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.
10 things this weekend
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’s stone crab season and they are being celebrated in Pine Island this weekend
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.
GoldenFest
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.
Cape Coral Veteran's Day Parade
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.
Midpoint Madness Veterans Day 5k
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.
Collier County Veterans Day Ceremony
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.
Concert In The Park
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
