Weekend Events And Fun Things To Do In Southwest Florida

I don't know about you, but for me it felt like the weekend would never get here. The previous two work weeks have been short ones because of Christmas and New Years. I nearly forgot what it was like to work a full week. Thankfully there are all kinds of weekend events and fun things to do in Southwest Florida to help us unwind as well as blow off steam. Here are your Weekend Vibes for January 12th through 14th.

Another cool front is predicted to move in Friday making the weekend a little cooler, but not cold by any means. It is art show season in Southwest Florida and this weekend you will find out why. There are big shows in both Bonita Springs and Naples. However, the biggest is set for Cape Coral. Here, one of the city's main streets is shut down and turned into a sea of white tents and pedestrians. Road closures along Cape Coral Parkway begin Friday and continue through Sunday evening.

If 2024 has a wedding or similar big event on your calendar, take note. There is a big bridal show in Naples. These events are teaming with vendors from floral design and caterers to printing houses and more. You might just find the help you need to pull off a big event. One more thing. There is a night time 5K at Florida SouthWestern State College if you want to burn a few calories and have some fun.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here.  Here are your Weekend Vibes for January 12th through 14th. Get out and have some local fun at these events.

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

It's the third year for the Punta Gorda Seafood & Music Festival. Here you can enjoy all kinds of arts and crafts, along with a nice line up of live bands and musical performances. The highlight is the seafood. However, other cuisine will also be available. The fun kicks off at 4pm Friday and runs through 6pm Sunday. Free. More info here.

For years, this was the first art show of the season in Southwest Florida and arguably, one of the biggest. What makes this unique is the location. It stretches for blocks down Cape Coral Parkway. The main thoroughfare is closed to traffic just north of Del Prado. Some 300 artists and vendors begin setting up Friday evening. Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm. Free More info here.

This is an award winning art festival, the first of three this year in Bonita Springs. It runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in the beautiful Riverside Park, downtown. Free. More info here.

Naples Artcrafters have several shows a year and this is the first of 2024. It is Saturday from 10-4 in in Cambier Park. It's a lovely park in downtown Naples and it will be packed with artists from around the country. Free.  More info here.

This is not your grandma's circus. It's under the big top with acrobats and aerialists. However the show taps into the dark part of your dreams, has adult humor and more. Organizers give it an "R" rating and anyone under age must be accompanied by an adult. The show is at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, now through Monday. Ticket prices start at $20. Parking $5. More info here.

This outdoor concert series kicks off Friday night at Koreshan State Park in Estero. Grab a chair or a blanket  for a concert under the stars featuring musician Ross Mead. He'll be performing on the porch of the Planetary Court. A food truck will be on site. Gates open at 6:30p.m. Music runs from 7-9:30. $10. More info here.

This big bridal show features a ballroom full of professionals to help you pull off your big day and have the wedding of your dreams. Brides, if you register online you receive free admission. Otherwise it is $5. Sunday, 1-4 Naples Hilton. More info here.

It's the first annual evening 5K hosted by Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Friday. Meet at the college in Fort Myers, grab your glow sticks and hit the pavement. It's Friday night, $35. More info here.