What's Happening
ART’S AMAZING POWERS May 2-June 1 Art by the disABLEd, Sanibel
The hidden, and often unexpected, talent of patients who may have physical limitations is evident in the artwork on display during the “Art by the disABLEd” exhibition at Big Arts. Participating in Lee Health System’s therapeutic program, these artists have transformed blank canvases into flowers and forests, still lifes and stingrays that inspire and lift your spirits. Meet them at the artist reception on May 4 or come browse the Phillips Gallery at your leisure. All pieces are for sale. bigarts.org
THE PLAYWRIGHT May 3-6 Fifth Annual PlayLab Festival, Fort Myers
America’s emerging playwrights show off their works during the Fifth Annual PlayLab Festival held at the Florida Rep in downtown Fort Myers. Whether drama, controversy or comedy is your choice, you’re sure to find some great works by new talent. Held in a creative laboratory setting, the weekend event includes workshops, discussions, readings and talkbacks. floridarep.org COWBOY BOOT TIME
May 5 Little Big Town, Estero
Topping the country music charts with songs like “Day Drinking” and “Better Man,” Little Big Town brings their Breakers Tour to the Germain Arena. Known for some of the smoothest harmonies, the four vocalists—two female and two male—have been writing, singing and turning out country hits since 1998. Touring with them are the sexy guys from Midland, an on-the-rise group known for “Drinkin’ Problem,” and Kacey Musgraves singing “Space Cowboy.” germainarena.com
REEL IN A SILVER KING May 10-11 7th Annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, Fort Myers Beach
Gather your fishing buddies and form a team to compete in the “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament. It’s a celebration of the first documented Silver King caught on a rod and reel in “Ding” Darling’s Tarpon Bay in 1885. Anglers depart from Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Fort Myers Beach location for this catchcare-and-release tourney that pays out 100 percent of the entry fee. The captain of the winning team gets to wear the coveted Tarpon Jacket, a pink sports jacket swimming with tarpon (think Masters green jacket). Non-anglers can party at Doc Ford’s before and after the competition. dingdarlingsociety.org A NIGHT AT THE THEATER May 11-20 The Cemetery Club, Cape Coral The Gunterberg Charitable Foundation’s Broadway Series wraps up its season at the Cultural Park Theater with a production of The Cemetery Club. In this comedy performed by the local Cultural Park Theater Company, three Jewish widows, who make monthly visits to their husbands’ graves, encounter the butcher Sam at his wife’s resting place. A budding romance between one of the widows and Sam leaves the other two women trying to squash the couple’s chance at love. culturalparktheater.com
CALLING ALL OPERA LOVERS
May 12 Tosca, Fort Myers Giacomo Puccini’s classic opera Tosca takes over the stage at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. Performed by the Gulf Coast Symphony, the love story of famed singer Tosca and her artist lover Cavaradossi is told through captivating arias and orchestral drama. It’s sung in Italian with English subtitles projected above the stage, so even an opera novice can fully indulge in this grand production. gulfcoastsymphony.org
CITRUS CELEBRATION MAY 12 Annual Key Lime Festival, Punta Gorda
Lovers of Key lime, this one’s for you! Punta Gorda throws a Gulf Coast party to celebrate the little green fruit. Get ready for a day of indulgence, music, dancing and family fun at Fishermen’s Village. The 6th Annual Key Lime Festival presents a plethora of tasty Key lime specialties: gelato, ice cream, fudge, dips, jellies, olive oil and, of course, the famous pie. You can also take home some Key lime-scented sea salts and soap. charlotteharbortravel.com
LOST SHAKERS OF SALT May 26-27 Tampa Bay Margarita Festival
How far would you drive for a killer margarita? Fans of the salt-rimmed cocktail whoop it up at the 6th Annual Tampa Bay Margarita Festival, which has been expanded to two days. Indulge in classic and top-shelf margaritas handcrafted by professional bartenders or sample extreme concoctions such as Red Bull Rita, Pineapple Sriracha Rita and Fireball Rita. The festival promises 50 variations. A huge stage welcomes the band Everclear, and the Grand Tequila Tasting, a separate ticket event, serves up your choice of 30 tequilas. tampamargaritafest.com
PARTY WITH THE SOAP STARS May 25-28 SWFL Soapfest Charity Weekend, Marco Island
There’s no shame in being a soap opera junkie. After all it’s one of the longest running genres in television history. So come out and mingle with the stars of General Hospital, The Young and the Restless, and Days of Our Lives. Organized by the Island Theater Company, the weekend includes Saturday’s A Night of Stars where you can get up close with the actors for autographs, photos, a Q and A, and a chance to be on their team for the Soapfest Game Night competition. Sunday’s Cruisin’, Boozin’ & Schmoozin’ on the Marco Island Princess takes you sightseeing with the celebrities. theateronmarco.com
INDULGE YOUR TASTE BUDS May 31-June 13 Sizzle SWFL Restaurant Week, Fort Myers area, Cape Coral and Naples
Get ready to expand your palate. This is your chance to discover a new restaurant or fabulous dish without breaking the bank. Some 50 restaurants, many locally owned, are offering three-course prix-fixe menus starting at just $25 or $35 during SWFL Restaurant Week. Begin your culinary adventure in Cape Coral at La Corte Bistro with farm-to-table-style dishes, then hop down to Fort Myers to sample lamb lollipops at Firestone Grill Room and the next weekend indulge in Persian cuisine at Naples’ Bha! Bha! restaurant. Visit the website for the complete list of participating restaurants. sizzleswfl.com