Where To Go And What To Do This Weekend In Southwest Florida

It's the weekend! Time to get out and have some fun. Spring Training baseball games are officially underway in Fort Myers and the roadways are full of fans from around the country. The Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins both play in Lee County and they square off Sunday at 1pm. In addition, the Florida Everblades take to the ice at home in Estero. There are so many Southwest Florida events and we've put them together in this week's edition of Weekend Vibes. Here is where to go and what to do in Southwest Florida this weekend.

Besides baseball, the annual Swamp Cabbage Festival gets underway in Labelle and it's time for the Pro Rodeo in Fort Myers. There are a few more events for animal lovers including the Burrowing Owl Festival and a free pet adoption event at Gulf Coast Humane Society. Scroll down for more details. In addition,  if you like food events, there are a couple that might suite your taste buds. They range from a Greek Fest in Port Charlotte to a food truck competition and a vegan festival in Cape Coral.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Here are your Weekend Vibes for February 23rd through the 25th. 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.

2024 marks the 58th year for this festival in Labelle. It celebrates the Florida State Tree, the Sabal Palm also know as the Cabbage Palm. A parade kicks things off Saturday at 10am. Portions of Main Street will be closed for the event. Festivities also include lots of music, food and circus acts. The party runs through Sunday at 4pm. More info here.

This annual event takes place in Cape Coral Saturday to celebrate the city's adorable burroiwng owls. It's also a fundraiser for Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife. The festival line-up includes lots of exhibits, vendors, photographers, demonstrations, kids activities and of course, owls. You can also tour the Tom Allen Butterfly House and more. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.  Rotary Park. $5 More info here.

It's time for the third-annual War of the Food Trucks. Organizers call it the biggest food truck competition and charity event on Florida's west coast. Taste food from some 26 trucks, sample some 40 beers and enjoy a variety of live music. It's a family friendly event with a kids zone and lots more.  Saturday (11-5) and Sunday (11-4) at the German American Social Club on Pine Island Road. Tickets start at $8. Food and drinks extra. More info here.

If you have been thinking about adding a new four legged family member this is your chance to do it for free. This Saturday at Gulf Coast Humane Society (GCHS), all adoption fees are being covered by Florida Blue. From the kennels to the couch, help find these dogs and cats a forever home without the fees. GCHS is off of Martin Luther King Blvd in Fort Myers across from the flea market. More info here.

This annual event kicks off Friday and runs through Sunday with all of the excitement you might expect from a rodeo. Watch bull and bronc riding, barel racing, calf roping and wrestling...steer wrestling. You'll see some of the top rodeo professionals from around the world competing here for cash and qualifying.  Lee County Posse Arena in North Fort Myers. $35 adults, $20 5-12 years old. More info here.

Opa! Get your Greek fix this weekend at this annual festival. Enjoy dancing, food and even a good old fashioned grape stomping. There is something to enjoy for the entire family. Friday and Saturday 11am to 8 pm. Sunday Noon to 6pm. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Rampart Blvd. $5 More info here.

If you are plant based, vegan or vegetarian, this one is for you. The 2nd Annual Cape Coral Vegan Street Fest has grown to include some 20 food vendors, cooking demos, health and nutrition experts, and more. Live music is scheduled and so are activities for the kids. Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Southeast 14th Place between Viscaya Parkway and Southeast 10th Street. Free. More info here.

Need dress ideas, wedding planners, florists, DJ's and more for a big event? Some of the best in Southwest Florida will all gather in one spot this weekend to help you out. Sunday from noon to 4pm at the Charlotte Harbor Events And Conference Center on Taylor Street in Punta Gorda. Free. More info here.