As summer days fade away, slow down and experience all the Gulf Coast has to offer. In Naples, United Arts Collier and Friends of Rookery Bay launch their joint art exhibition; in Fort Myers, alternative rock band Counting Crows tear the house down at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena; and in Punta Gorda, Tiki Fest boasts an impressive roster of Hawaiian and Polynesian talent. Don’t miss these August events.
Now – Aug. 24
On Safari with Jacke McCurdy at Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs
The veteran photographer displays images from her most recent African safari trip. Jacke McCurdy, who was designated as legally blind several years ago, captures wildlife and raw landscapes through her digital viewfinder.
Now – Sep. 10
Frida and Her Garden at Naples Botanical Garden
Recreations of famed Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s La Casa Azul and other important aspects of her life decorate the garden. Animal sculptures covered in folk art depict some of her influences, woven in amongst native Mexican plants.
Aug. 1 – Oct. 27
2023 Summer II Exhibition at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples
View selected works from 30 artists in this joint exhibition from Friends of Rookery Bay and United Arts Collier. This showing highlights Florida’s natural beauty and environment across a variety of media, such as watercolor, acrylic and photography.
Aug. 4
Counting Crows at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers
For three decades, the Grammy and Academy Award-nominated band has put its soulful mark on the rock ‘n’ roll scene. The “Accidentally in Love” musicians bring the Banshee Season Tour to the Gulf Coast hot on the heels of their two-year-long Butter Miracle Tour, this time with longtime friends and fellow alternative rock band Dashboard Confessional.
Aug. 4-5
TJ Miller at Off the Hook Comedy Club, Naples
The Deadpool and Silicon Valley star showcases his talent for two nights. With more than 25 major studio films, several hit television shows—one of which won him a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Comedy—and two comedy specials under his belt, the comedian brings out his stand-up chops in full force.
Aug. 4-20
POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive at the Laboratory Theater of Florida, Fort Myers
A public relations disaster at the White House leads seven women to do damage control in order to keep the president out of trouble. Playwright Selina Fillinger made her Broadway debut with the show in 2022, which earned three Tony Award nominations.
Aug. 4-24
A New Beginning at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers
One-half of the duo behind Artsemble Underground—an arts business known for its murals and custom installations—Brian Weaver debuts his latest collection. Here, the artist reveals his complex designs amidst bold colors to illustrate stories of the heartbreaks and triumphs he’s experienced in his life.
Aug. 5
Tiki Fest at Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda
Celebrate island culture in this seventh-annual event. The day kicks off with a performance by the Hawaiian Band of Orlando—who also close out the festival with a performance on the beach at the end of the night—followed by Hula Connection of SW Florida’s showcase of traditional Hawaiian dance. Additional Polynesian dances and Hawaiian ukulele performances ensue.
Aug. 17-27
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown at Fort Myers Theatre
Follow Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanut gang as they navigate life’s questions in this musical based on the classic comic strip by Charles Schulz. The 1999 Broadway revival featured Tony Award-winning performances by Kristin Chenoweth as Sally and Roger Bart as Snoopy.
Aug. 19
Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis in Concert at Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee
The renowned impersonator has headlined “The King’s” original backup group at the Hard Rock Live, bringing his hip-thrusting moves to Florida’s west coast. Chris MacDonald covers everything from Elvis’ early years to his Las Vegas residency and remains the only tribute performer hired by Elvis Presley Enterprises to entertain at Graceland’s Heartbreak Hotel.
Aug. 26
Run 4 Our Furry Friends 5K Run and 2K Honor Walk at South County Regional Park, Punta Gorda
On National Dog Day, lace up your best sneakers and race around the park, sports fields and ponds, all to raise funds for Peace River K9 Search and Rescue. The canine-centric nonprofit that helps recover lost or missing persons. Rally your four-legged friend to run with you for an extra pep in your step.
Aug. 31 – Sep. 10
Willy Wonka at Fort Myers Theatre
Follow Charlie and his grandfather in this musical version of the beloved movie as they find themselves with a golden opportunity to tour the candymaker’s famous chocolate factory. Chaos ensues as naughty children get their comeuppance. Florida Gulf Coast University Graduate Michelle Kuntze directs and choreographs this production.
Recurring
Aug. 5
Gardening Series at Rotary Park, Cape Coral
One Saturday a month, the Lee County Master Gardeners gather to educate the community on sustainable plant practices. This month, Sanibel resident and master gardener Mariana Pardo covers some of the island’s vegetation that survived Hurricane Ian and explores storm-resident greenery for SWFL flora and fauna enthusiasts.
Aug. 11
Cinema with the Symphony: Green Book at Bell Tower, Fort Myers
Once a month during the summer, Southwest Florida Symphony performs a special, music-accompanied movie screening. This time, view the Academy Award-winner for Best Picture about Tony Lip, a bouncer from the Bronx, who is hired to drive renowned Black pianist Dr. Don Shirley on his concert tour through the South in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement. Symphony concertmaster, Orin Laursen, gives a pre-screening presentation before the show.
Every Saturday
Naples Jazzmasters at the Norris Center
One of three performing groups under Naples Jazz Society, Naples Jazzmasters has played free concerts for the community for almost a decade. Hear the sounds of the late 1930s, plus other popular jazz iterations.
