Where to Go & What to Do
SAY OM … Ongoing Yoga, Sanibel Island
Grab your yoga mat. It’s time to discover the stretches, postures and breathing techniques that can change your life— or at least make you feel better about yourself. With regular practice, yoga can reunite the body and mind and help participants find peace, strength, energy rejuvenation and more. Weekly classes with Dr. Susan Pataky are held at the Sanibel Community House. All levels, from beginner to experienced, are welcome. sanibelcommunityhouse.net
GROW YOUR OWN FOOD Sept. 8 Garden Talk, Fort Myers
Edible gardening is the topic for September’s Garden Talk at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. If you ever thought of growing herbs, vegetables or fruit in your yard, or perhaps in patio containers if you’re an apartment dweller, this class can show you how. Learn which plants are best for your type of garden and have some fun discovering that you really do have a green thumb. edisonfordwinterestates.org
AN ENCHANTED EVENING Sept. 21-23 Disney on Ice, Estero
The magic never ends. This time Disney sprinkles pixie dust over the Germain Arena in the form of a dazzling iceskating show filled with high-flying acrobats. Take the family to see Mickey’s Search Party and follow Captain Hook’s treasure map into fantasy worlds where Tinker Bell hides. Along the way the audience is treated to appearances by Disney princesses, including Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Elsa from Frozen, and Moana from the eponymous film. disneyonice.com
SONGS WORTH SINGING Sept. 21-30 Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, Captiva & Fort Myers
You’ve been listening and singing along to country songs for years, but do you know who wrote them? Discover the talented Earl Bud Lee, the force behind Garth Brooks’ megahit “Friends in Low Places” and Dylan Altman, who wrote “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” for Florida’s native
son Jake Owen. These seasoned songwriters along with fresh new talent take to the stage during the fifth annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. More than 100 live performances are scheduled, and 70 songwriters are expected. The event kicks off on Captiva Island (Sept. 21-23), then moves to historic downtown Fort Myers (Sept. 2427), and wraps up on Fort Myers Beach (Sept. 28-30). islandhopperfest.com LOVING THE BLUES
Sept. 22 Albert Castiglia Band, Bonita Spring
This New York-born, Florida-based blues guitarist, singer and bandleader brings his show to the Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs. Known for a powerful electrified sound, the Albert Castiglia Band combines hardcore blues with soul, rock and country flavors for a sound that appeals to both rockers and blues purists. Music lovers looking for something different will surely enjoy Castiglia’s music. artcenterbonita.org HIGH KICKIN’ MUSICAL Oct. 4-Nov. 17 42nd Street, Fort Myers Debuting on Broadway in 1980, the musical 42nd Street had a revival in 2001 and is still going strong. The cast at Fort Myers’ Broadway Palm dinner theater presents the award-winning show, along with all its catchy tunes such as “We’re in the Money” and “I Only Have Eyes for You.” When small-town girl Peggy Sawyer arrives in New York City and scores a part as a chorus girl in a Broadway production, her career and love life take a wild turn with the role of leading lady looming in her future. broadwaypalm.com
BASEBALL MEETS BROADWAY
Oct. 5 An Evening with Pete Rose Live!, Fort Myers One of Major League Baseball’s iconic stars, Pete Rose makes his theater debut at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. An Evening with Pete Rose Live! captures the golden years of America’s pastime as the former baseball player and manager shares stories from his illustrious sports career in a surprisingly Broadway style. Storytelling is enhanced with hi-tech multimedia visuals as “Charlie Hustle” (Rose’s nickname) takes you inside the game of baseball, with all the trappings of a World Series game including the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner, the energypumping introductions and the anxiously awaited first pitch. bbmannpah.com
CREATIVE BUT CREEPY Oct. 5-25 Dark Art, Fort Myers
A prelude to Halloween, the “Syzygy Dark Art” exhibition, an array of the ghoulish and macabre, sends spine-chilling vibes through the Sydney & Berne Davis Art Center. On display are paintings, sculptures, photography and mixed media projects by Southwest Florida artists that explore the darker side of life. The opening reception takes place Oct. 5 during downtown Fort Myers monthly Art Walk. Body painting and burlesque performances add to the evening’s fun—and dressing in costume is encouraged. sbdac.com
PUMPKINS & SCARECROWS Oct. 12-30 Lakes Regional Park Fall Festival, Fort Myers
Celebrate the season with traditional autumn fanfare. Lakes Regional Park turns into a pumpkin patch, where you can find the perfect pumpkin to take home and carve into a jack-o’-lantern. Thanks to a scarecrow competition, the grounds are dotted with spooky creations in all sizes and artistic styles. Youngsters can ride the Halloween Express, a train decorated for the holiday, and the whole family can enjoy a hayride at the Fort Myers park. leegov.com
SHOWTIME AT THE CASINO Oct. 13 Wynonna & the Big Noise Band, Immokalee
Between trips to the slot machines, you can catch a live concert at the Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee. October’s lineup includes Wynonna & the Big Noise Band. The female vocalist started her career with her mother, forming the country duo The Judds. Since her debut 34 years ago, Wynonna and her music style have evolved to encompass country, Americana, blues, soul and rock. See her perform with her husband, drummer Cactus Moser. seminoleimmokaleecasino.com
BUY ME A BOAT Oct. 13-14 Naples Boat Show Downtown
Head to the Naples City Dock to view one of the biggest displays of boats. Whether you’re a seasoned captain looking to upgrade or a wannabe sailor dreaming of your first powerboat, this show is an opportunity to jump aboard watercraft and talk with experts from the boating world. The vessels range in length from 9 feet to 65 feet, from entry-level family cruisers to million-dollar yachts and high-tech fishing vessels. Boating accessories, gear and gadgets are also on display. marinesource.com
HOCKEY IS BACK! Oct. 19-20, 24, 26-27 Florida Everblades Games, Estero
The Florida Everblades kick off their home games for the 2018-2019 hockey season on Oct. 19 and 20 against the Norfolk Admirals. You don’t have to be a diehard hockey fan to enjoy a rousing game of nonstop action played at super speeds in Estero’s Germain Arena. On Oct. 24, 26 and 27, the Orlando Solar Bears cut up the ice when they come to town and challenge the Everblades to some friendly statewide rivalry. floridaeverblades.com THE SILVER SCREEN
Oct. 25-28 Naples International Film Festival
Celebrate the art of film during the Naples International Film Festival, presented by the visual and performing arts center Artis-Naples. With more than 60 narrative, documentary and short films on the list, movie buffs can have their pick. Both domestic and international competition films are shown at the Silverspot Cinema. Plan to attend an after-party where you can meet the filmmakers, exchange ideas and connect with other movie enthusiasts. The opening night film