Happy St Patty’s Day weekend. Much of Southwest Florida is turning green and many could be feeling green on Monday since the Irish celebration falls on Sunday this year. Restaurants and bars are serving up corned beef and cabbage, green beer and whiskey drinks for their celebrations. There is a big parade in Naples, huge block parties in Punta Gorda and Fort Myers, and everything in between. However, you don’t have to embrace shamrocks and leprechauns to have a good time in Southwest Florida. There is plenty to do for the entire family Here is the scoop for celebrating St Patty’s Day in SWFL and weekend fun for everyone.

Get out the green food coloring. It’s time to prepare for St Patty’s Day parties.

Also happening this St Patty’s Day Weekend In SWFL

It is still art show season and there are a couple happening Saturday and Sunday to tickle your fancy. In addition, there is a seafood and music festival in Naples.

Don’t forget about Baseball Spring Training games. Click here for the Minnesota Twins schedule. For the Boston Red Sox schedule click here. Both teams play in Fort Myers and the Tampa Bay Rays are in Port Charlotte. Also, if you are looking for some local places to eat near the stadiums, here are some places to drink and dine before or after the Red Sox games at JetBlue Park.  These are places to check out within a five mile radius of Hammond Stadium where the Twins play.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Keep scrolling to find what you need to know for celebrating St Patty’s Day in SWFL and more. Here are your Weekend Vibes for March 15th through the 17th. Get out, support local events and business, and have some fun.

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

• Naples St Patty's Day Parade

  This annual parade is put on by the Naples St. Patrick’s Foundation Inc. and is now said to be the largest privately-funded Parade in the state. More than $200,000 has been donated to local high school bands and scholarships in the last five years thanks to parade proceeds. The day begins with a Flag Raising at 9:30 a.m. in Crayton Cove. The Parade is Saturday and steps off at 11 from the corner of 3rd Street South and 10th Ave. It travels down 5th Ave South and ends at Naples City Hall. Free. More info here.

• St. Patrick's Day At Celtic Ray

  This has become one of the biggest annual St. Patrick’s Day parties in Southwest Florida. The Celtic Ray Public House in Punta takes over Nesbit Street with stages, vendors, tents and all kinds of shenanigans. The entertainment begins at 10am and while there is some seating, people also bring their own chairs. Lots of traditional Irish food can be purchased along with whisky cocktails and beer, but it wont be died green. That is frowned upon here. It’s a great party More info here.
  

• St. Patty's Day Block Party

  This takes place in downtown Fort Myers on Sunday. There will be activities for the kids and libations for the adults. Also enjoy a selection of Irish food and lots of music. The main stage is on First Street. However, there are other spots to explore, find entertainment, and have a good green time while your in the area. Noon to 8pm. Free. More info here.
  

• EsteroFest

  This is a big party to celebrate the Village of Estero’s 10th anniversary. You’ll find something for the entire family from a kids zone and carnival games to a beer and wine garden. Food trucks will be on site too.  The entertainment is headlined by the Ben Allen Band. It’s at the Estero Community Park Saturday, beginning at 1pm and going until 9pm. Bring your own chairs. Free. More info here. 
  

   

• 19th Annual Peace River National Art Festival

  This annual art fest takes place in Punta Gorda’s Laishley Park and is a juried show. It features works from some 60 artists from around the country.  Money raised from the event benefits arts programs in Punta Gorda. 10am-4pm Saturday and Sunday. $5. More info here.
  

• Downtown Fort Myers Music Walk

  This monthly event has a St Patty’s Day theme this time. It’s Friday from 6-10pm. Some streets are closed and music is featured both outdoors and in many of the restaurants, bars and galleries. Free. More info here.

• Bayfront Naples Art Show

  Find a variety of  works from both local and national artists along the water at Bayfront Naples. Stroll the booths and enjoy the beautiful setting. The show is both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. More info here.  

• Vintage Base Ball Game

  This annual event is put on by the Edison & Ford Winter Estates at Terry Park in Fort Myers. Take a step back in time as baseball teams take to the mound dressed in vintage uniforms, swinging wooden bats at lemon-peel baseballs. No gloves allowed. In addition, they play following baseball rules from the 1860’s. Games start at 10am Sunday. $5, 18 and under free. More info here. 
  

• Music and Art Fusion Walk

  This is the last of three events put on by the Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department. SE 47th Terrace between Vincennes and SE 15th Place will close to traffic and fill with artists, live music, vendors and more. It’s a family friendly event too. Saturday 5-9 p.m. Free. More info here. 

• Disney On Ice

  This popular ice show features your favorite Walt Disney Characters on skates. This show’s theme is “Find Your Hero.” You’ll see Disney hero’s and be encouraged to find your inner hero too. The show opens Thursday and runs through Sunday. Tickets start at $23. Be prepared for a hefty $20 parking fee. More info here. 
  

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