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5 Southwest Florida Events To Join This Weekend

young girl holding a butterfly in her hands, one of 5 Southwest Florida Events

You might be excited that football season is finally in full force. But there are also lots of things going on if your team is not in action, or football is not your thing. Check out these 5 Southwest Florida events to join this weekend.

The entire region is getting ready to mark the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian. Fort Myers Beach was one of the hardest hit spots in the state. Only a handful of hotels have reopened. It's been slow going for many restaurants and businesses to find their footing as well.

One weekend event hopes to help that. It's Revive The Vibe Fest. The second annual event is meant to bring people together and support beach businesses. Not to mention entertain you.

Photo: Gina Birch

Fort Myers Beach is ready to host visitors this weekend for the Revive The Vibe Fest.

More Of The 5 Southwest Florida Events

Sizzle Dining continues with restaurants from Marco Island to Sanibel and everywhere in between offering amazing pre-fix dining deals. Click here for a preview of the lunch menu at Bicyclette Cookshop in Naples. They also have a special chef demonstration next week. Check Sizzle Dining's website for details.

If you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Finally, here are your Weekend Vibes for September 13th through September 15th. Have fun at these 5 Southwest Florida events.

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

26th Annual Sullivan Street Craft Festival

This annual event takes place on Sullivan Street in Punta Gorda. Explore the beautiful downtown area and find treasures from dozens local and regional artists. Maybe do some Christmas shopping in advance. Saturday and Sunday  10:00am to 4:00pm. Free. More info here.

Revive The VIbe Fest

This is the second annual festival on Fort Myers Beach. It is intended to support local businesses and musicians while bringing people together following the destruction of Hurricane Ian two years ago. There will be two stages for music and also theater performances. Also enjoy games, food trucks, vendors and more. The fun is at Bayside Park, on the corner of Old San Carlos Blvd. and 1st Street Saturday, 11am to 10pm. Free. More info here.

 

Art Is Essential Bash With Damon Fowler

Art is Essential is an ongoing campaign by Lee County Alliance for the Arts to raise money after having their budget slashed by Florida Governor Ron Desantis. Plan to attend the outdoor concert with Tampa blues singer and guitarist Damon Fowler. There will be food trucks on site as well. Saturday, 7pm at the Alliance on McGregor Blvd in Fort Myers. Tickets start at $20. More info here.

Butterfly Day

If you love butterflies make plans to visit the Peace River Botanical And Sculpture Gardens Saturday. There will be tours, demos and vendors. Also enjoy food, yard games, butterfly releases, a bounce house  and activities for the kids. 9am-noon. $20 general admission, 17 and under FREE. More info here.

Sizzle Dining

This is a great way to try new restaurants as well as enjoy a new experience in some of your faves. Participating places offer a series of pre-fix dining options for three, four and five course meals. Lunches are $19 and $29. Dinner are $29, $39, and $49. Some also have a $59 option. For every meal sold $1 is donated to Blessings in a Backpack to help feed food insecure children. You get to eat and feed others at the same time. Bonus. It runs through the 25th. More info here.

Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.