What Is Hot And Happening This Weekend In Southwest Florida

It's another weekend jam packed with fun in Southwest Florida. That is the good news. The bad news is you will have one less hour to enjoy it. Remember that it's Daylight Savings time and we spring ahead one hour Saturday night. To help you navigate the hours you do have to get out and have some fun, here are your weekend vibes. Check out what is hot and happening this weekend in Southwest Florida.

Some of the hottest tickets are for Major League Baseball's Spring Training games. The action is in full swing and baseball stadiums in Fort Myers have been packed with fans. Click here for the Twins schedule. For the Boston Red Sox schedule click here. Also, if you are headed to a game and want more to eat than hotdogs, peanuts and cracker jacks I've got a few suggestions for you. Here are some places to drink and dine before or after the Red Sox games at JetBlue. And here are places to check out within a five mile radius of Hammond Stadium where the Twins play.

There two events to help you get your house in order too. If you are in need of updating or getting a passport and can't do it during the week, there is a one day event Saturday at the Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court in Naples, at 15450 Collier Blvd. Next, it's tax season and if you need help shredding sensitive documents head to Cape Coral. The Big Shred is Saturday at the John E. Manning Government Complex, at 1039 SE 9^th Place in Cape Coral.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. There is much to see and do in SWFL. Here are your Weekend Vibes for March 8th through the 10th. Get out, support local and have lots of fun at these events.

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

The Red Sox are on the road Saturday but the beer drinking continues. Go from tent to table and sample more than 50 different craft beers at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. There is food and live music, as well as fun and games for the entire family.  You'll even be able to tour the ballpark. Saturday 1-5pm. $35. Under 21 free.  JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive, south Fort Myers. More info here. 

The 66 year tradition continues this weekend. The festival was not held last year due to hurricane Ian which destroyed the island's shrimp boat fleet.  The location has changed since Lynn Hall Memorial Park is still being repaired.  Bayside Park hosts the arts and crafts fair and there will be a shrimp crawl instead of the big shrimp boil that the Lions Club is known for. The parade returns Saturday morning along Estero Blvd. It begins at 10am but the Matanzas Bridge will close to traffic at 9 and stay closed until noon. You'll need to get to the beach early to see the fun. The Blessing of the Fleet is back too. It's Sunday at 11 a.m., at Erickson & Jensen Seafood on Shrimp Boat Lane, More info here. 

This is the former Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair. Lee County has taken over the event and renamed it the Southwest Florida Ag Expo. You'll find many of the same things such as carnival rides and food. There will also be lots of animals and exhibits, along with a line-up of live music all weekend.  Performers include Ben Allen and Sheena Brook. Both competed on "The Voice". The expo runs through March 10th. Numerous special admission nights are available. Otherwise it's $10 or adults and $5 for 4-11 years. At the Lee Civic Center on Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers. More info here.

Naples Artcrafters have several shows a year and this is the second to the last one for the 2024 season. It is Saturday from 10-4 in in Cambier Park. It's a lovely park in downtown Naples and it will be packed with local artists and a large variety of their unique works. Free.  More info here.

This event was originally on the calendar for January 4th but was rescheduled due to inclement weather. If you bought tickets and still have them, they are good for this weekend. Proceeds benefit the Florida Outdoor Education Foundation. Enjoy all kinds of delicious BBQ and lots of live music Saturday at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda. There is also a craft beer pavilion. Noon to 6pm. Tickets start at $8 in advance. More info here.

This annual festival is the one of the signature events of Opera Naples and it wraps up this weekend. The events are literally outside and under the stars at the Cambier Park baseball fields. Everything from ballet to live music.  More info here.

If you are into shells, this is the event for you. There is shell art and crafts and a competition for best art. Also enjoy food and other local vendors. The fun is at the Sanibel Community House on Periwinkle Way. Thursday through Sunday. $5 Donation. 9am to 3pm. More info here. 

The iconic Pine Island festival is this weekend, complete with the annual Mullet Toss, yes they are throwing dead fish. includes food, fishing seminars, vendors, live music. In addition, there are awards for best dressed mermaids and pirates. Saturday 10am to 5pm at Phillips Park Ball Field in Bokeelia. $5.  More info here. 

This is the second-annual Bonita Fest featuring food trucks, live music and a petting zoo. It's designed for the family with a  play area, bounce house and lots of local exhibits. There will be local beers on site for mom and dad. The event is Saturday at Riverside Park on Old 41 in Bonita Springs from 11am to 4pm. Free. 

This is a new event at Collier Seminole State Park in Naples and it has something for everyone. You can participate in nature walks, rent kayaks and canoes, enjoy live music and taste Miccosukee/Seminole food. There is a campfire programs too. Saturday from 6 to 10 pm. Park entrance $4, event entrance $10, under 13 free. Click here for more info.