This Weekend In SWFL We Say Goodbye Baseball Hello Spring

According the meteorological calendar, winter is officially in the rearview mirror. And soon the Florida snowbirds will be too. This weekend in SWFL we say goodbye baseball hello spring. This is the last weekend for you to get in a baseball spring training game in Fort Myers and Port Charlotte.

Opening day is March 28th for the regular season. Click here for the Minnesota Twins schedule and here for the Boston Red Sox. Both teams play in Fort Myers. In addition, the Tampa Bay Rays still have some games in Port Charlotte.

Also, if you are looking for some local places to eat near Fenway South or JetBlue Park where the Red sox play, here are some places to try. In addition, these are local faves to check out within a five mile radius of the Twins and Hammond Stadium.

It's time once again for the annual Collier County Fair. You can see Safari Racing Pigs, eat fried food on a stick, and ride the Tilt-A-Whirl until your heart is content. Or you puke, whichever comes first.

If you like casino games, they are the at the heart of a charity event Friday night in Cape Coral. There is also a BBQ fest and competition in Fort Myers and Mud Trucks Gone Wild in Punta Gorda for Spring Break. Find out more about all of these by scrolling down.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Here are your Weekend Vibes for March 22nd through the 24th. 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.

Ready for some thrilling rides, fried fair food, livestock, music and a variety of entertainment? The annual fair is here. Opening day was Thursday and it runs through next weekend. If your bag isn't clear, you wont be able to take it in. The fairgrounds are off of Immokalee Road, east of I-75. Ticket prices vary. More info here.

This annual event is a fundraiser for Lee BIA Builders Care and it features some of the regions best BBQ along with a competition. There is a full slate of music, with the Ben Allen Band headlining. In addition, enjoy lots of local and national beer brands, vendors, kids activities and more. Sunday 11am-6pm downtown Fort Myers at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater. $10 in advance, $15 at the gate. More info here.

The 36th annual Naples Art Downtown Art Fair is making the move to Park Street and Cambier Park this year, 755 Eighth Ave. S. The fundraiser for the Naples Art institute is March 23-24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free but donations appreciated. More info here.

If you like classic cars, love music and beer, you will like this one. It's the second time the Cape Coral Museum of History has put on this event. There will also be food trucks, vendors and fun for the entire family. Saturday 1-5pm, Cultural Park in Cape Coral. Tickets start at $35 and include beer samples. More info here.

It's spring break at the Redneck Mud Park in Punta Gorda and it gets a little crazy here. Get muddy and watch the parade of trucks and people. There are even mudding courses for big trucks and off road vehicles. Enjoy live music and lots of adult fun. More info here. 

For some Friday night fun join the Leadership Cape Coral Class of 2023 for this charity event. Proceeds go to Guardian Angels For Special Populations, The Cape Coral Caring Center and Thrive SWFL.  It's at the Kiwanis Club on Santa Barbara Blvd.  6-11pm. More info here.