SPECIAL EVENTS
Cape Coral Veterans Day Parade (Nov. 11, 11am) Join the community as it pays tribute to veterans who have lost their lives and to active-duty members who are proudly serving. A cooperative effort of the Parks and Recreation Department and local supporters, the parade runs eastbound from 8th Court to 15th Avenue on SE 47th Terrace. 239-246-1157, capecoral.net
36th Annual CROW Taste of the
Islands (Nov. 12, 12pm) Sample a wide variety of local fare from more than 20 participating island restaurants, enjoy live music and other entertainment. The event supports the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2155, sanibelcommunityhouse.net
The 31st Annual American Sand
Sculpting Championship (Nov. 17-26) One of Fort Myers Beach’s most popular events, offering live music, amateur competitions, demonstrations and lessons. The kids’ zone is where young artists can practice building sand sculptures and take part in numerous activities. Wyndham Garden Hotel, 6890 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, 239-4547500, fmbsandsculpting.com
11th Annual Festival of Trees (Nov. 28-Dec. 3) Beautiful trees decorated by businesses, individuals and organizations to benefit Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. Enjoy preview party/wine tasting 6-9pm Tuesday, compete in the Ugly Sweater Contest 6:30-8:30pm Wednesday, or Paint With a Purpose on Thursday 6:30-
8:30pm. River District Art Walk/Holiday Stroll is Friday night, capped off by a concert by the Nowhere Band. Saturday features Children’s Holiday Workshop at Santa’s Block Party 10am-2pm. Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First Street, Fort Myers. 855-732-3836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting (Dec. 1, 6pm) Holiday lights of downtown Fort Myers and the River District come alive! Tree and street lightings, live musical performances and a horse and carriage kick off the holiday season. 855-7323836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Gulf Coast Symphony Holiday Pops:
The Nutcracker (Dec. 2, 2 and 7pm) The Company of Gulfshore Ballet performs with full symphony orchestra, conducted by Andrew M. Kurtz, and former Miami City Ballet principal dancers Mary Carmen Catoya and Renato Penteado. Two-act ballet was composed by Tchaikovsky and is based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-4814849, bbmannpah.com
29th Annual Fort Myers Beach
Christmas Boat Parade (Dec. 2, 6pm) More than 30 boats will parade past Bootleggers Waterfront Barbeque, Parrot Key Caribbean Grill, Matanzas on the Bay, Nervous Nellies, Doc Ford’s and Bonita Bills. Kick back and enjoy the fun! 239454-7500, chamber.fortmyersbeach.org
Holiday Pops: Jim Martinez’s The Music
From a Charlie Brown Christmas (Dec. 12, 7:30pm) Features Steinway artist Jim Martinez and his jazz quartet, along with the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida under the direction of Dr. Trent Brown. The Village Church at Shell Point, 15100 Shell Point Blvd., Fort Myers. 239418-0996, swflso.org Holiday Pops: Jim Martinez’s The Music from a Charlie Brown Christmas (Dec. 14, 7:30pm). Features Steinway artist Jim Martinez and his jazz quartet, along with the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida under the direction of Dr. Trent Brown. St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 28290 Beaumont Road,
Bonita Springs. 239-418-0996, swflso.org
Holiday Pops: Jim Martinez’s The Music
from a Charlie Brown Christmas (Dec. 15, 7:30pm) Features Steinway artist Jim Martinez and his jazz quartet, along with the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida under the direction of Dr. Trent Brown. BIG ARTS, Schein Hall, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. 239-418-0996, swflso.org
Holiday Boat-A-Long (Dec. 16, 4pm) A Cape Coral tradition that celebrates the season in Southwest Florida style! See dozens of boats lit up in holiday fashion as they make their way across Bimini Basin at Four Freedoms Park. Also features Santa, performances by local students, food, drinks and crafts for kids. Afterward, there’ll be a free showing of
How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Court, Cape Coral. 239-573-3128, capeparks.com
Holiday Pops: Jim Martinez’s The Music
from a Charlie Brown Christmas (Dec. 16, 7:30pm) Features Steinway artist Jim Martinez and his jazz quartet, along with the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida under the direction of Dr. Trent Brown. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Deck the Halls (Dec. 17, 7pm) The evening starts with strolling carolers in the lobby, then the performance includes holiday favorites, Irish dancing, lighting of the Menorah—and a visit from Santa! Featuring Kellyn Irish Dancers, Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers conducted by Jeffrey Faux, and Gulf Coast Symphony conducted by Andrew M. Kurtz. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Ethan Bortnick Holiday Concert at
Barbara B. Mann (Dec. 20, 7pm) Ethan Bortnick, 16, has performed around the world for many years and raised more
than $50 million for charity. Celebrate the holidays and support public media in Southwest Florida. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Barbara B.
Mann (Dec. 22, 8pm; Dec. 23, 2 and 8pm) Cirque Dreams lights up the 2017 season with its 10th Anniversary National Tour created by Cirque Dreams founder and Broadway director Neil Goldberg. This critically-acclaimed holiday stage extravaganza is a cirque spectacle, Broadway musical and family show all in one! Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian
Nutcracker (Dec. 28, 3 and 7pm) Direct from Russia! Enchant the whole family with magical props, a 60-foot growing Christmas tree and spectacular costumes and sets. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
New Year’s Eve at Times Square (Dec. 31, 12pm) Join the fun as Fort Myers Beach celebrates its birthday! Festivities kick off at noon, with live music all day and free cupcakes until 3:30pm. Stick around for the ball drop at midnight, followed by fireworks off the pier. Ring in 2018 in style! Fort Myers Beach, 239454-7500, fortmyersbeach.org
New Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown
(Dec. 31, 8pm) Take the family to the Junior Ball Drop at 9pm at First and Hendry streets; great giveaways for kids. Live bands throughout the night include Electric Mudd, Ever Rock, Razing Cape and the featured U2 Tribute Band. Vendors, food and family fun continue all evening, ending with fireworks over the river and the Ball Drop at midnight! 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.