10 Exciting Things To Do In Southwest Florida This Weekend

It is Veteran's Day weekend and it stretches into a sweet three days for many people. There are events in Naples and Bonita Springs,  Cape Coral and Fort Myers, Port Charlotte and beyond to recognize veterans. Thank you for your service to our country. But those are not the only activities you'll find on the local calendar of events. Here are your Weekend Vibes, 10 exciting things to do in Southwest Florida this weekend.

Veteran's Day activities include parades and tributes. There are salutes, key note speakers and all kinds of family activities to participate in over the next few days. Find those events by scrolling down, or by clicking here.

Although very important, not everything on the calendar surrounds veterans this weekend. There are some really big events that typically draw big crowds taking place. Thousands of  people from all over the state are expected to descend upon downtown for the 51st Annual Fort Myers Boat Show. It's the biggest such boat show on Florida's west coast. For info on parking and road closures, click here. There are lots of detours so plan on extra time when headed downtown over the next few days..

It is also another weekend for you to enjoy the huge fair at Jet Blue Park in Fort Myers.  In addition, it is stone crab season and the folks on Pine Island are celebrating in a delicious and fun way. You will find all of the details below.

One more thing. If you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. There are lots of cool things to do this weekend in Southwest Florida. Here are your Weekend Vibes for  November 10-12. 10 exciting things to do in Southwest Florida this weekend. Get out and have some local fun. Cheers.

This is the 51st-annual event hosted in downtown Fort Myers and it is huge. It cover's much of downtown along the Caloosahatchee river and the Caloosa Sound Convention Center. Find more than 500 boats, more than 130 manufacturers along with demonstrations, accessories, and all things to help you navigate the water ways. Food and drink available. 10-6 Thursday through Saturday, 10-5 Sunday. $20, 15 and younger free with paid adult admission Find more info here.

Fair At Fenway South returns to JetBlue Park this weekend. Enjoy midway games, live shows, a petting zoo and even racing pigs. And then there are the dozens of thrilling carnival rides. The fair runs Thursdays through Sundays until November 19th. Tickets $6 in advance, $12 at the gate. Admission does not include rides. More information here. 

It's bac this year. The annual festival celebrats all things stone crab. Not only can you eat it to your hearts content, there are additional seafood vendors and food as well as live music. Calusa Cay Shoppes on Pine Island Road, Sunday 11-8. More info here. 

GoldenFest XIII is a pet fair hosted by the Golden Retriver Rescue of Southwest Florida. The annual event at the Shell Factory in North Fort Myers and features all kinds of vendors, exhibits, education and entertainment. See sheriff's K-9 demos and have fun in the Santa Paws photo booth. There will even be pony rides for the kids. All breeds of well-mannered dogs are welcome. Sunday 10-2. More info here. 

This is another well attended event every year, organized by Cape Coral's Parks and Recreation Department. The parade is Saturday from  11am to 1pm. It starts at Cape Coral Street and travels west  Chester Street on Cape Coral Parkway. More info here. 

This is a huge event every year for many reasons. The Midpoint Bridge between Fort Myers and Cape Coral closes allowing runners to replace cars for three hours. In the past the race has taken place at night, however, this year it is in the morning, Saturday, from  7-10am. It starts at Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. Race activities take place at the Fort Myers YMCA which is the beneficiary of all proceeds. Registration $35 , $20 for veterans. More info here.

This annual ceremony also takes place Saturday. There will be live music, keynot speakers, a JROTC demonstration, and more. In addiiton, 21 bells will be rung for the “Bells of Peace.” It's in Cambier Park from 9:30-11:15am. More info here. 

The City of Bonita Springs holds its annual Veterans Day celebration on Saturday. It includes musical tributes, speakers and the posting of the colors. Activities begin at  11am in Riverside Park, downtown Bonita Springs. More info here. 

This is another popular, annual event in Southwest Florida. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and listen to the patriotic music of the Bonita Springs Concert Band. In addition,  singer Heather Ivy performs a salute to Whitney Houston. This event is Sunday at 2 p.m. in Riverside Park on Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs. facebook.com/bonitaspringsconcertband

This event is Saturday. It is highlighted by music from New Horizons Choir and pop singer Lindsey Graham as well as a 21-gun salute. Other activities include a classic car show, kids activities, and free hotdogs. Local veterans and Gold Star Families will also be recognized. It's at Estero Community Park, on Corkscrew Palms Blvd. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Saturday 11-2