Hurricane Ian Event Cancelations

The list of Hurricane Ian event cancelations in Southwest Florida continues to grow.

Many of the sites slated to host events have hurricane damage. Also, many of the organizers have suffered personal losses. It takes a tremendous amount of energy and resources to throw a big bash. Both of these things are in short supply in many instances. Priorities are shifting.

In addition, all eyes are fixed firmly on donating to storm recovery now. Most of the events listed here are fund raisers or have a fund raising element to them. While these organizations depend heavily on their annual events to fund vital programs and operations, their needs are also shifting following the storm.

Take for instance CROW, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, on Sanibel Island. The annual Taste of the Islands is a much anticipated event every November. At the time we are writing this, there is no word on when the barrier island will be open for business. In the meantime, the clinic is establishing an off island location to continue taking care of injured animals. The show must go on.

And finally, when it comes to attending big events, many Southwest Florida residents are just not ready to get out and celebrate. That time will come and when it does, we will embrace it with both arms. However, most event organizers feel now is still just a little too soon.

Click here to find more resources for hurricane recovery.

In the meantime, here are the current Hurricane Ian event cancelations. The list is continuously updated.

This is one of the biggest Octoberfest celebrations in the country according to organizers. The German American Social Club has been throwing the party for more than 30 years. They even fly in bands from Germany to participate. This year's event was scheduled for the weekends of October 21st and 28th.

The annual benefit, primarily targeted to women, is to benefit Community Cooperative which, among other things, helps feed the underserved in Lee County. It was scheduled for October 13th. Organizers are hoping to set a new date.

This craft beer-centric fundraiser for Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs had been scheduled for October 14th. The gardens suffered significant damage from Hurricane Ian. The event has been rescheduled for December 9th.

A friend-raiser for the five facilities of Child Care of Southwest Florida had been planned for October 19th. No word on rescheduling at this point.

Taste of the Islands takes place on Sanibel every year. The food and beverage extravaganza is the annual, and primary fund raiser for CROW, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife. The event had been scheduled for November 12-19.

This annual event, which features Martha Stewart was on the calendar for November 23rd in Cambier Park in Naples.

The event put on by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida was suppose to take place the weekend of October 22nd. It has been rescheduled to Dec 3rd and 4th. However, the kickoff party planned for October 21 will still go on as planned. It's at the Florida Sports Park.

This annual event benefits the Abuse Counseling and Treatment Center in Fort Myers. Originally slated for October 29th, the event chairs have decided to postpone. The new date has not been released.

A benefits for Shy Wolf's resident animals, this brewfest and concert has been postponed until February 4th. The event is from 4-8pm at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples. It features craft beers, many from local breweries, as well as a concert. Click here for more info.

Vegas Night in Black and White had been on the calendar for November 11th at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Estero. It has been canceled. The event was intended to raise money for Dress For Success

The Hot Works Estero Fine Art Show, scheduled for October 22 & 23, 2022 at JetBlue Park is cancelled. Fortunately, JetBlue Park survived the storm but is being used as a Recovery Disaster Relief Center. The Estero Fine Art Show scheduled for January 7 & 8, 2023 at JetBlue Park will be happening.

A benefit for the Heights Foundation in Fort Myers Saltwater Cowboy fishing tournament and party had been scheduled for November 5th. The new date has not been released yet.