CALENDAR
Where to Go & What to Do
Sanibel Independence Day Celebration (July 4, 9:30am) Enjoy a hometown parade on Periwinkle Way starting at 9:30am, followed by community picnics with free food and beverages at Bailey’s and Jerry’s shopping centers. Then join islanders for the noontime Optimist Club Road Rally, a scavenger hunt at Timbers on Tarpon Bay Road. Fireworks over the Sanibel Causeway. 239-472-1080, sanibel-captiva.org
Red, White and Boom (July 4, 5pm) Celebrate Independence Day in style at Red, White and Boom! Cape Coral Parkway Bridge, live music, craft booths and a variety of tasty foods, rock climb, 300-foot zip line and obstacle course, face painting and balloon art. Finish the day with a massive fireworks display over the bridge. 239-573-3128, capeboom.com
Naples July 4th Parade and Fireworks (July 4, 10am) Parade begins on Broad Avenue South at 10am. A wide variety of colorful floats and costumed performers make up this traveling party winding its way to the finish at 8th Avenue South. Fireworks display at Naples Pier. Lowdermilk Park to south of the pier is good viewing. Simulcast music on WAVV 101.1 FM. Sightseeing boats offer cruises to watch fireworks from the Gulf. Naples Pier, Naples, 239-213-7120, naplesgov.com
Fort Myers Beach Independence Day Parade and Fireworks Display (July 4, 10am) Festivities kick off with a 10am parade on Estero Boulevard. The big show begins 15 minutes after sunset from the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. Restaurants, lounges and others local businesses also join the festivities with music and activities in the Times Square area and along the beach. Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach. 239-454-7500
4th Fest at Laishley Park, Punta Gorda (July 4, 11am) Live music, great food, rides for the kids and one of the best fireworks displays around. Laishley Park, 100 Nesbit St., Punta Gorda. 941-6375953, puntagordafireworks.com
Fort Myers River District Freedom Fest (July 4, 12pm) The annual July 4 celebration in the River District, this fest offers great activities for the family. From children’s games to live music and performers throughout, the event culminates with fireworks over the river after sunset. 855-732-3836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Fishermen’s Village Annual July 4th Celebration (July 4, 12pm) Includes
children’s games and craft activities, concerts, food and vendor booths. Allday live music features Jim Morris from 12-3pm, with “trop-rock” vibes; Jimi Pappas from 3-6pm, with tropical and variety music; and Paul Roush from 6-9pm, with blues, rock and tropical sounds. The day’s festivities end with a fireworks display over the harbor at 9pm. Fishermen’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. 941-639-8721, fishville.com
Adventures in Paradise Fourth of July Cruise (July 4, 7:30pm) Cruise the tranquil waters of San Carlos Bay to watch the sunset and then catch a great view of the Sanibel fireworks. Complimentary soft drinks, bottled water and snacks will be provided. Reservations required. Adventures in Paradise, 14341 Port Comfort Road, Fort Myers. 239-472-8443, adventureinparadiseinc.com
ABWA Sanibel-Captiva (July 12, 5:30pm) The Sanibel-Captiva Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association invites all members and guests to the monthly meeting. Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel. abwasanibelcaptiva.org
Kids Free Fridays at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center (Fridays, July 1-Aug. 5, 10am) Admission is free on Fridays for children ages 12 and younger accompanied by a paying adult. No more than three kids per adult to ensure a safe and pleasurable experience. Scheduled activities include story time, feature film, crafts and activities, face
painting and a touch tank. The Sizzle Truck will be onsite from 11am-2pm serving sandwiches, salads and snacks. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 300 Tower Road, Naples. 239-530-5940, rookerybay.org
Paint Escape (Open painting: Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10am-6pm; Ladies Night: Friday, 6-9pm) Ceramic painting is a fun activity for both children and adults. Friday night offers ladies a relaxing atmosphere with music, wine and cheese. 808 SE 47th St., Cape Coral. 239945-2006, paintescapeonline.net
The Painted Conch (Mondays-Thursdays and Saturdays, 6:30pm; Fridays, 7pm; Sundays, 12pm) Complete an original work of art while enjoying friends, music and favorite beverages. All materials provided and an on-site artist assists. 1242 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. 239-673-6660, thepaintedconch.com
MangoMania 2016 (July 16-17, 10am) A celebration of Pine Island’s mangos and other tropical fruits, and food and recipe contests, creative mango games and contests for kids of all ages, along with music, great food and drinks. Sample mango and tropical fruit specialty food and beverages, and take advantage of the free mango tasting table. Sponsored by the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce. German American Social Club, 2101 Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. 239-283-0888, mangomaniafl.net
Sunset Music Cruise (July 22, 7:15pm) Pure Florida offers a chance to cruise the Caloosahatchee and listen to the music of Jon Dunnicliff while watching a beautiful sunset. Departs from the Marina at Edison Ford, 2360 W. First St., Fort Myers. 239-919-2965, purefl.com
PBR Pro Touring Division (July 2930, 8pm) Germain Arena hosts the Professional Bull Riders Pro Touring Division. Top riders in the country test
their skill and risk their bones against 2,000 pounds of raging bull for an endless eight seconds. 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 239-948-7825, germainarena.com
Open Mic Night at The French
Press (Wednesdays, 6:30 pm) Every Wednesday, The French Press invites local performers to step up and be heard, in a relaxed and friendly environment. Afterward, hang out, have a specialty coffee, pastry or gelato, and enjoy the talents of other artists. 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral. 239542-0212, thefrenchpressfl.com
Fort Myers Music Walk (July 15 and Aug. 19, 6pm) The River District comes alive with music on the third Friday of each month. More than a dozen participating venues feature live music by local and regional talent. 855-732-3836, fortmyersmusicwalk.com
Summer Jazz on the Gulf: Vodkanauts
(July 16, 6:30pm) The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club presents the 31st annual Summer Jazz on the Gulf concert series, featuring music by the Vodkanauts on July 16. This fun, free concert series combines an appealing and diverse selection of jazz entertainment with picturesque views of the Gulf, gorgeous sunsets, refreshing breezes and a relaxing atmosphere. The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club, 851 Gulf Shore Blvd., North, Naples. 844-7352022, naplesbeachhotel.com
Summer Jazz on the Gulf: Betty Fox
(Aug. 20, 6:30pm) The 31st annual Summer Jazz on the Gulf concert series features music by Betty Fox on Aug. 20. Fun and free, the concert series combines an appealing and diverse selection of jazz entertainment with picturesque views of the Gulf, gorgeous sunsets, refreshing breezes and a relaxing atmosphere. The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club, 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. North, Naples. 844-735-2022, naplesbeachhotel.com
Last of the Red Hot Lovers (July 1-30, Wednesdays-Sundays, evening and matinee shows available) Story of Barney Cashman, a middle-aged restaurateur who married his high school sweetheart. Barney yearns for an extramarital affair in his faithful marriage before his life is over. Realizing his mother’s apartment is vacant all afternoon, he uses it to make attempts at seducing women—only to learn that he just can’t succeed in sinning. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-278-4422, broadwaypalm.com
Menopause the Musical (July 1 and 2, evening and matinee shows available) Four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common except a black lace bra … AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more. The Hilarious Celebration of
Women and The Change! ® is set to classic tunes from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s that will have you laughing and dancing in the aisles. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-2784422, broadwaypalm.com
The Wizard of Oz (July 7-Aug. 13, evening and matinee shows available) Follow the yellow brick road as one of America’s most beloved movies, The
Wizard of Oz, comes to life on stage with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and Toto, too. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-278-4422, broadwaypalm.com
Art in Flight 10-Year Anniversary (July 8-July 30, 5pm) Opening reception: July 8, 5-7pm at Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-939-2787, artinlee.org
Habitats: Alliance Members Exhibit
(Aug. 5-Sept. 3, 5pm) Opening reception:
Aug. 5, 5-7pm at Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-939-2787, artinlee.org
Mound Key Kayak Tour (Daily, 9:30am) Join a 4-mile, round-trip kayaking excursion across Estero Bay to the 125acre island of Mound Key. Once home to Calusa Indians, the island is now preserved and managed by Koreshan State Historic Site staff. Guided hikes include a 32-foot climb to the summit, the highest point in Lee County. Estero Bay is rich with wildlife and wading birds, including manatee, bottlenose dolphin, stingray, roseate spoonbill, cormorant, anhinga and much more. Tour guides are certified instructors with the American Canoe Association. Reservations required, equipment included. College of Life Foundation, 10600 Chevrolet Way, #302, Estero. 239992-2184, collegeoflifefoundation.org
Estero River Kayak Tour (Daily, 2pm) Estero River runs east to west into Estero Bay and is a designated Florida Paddling Trail. Home to an occasional alligator, you are more likely to see an abundance of birds feeding and nesting in the lush vegetation along the shoreline. This is a great paddle for a beginner, as there is no boat traffic running east from the launch site. For the adventurous, the paddle can include a visit to Koreshan State Historic Site or Mound Key. Reservations required, equipment included. Guides are American Canoe Association certified kayaking instructors. College of Life Foundation, 10600 Chevrolet Way, #302, Estero. 239992-2184, collegeoflifefoundation.org
Fort Myers Art Walk (July 1 and Aug. 5, 6pm) On the First Friday of each month from 6-10 pm, at least 10 art galleries invite locals and visitors to a self-guided walking
tour throughout the downtown Fort Myers River District core and the Gardner’s Park area. Art enthusiasts can “Meet the Artists” at most galleries; live art demonstrations throughout the River District. 239-337-5050, fortmyersartwalk.com
Adventures in Paradise Sunset
Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise (Daily, call for departure time) Experience wild dolphins and Florida’s largest populations of wading birds. Manatees frequent these waters, as well as seasonal birds such as the white pelican and bald eagle. Narrated by a knowledgeable captain and first mate. Soft drinks, bottled water and snacks provided. Reservations required. Adventures in Paradise, 14341 Port Comfort Road, Fort Myers. 239-472-8443, adventureinparadiseinc.com
Early Bird Eco-Tour (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 7:30am) Witness Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve come to life: Learn about the coastal and wetland birds and sea creatures that make the estuary their home. Experienced and knowledgeable guides are American Canoe Association Certified kayak and stand up paddleboard instructors, and Florida master naturalists. They are well versed on Florida’s ecology and natural history, and skilled at spotting local wildlife. 4120 Pine Island Road, Matlacha. 239283-1125, gulfcoastkayak.com
Adventures in Paradise Shelling and
Lunch Cruise (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 8:30am) Climb aboard a powered catamaran for a Southwest Florida cruise that features dolphins at play and shell collecting. Take along a picnic lunch or dine at Barnacle’s restaurant on North Captiva. Also take along a swimsuit, beach shoes and shelling bag. Beach chairs, umbrellas, soft drinks and water are provided. Reservations required. Adventures in Paradise, 14341 Port Comfort Road, Fort Myers. 239-472-8443, adventureinparadiseinc.com
GreenMarket (Saturdays, 9am) On Lee County Alliance for the Arts’ 9-acre
campus, vendors present locally grown, caught and cultivated foods—along with other products for sampling and purchase. Live musical entertainment, activities for kids, gardening classes and cooking demos by local chefs round out the fun. Barter is encouraged: If you have fruit from backyard trees, a good tomato crop from the kitchen garden, or berries gathered in an outing, trade them for market items you may need. 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239939-2787, artinlee.org
Bike Night (July 9, 6pm) Come to downtown Fort Myers on the second Saturday of every other month to see hundreds of motorcycles displayed along the downtown streets—while listening to live bands from 6-10pm. This event, sponsored by Budweiser, is free to the public. 855-732-3836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Pet Walk (July 22 and Aug. 26, 6pm) This pet-friendly gathering takes place on the fourth Friday of each month, beginning at Hendry Street. Pet owners are expected to have pets leashed and are responsible to pick up any pet “souvenirs.” Free; no registration required. Hendry Street, Fort Myers. 855-732-3836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Car Cruise-In (July 23 and Aug. 27, 4pm) From classic to cool, the streets of downtown Fort Myers are lined with the sight of show cars on the fourth Saturday of each month from 4-8pm. Music, food, drinks and more are available. This event, sponsored by Budweiser, is free to the public. 855-732-3836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.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.