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10 SWFL Weekend Events Not To Miss

By Gina Birch

The weather is perfect for getting into some holiday cheer and there are some great events from Naples to Fort Myers and beyond to keep the entire family entertained. Here are 10 SWFL Weekend events not to miss. Especially if you have friends and family in town.

There are some well timed art shows taking place in Southwest Florida this weekend. They are free to attend and fun to browse, especially if you have visitors. In addition, they are ideal places to find those last minute gifts and unique presents for that person who is hard to buy for.

Boat parades are a longstanding tradition in Southwest Florida and there are at least two big ones this weekend. Details are below along with routes so you know where to catch Santa and his elves on the water.

If you want to dress like Santa instead of watch from afar, there are two SantaCon events taking place too.

More SWFL Weekend Events

Most of the events listed below have some kind of holiday theme. But I have to mention this cool interactive play by the Theatre Conspiracy at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers. It’s called Clown Bar 2 and the entire theater is transformed into an interactive, immersive bar.

clowns and People wearing circus costumes for SWFL Weekend events
GettyImages
Clown Bar 2 is an immersive event opening at Lee County Alliance for the Arts this weekend.

Purchase a drink and it will be served by these hilarious, yet frightening, gangster clowns. It runs December 12-14, 19-21 and the 22nd at 2:00 p.m. Find more info here.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Here are your Weekend Vibes for December 13th through the 15th. Be sure to share with friends. No one likes missing a good time

Here Are More SWFL Weekend Events

  • Naples Boat Parade

    This annual event takes place Saturday between Tin City and Port Royal. Boats decked out in holiday lights and decor compete for best at the Naples City Dock. There are free spots to view the water parade along the route. Viewing at the City Dock is ticketed. Proceeds benefit Ricky King and MIACC Foundation. The festivities run from 6:15 to 8:30. More info here.

  • Bonita Springs Boat Parade

    It’s the 40th Anniversary of the Bonita Springs Boat Parade and it boasts the best it’s ever been to celebrate. It takes place Saturday along the Imperial River from Bay Water Boat Club, under 41 to Jolly Roger Lane. 5:30. More info here.

  • Johnsonville Night Lights In The Garden

    Night Lights in The Garden takes place every year at Naples Botanical Gardens. The beautiful gardens come alive at night with thousands of lights and special displays. There is live music and lots of fun photo ops along with specialty cocktails and other treats. The display runs through January 5th. Tickets start at $17. More info here.

  • Wine and Wonder Uncorked

    The Wonder Gardens Wine and Wonder Uncorked was rescheduled for this Friday. It’s a festive wine-tasting event through the gardens. Enjoy holiday decor and a holiday market featuring local vendors.  Food trucks will also be on site. $55 for nonmembers and $50 for members of Wonder Gardens. 6pm to 8pm. More info here.

  • Fort Myers SantaCon

    This annual event takes over bars and restaurants in downtown Fort Myers. Dress to impress and meet for the merry pub crawl at The Standard. Saturday 1pm to 4pm. More info here.

  • SantaCon And Christmas Festival at Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach

    This is a two day celebration at Margaritaville on Fort Myers Beach. The fun begins Friday with the annual Christmas Tree Festival. It’s a fundraiser for Beach Kids Foundation. Then on Saturday, put on your best Santa Attire for SantaCon fun and festivities. And you can’t have a party at Margaritaville without the parrots. They’ll be in attendance too. Party starts at 11am. More info here.

  • Gulfshore Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

    It’s a holiday classic The ballet company will be accompanied by Gulf Coast Symphony. The first show is Saturay at Big Arts on Sanibel Island Saturday. The show can also be seen at Barbara B Mann Preforming Arts Hall in Fort Myers on December 21st.  Tickets start at $47. More info here.

  • Punta Gorda Arts and Crafts Show

    Laishley Park is the place to be in Puntq Gorda on Sunday if you love art of all kinds. Holiday shopping a it’s finest, there will be dozens of booths to look at. Sunday. 10am to 4pm, Free. More info here.

  • Naples Art Crafters

    Get some holiday shopping wrapped up at this outdoor art event at Cambier Park in Naples. Find dozens of tents full of all kinds of one-of-a-kind items from jewelry to paintings and pottery.  Saturday 10am to 4pm. Free. More info here.

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  • Naples Fun Festival

    If you are 50 and over and love pickleball, this is for you. This big tournament takes place at the Naples Pickleball Center, home to 66 courts, Saturday and Sunday. More info here.

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