Where to Go & What to Do
Sanibel Community Association Open House
(tentatively Feb. 12) Sanibel Community Association hosts an open house to celebrate the newly restored building, complete with entertainment, activities and fun. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 239472-2155, sanibelcommunityhouse.net
Sweetheart Express
(Feb. 10-14, 6:30pm) A strolling violinist completes a romantic evening aboard the Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-275-8487, semgulf.com
Sanibel Shell Crafters
(Mondays, 10am) Mondays all year from 10am-3pm to watch this day of crafting, or attend a class that begins promptly. Lessons are free but you pay for supplies. Space is limited even in the off season. Adults are encouraged, children must be accompanied by an adult if they will be crafting. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 239472-2155, sanibelcommunityhouse.net
Open Mic Night at The French Press
(Wednesdays, 6:30pm) Grab your instrument, warm up your voice, gather your friends on Wednesdays from 6:30- 9:30pm for Open Mic Night. The French Press, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, No. 101, Cape Coral. 239-542-0212, thefrenchpressfl.com
Improv Cafe
(Jan. 7 and Feb. 4, 4pm) First Saturdays youth groups perform short- and long-form improv that includes suggestions by the audience. Be involved, whether setting a scene with suggestions or as a player. Moe Auditorium, Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 239-495-8989, artcenterbonita.org
Cape Coral Festival of the Arts
(Jan. 14 and 15, 10am-5pm) Hosted by the Rotary Club of Cape Coral, more than 300 artists present paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography and more. Food vendors, a rock-climbing wall and other kid activities. Cape Coral Parkway between Vincennes and Del Prado, Cape Coral. 239-699-7942, capecoralfestival.com
Family Movie Night: Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Road Chip
(Jan. 20, 6:30pm) Through a series of misunderstandings, Alvin, Simon and Theodore come to believe that Dave is going to propose to his new girlfriend in Miami … and dump them. Starts at dusk, suggested $5 family donation. Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-9392787, artinlee.org
The 26th annual Tour De Cape
(Jan. 21-22, 8am.), Four cycling courses, a 5K run and a “mini-tour” that the whole family can enjoy. Still time to register, participants can pick up packets, maps and T-shirts on Jan. 20, between 5-8pm, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral. 239-573-3128, tourdecape.net
Muscle Car City’s Monthly Car and Bike Show
(Jan. 21 and Feb. 18, 9am) Third Saturdays from 9am-1pm. Tom’s Traveling Tunes, trivia and door prizes. Trophies, free to registrants and spectators. Serving breakfast and lunch from 8am-4pm. Muscle Car City, 3811 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. 941-5755959, musclecarcity.net
The Sanibel Community Association Fine Art and Craft Festival
(Jan. 21-22, 9am4pm) Artists, gourmet food booths and live entertainment. Proceeds benefit the SCA and the Sanibel Community House, which was Sanibel Island’s first nonprofit organization and is recognized as “The Gathering Place” on the island. 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 239-472-2155, sanibelcommunityhouse.net
Cape Bike Night
(Feb. 11, 5pm) Motorcycle enthusiasts gather for great food and the best in live music. Slow Bike Race to win a $100 Harley-Davidson gift card. Registration is at 5:30pm, the race at 7:30pm. 239-573-3128, ccbikenight.com
Family Movie Night: Ice Age, Collision Course
(Feb. 17, 7pm) Manny the mammoth starts to worry when his daughter, Peaches, announces her engagement. Still unlucky in love, Sid the sloth volunteers to plan the couple’s wedding. Starts at dusk, suggested $5 family donation. Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-939-2787, artinlee.org
Annual Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club Arts & Crafts Show
(Feb. 18, 10am-5pm; Feb. 19, 9am-4pm) A hundred juried artists and craftsmen, food and intriguing displays from the community and from the many charity projects supported by the Rotary Club. Proceeds meet community needs, fund local scholarships and are used for human service needs. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 239472-2155, sanibelcommunityhouse.net
Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Movie in the Park
(Feb. 18, 7:30pm) On a giant inflatable screen, starts at dusk. Jim Jeffers Park, 2817 SW 3rd Lane, Cape Coral. 239-573-3128, capeparks.com
Bluegrass in the Theatre
(Jan. 8, 2pm) Three hours of great live music by bands from Southwest Florida and beyond. Presented in partnership with palmgrass. org, the Acoustic Music Society of SWFL. Doors open at 1pm. Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-939-2787, artinlee.org
Screaming Orphans, presented by the Rotary Club of Fort Myers
(Jan. 14, 6pm) A Celtic band combining original
melodic old-school pop songs with a modern twist on traditional Irish music. Joan, Angela, Gràinne and Marie Thérèse Diver are sisters, Irish-born and incredible musicians. Includes Pop the Cork Wine Game and a 50/50 drawing. Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-939-2787, artinlee.org
Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis Rockin’ Birthday Bash
(Jan. 19, 7:30pm) Full production tribute that shares, through highlights of Presley’s iconic career, the incredible story of the shy and humble country boy who became the “king of rock ’n’ roll.” Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Fort Myers Music Walk
(Jan. 20 and Feb. 17, 7pm) Third Fridays, more than a dozen participating venues feature music by local and regional talent. 855732-3836, fortmyersmusicwalk.com
Pink Martini at Barbara B. Mann
(Jan. 20, 8pm) Drawing inspiration from music from classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop, and hoping to appeal to conservatives and liberals alike, Thomas Lauderdale founded the “little orchestra” Pink Martini in 1994. It provides “more beautiful and inclusive musical soundtracks” for political fundraisers aiding causes such as civil rights, affordable housing, the environment, libraries, public broadcasting, education and parks. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Masterworks 2: Cellobration, with Zuill Bailey
(Jan. 21, 8pm) Zuill Bailey, considered one of the premier cellists, is a distinguished soloist, recitalist, artistic director and teacher. Bailey will perform Edward Elgar’s “Cello Concerto,” accompanied by the Southwest Florida