January
Naples New Year’s Weekend Art Fair
During New Year’s weekend, similar to the Naples Fall Art Festivalin October, artists from around the country are selected to participate in ajuried art show where the artists will be present to answer questions abouttheir works and techniques, and visitors will be able to commission works andpurchase fine art, along 5th Avenue South in downtown Naples.
Call (954) 472-3755 for more information.
Winter Art and Craft Show
This has been an annaul event since 1979. See a wide variety ofarts and crafts displayed at this premier show. Usually held in the middle ofJanuary. Admission is free. Located at the Art League on the art center groundsat 1010 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island.
Call (239) 394-4221 for more information.
High Tea and Fashion Show
In mid-January, local merchants display fashions and jewelry whileguests attend high tea and a Champagne reception, with proceeds to benefit AveMaria University Student Financial Aid Fund. Bus transportation is available from the Vineyards AMU InterimCampus in Naples. High tea attire requested; table reservations available forparties of 8.
Call (239) 784-1635 for more information.
Florida’s Wildlife and WildlandsArt Show
Florida’s heritage is the theme in this annual exhibit. Artist’s displaytheir works depicting nature and culture. The event is free with parkadmission, sponsored by the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.
Call (239) 597-6196 for more information.
Spring Style Show
In mid to late January, Ave Maria University and Naples Foundershost a brunch and style show to benefit the Student Financial Aid Fund, in theStudent Ballroom on the campus in Ave Maria.
Call (239) 250-3537 for more information.
Swamp Buggy Races
Held on the last weekend in January at Florida Sports Park, theDixie Drainfield Winter Classic culminates in the Queen’s Mud Bath. Bring the family for a weekend ofraces, refreshments, and lots of mud.
Call (800) 897-2701 for more information.
Miss Marine Queen Scholarship Pageant
Staged in conjunction with the Naples Boat Show at the CollierCounty Fairgrounds, the Miss Marine Queen Pageant helps contestants learn whothey are and want to be, while developing knowledge on marine environment,industry, and careers.
Call (239) 253-5923 for more information.
February
Naples German-Fest
Over the first weekend in February, Our Savior Lutheran Church,1955 Curling Avenue, hosts an all-day festival of German food, liveentertainment and culture, with proceeds to benefit Avow Hospice.
Call (239) 597-4091 for more information.
Sanchez-Casal Classic Tennis Tournament
Throughout the month of February, Naples Bath & Tennis Clubhosts a tournament to benefit the Girls Are The Best charity, featuring men’sand women’s singles, open doubles and special handicapped mixed doubles draw.
Call (239) 384-5643 for more information.
Everglades Seafood Festival
During the first weekend in February, the Everglades Area Chamberof Commerce celebrates the bounty of Florida’s seafood with music, live entertainment, arts, crafts exhibits,and lots of fresh seafood, in Everglades City and all over the Ten ThousandIslands area.
Call (239) 695-3941 for more information.
Trunk Show in the Garden
Towards the middle of February, Naples Botanical Garden hostsa group of specialty vendors from around the country who display and sellclothing, jewelry, and unusual accessories for the home and garden.
Call (239) 643-7275 for more information.
Kiwanis Club of Marco Island Car Show
In early to mid-February, Kiwanis Club of Marco Island hosts a carshow in the Marco Island area, featuring 100 cars, live music, refreshmentvendors, to benefit the children of Marco Island.
Call (239) 394-6404 for more information.
Asia Fest
Towards the middle of February, The Mercato shopping center hostsa Lunar New Year celebration which features Asian food, Japanese taikodrummers, Chinese lion dancers, Korean, Japanese and Filipino dancers, martialarts demonstrations, cooking demonstrations including handmade noodles, achildren’s activities area, and much more, with proceeds to benefit NaplesAsian Professionals Association College Scholarship Program.
Call (239) 404-5836 for more information.
ACE Group Classic
In mid-February, TPC Treviso Bay on Tamiami Trail hosts a worldclass Champions Tour golf tournament, which will be televised on The GolfChannel, with proceeds to benefit Northside Naples Kiwanis Foundation, FirstTee Naples / Collier, Education Foundation of Collier County, YMCA of thePalms, American Red Cross, Alzheimer’s Support Network and Big Brothers / BigSisters Southwest Florida.
Call (239) 593-3900 for more information.
Audubon Invitational Croquet Tournament
During the last week in February, the Audubon Croquet Club sponsors an annual tournament for croquet enthusiasts.
Call (941) 484-3206 for more information.
Native American and Pioneer Heritage Days
Towards the end of February, the Collier-Seminole State Park sponsors an outdoor festival which includes a reenactment of the battles between Native Americans and the early pioneers, complete with an exposition of the arts, crafts and foods of early Florida.
Call (239) 394-3397 for more information.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Festival
Over the last weekend in February, the Museum of the Everglades in Everglades City celebrates the life of the journalist and environmental activist.
Call (239) 695-0008 for more information.
Gryene Gala
At the end of February, Ave Maria University hosts a black tie gala to pay tribute to Medal of Honor recipients and raise scholarship funds for men and women who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces and wish to attend Ave Maria University, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples.
Call (239) 280-1631 for more information.
Naples International Art and Antique Fair
Over the last week in February, the Naples International Pavilion hosts dozens of art, jewelry and antique dealers invited from all over the world to display their wares and answer questions.
Call (239) 949-5411 for more information.
March
Naples – Marco Island Antique Car Show
On the first Saturday in March, the Naples-Marco Island Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America hosts an exhibition of over 100 rare and antique cars, around the Naples Depot Museum in downtown Naples.
Call (239) 262-6525 for more information.
Naples Strawberry Festival
Over the first weekend in March, fresh strawberries and strawberry products are available in abundance along with live music, carnival rides and games, with proceeds to benefit Grace Place for Children and Families, on the grounds of Cornerstone United Methodist Church, next to Gulf Coast High School on Immokalee Road in Naples.
Call (239) 345-9160 for more information.
Naples Masters Art Festival
During the first week in March, The Collection at Vanderbilt in North Naples hosts artists from around the country who display and sell their works at arguably the highest quality annual art exhibit in the greater Naples area.
Call (239) 293-9448 for more information.
A Touch of Irish
Early in March, a live Irish band, golf cart parade, crafts station and bounce house for the kids, gladiator joust, traditional food and drinks are featured on La Piazza at Ave Maria’s Town Center.
Call (239) 403-6857 for more information.
American Musical Heritage Lectures – Spring Series
The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts hosts a series of lectures each Spring on topics relating to music history and choreography,commencing in mid-March.
Call (239) 597-0670 for more information.
Swamp Buggy Races
Held on the first weekend in March at Florida Sports Park, the Swamp Buggy Spring Championship culminates in the Queen’s Mud Bath. Bring the family for a weekend of races, refreshments, and lots of mud.
Call (800) 897-2701 for more information.
Florida Flywheelers: Antique Engines
In mid-March, the Koreshan State Historic Site sponsors an exposition of antique engines that date back to the roaring 20s, attended by collectors from all over the southeastern United States.
Call (239) 992-0311 for more information.
Bonita Blues Festival
In the middle of March, blues musicians and their fans gather atRiverside Park in Bonita Springs to enjoy live music, food and festivities,with proceeds going to local charities.
Call (239) 947-0715 for more information.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Old Naples celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a downtown parade.
Old Florida Festival
On a weekend in mid to late March, the Collier County Museumsponsors an indoor and outdoor festival celebrating the history of Florida,complete with pirates, conquerors and early settlers, with plenty ofrefreshments and live entertainment to delight everyone in the family.
Call (239) 252-8476 for more information.
Marco Island Seafood Festival
Over the last week in March, the Sunrise and Noontime Rotary andKiwanis Clubs of Marco Island host Florida seafood vendors exhibiting theirproducts, and featuring lots of fresh seafood, games for the kids, and liveentertainment, in Veterans’ Park on Park Avenue, Marco Island.
Call (239) 389-5000 for more information.
Edison GreenFest
During the last week in March, the Collier Campus of Edison StateCollege in Naples hosts a festival for green businesses and organizations toexhibit products and services for a sustainable lifestyle, and conductworkshops and demonstrations.
Call (239) 732-3743 for more information.
Art Naples
Towards the end of March, artwork from North American andinternational galleries is on display for Southwest Florida’s largest art fair,including paintings, photography and works on paper, fine art glass, sculpture,video and design, at the Naples International Pavilion, 4835 Immokalee Road.
Call (954) 949-5411 for more information.
Downtown Naples Festival of the Arts
At the end of March, about 250 artists from all over the countryexhibit their sculptures, paintings, jewelry items, photography, ceramics andmore along 5th Avenue South in downtown Naples.
Call (954) 472-3755 for more information.
April
Art in the Park
The Naples Art Association sponsors and outdoor exhibition andsale at Cambier Park, during the first week in April.
Call (239) 262-6517 for more information.
Mike Ditka & Jim Hart Celebrity Golf
To benefit the Foundation for the Immokalee Child Care Center forlow income, migrant and homeless families, the Mike Ditka & Jim HartCelebrity Golf Invitational takes place at the Golf Club of the Everglades nearNaples with a celebrity pairing cocktail party, lunch, auction, awards andmore, plus the golf tournament.
Call (239) 261-1774 for more information.
Concord Jazz Festival
Towards the end of April, Jet Blue Airways and the NaplesPhilharmonic Center for the Arts sponsor a recital by jazz musicians who haveappeared on the Concord label, at Hayes Hall.
Relay for Life of Naples
Willing to walk all night to end cancer, more than 3,000 friendsand neighbors gather to help celebrate a Decade of Hope in this overnight eventthat includes an opening survivor lap, luminara ceremony, caregivercelebration, live entertainment, and closing ceremony.
Call (239) 261-0337 or (800) ACS-2345 for more information.
Miss Marine Queen Scholarship Pageant
In mid-April, college age contestants compete for $500 and $1,000 scholarships at the Norris Community Center in Naples, sponsored by The Marine Industries Association of Collier County.
Call (239) 253-5923 for more information.
Naples Craft Festival – Spring
In mid to late April, and again in early September, more than 100of the country’s best crafters will exhibit their work, including jewelry, 3-Dacrylic paintings, ceramics, driftwood, glass, and hand-cut silhouettes, along5th Avenue South in downtown Naples, along with a Green Market offeringhand-made soaps, exotic orchids and others plants.
Call (954) 472-3755 for more information.
In mid to late April, and again in early September, more than 100of the country’s best crafters will exhibit their work, including jewelry, 3-Dacrylic paintings, ceramics, driftwood, glass, and hand-cut silhouettes, along5th Avenue South in downtown Naples, along with a Green Market offeringhand-made soaps, exotic orchids and others plants.
Call (954) 472-3755 for more information.
Artescape Naples
The Gallery Victoria sponsors a competition of Florida artistsduring the month of April, where attendees are given an opportunity to vote onthe works, in preparation for the annual Outstanding Artists of FloridaExhibition held in May, as well as meet some of the artists.
Call (239) 649-4300 for more information.
Latin American Family Festival
Towards the end of April, the best in Latin music, food, arts andcrafts is showcased, along with health screenings, health care information andcommunity networking opportunities, at the Golden Gate Community Center inNaples.
Call (239) 348-0808 for more information.
Taste of Marco
During the last week in April, Marco Eagle and M&I Bank presenta festival of food featuring the creations of Marco’s finest restaurants,children’s activities including a bounce house, giant climbing wall and facepainting stations, and live music by Myles Loud. This is a family day of fun,food and excitement.
Call (239) 394-3144 for more information.
Venetian Carnivale
Over the last weekend in April, the Village on Venetian Bay at4200 Gulf Shore Boulevard celebrates over 20 years of shopping and dining withgifts and food during their Sidewalk Sale Weekend, featuring face painting,comedy acts, jugglers, acrobats, stilt walkers, magicians, and strollingpuppeteers. Call (239) 261-6100 for more information.
May
Taste of Collier
On the first Sunday in May, spend the afternoon with your familyat Olde Naples on Third Street, and enjoy the live local bands, food suppliedby local restaurants and lots of activities, with proceeds going to areacharities.
Call (239) 272-1907 for more information.
Naples Networking Expo
Early in May, the public is welcome to network with businessentrepreneurs and a variety of vendors, and enjoy complimentary refreshmentsand exhibits, at the Elks Lodge in Naples.
Call (239) 643-1367 for more information.
Sip of Fifth
In mid-May, along 5th Avenue South in downtown Naples, enjoytastings of California and other wines of the world paired with the perfectsnacks supplied by local restaurateurs, seminars on vinology and tasting andother programs.
Call (239) 434-2562 for more information.
Great Dock Canoe Race
Register with The Dock bar at Crayton Cove or The Riverwalk at TinCity, bring your canoe and a partner, and compete for prizes in this annual Mayevent.
Call (239) 261-4191 for more information.
Outstanding Artists of Florida Exhibition
From mid-May through the first week in June, the finalists of theArtescape Naples competition held in April at the Gallery Victoria areselected, winners are chosen and prizes are awarded.
Call (239) 649-4300 for more information.
Kayak Fishing Classic
Big Hickory Fishing Nook Seafood Grille & Marina is the venuefor the Kayak Fishing Classic, benefiting the Southwest Florida Council of BoyScouts. Prizes include a fully rigged fishing kayak, equipment, and trophies,plus awards for top male, female, and youth anglers. Call (239) 671-9347 formore information.
June
Festival of Great Organ Music
Early in June, the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts hoststhe best organists in southwest Florida for recitals on the 3,604-pipe Casavantorgan.
Call (239) 597-1900 for more information.
Father’s Day Festivities at the Garden
On Father’s Day, fathers are admitted free to the Naples BotanicalGarden when accompanied by family members for an all-morning program beginningwith fishing in the West and Deep Lakes, playing with remote control boats inthe Brazilian Garden’s pool, and fly casting demonstrations on the KapnickCaribbean Garden Lawn. 4820 Bayshore Drive
Call (239) 643-7275 for more information.
Family Fun Day
In the middle of June, Naples Botanical Garden hosts early to midJune, the Naples Area Board of Realtors hosts a family fun festival featuringfood, live entertainment and a bounce house for the kids, at the NABORbuilding. 1455 Pine Ridge Road
Call (239) 591-4028 for more information.
The Back Country Classic
Enjoy one of the Caloosa Catch & Release Tournaments tobenefit charities, with admission including dinner, beverages and an afternoonof teams competing to catch the biggest snook, redfish and trout, held at theBayfront and other venues in Naples.
Call (239) 479-7916 for more information.
Summer Jazz on the Gulf
Starting in June, live jazz musicians and bands provide musicevery evening throughout the summer months around the Naples Beach Hotel. Bringa lawn chair; leave the cooler at home.
Call (800) 237-7600 for more information.
July
Red, White & Bloom Festival
On 4th of July weekend, Naples Botanical Garden hosts a festivalfeaturing live bands, BBQ and beverages, with a spectacular view of the sunsetover the garden.
Call (239) 643-7275 for more information.
Ice Cream Social
Enjoy a day of swimming, rock climbing, live entertainment,canoeing and kayaking, and free ice cream sundaes, hosted by Sugden RegionalPark, towards the end of July.
Call (239) 353-0404 for more information.
July 4 Parade, Arts and Crafts / Boat Show
The Naples Pier, Sugden Regional Park and Fifth Avenue South hosta number of festivities during the first week in July.
Call (239) 213-1030 for more information.
August
Concert for Kids Music Festival
In early to mid-August, Cambia Park in downtown Naples hosts an educationalmusic event for children, to support scholarships for early childhoodeducation, programs on literacy and other learning programs. 755 8th AvenueSouth.
Call (239) 404-5158 for more information.
Big Cypress Gallery Annual Labor Day Open House
On the last weekend in August, explore the Big Cypress Swamp witha series of swamp walks, lectures, workshops, gallery exhibits and
live music.
Call (239) 695-2428 for more information.
Sidewalk Sale
Towards the end of August, the Village on Venetian Bay holds anannual sidewalk sale, in Naples’ Parkshore area.
Call (239) 261-6100 for more information.
September
Naples Craft Festival – Fall
In mid to late April, and again in early September, more than 100of the country’s best crafters will exhibit their work, including jewelry, 3-Dacrylic paintings, ceramics, driftwood, glass, and hand-cut silhouettes, along5th Avenue South in downtown Naples, along with a Green Market offeringhand-made soaps, exotic orchids and others plants.
Call (954) 472-3755 for more information.
Summer Jazz on the Gulf
The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club hosts live jazz entertainmenton their grounds, where you can enjoy a relaxing day of food, cocktails andyour favorite music right on the beach.
Call (239) 261-2222 for more information.
Fall Invitational Exhibition
From mid-September through the first week of October, the GalleryVictoria invites a number of local artists to display their paintings,sculptures and crafts at this annual event.
Call (239) 649-4300 for more information.
Florida Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition
For the entire month of September, The von Liebig Art Center hostsan exhibition of local watercolor artists, sponsored by the Naples Art Association.
Call (239) 262-6517 for more information.
Season of Seasons Reception
In late September, The von Liebig Art Center hosts a reception andpreview of the upcoming Show of Shows Exhibition.
Call (239) 262-6517 for more information.
Show of Shows Exhibition
From late September through mid-October, The von Liebig Art Centerhosts an exhibition of local artists who are current members of the Naples ArtAssociation.
Call (239) 262-6517 for more information.
October
American Musical Heritage Lectures � Fall Series
The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts hosts a series oflectures each Fall on topics relating to music history and choreography,commencing at the end of October.
Call (239) 597-0670 for more information.
Artist’s Artists
The von Liebig Art Center hosts an exhibition of work by local artfaulty, from mid-October into the month of November.
Call (239) 262-6517 for more information.
Naples Networking Expo
In mid to late October, the Women’s Network of Collier Countyinvites business representatives and professionals in the area to exchangebusiness cards and network, at the Collier Athletic Club, 710 Goodlette FranRoad North in Naples.
Call (239) 404-3521 for more information.
Rocktober Roundup
Ave Maria’s Town Center hosts a family festival of country music,barbeque, mechanical bull riding, and a country celebrity look-alike contest,in md to late October. 5050 Ave Maria Boulevard, Ave Maria.
Call (239) 403-6857 for more information.
Swamp Buggy Races
Held on the last weekend in October at Florida Sports Park, theBudweiser Fall Classic culminates in the Queen’s Mud Bath. Bring the family for a weekend of races, refreshments,and lots of mud.
Call (800) 897-2701 for more information.
November
Southwest Florida Police Unity Tour GolfTournament
Early in November, the Glen Golf & Country Club in Napleshosts the annual Police Unity Tour golf tournament, with proceeds to benefitthe National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, and to raise awareness about lawenforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.
Call (239) 961-3124 for more information.
FORE-the-Kids Golf-a-Thon
During the first week in November, Fiddlers Creek Golf Club hostsa tournament to raise funds for Boys & Girls Clubs and to facilitatenetworking among local players, businessmen and Club members.
Call (239) 325-1700 for more information.
Beach Treasure Sale
On the first Saturday in November, the Delnor-Wiggins Pass StatePark sponsors a sale of found treasure to benefit park projects. Admission tothe sale is free with park admission.
Call (239) 597-6196 for more information.
USO Show at the Naples Depot
Toward the middle of November, the Naples Depot Museum hosts apost-Veteran’s Day event featuring live music from the 40s and guest speakers,in Cambria Park.
Call (239) 262-6525 for more information.
West Coast Muscle Car Show
During the week of Thanksgiving, muscle cars are on display aroundAnnunciation Circle in La Piazza, Ave Maria, northeast of Naples.
Call (239) 262-2600 for more information.
Anniversary Celebration
During the month of November, the Gallery Victoria celebrates itsbirthday with exhibitions of local artists and their painting and sculptures. Anumber of interesting programs are held during the month.
Call (239) 649-4300 for more information.
American Indian Arts Celebration
In mid-November, during American Indian Heritage Month, theAh-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum sponsors a celebration of Native American culture andheritage, on the Seminole Big Cypress Reservation, where you can learn aboutdoll making, sweet grass basketry, sample Seminole food and enjoy southeasternNative American dancing.
Call (863) 902-1113 for more information.
Farm City BBQ
During the week of Thanksgiving, as part of Farm City Week, theCollier County 4-H Foundation benefits from a food festival featuring steak,corn, Immokalee salad, and other local favorites held usually in Immokalee,Naples, or on the grounds of Ave Maria University.
Call (239) 253-1217 for more information.
December
Holiday Pottery Sale
Come to the Florida Gulf Coast University Arts Complex during thefirst week in December for an exhibition and sale of locally made pottery andother crafts, sponsored by the Immokalee Ceramics Studio.
Call (239) 263-8242 for more information.
Winter Solstice Celebration
Over the weeks before and after Christmas, admission to NaplesBotanical Garden includes music and other live entertainment, and shopping forgifts while sampling a variety of locally produced wines and hors d’oeuvres.
Call (239) 643-7275 for more information.
Celebration of Lights
Early in December, school and church group carolers, and SantaClaus visit Annunciation Circle in La Piazza, Ave Maria, northeast of Naples tocelebrate the holiday season and view the Christmas lights, with lots ofrefreshments and train rides for the kids.
Call (239) 262-2600 for more information.
Downtown Naples New Year’s Weekend Art Fair
During the last week in December, 5th Avenue South is filled withthe paintings, sculptures and crafts of local artists in this annualcelebration, complete with all kinds of food booths and nationally recognizedlive musicians.
Call (954) 472-3755 for more information.
New Year’s Eve PartyThe Naples PhilharmonicCenter for the Arts hosts an annual midnight champagne reception and party onNew Year’s Eve, preceded by anentire evening of outstanding, top-name live musical entertainment.
Call (239) 597-1900 for more information.
