fourth Fridays at Hendry Street median. Pets leashed; owners must pick up “souvenirs.” Free, no registration. 855-7323836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Independence Day Celebration on Sanibel
(July 4, 7am) Free pancake breakfast at Sanibel Community Church, 1740 Periwinkle Way, 7-9am; hometown parade along Periwinkle at 9:30am. Then enjoy community picnics at Bailey’s and Jerry’s; free food and beverages. The Optimist Club’s 37th annual 4th of July Road Rally, a scavenger-type hunt, starts in Timbers parking lot at noon. Fireworks over Sanibel Causeway, 9pm. 239-472-1080, sanibel-captiva.org
Fourth of July Cruise
(July 4, 7:30pm) Sanibel puts on an awe-inspiring July 4th fireworks display, so join us as we cruise San Carlos Bay, pass by “Bird Island,” watch the sunset and then catch a great view of the fireworks. Complimentary soft drinks, bottled water and snacks. Adventures in Paradise, 14341 Port Comfort Road, Fort Myers. 239-472-8443, adventureinparadiseinc.com
Cape Coral Freedom 5K Run
(July 4, 7:30am) The 4th of July fun starts at 7:30am with the Freedom 5K run, starting at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge. Post-race party refreshments and music. Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, 2051 Cape Coral Parkway East (lower bridge), Cape Coral. freedom5kcc.com, freedom5kcc.com
Red White & Boom
(July 4, 5pm) Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department hosts the largest single-day event in Southwest Florida. Begins at 5pm, Cape Coral Bridge. Live music, food from local establishments, in preparation for the big event: The Storm Smart American Fireworks Spectacular begins at 9:30pm, synchronized to a selection of patriotic music broadcast on Cat Country 107.1. 239-573-3128, capeboom.com
Save the Date
“Laughter Is the Best Medicine Comedy Night” is July 22 at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers. Comedians Michael Palascak and Pat McGann perform, as do Lee County Commissioner Frank Mann and Will Prather, owner of the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. Proceeds will benefit SalusCare, the region’s largest provider of behavioral healthcare for adults and children. Details are at saluscarecomedynight.org.
Fort Myers Beach Independence Day Parade & Fireworks Display
(July 4, 9:30am) Festivities kick off at 9:30am with the parade on Estero Boulevard, between School Street and the Times Square area. When sunset approaches, take your spot near the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier to experience a spectacular fireworks shows. 239-454-7500., fortmyersbeach.org
Fort Myers River District Freedom Fest
(July 4, 4pm) First time in downtown Fort Myers, Patriotic Auto Show on July 4. From tricked-out rides to daily drivers, adorn your vehicle in red, white and blue flair for the motor show or swing by for an afternoon and evening of freedom, family fun and fireworks in Fort Myers’ historic downtown River District. 1-855-732-3836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
PBR Pro Touring Division
(July 28-29, 8pm) Country’s best professional bull riders (and toughest hombres) come to Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 239-948-7825, germainarena.com
Save the Date
Sanibel Captiva Chapter of Solutions to Avoid Red Tide (START) holds its first Waterman's Ball Oct. 27 at the Sanibel Community House. Proceeds benefit START’s mission to preserve marine environments. Tickets are $100 per person, admission is by reservation and limited to the first 250 attendees. 239472-8585 or email sancap@start1.org.
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 event information before attending these local events.