September
2: MONDAY
Fostering Success Labor Day 5K Run/ Walk [7:30 a.m.] Start your Labor Day off right with a great 5K run and walk at Baker Park. The 5K is coordinated courtesy of Gulf Coast Runners. Overall winners of the race will be presented with a trophy, and age group winners will receive an award. All walkers and runners will receive a medal and T-shirt. Join over 700 people for a fun way to benefit foster children. Where: Baker Park, 50 Riverside Circle. For more information and to register visit fosteringsuccess.net/ special-events/N
4: WEDNESDAY
The Good, the Bad and the Bugly [6:30 to 8 p.m.] Join CREW for an in-town, local lecture on beneficial and plant-feeding insects in the home landscape. What’s that bug in my yard? Come learn about some of the insects you might find in your backyard. While insects make up approximately 80% of animal life on Earth, we often forget to stop and get a closer look at all the insects foraging on plants, landing on our cars, or flying by us every day. Some insects help pollinate, some have crazy adaptations, and others may be garden pests. Where: Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd. Cost: $5 for members & $10 for non-members. For tickets and more information visit crewtrust.org/programs/N
5: THURSDAY
CMON After Dark [5:30 to 7:30 p.m.] Join Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples for your chance to climb, build, and explore the exhibits, including SCOOBYDOO Mansion Mayhem! This is an active, playful, and exciting opportunity for adults 21+ to support their favorite nonprofit children’s museum and play like a kid again. Enjoy drinks, appetizers, and games while exploring the museum in a new fun way. Cost: $10 in advance or $15 at the door. All proceeds support CMON, a non-profit children’s museum. Registration includes admission to the event, one drink ticket, and light appetizers. This event is 21+ only and is open to the public. Where: Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd. To register and for more information visit cmon.org/events/N
Mercato Nights Music Series: The Lineup [6:30 to 8:30 p.m.] Don’t miss this awesome group playing all of your favorite songs on the lawn. Lawn chairs, blankets & well-behaved pets are welcome. All events are weather permitting. Where: Mercato, 9132 Strada Place (on the lawn). Cost: Free. For more information visit experiencemercato.com/N
11: WEDNESDAY
Afternoon Movie: American Underdog [2 to 4 p.m.] Join us for an afternoon movie at the library. Watch the inspirational true story of NFL MVP and Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner, who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to becoming an American football star. The film is rated PG. Where: Bonita Springs Library, 10560 Reynolds St. Cost: Free. To register and for more information visit leelibrary. librarymarket.com/event/afternoon-movieamerican-underdog-96056/B
Florida Blue Lunch & Learn: Healthy Grocery Shopping on a Budget [noon to 1 p.m.] Join us for a fun lunch & learn session on how to shop for healthy groceries without breaking the bank. Cost: Free. Where: Florida Blue Fort Myers, 8041 Plaza del Lago. To register and for more information visit scheduler.floridablue.com/event/ healthy-grocery-shopping-budget-10/E
14: SATURDAY
Vineyards Community Park Yard Sale [8 a.m. to noon] Find yard sale bargains with the convenience of having all the sales in one location. If you are interested in reserving a spot to sell used items, please call Vineyards Community Park at 239-252-4105. For more information e-mail peg.ruby@ colliercountyfl.gov. Cost: Free. Where: Vineyards Community Park, 6231 Arbor Boulevard W./N
Wacky Weather Family Day [10 a.m. to 1 p.m.] The weather around here can get pretty wacky! Is it going to be sunny? Rainy? Windy? Probably! Get scientific and make a tornadic tube. Learn the different tools that measure air and wind, even make your own anemometer. Look up to the sky and know the names of clouds and which ones to take cover from. We predict the day will be sunny with a good chance of fun! All ages welcome, but best for ages 5-12. Drop in from 10 am to 1 pm. No reservations necessary. Where: Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail E. Cost: Free./N
14-15: SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Fiesta Bonita 2024 [Sat. noon to 9 p.m. & Sun. noon to 8 p.m.] Come join us for two days filled with music, dancing, and delicious food. Experience the vibrant culture and lively atmosphere of a traditional fiesta. Follow La Musica as it guides you through different genres and rhythms that will make you want to dance all day long. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich sounds and flavors of our community. Cost: Free admission. Where: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St. For your free tickets and more information visit eventbrite.com/e/fiesta-bonita-2024-follow la-musica-tickets-929324563787/B
17: TUESDAY
Florida’s Haunted Crimes and Curses [4 to 5 p.m.] Folklorist, author, and legend tripper Christopher Balzano introduces you to the haunted tales of Florida. Hear legendary ghost stories from around the state. The Friends of the Bonita Springs Library will be selling copies of the author’s books during the book signing immediately following the presentation. Where: Bonita Springs Library, 10560 Reynolds St. Cost: Free. To register and for more information visit leelibrary.librarymarket.com/event/ floridas-haunted-crimes-and-curses-89574/B
Movies on the Lawn: “Encanto” [7:30 p.m.] Bring your chair and blanket and enjoy a movie on the lawn. Where: Mercato, 9132 Strada Place (on the lawn). Cost: Free. All events are weather permitting. For more information visit experiencemercato.com/N
19: THURSDAY
Mosaics Tonight [5:30 to 8:30 p.m.] Here’s your chance to create a beautiful mosaic artwork in one night! After enjoying a light dinner and wine, choose from beautiful images provided or create your own. The fun begins as you select gorgeous glass pieces and learn the ancient mosaic technique that will bring your image to life. We provide the glass, materials, wine, a delicious meal and artistic guidance. Where: Center for Visual Arts, 26100 Old 41 Road. Cost: $70 per person. For more information and to register, call 239-495-8989 or visit artsbonita.org/B
20: FRIDAY
Bonita Springs YMCA Charity Golf Tournament in Memory of Hank Hochstetler [7:30 a.m. check-in; Scramble format with shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.] Enjoy 18 holes of golf with cart, sit down awards luncheon, helicopter ball drop contest, hole-in-one wins a car, 50/50 drawing and more. This charity golf tournament is key to the Bonita Springs YMCA’s ability to open our doors to all in our community as proceeds from this tournament directly support the Children and Families Scholarship Fund and programs. Where: Vasari Country Club, 11250 Via Del Vasari Dr. Cost: $160 per golfer. For tickets and more information visit ymcaswfl.org/events/B
Walk on the Wild Side [10 to 11:30 a.m.] Join a park ranger for a guided hike along our Black Island Trail. Learn about the fascinating vegetation and wildlife that reside in our maritime hammock ecosystem and enjoy a little local history along the way. Closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, and water bottles are highly recommended. Space is limited; reservations are required. Where: Lover’s Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd. Cost: Free with paid park entry. For more information and to register visit eventbrite.com/e/walk-on-the-wildside-tickets-984138704357/B
20: FRIDAY – 29: SUNDAY
Tenth Annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Mark your calendars for the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. Enjoy free performances in intimate venues on Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, downtown Fort Myers and Cape Coral. For a complete list of shows and more information visit island-hopperfest.visitfortmyers.com.
21: SATURDAY
Coastal Clean-up Day The City of Bonita Springs is proud to partner with Keep Lee County Beautiful for this event. We are encouraging participants to go out and clean up the coasts. The City will provide participants with cleanup supplies on Friday, Sept. 20th from 9 am to 1 pm. Participants can come to City Hall (9101 Bonita Beach RD. SE) to pick up their free supplies and to sign a waiver. To find additional cleanup sites and more information about Keep Lee County Beautiful Cleanup events, please visit klcb.org/events/coastal-cleanup./N
Vanderbilt Beach Cleanup [9:30 to 11 a.m.] Join us at our beach cleanup where we provide everything including tools, water, and snacks. Please bring a reuseable water bottle and wear comfortable clothes. We suggest a hat and sunglasses. Where: Vanderbilt Beach Park, 100 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. To register visit eventbrite.com/e/vanderbilt-beach-cleanup-in-naplesfl-tickets-948567008457/N
24: TUESDAY
Early Birding Tour at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary [8 a.m.] Experience the peaceful sights and sounds of the awakening swamp with one of our naturalists guiding you to look for birds. Learn about the birds’ life habits and the importance to these birds of the native upland and freshwater wetland plants and habitats that occur at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Plus, learn what we are doing at Corkscrew to protect, manage and restore habitat, and also things anyone can do to help birds. Where: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, 375 Sanctuary Road, W. Limited to 10 participants. Participants must be 16 years or older. For a complete schedule and to register visit corkscrew.audubon.org/ guided-walks/N
ONGOING
“Everyone’s a Kid” Day at the Wonders Gardens [first Sunday of the month, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.] Bonita Springs Residents receive reduced admission on the first Sunday of every month with proof of residency. Cost: $10. Where: Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd. For more information visit wondergardens.org/bonita-springs-days/B
Farmer Mike’s U-Pick 10th Annual Fall Festival & Corn Mazes [Sept. 28th through Oct. 27th every Fri. 6 to 9:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. & Sun. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.] Bring the family and enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin patch, haunted corn maze and more! Our N’Season Resaurant will be open serving food, drinks and treats. Vendors will be out with us every weekend. Farmer Mike’s U-Pick, 26031 Morton Ave. For tickets and more information visit farmermikesupick.com/B
Farmers Market & Craft Show [Every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.] Year-round Market offering boutique foods, fresh produce, arts, crafts, candles, jewelry and more. Where: Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd./E
Floracion Exhibition at Arts Bonita [through Sept. 5th, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Five Latina artists: Celia Valadez, Monika Bokelmann, Sonia Rosa, Julia Da Rocha, and Winnie Purple, all connected by the language of unapologetically fierce artwork. With this connection comes a group exhibition about the art of growing and forming connections with nature, ourselves, and others. Cost: Free and open to the public. Where: Visual Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd./B
Free Children’s Eye Clinics [Third Saturday of the month (by appointment)] The Florida Lions Eye Clinic hosts free Children’s Eye Clinics on the third Saturday of every month. Children’s Eye Clinics are by appointment only and fill up quickly. Where: Florida Lions Eye Clinic, 10322 Pennsylvania Ave. For appointments and more information call 239-498-3937./B
Friends of Koreshan Sunday Farmers Market [Sundays, year-round, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.] Stop by our new location and enjoy local honey, fresh guacamole and salsas, street food, sea glass, handmade jewelry, clothing, arts & crafts and more. Where: Three Oaks Town Center, 18731 Three Oaks Pkwy. Cost: Free./FM
Koreshan State Park Historic Settlement Tours [Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 10 to 11:30 a.m.] Explore the 19th century religious Koreshan Unity Settlement, its structures, and gardens. Join our guided walking tours and learn about these idealistic pioneers. The walking tour is about an hour and a half. Tours start at the Historic Settlement Entrance. Where: Koreshan State Park, Corkscrew Road. Cost: Guided Tours are $10 plus park entry fee. For tickets and more information visit friendsofkoreshan.org/E
Naples Decorative Artists [Third Friday of the month, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.] Naples Decorative Artists meets for an instructional program taught by art instructors from September to April. Zoom painting projects/meetings are in May-August. Every month features a new and exciting lesson using various mediums and methods. Where: VFW Post 7721, 800 Neffs Way. For more information visit naplesdecorativeartists.org/N
Pedaling for Parkinson’s [Every Tuesday, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.] The Bonita Springs YMCA is offering free cycling classes for people with Parkinson’s disease. Physician referral and consent form required. Participants must wear a heart rate monitor to class. Where: Bonita Springs YMCA, 27200 Kent Road. Cost: Free for the first 8 classes. For more information contact the YMCA at 239-221-7560./B
Shangri-La Springs Organic Garden Tours [Every Tuesday, 10 to 11 a.m.] The one-hour tours are led by Cecelia Morales, organic garden manager, and include a sensory-based walking tour around the garden’s subtropical, tropical, annual and perennial crops and orchard with information on “what makes a garden” including organic garden methods and permaculture principles. Tours must be scheduled in advance and are limited to 20 people. Closed-toe shoes, masks, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and refillable water bottles are recommended. Cost: $15 per person. Where: Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Road. For more information call 239-949-0749./B
Supercars & Espresso [Second Saturday of the month, 10 a.m. to noon] Supercars and Espresso is a monthly event where supercar enthusiasts, not just Lamborghini lovers, come together to share one thing in common: their passion for exotic cars. Open to the public. Where: Lamborghini Naples, 3492 Tamiami Trial E./N
Table Tennis Program [Tuesday 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.] All ages and levels welcome. Cost: $80 per month; $15 drop-in. Where Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd. Table Tennis Therapy available for those with disabilities, Alzheimer’s, dementia Contact USATT Certified Instructor Purvi Naik 239-272-8941./E
Vanderbilt Farmers Market [Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.] Fresh fruits & vegetables, seafood, honey, prepared foods, specialty foods & more. Where: Shoppes at Vanderbilt, 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road./N
Women’s Self Defense Classes [Third Wednesday of the month, 5 to 7 p.m.] Learn basic self-defense techniques. For ages 13 & up. Cost: Free. Where: Lee County Sheriff’s Office at the Miromar Outlets Community Outreach Center, suite 190. Near WINK Playland. Advanced registration required. To register email glevine@sheriffleefl.org/E
UPCOMING
Bonita Springs-Estero Christian Women’s Connection [Friday, Oct. 11th, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.] The Bonita Springs-Estero Christian Women’s Connection welcomes you to their first luncheon of the Fall. Special Feature: “Wondering how to make your lanai beautiful??” Let’s have fun with Debbie Boyles, Lee Co. Cooperative Extension Svc. Master Gardner, as she shows us beautiful ideas for our planters, pots & patios. Guest speaker, Phillis DeWitt, PhD, a former foster child facing many challenges and later a foster parent to over 100 children, shares her amazing story, “A Hero that Rescues”. Her books will be available for purchase. Where: The Club at Grandezza, 11481 Grande Oak Blvd. Cost: $35 per person, inclusive. Reserve with a check(s) payable to BSECWC and mail to: BSECWC, 20071 Seagrove St. #1003, Estero, FL 33928. Include name, phone number and any food allergies. Checks must be received by Wed., Oct. 2. For more information call Nancy at 520-904-2913./E
Fairways for the Future [Monday, Oct. 28th, 9 a.m. shotgun scramble] Join us for our annual charity golf tournament, Fairways for the Future, in support of the children and teens at Youth Haven. Youth Haven’s Annual Golf Tournament features a shotgun start and awards reception. Where: Grey Oaks Country Club, 2400 Grey Oaks Dr N. For tickets and more information visit youthhavenswfl.org/events/ fairways-for-the-future/N
MEETINGS
Bonita Springs City Council [Wed., September 4, 5:30 p.m., Wed., September 18, 5:30 p.m.] Where: City Council Chambers, 9101 Bonita Beach Road./B
Estero Village Council [Wed., September 11, 5:05 p.m., Wed., September 18, 5:05 p.m.] Where: Village Council Chambers, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle./E
Naples City Council [Wed., September 4, 8:30 a.m., Wed., September 18, 8:30 a.m.] Where: City Council Chambers, 735 8th St. S./N
All dates, times and prices are subject to change.
