Waterlily Weekend blooms at Naples Botanical Garden, Nashville hitmakers take the stage at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, and Marco Island throws its third annual Jimmy Buffett Bash. Here is what's happening across Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers and Marco Island this weekend.
Waterlily Weekend at Naples Botanical Garden
Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30 | 9 a.m. | Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples
Nearly 300 waterlily specimens hit peak bloom for this two day festival, with special tours, demonstrations, nature journaling and family friendly activities throughout the garden. 239-643-7275 or naplesgarden.org.
Late Summer Tasting Menu Experience at The Supper Club
Thursday through Sunday | 5 to 8:30 p.m. | The Supper Club
The final weekend to enjoy Executive Chef Sophia Kiasi and Wine Director Zach Bingham's seasonal four or seven course tasting menus, with optional wine pairings and reservations recommended.
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs. Bradenton Marauders
Friday, August 28 | Gates 5:45 p.m., first pitch 7:05 p.m. | Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers
Cheer on the Mighty Mussels while supporting Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties. Expect pre game specials, live music and fireworks after the final out. A portion of tickets purchased through Habitat's link benefits its local housing mission.
Funny Marco at Off the Hook Comedy Club
Friday, August 28, 7 and 9 p.m. and Saturday, August 29, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. | Off the Hook Comedy Club
The comedian and social media star known for his viral sketches brings his unpredictable humor to the stage for four shows across the weekend.
Endless Summer Dinner and Dance
Friday, August 28 | 6 p.m. | Saint John's Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples | $30
Dinner, dancing and live music by Billy Dean and Dawn, plus beer and wine. 210-373-1645 or sjecc.org.
Songwriters 4 Vets at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point
Saturday, August 29 | 7 to 10:30 p.m. | Hyatt Regency Coconut Point
Nashville songwriters Patrick Davis, Eric Paslay, Tim Nichols and Tyler Reeve perform their No. 1 hits and share the stories behind them, with proceeds benefiting veterans' organizations.
Sunset Paint and Sip at LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort
Saturday, August 29 | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort, Naples
A local artist leads a beachfront painting session on the Gulf Lawn, with all supplies and a complimentary LaPlaya cocktail included.
Heat Latin Jazz Band
Saturday, August 29 | 6 and 8:30 p.m. | Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers | Tickets from $49
Gulf Coast Symphony presents this high energy six piece ensemble blending Afro-Cuban jazz, Latin grooves, soaring horns and percussion. gulfcoastsymphony.org.
The Shaelyn Band at Moe Auditorium
Saturday, August 29 | 7:30 p.m. | Moe Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs | Tickets from $29
A Southern blues rock band blending soulful vocals, funk and rock into a powerful sound. artsbonita.org.
Sunday Reset at W Space
Sunday, August 30 | 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | W Space, Bonita Springs
A morning of slow flow yoga, guided meditation, breathwork and crystal sound bowls, followed by time to browse local wellness and lifestyle vendors.
Jimmy Buffett Bash at CJ's on the Bay
Sunday, August 30 | 6 to 9 p.m. | CJ's on the Bay, Marco Island
The third annual celebration brings Captn Jac and the Crew to the stage for an evening of beachy music, food and Parrothead attire.
Farmers Markets All Weekend
Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero and the islands all have their weekend markets running, including the Third Street South Farmers Market in Naples Saturday at 7:30 a.m., the Bonita Springs Farmers Market at Promenade at Bonita Bay Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, and the Pine Ridge Road Farmers Market and Sanibel Island Farmers Market Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A Note from Diane
I put this list together every week because I believe that knowing what is happening here matters. Weekends like this one, a garden in full bloom, live music every night, a beach bash on Marco Island, are exactly what people picture when they dream about life in Southwest Florida. This is that dream, in real time.
If you are curious about what it is like to live here full time, or just want to talk about the market, I am always happy to help.
Call or text me anytime: 303-877-3582
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Diane Harris Naples, Florida
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