3, 24
From the simultaneous sounds of banjo and cello to the banging of heads, you’ll hardly recognize the reenergized, dance-friendly Daniels Pavilion. The latest Artis—Naples concert series, Live & Local, features area talent deserving of the center’s mammoth music spotlight through the refreshing perspective of our budding youth. This month brings welcome attitude with eclectic 20-somethings Wholetones (Oct. 3) and accomplished beach-punk group Fake Problems (Oct. 24). artisnaples.org
10
Even if you find the production slightly strange (or if you’re just a dog person), you can’t deny that Cats masters the impressively intricate arts of costume, makeup and dance. There’s a reason the musical has been presented in 10 languages in more than 20 countries since its London debut in 1981. Catch the classic at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre through Nov. 23. broadwaypalm.com
16
Born of their namesake musical melting pot, Chicago broke onto the scene carrying a tune brand-new to seasoned ears: rock and roll with horns. The result was 21 top 10 singles and five consecutive No. 1 albums—and decades since their start, the survivors of many a band-member and record-label change are still releasing original music. Hear it one night only at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. bbmanpah.com
20
Feeling the urge to sketch en plein air or kayak Tarpon Bay? Fancy a boardwalk stroll, or a bike ride down a shaded trail? “Ding” Darling Days is the answer to pretty much any nature outing calling your name. The weeklong celebration of conservationist and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist J.N. “Ding” Darling is riddled with free and discounted eco-activities at the Sanibel Island refuge also titled in his honor. In between learning to paddleboard and touring by tram, you can sit in on themed wildlife presentations, scout 220 species of birds with the kids, and meet artists of the Federal Duck Stamp program founded by Darling in 1934. And back by popular demand is Heather Henson, daughter of late Muppets creator Jim Henson, with a parade of endangered animal puppets. dingdarlingsociety.org
25-27
Southwest Floridians are not-so-secretly spoiled by a number of things, not the least of which being fabulously fresh seafood. Bring on the lemon and butter—this month we indulge even further with the Fourth Annual Stone Crab Festival. The Old Naples waterfront spread kicks off at Tin City with the cracking of the first crab by Mayor Sorey, and the extended block party continues all weekend with drink specials, live entertainment, family activities, bargain water-sport and transportation rentals, and—of course—ungodly amounts of (heavenly) stone crab. stonecrabfestival.org
All month
On display at The Baker Museum, Papiers à la Mode puts to shame even the most successful attempts at Project Runway’s infamous “unconventional materials” challenges. Inspired by paintings to portraiture to a single piece of fabric, Isabelle de Borchgrave’s paper-and-paint creations could pass for rich, textile gowns straight from the armoire of Marie Antoinette. With manipulation by crumpling, pleating and braiding—and guidance from fashion historian Rita Brown—the Belgian artist crafted dozens of period costumes, kimonos and kaftans that span 300 years of influential design, from the dripping opulence of Elizabeth I to the daringly liberating style of Coco Chanel. artisnaples.org
All month
Without stepping foot in mucky swampland or estuarine shallows, you still can experience Florida’s more than 2 million acres of protected waters. The stunning photography of Clyde Butcher proves the next-best alternative to being there—so if you’re eager to skip the muggy and buggy, check out Living Waters: Aquatic Preserves of Florida. The exhibit is on view at the Environmental Learning Center of Rookery Bay—home to two of our state’s 41 aquatic preserves. rookerybay.org
