The Latest


35 Things to do this February in Southwest Florida 

Mark your calendars for the biggest car show in the region, a homegrown seafood festival and rocking concerts from Naples to Fort Myers to Cape Coral.

BY January 25, 2023

The shortest month of the year doesn’t imply a shortage of events. With the Everglades Seafood Festival returning with fresh stone crab, gator and frog legs, a one-night-only experience with The Temptations & The Four Tops, and Naples’ Cars on Fifth Concours, you won’t want for cultural entertainment and culinary delights. Here’s your guide to the stand-out events you won’t want to miss this February. 

 

Feb. 2-5

Cars on 5th, Naples

The weekend opens with a future-themed Jetport Reception on Feb. 2, featuring exotic cars, planes and robots. On Feb. 3, the Naples Motorcar Auction showcases fine vehicles from the Saratoga Automobile Museum. And more than 700 exotic, luxury and vintage sports cars line the streets of Fifth Avenue South on Feb. 4 to compete for Best In Show in the Cars on 5th Concours. Last year’s event drew in $1.2 million for St. Matthew’s House.  

Get Tickets

 

Feb. 3-4

Ghost Walk at Koreshan State Park, Estero

Journey to the past and celebrate 30 years of this annual historic event. Walk among the founders of Koreshan Unity Settlement and listen to the stories of how Dr. Cyrus Reed brought the community to life. 

 Find Out More

 

Feb. 3-5

ArtFest Fort Myers

Mingle with creatives and shop new works from more than 200 artists along downtown Fort Myers’ waterfront. Expect live music, food vendors, art competitions and activities, including the annual 5K timed race and a designated space for kids to play and make art. 

Find Out More

 

Feb. 4

Naples Distance Classic Half Marathon, 10K & 5K at Eagle Lakes Community Park

Set your own pace by choosing between three races through Eagle Lakes Community Park and Lely Resort. Every top-five runner in each age group receives an award. 

Register Here

 

Feb. 4

John McEuen at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers

In 1972, country-rock pioneers Nitty Gritty Dirt Band released “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” an iteration of a popular hymn, to international acclaim. Now, founding member John McEuen performs a multimedia show reflecting on 50 years of stardom with an ensemble of musicians. 

Get Tickets 

 

Feb. 4-5

Arts & Crafts & Artisan Festival at Laishley Park, Punta Gorda

Browse arts and crafts to the tune of live music along the waterfront at this market, open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Food trucks offer the fuel you need to shop all day. 

Find Out More 

 

Feb. 4 – May 7

Love Stories: From the National Portrait Gallery, London at Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum 

The world’s most extensive collection of portraits comes to Naples with masterpieces, including a photo of Paul and Linda McCartney and the painting baroque artist Sir Anthony van Dyck created of famed English beauty Lady Digby (Venetia Stanley) at the request of her distraught husband after her untimely death. The series depicts stories of romance and obsession, with works by greats, such as David Hockney, Man Ray and Sir Joshua.

Find Out More 

 

Feb. 5

Forever Rod: A Tribute to Rod Stewart Starring Martin Andrew at DeRomo’s, Bonita Springs

Feast on hors d’oeuvres and enjoy a buffet dinner and drinks while hearing classic rock songs from the British icon, performed by tribute artist Forever Rod. Rod the Mod’s spiky blond hair and expressive dance moves are guaranteed at this dinner show. 

Find Out More

 

Feb. 5 

Night Hike at Calusa Nature Center, Fort Myers

Journey into the dark under a canopy of pine flatwoods and cypress trees. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for bats, owls and other nocturnal creatures, and search for the north star in the sky above.  

Find Out More

 

Feb. 7-12

On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan at Artis—Naples

This touring show follows the husband-wife, Cuban-American producer and singer from humble beginnings in Miami’s Little Havana to super-stardom. Songs like “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Get on Your Feet” and “Conga” reflect the dynamic couple’s talent and ingenuity, their love story and their impact on amplifying Latin culture. 

Get Tickets

 

Feb. 7-25

New Works by Reynier Llanes at Harmon-Meek Gallery, Naples

Touted by Oxford America as one of the “New Superstars of Southern Art,” the Cuban-born artist paints in oil, watercolor and coffee to create layered expressionist works, many of which recall his native country.

Find Out More 

 

Feb. 8 – Mar. 5

Sylvia at The Naples Players

In this comedy, couple Greg and Kate move to Manhattan as the former considers retirement. Greg meets Syliva, a street-smart poodle mix in Central Park, and brings her home to his wife. Chaos and amusement ensue in this heartwarming tale of who, exactly, is man’s best friend.

Get Tickets 

 

Feb. 9

Watercolors & Wildlife: Painting with Jan at Rookery Bay, Naples

Join local artist Jan Deswik as she offers a two-and-a-half-hour, step-by-step class on watercolor painting. Your subject: Florida’s manatees. All materials are included, so all you need is your creative spirit and can-do attitude.

Find Out More 

 

Feb. 11 – March 12

Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot at Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples

The classic musical retells the legend of King Arthur as his ideals are tested when his queen falls for Lancelot. The original Broadway hit in 1960 won four Tony Awards and inspired a film starring Richard Burton and Julie Andrews.

Get Tickets 

 

Feb. 10 – March 11

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at The Laboratory Theater of Florida, Fort Myers

The Stephen Sondheim musical thriller tells the gory tale of an unjustly exiled English barber who returns to London, where he uses a straight razor and a failing pie shop as instruments of his revenge.

Get Tickets 

 

Feb. 11-12

Edison Ford Spring Garden Festival at Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers

The estate’s renowned plant sale brings garden vendors from across the state to Fort Myers, with blooming hibiscus, bromilieads, succulents, cacti and many more colorful plants. Ceramic flower pots and garden art offer ways to dress up your flaura and fauna, and a designated plant holding tent keeps your greenery protected while you browse. 

Find Out More

 

Feb. 11

Art and Artisan Festival at Mercola Market, Cape Coral

Local artisans sell their handcrafted creations at the market, while the cafe serves draft beer and biodynamic wines. 

Find Out More 

 

Feb. 11-12

Bowie & Glass with Southwest Florida Symphony

The symphony joins the Florida ensemble Voltron Collective to perform composer Philip Glass’ “Symphony No. 4 (Heroes),” which celebrates the life and work of David Bowie. See the show Saturday at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers or Sunday at Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda.

Get Tickets 

 

Feb. 11-12 

Bonita Springs National Arts Festival at Riverside Park

After more than 50 festivals, the Centers for the Arts Bonita continues to build on this event, rated as one of the top Fine Art Festivals in the country. The juried festival brings 200 artists—painters, sculptors, photographers and craftspeople—to display their work near the Imperial River. 

Find Out More 

 

Feb 14- March 5 

On Golden Pond at Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers

In this play—which inspired the Oscar Award-winning movie of the same name—an elderly couple’s summer at the lake is upended by the arrival of their estranged daughter.

Get Tickets

 

February 16-17

The Mersey Beatles at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers

This Liverpool-based tribute band, made up of childhood friends, has played in 20 countries and was the resident band at the Cavern Club—where The Beatles began—for more than a decade. Thursday night’s performance in The Grand Atrium covers the original band’s early years, and Friday night’s show on Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden recreates Apple Records’ famous rooftop concert.

Get Tickets 

 

Feb. 17-19

Everglades Seafood Festival at City Hall, Everglades City

Venture to Everglades City for fresh-caught stone crab, Gulf shrimp, fried gator and frog legs. In its 53rd year, the weekend festival features live music, carnival rides, arts and crafts vendors, and fireworks. 

Find Out More 

 

Feb. 17 – April 9

Jersey Boys at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Fort Myers

The Broadway hit explores the rise and fall of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The Tony Award-winning musical follows the band through their 40-year friendship, from their New Jersey beginnings to the top of the charts.

Get Tickets 

 

Feb. 18

Edison Festival of Light, Fort Myers

Celebrate the namesake inventor in style with festivities all around town. Artisans present original jewelry designs, paintings, photography and sculptures at the Crafts on the River showcase in Centennial Park. At 4 p.m., head downtown to Edwards Drive with your team for the 2023 5K Run, where you race against more than 1,400 competitors in this 3.1-mile run; stick around after for an awards program. When it gets dark, find a spot on Main Street and park yourself for the two-hour Grand Parade at 7 p.m. Cheer on marching bands, floats and clowns as they trek through the city, from Fort Myers High School to Second Street in the parade’s 85th year.

Find Out More

 

Feb. 19

Dancing with the Stars Live! at Artis—Naples

The 18-year show goes on the road again, with a stop at Hayes Hall. Fan-favorite dancers, like Gleb Savchenko and Emma Slater, waltz, foxtrot and rumba across the stage, with TV personality Gabby Windey (of The Bachelor) as the celeb guest. 

Get Tickets

 

Feb. 19

SWFL Veg Fest 2023 at Farmer Mike’s U Pick, Bonita Springs

Increase your plant-based lifestyle I.Q. and discover new favorite recipes, with vegetarian food trucks and cooking demos from wellness experts extolling the virtues of veggies. 

Find Out More 

 

Feb. 21

Unforgettable: Nat and Natalie with Naples Philharmonic Pops at Artis—Naples

Guest conductor Stuart Chafetz and award-winning vocalists Dee Daniels and Denzal Sinclaire honor the renowned father-daughter jazz duo in this performance with The Naples Philharmonic.

Get Tickets

 

Feb. 23-24

John O’Hurley: A Man with Standards at TheatreZone, Naples

Best known for his role as J. Peterman on Seinfeld, the actor and singer performs a one-man show with The Great American Songbook classics and humorous stories of his career. 

Get Tickets

 

Feb. 24-26

Port Charlotte Greek Fest at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Port Charlotte

This annual festival unites classic Greek dishes, music and dancing. For an authentic experience, test your skills at grape stomping.

Find Out More 

 

Feb. 24-26

Naples Orchid Society Show & Sale at Naples Botanical Garden

Shop prize-winning orchids and other rare blooming species from vendors across the state. You can also ogle the artistic orchid on display at Kapnick Hall. 

Find Out More 

 

Feb. 24 – March 19

The Devil is in the Details at East West Fine Art, Naples

Russian painters Dmitri Annenkov and Husan Kasimov showcase their hyperrealist works with attention to detail and realist techniques to create photorealistic paintings. 

Find Out More 

 

Feb. 25

Peace River Pride at Gilchrist Park, Punta Gorda

Drag shows, fabulous schwag and tons of great food and drink define Punta Gorda’s Pride Day celebration. Proceeds benefit the establishment of the first LGBTQ+ center in Charlotte County.

Find Out More

 

Feb. 25-26 

Outdoor Arts and Crafts Show and Clay Guild Studio Sale at Marco Island Center for the Arts

Shop from the members’ clay creations, plus other local arts and craft vendors in this free community event. 

Find Out More 

 

Feb. 25-26

The National Art Fair at Cambier Park, Naples

More than 1,000 artists apply, but only 190 are chosen to display their work during the Naples Art Institute fair, consistently ranked among the best in the nation.

Find Out More 

 

Feb. 26

The Beach Boys at Artis—Naples

We’re all California girls when the Beach Boys come to town, led by band co-founder and frontman Mike Love. With more than 60 years of experience and 15 Billboard Top 10 hit records, the setlist promises a night of good vibrations.

Find Out More

Related Images: