March has arrived in Southwest Florida and so has the height of our tourist season. I took a drive to Fort Myers Beach this week and it was bustling. Parts are still deserted and rebuilding from Hurricane Ian. But it was sure nice to see signs of life again. Food trucks, shipping containers and tents now house many of the businesses that were wiped out by the storm but are committed to staying. Besides heading to the beach there is much to see and do in SWFL this weekend.

Some of those things include Major League Baseball’s Spring Training games. The action is in full swing and baseball stadiums in Fort Myers have been packed with fans. Click here for the Twins schedule. For the Boston Red Sox schedule click here.

Carnival rides are one of the highlights of the newly renamed Ag Fest in Fort Myers this weekend.

More SWFL weekend events

Art show season continues with the last in a series of three in Bonita Springs. Also in Bonita is a big boat show. Opera, ballet and music fans wont want to miss the opening of Opera Naples’ Festival Under The Stars. They are celebrating PRIDE in Cape Coral, reading in Fort Myers and the mind, body and spirit in Punta Gorda. Don’t forget the Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair is back but rebranded with a new name.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. There is much to see and do in SWFL. Here are your Weekend Vibes for March 1st through the 3rd. Get out, support local and have lots of fun at these events.

*Please note, events are subject to change. It never hurts to confirm with a phone call or check of social media as well as event websites.

• 35th Annual Bonita Springs Boat Show

  If it floats, it will be here. So will all of the vendors and people who can help you have a better experience on local waterways. This 35th annual show runs Thursday through Sunday on the grounds of the Poker Room, or former Dog Track. Gates open at 10am each day. $10, kids under 16 free with paid adult. More info here.
  

• SWFL Ag Expo

  This is the former Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair. Lee County has taken over the event and renamed it the Southwest Florida Ag Expo. You’ll find many of the same things such as carnival rides and food. There will also be lots of animals and exhibits, along with a line-up of live music all weekend.  Performers include Ben Allen and Sheena Brook. Both competed on “The Voice”. The expo opens Thursday and runs through March 10th. Numerous special admission nights are available. Otherwise it’s $10 or adults and $5 for 4-11 years. At the Lee Civic Center on Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers. More info here.
  

• Bonita Springs National Art Fest

  This is a well known juried art show taking place in the charming Riverside Park on Old US 41 in downtown Bonita Springs. More than 200 artists in nearly 20 categories will be on hand with their unique works. This is the last in a series of three seasonal shows in the park. It’s a family friendly event. Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm. Free. $5 donations are accepted. More info here.
  

• 6th Annual PRIDE Cape Coral

  This annual event is Saturday with some ticketed events (including brunch) continuing into Sunday. The highlight of the LGBTQ-pride event is a parade along SW 47th Terrace. It steps off 4pm. In addition, there is a stage for entertainers, street performers, celebrity drag queens, food trucks and more. The fun starts at 3pm and goes through 10pm. More info here.
  

• Downtown Fort Myers Art Walk

  The first Friday of the month, downtown Fort Myers comes alive with art. The galleries feature special exhibits, see artists in action and enjoy all kinds of activities. The event is at a new time, now 5-9pm. More information here.
  

• 2024 Festival Under The Stars

  This annual festival is the one of the signature events of Opera Naples. The events are literally outside and under the stars at the Cambier Park baseball fields. Friday night is Pavarotti Forever with acclaimed tenor Martin Nusspaumer. Opera Naples Family and Community Day is Saturday from 11am-2pm and includes children’s themed opera performances. Saturday night is a celebration of Spanish music and flamenco dancing. Performances run through March 9th. More info here.

• Illuminate Fort Myers and Punta Gorda

  This mind, body and spirit event spans two days in Southwest Florida. First event is Saturday in Fort Myers at DoubleTree by Hilton at The Bell Tower Shops. Then the fun moves to Punta Gorda on Sunday at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. You’ll find all things energetic from card reading and crystals, to spa products and art. Free. More info here.

  

• 25th Annual Fort Myers Reading Festival

  This festival celebrates the power of reading. Taking place in downtown Fort Myers, you can interact with more than 25 best-selling authors. The day is full of talks, reading to kids, author readings vendors, food and more. Kids and teens in attendance get a free book too. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.  Fort Myers Regional Library on First St. More info here. 
  

• Stitches In Time Quilt Show

  This annual show by the Naples Quilter Guild is huge, with more than 200 judged entries. In addition, there are special exhibits, vendors. prizes and more. Saturday and Sunday from 9a.m. to 4p.m. at New Hope Ministries on Davis Blvd. $10. More info here.
  

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