The first full weekend of the New Year is here. However, meteorologists are predicting that it’s not going to be stellar for outdoor activities, and there are a lot of them on the calendar. They range from  Art Walk in Fort Myers to art shows in Naples. In addition, how about a BBQ and music festival in Punta Gorda. However, we all know how quickly those weather predictions can change. Don’t get discouraged just yet. Check out what to do and where to go this weekend in Southwest Florida. Here are your Weekend Vibes for January 5th through 7th.

It’s time for the annual Home and Garden Show in downtown Fort Myers.  Upgrade your space for the new year. Everything anything you want, along with the people to help, will be in one place. Also, celebrate the birthday of Elvis Presley with a show at Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall. Scroll down for more info on both of these events.

More about this weekend in Southwest Florida

It is officially art festival season in Southwest Florida. Did you get some Christmas cash that is burning a hole in your pocket? These shows are great places to spend it. You’ll find unique, one of a kind pieces from artists that are local and from around the world. The first ones of the year are listed below.

One more thing. There is one event that has been canceled. It is the Family Fun Day in Punta Gorda. A new date has not been released yet.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here.  Here are your Weekend Vibes for January 5th through 7th. Get out and have some local fun at these events to kick off  2024.

*Please note, events are subject to change. It never hurts to confirm.

  • Fort Myers Music and Seafood Festival

    It’s the 4th year for this downtown festival. Enjoy a combo of fresh seafood dishes with a variety of live bands and music. Don’t like seafood? Don’t worry. Other things will be available. The fun kicks off Friday at 4pm. Music picks up Saturday 11am Saturday and goes until 10 at night. Same start for Sunday, but it wraps up by 6pm. Free admission.  More info here

    Event flier

  • Smoke on the River BBQ & Music Festival-Rescheduled

    UPDATE: the event has been rescheduled to March 9th

    Enjoy the best local BBQ, vendors and lots of live music. Jake Hoot, winner of The Voice Season 17 is the headliner.  Saturday noon-6pm, Laishley Park. Tickets start at $7.50 in advance. Proceeds benefit the Florida Outdoor Education Foundation. More info here.

  • Naples New Years Art Fair

    This top-ranked, award winning art show is put on by Naples Art Institute. It takes place at Cambier Park, in the heart of Downtown Naples. More than 250 professional artists from 30 states and abroad will be on hand with their spectacular works. Free. Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm. More info here.

  • 21st Annual Season Kick-Off Arts and Craft Festival

    This celebration is the area’s annual kick off to the winter season. Enjoy live performnces, ativities for the enitre family, food, vendors and more. The fun is Friday throuh Sunday at Gilchrist Park in Punta Gorda. More info here.

  • Home and Garden Show

    It’s an annual event, 28th-annual to be exact. The Home & Garden Show is the place to go for all kinds of inspiration, demonstrations, and vendors. There are prizes and lots of freebies. The event is Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers. Free. More info here.

  • Downtown Fort Myers Art Walk

    The first Friday of the month, downtown Fort Myers comes alive with art. The galleries feature special exhibits, see artists in action and enjoy all kinds of activities. The event is at a new time, now 5-9pm. More information here.
    weekend artwalk

  • Augmented Reality Mural

    Perfect to pair with Art Walk, the Fort Myers Mural Society plans to unveil a new augmented reality mural at Grand Illusion. It is said to the first of its kind in The City of Palms. The unveiling is set for 5 p.m. Friday night. However, it will be displayed all year long. 5-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5. Free.  More info here

  • Memories of Elvis Rockin’ Birthday Bash

    Elvis Presley’s birthday is January 8th and to celebrate Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall is bringing in well known Elvis tribute artist Chris MacDonald. He’ll be performing with a live band, you’ll see lots of costumes and even videos of The King himself. Friday, 8pm. Ticket prices vary.  More info here

  • La Befana Celebration

    Befana is an old woman or witch who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on the eve of Epiphany. She shows up in Naples at this fun family festival put on by the Naples Italian American Foundation on Airport Pulling. Saturday, 4:30. More info here.

    Event flier

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