12 Stores In Southwest Florida Open On Easter

This Sunday is Easter Sunday and whether you don't celebrate and it's a normal Sunday to you, or you need some last minute items, here are stores in Southwest Florida open on Easter.

Easter for me and my family has always been a day to spend with family and a good meal. Of course when we were kids we got very excited for our morning Easter baskets. My brother and I still keep a part of that tradition going. We used to get kites every year from the Easter bunny and since we moved to Florida, he in Sarasota and me in Fort Myers, we still get each other kites every year to fly on the beach. We plan on doing that again on Sunday. I just have to remember to get it today or tomorrow. But if not, even on Sunday, I'll have some options.

For our meal this year, we're doing a seafood boil. Hopefully we'll remember in advance to get everything we need. But let's face it, even the best laid plans sometimes go awry. What if we forget the shrimp? You can't do a seafood boil with no shrimp! And while stores like Publix, Aldi, Costco, Sam's Club and Target may be closed on Easter Sunday, there are still plenty of stores to shop at if necessary:

Hours may be different than usual, due to the holiday. But at least you have options if you need to get some shopping done.

If you're still looking for something fun to do this weekend, there's lots of things going on in Southwest Florida. Whether you're interested in a special meal or an Easter egg hunt for the kids, you can find a list here

Happy Easter!

It seems like just yesterday trucks full of baseball gear were arriving in Fort Myers and Port Charlotte for spring training. This week, those same trucks rolled out for another year. The regular season has begun, spring has sprung and the Easter Bunny is on his way. Here is where to find fun Easter weekend in Southwest Florida.

Eggs are being hidden and the life-sized rabbit is making cameos at dozens of spots from Naples to Punta Gorda and everywhere in between. We're talking churches, community parks, shopping centers and more. It is nearly impossible to list every Easter event in Southwest Florida. So here, you will find the highlights. And if you're listening Easter Bunny, you can keep the PEEPS. However, I will be glad to take a few Cadbury Eggs please.

It's not all about chocolate bunnies and decorated eggs. How about enjoying some live music and good times at the Pine Island Brews and Blues festival. It happens Sunday. Proceeds go to Pine Island's Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary. Spoiler alert, there will be an Easter Egg hunt too. How could there not be?

In addition, one of the most beloved events on the water returns to Cape Coral. It's time for the annual Cardboard Boat Regatta. The handmade boats are quite a sight to see on the water. Which ones are seaworthy? Which ones will sink like a rock? You  never know and that is part of the fun. One more thing. Art lovers should check out a big show in Bonita Springs.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Here are your Weekend Vibes for March 29th through the 31st. Scroll down to discover a few places of many places where you can find some fun for Easter Weekend in Southwest Florida. Get out and support local events and business.

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

This big party is at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex on Sunday. There isn't just one, but several egg hunts and they are by age groups.  Kids can  hippity hop the sugar off in bounce houses and other inflatables. The fun goes from noon to 3pm with egg hunts at 1:30. Free. More info here.

This giant egg hunt is Saturday in downtown Cape Coral. It's BYOB, bring your own basket and go from business to business to gather eggs and other treats. A limo bus is avaialbe for safe transport accross Cape Coral Parkway.The Easter Bunny will also be on hand. It's free but it helps to register in advance for details and maps. More info here.

This event has an 80 year history in the Dunbar Community of downtown Fort Myers. The parade is full of marching bands, dancers and floats. It starts and ends at Dunbar Jupiter Hammond Library on Blount Street. It travels down sections of Martin Luther King Blvd as well. Besides the parade, there are all kinds of family activities from Easter egg hunts to live music, food trucks and more. The celebration is Sunday from noon to 8pm. Parade step off is at 3pm. More info here.

It's an Easter themed drive by at Centennial Park in Port Charlotte. Saturday from 9am to 11am. Drive through the ball fields and get Easter treats. In addition, there are golden eggs that can be redeemed for special prizes. More info here.

The City of Marco Island Parks and Recreation puts on this annual family event. Find music, crafts, games, and all kinds of activities for the kids to enjoy. Saturday 10am to noon in Frank E. Mackle Community Park on Andalusia Terrace. Free. More info here.

This party is at Springtime Farms. You can hunt for thousands of hidden eggs Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In addition, there is an inflatable slide and corn maze, a bunny village, a petting zoo and lots more. The farm is on Aqua Vista Drive in North Fort Myers. 9:30am to 5pm. $15. More info here.

It's one of Cape Coral's most beloved annual events put on by The Rotary Club. It's great fun for both spectators and adventure seekers. Dozens of participants build boats out of cardboard and set sail from Seahawk Park. Will they sink or will they cross the finish line? It's anyone's guess. Boat judging begins at 9am, the race at 11:30 and the fun keeps going until 3pm. Bring your own chair and be prepared for a $5 parking fee. The event itself is free. More info here. 

Nationally known blues acts Chris O'Leary and Frank Bang perform at this concert that includes beer from Fort Myers' popular Millennial Brewing Co. and a large Easter egg hunt. It benefits Pine Island's Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 31. $5 admission includes parking and one free beer at the Millennial Brewing Co. tent. Jug Creek Marina & Fish House, Bokeelia.  More info here. 

Art show season is about to wind down so get another one in before it's too late. This one is Saturday and Sunday at The Promenade at Bonita Bay in Bonita Springs. The sidewalks will be teaming with all kinds of art and artists. It begins at noon both days. Free. More info here.