APRIL
JP Sears at Off the Hook
The comedian performs standup at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 13; 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 14; and 5, 7 and 9 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road,No. 1100. $30general admission, plus a fee.offthehookcomedy.comor 239-389-6901.
Eric Schwartz at Off the Hook
The comedian performs standup at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 16, at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road,No. 1100. $25general admission, plus a fee.offthehookcomedy.comor 239-389-6901.
Naples Concert Band
At 2 p.m. Sunday, April 16, at Cambier Park, 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples.Information: naplesconcertband.org.
Michael Palascak at Off the Hook
The comedian performs standup at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, and Wednesday, April 19, at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road,No. 1100. $25general admission, plus a fee.Information: offthehookcomedy.comor 239-389-6901.
MORENow You Know: United Church donates to youth arts; Caxambas temporarily closing
AND3 To Know: NBC-2 sell, Eagle cam adventures
ALSO
Presentations on pioneer families
The Southwest Florida Archaeological Society recently announced a presentation onLittle Marco, Henderson Creek and Rookery Bay Pioneer Families.The presentation will be held at 7 p.m., April 19, at the Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples. It is a free and public program. The lecture includes stories of the pioneer families that settled these three areas after the Civil War and the Southern Homestead Act of 1866. Many families moved south for 180 acres of free land through the Homestead Act as the United States tried to increase the population of Florida.
Freddy Rubino at Off the Hook
The comedian performs standup at 6:30 Thursday, April 20, at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road,No. 1100. $25general admission, plus a fee.offthehookcomedy.comor 239-389-6901.
Che Durena at Off the Hook
The comedian performs standup at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, and Saturday, April 22, at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road,No. 1100. $25general admission, plus a fee.offthehookcomedy.comor 239-389-6901.
‘Forest bathing’ for Earth Day
To celebrate Earth Day, a forest bathing walk will be offered from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Saturday, April 22 along the Snail Trail at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Forest bathing is a slow, guided sensory walk similar to a wellness experience held in nature. Participants use their curiosity and senses to connect with nature and themselves. Forest bathing has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, and to improve immune function. The guide for the April 22 walk was trained by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. The cost is $50 per person, with a 10 percent discount for Friends of Rookery Bay members and includes admission to the center. Space is limited. Registration is open to ages 16 and older at rookerybay.org or by calling 239-530-5972.
Annual Collier County ‘Passport Saturday’ slated
The Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court will be holding Passport Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday, April 22, at the Heritage Bay Government Services Center located at 15450 Collier Blvd, Naples. Passport Saturday is a one-day event held all throughout the state to accommodate residents who are planning to apply for a United States passport but are unable to do so on a regular workweek. Eligible individuals can submit their applications on a weekend without having to take time off during office hours. Learn more about the requirements and application processes by visiting CollierClerk.com/Passports prior to the day of the event.
Bonita Springs Concert Band
The Bonita Springs Concert Band will present its next concert at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 23, at Riverside Park. Performing with the band will be guest vocalist James Jones, who will sing “Moondance” by Van Morrison and “Don’t Worry ‘Bout a Thing’ by Stevie Wonder. Members are under the direction of Gary Smith who retired after 24 years as conductor of the University of Illinois Marching Illini Band and Symphonic Band. This is the ninth season that Smith has led the band. Smith says, “the talent of these musicians is tremendous, ranging in age from 16 to 0.” Become a “Friend of the Band.”Find out more at bonitaspringsconcertband.org.
MOREOne dead, eight injured in golf cart crash, troopers report
ANDMarco’s 33rd Annual Sunrise Service brings continuity, change and throngs
ALSOACT up: Arts Center Theatre announces 2023-2024 season
Anthony Mrocka at Off the Hook
The psychic medium appears at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 23, at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road,No. 1100. $25general admission, plus a fee.offthehookcomedy.comor 239-389-6901.
Dustin Sims at Off the Hook
The comedian performs standup at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, and Thursday, April 27, at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road,No. 1100. $25general admission, plus a fee.offthehookcomedy.comor 239-389-6901.
‘Rock of Ages’
TheatreZone concludes its 18thseason line-up withRock of AgesApril 27-May 7. The musical features the drama and comedy of tumultuous romances and classic 80s rock anthems from the famous glam metal bands of that decade including Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, and Poison. G&L Theatre, 13275 Livingston Road. $50-$85.Information: Theatre.Zoneor 888-966-3352.
Paul Rodriguez at Off the Hook
The comedian performs standup at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 28, and Saturday, April 29, and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 30, at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road,No. 1100. $25general admission, plus a fee.offthehookcomedy.comor 239-389-6901.
Celebrate Bonita
The city of Bonita Springs will be holding the Celebrate Bonita Festival this year at 6 p.m., April 29 at Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. This event is held in commemoration of the city’s incorporation. A concert will feature national headliner, multi-Platinum selling band LANCO. The celebration includes an opening act by Caylee Hammack. Hammack's breakout Top 30 single “Family Tree” marked the most-added single at country radio by a female artist in over three years. The event is free to the public. Food and beverages will be sold at the event. Proceeds from refreshment sales will benefit the Bonita Springs Assistance Office. Pets and coolers are prohibited in the park. For questions, contact the city of Bonita Springs City Hall at 239-949-6262 or visit cityofbonitasprings.org.
ONGOING
The songs of Johnny Cash in‘Ring of Fire’
The jukebox musical tells the story of country icon Johnny Cash with 30 classics from The Man in Black, including “I Walk the Line,” “I’ve Been Everywhere,” “A Boy Named Sue” and the title song. The entire cast sings, dances and plays musical instruments. Now through April 23. Tickets start at $75. Florida Repertory Theatre, 2268 Bay St., downtownFort Myers. 332-4488 orfloridarep.org.
Third Street South Farmers Market
From7:30-11:30 a.m., Saturdays, through April 29, in the parking lot behind Tommy Bahamas,in Old Naples. Fresh produce, flowers, pastas, seafood, baked goods, prepared foods, jams, relishes, fresh-roasted coffee,more. Music, dog treats.
‘Cuba: The Natural Beauty,’ photography by Clyde Butcher
The Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) presents “Cuba: The Natural Beauty,” a photography exhibit by world-renowned photographer Clyde Butcher, at the Marco Island Historical Museum (MIHM) through April 29. The exhibit is free and open to the public. It is part of the 2023 ¡ARTE VIVA! festival, a celebration of Hispanic arts and culture on Florida’s Paradise Coast. For information, visit arte-viva.com. The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. For information, call 239.389.6447 or visit theMIHS.org.
Marco Island Farmers’ Market
Marco Island’s farmers market is from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., every Wednesday through April at Veteran’s Community Park (901 Park Ave., Marco Island). Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.
JCMI Monday Night Bingo
Monday Night Bingo will be played every Monday Night through May 1 at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, located at 991 Winterberry Drive. Doors open at 5:30 pm. The first numbers are posted at 6:15 pm and the game is called at 7 p.m. Supper is complimentary-kosher hot dog, relish, sauerkraut, onions, pastry, pickles, pastry and ice cream, coffee and tea.The payouts are large. Information: 239-642 0800.
Rookery Bay Farmers Market
The new Rookery Bay Farmers Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sundays, now through May 28 in the parking lot of the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. More than three dozen vendors will offer fruit, vegetables, local seafood, cottage foods, international cuisine, local honey, guacamole, baked goods, specialty coffee, organic skincare, clothing, handmade jewelry, accessories, art and more. Live music will be featured each week. The nature center will not be open, but the Friends of Rookery Bay will offer special promotions to market attendees. Shop Local Productions, which operates several farmers markets in Collier and Lee counties, is coordinating the new market. Information: 41markets.com.
A Cracker at The Ritz held over
After selling out its original three-month run, “A Cracker at The Ritz,” the social satire about life in Florida, is extending its Bonita Springs run through June. It is performed at 7 p.m. on select Tuesdays at the Performing Arts Center, Moe Auditorium on Bonita Beach. The new dates are April 4, 11, and 25; May 2, 16, and 30; June 13, and 27. For tickets go to artcenterbonita.org or call 239-495-8989.
Frida Kahlo and Her Garden
Naples Botanical Garden hosts a new exhibit titled Frida Kahlo and Her Garden, which runs through Sept. 10 at the garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples. It explores the influence of home and nature of the artist's work and recreates portions of La Casa Azul (the Blue House), her residence in Mexico City’s Coyoacán borough. The garden is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with members allowed to enter at 8 a.m. Visit naplesgarden.org for tickets prices and more.
Estero Farmers Market at Miromar Outlets
Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays near Corkscrew Road entrance;10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Find it onFacebookfor more.
Golden Gate Community Farmers Market
Open year-round, Saturdays 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays at4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Golden Gate; From 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sundays, at11725 Collier Blvd., Golden Gate. Visitfarmermarket2.comfor more.
Calusa Garden Club
Calusa Garden Club of Marco Island meets the second Monday of every month, October through March, at Rose Hall in the Marco library from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., with small plate refreshments served at noon.Each month, a speaker on the topics of horticulture, floral design, or the environment gives an educational presentation. The public is welcome. Calusa Garden Club of Marco Island is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. See the website calusa.org for information about membership and the monthly calendar of events.
Rotary Club of Marco Island Noontime
Rotary Club of Marco Island Noontime meets the first Thursday of the month by Zoom at noon and the 3rd Thursday of the month for luncheon meeting 11:45- 1:00 at Bistro Soleil. Contact Kathy Pasternak for zoom link or reservations email KathrynPasternak@BHHSFloridaRealty.net.
American Legion Post 404
American Legion Post 404 on Marco Island holds meetings at 11 a.m., every fourth Tuesday (January and February) from October through June. The meetings are held at the Marco Lutheran Church, 525 North Collier Blvd. Each meeting hosts interesting speakers and lunch is served.
Baker Museum
Hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, noon-4 Sundays. Docent tours 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; 1 p.m. only on Sundays. The Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples.Information: 239-597-1900 or artisnaples.org.
Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Daily, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (last ticket).375 Sanctuary Road, Naples.Stroll the 2.25-mile boardwalk through pine flatwoods, wet prairie, freshwater marsh and the largest old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. $17 adults, $6kids 6-14, free ages5 and younger. Online ticketsat Corkscrew.Audubon.org/Visit.
Call to artists, crafters and market vendors
The Goodland Civic Association is readying for the 11th annual Goodland Harbor Arts & Music Festival, Saturday & Sunday, March 11-12, is a juried event also held at waterfront MarGood Harbor Park showcasing fine arts and hand crafts, live music organized by JRobert of Mangrove Music Studio, and a variety of food vendors. Artists will be juried by a selection committee of five professional artists. Fee for a 10’x10’ booth, which include a non-refundable $20 application fee, is $160. The deadline to apply is Dec. 18. There will be a limited number of single-day booths available for both events at reduced rates on a first come, first served basis, for both shows. For details & applications contact Tara O'Neill at taraogallery@gmail.com.
RhodeIsland Club
The Rhode Island Club is ready to start up our seasonal get togethers. The club will meet at a variety of locations in Southwest Florida throughout season for some lively conversations and enjoyable comeradery.You are invited to join them. Contact Ann Sepe at 401-632-6099.
Italian American Society of Marco Island
TheItalian American Society of Marco Islandwill hold their monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month, November throughApril, at Mackle's Park's Community room. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. with meeting starting at 5:30. This energetic group of men and women with Italian heritage, over the age of 21, are dedicated to remembering their roots while socializing through dinners, dances, bocce, trips, golf andmore. Information: iasmi.orgor call Barbara DeRosa 239-272-0158.
Revs Institute
Did you know Naples is home to one of the top 10 car museums in the world? If you haven't done so yet, check out this amazing collection of vehicles assembled over decades. 2500 Horseshoe Drive S. Visitors must observe COVID-19 protocols. Reserve tickets online for specific dates and times in advance. No walkups. Information: revinstitute.orgor 239-687-REVS.
The Factory Run Club
At 6.30 p.m., Tuesdays. Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples. The Factory Run Club is a fun social run around the lake loop — just under 1 mile — adjacent to The Cove at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex. Your skill level is the right one. Jog a single lap or run as many as you choose. Drinks at The Cove afterward are discounted for participants. And you’ll be ready to cool off after that virtuous workout. You get a R.I.O.T. shirt after completing eight runs. And it’s free, free, free.
Koreshanwalking tour
Discover the various botanical specimens collected by the Utopian pioneer Koreshans and their specific purpose on this walking tour. Guests will tour the late 18th/early 20th century settlement and learn the history of this progressive society which promoted women's right to vote, equality of the sexes and education for all. Cost: $10 and $4 park admission. Purchase tickets online at friendsofkoreshan.org/page-7741.
Koreshan Unity Settlement
Explore the 19th century religious Koreshan Unity Settlement, its structures, and gardens. Join guided walking tours in Koreshan State Park and learn about these idealistic pioneers. Guided Tours are $10, non-refundable, and may be purchased online only at http://friendsofkoreshan.org/shop/guided-tours/historic-settlement-tours/.
Koreshan State Park Farmers Market
The Sunday Farmers Market at Koreshan State Park continues every Sunday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Local produce, honey, fresh guacamole and salsas, sea glass, jewelry, street food, arts and crafts, tie-dye and more. Free with paid park admission $4 for single occupancy or $5 for up to eight people in vehicle). Vendor applications @http://friendsofkoreshan.org/farmers-market-application-2/. Park entrance fee required. $4 single occupancy or $5 for up to eight in vehicle. Please bring exact change, no change provided. Credit card payment can only be made online @https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/koreshan-state-park. No additional cost for the event.Volunteers needed for the farmers market and other Koreshan State Park Events. If interested: friendsofkoreshan@gmail.com.
Key Marco artifacts
Thanks to an unprecedented five-year loan extension by the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, the world-famous Key Marco Cat will continue on exhibit at the Marco Island Historical Museum (MIHM) through 2026. Through April 30, 2024, 13 additional Key Marco artifacts from the PENN Museum will be on exhibit at MIHM. Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. For information, call 239-389-6447 or visit theMIHS.org.
Rookery BayEnvironmental Learning Center
The attraction at 300 Tower Road in Naples features aquariums, a touch tank with marine critters, natural history exhibits, art gallery, gift shop, butterfly garden, picnic areas and walking trails. Hours are 9 a.m-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Admission of $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12 benefits the Friends of Rookery Bay, a nonprofit that supports the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Guests may apply their admission fee toward Friends of Rookery Bay membership on the day of their visit. Active and retired military personnel and family members are free year-round, as are guests on kayak and boat ecotours booked through Friends of Rookery Bay. More atrookerybay.orgor call 239-530-5972.
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
Did you know Collier County is home to the largest state park in Florida? Explore this mesmerizing trip back to yesteryear and see wildlife in the wild. Safety protocols in place.Open 8 a.m. to sunset; $3 vehicle fee. 137 Coastline Drive,Copeland. Information: floridastateparks.org; 239-695-4953.
Rookery Bay Eco Kayak & Boat Tours
Join Rookery Bay Research Reserve for a guided boat tour or kayak adventure into the beautiful waters of Rookery Bay Reserve. With our kayak tours, guests paddle through beautiful mangrove tunnels, teeming mudflats and intricate oyster reefs while searching for amazing wildlife like sea stars, large snails, birds, dolphins and manatees. Our boat tours are small 6-passenger boats and offer a comfortable and informative ride. Guests can choose from different tours including a shelling trip to a deserted a barrier island or a sunset tour. Find out moreatRookeryBay.org or call 239-530-5972.
Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
Now open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every day, at3075 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel. Admission is $23.95 for adults (18 and older), $21.95 for seniors, $14.95 youth (12 to 17) and students with their ID, $8.95 for children (5 to 11) and free to children younger than5 and active military. Visitors who bike to the museum receive $1 off admission.Information: 239-395-2233, shellmuseum.org.
IMAG History & Science Center
Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers.Tickets are available online, and advance ticket purchases are necessary currently to limit the number of guests in accordance with CDC recommendations. Information: theimag.org.
Gordon River Greenway
A hidden gem in Naples is the Gordon River Greenway. Walk, ride your bike or kayak on oralong the scenic from 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. There's12-foot wide pathways and 10-foot-wide elevated boardwalks. Restrooms and other amenities available.(1596 Golden Gate Parkway;239-252-4000 orgordonrivergreenway.org)
Naples Zoo
New hours are8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples. Offering timed online tickets to the general public. All guests will be requiredto reserve a timed ticket online, with reduced ticket prices. Tickets can only be purchased online. Information: 239-262-5409,napleszoo.org.
Golden Gate Community Farmers Market
Open year-round, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Golden Gate; Sundays 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at11725 Collier Blvd., Golden Gate. Visitfarmermarket2.comfor more.
Farmer Mike's U-Pick
Open 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Wednesdays to Sundays, year-round at26031 Morton Ave., Bonita Springs with an onsite market and cafe, as well as U-pick produce and flowers. Call239-498-4576 or clickfarmermikesupick.comfor more.
Immokalee State Farmers Market
Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily year-round at424 New Market Road E., Immokalee. For more, call239-658-3505 or visitfdacs.gov.
For more event listings, navigate to the Entertainment section and click on the SWFLA To Do List at marconews.com or visit the-banner.com. Calendar items must be emailed to mail@marconews.com or news@naplesnews.com and should be submitted at least a week before desired publication.
