Oct. 5-25 Dark Art, Fort Myers
son Jake Owen. These seasoned songwriters along with fr esh 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 energy-pumping introductions and the anxiously awaited first pitch. bbmannpah.com
CREATIVE BUT CREEPY
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 f emale 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 Be ars 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
Giancarlo Esposito, known for his role in the TV show Breaking Bad, at the 2017 Naples International Film Festival. This year’s event is Oct. 25-28. screening and party take place at the Artis-Naples cultural campus. Check the website for movies and screening times. artisnaples.org
CRACK ’EM UP Oct. 26-28 Stone Crab Festival, Naples
Florida foodies welcome the October start of the stone crab season with big appetites. And there’s no better place to celebrate the crustacean than at the Stone Crab Festival held on the Old Naples waterfront. On Friday plan on attending the kick-off party and cracking of the stone crab at Tin City, a colorful maritime mix of shops and eateries. On Saturday and Sunday, Tin City hosts a block party with live music, stone crab specials and drinks galore. You can also visit neighboring Bayfront, a dining-and-shopping complex with 20-plus eateries featuring stone crab, craft vendors and live entertainment. stonecrabfestival.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.