Life In Bonita Springs

New Year’s Eve Naples Florida | 365/365 Things to Do

Celebrate New Year's Eve in historic Old Naples with fireworks just off the Naples Pier at 7PM and snowfall on Third Street South at 8PM. Schedule a festive dinner with favorite friends and family at any of the locally owned restaurants and ring in the new year in the birthplace of Naples, known for its glamour and good times.

If you are looking for fun, inexpensive ways to find things to do for New Year’s Even in Bonita Springs or Southwest Florida  consider a trip to the Naples Pier to see the New Year ring in!

Sunshine Ace  Green Eggfest | 364/365 Things to Do

One of our local favorite establishments, Sunshine Ace Hardware store has an annual event that is great for those who enjoy grilling and smoking as a pass time. 

Sunshine Ace Hardware is more than just a friendly neighborhood hardware store. They use this event to fundraise.  Proceeds from the Big Green EGGfest will provide youth leadership development opportunities for children through a partnership with the Farm City BBQ and its affiliated non-profit organizations right here in Southwest Florida. (www.FarmCityBBQ.com)

This annual Green Egg Eggfest takes place at Riverside Park in Downtown Bonita Springs, Florida.  If you’re looking for fun things to do keep in mind that this is a great, family friendly event.

You can keep tabs on future eggfest events on eventbright or on Ace’s page here. Sunshine Ace Hardware

Visit the Buckingham Blues Bar | 363/365 Things to Do

The Buckingham Blues Bar is a Southwest Florida favorite for those who enjoy live music and a fun atmosphere.  The Buckingham Blues Bar hosts a variety of popular local musicians in rotation at the establishment. 

You can keep up with current events and bands on schedule by visiting the events tab on their page:  Buckingham Blues Bar

Buckingham Blues Bar is located east of Fort Myers Florida.  If you’re looking for fun things to do a visit is in order.  It’s also a popular stop for those out for a motorcycle ride.

Mango Fest Key West | 362/365 Things to Do

Think that Key West is too far from Bonita Springs to plan a day-cation? Well, think again.  The Key West Express boat leaves out of Fort Myers Beach and makes daily trips to Key West and it’s a great way to spend the day in Key West or even pull an over night stay.

If you’re looking for a reason to go to Key West put the Mango Fest on your radar. 

Ornaginzed by the Key West Police Athletic League, this annual event features all things mango: Culinary competitions, mango tastings, mango daiquiris, mango trees and much more. There’ll be music, bounce houses, raffles, local artisans and a live radio broadcast.

Mango Fest 2020 benefits the Key West PAL. PAL’s efforts are designed to get children involved in sports and in educational programs. It provides a safe place where kids can go after school and on weekends. PAL encourages teamwork and strong self-esteem.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Southwest Florida hop on the Key West Express and attend Mango Fest!

Bonita Springs Blues Festival| 361/365 Things to Do

Annually the Bonita Springs Blues Festival is one of the largest events to occur in downtown Bonita Springs Florida. Not only is it a great time but it is a tremendous opportunity to hear great music and also fund raise for local Bonita Springs charities such as the Bonita Springs Assistance Office.

The Blues Festival is typically a two day event during the southwest Florida winter tourist season. In 2020 the Blues Festival is March  13/14 at the Band Shell at Riverside Park in Downtown Bonita Springs, Florida.

Keep up to date with future Bonita Springs Blues Festivals and other fun things to do  at the Blues Festival at their page: Bonita Springs Blues Festival

Cape Coral Sounds of Jazz & Blues  | 360/365 Things to Do

The Cape Coral Sounds of Jazz & Blues event is held in March at Tarpon Pointe Marina.  Coral Parks and Recreation is proud to present amazing talent for a night of musical magic, food, and fun. Join in the citywide celebration of jazz and blues music.
For questions and more detailed information about this or any upcoming events visit the official website at  www.capeconcerts.com or call (239)573-3128.

This is a rain or shine event and there are no coolers or pets allowed.

To keep up with fun things to do and special events in the city of Cape Coral follow the Cape Coral Special Events page.

Center for the Arts Bonita Springs | 359/365 Things to Do

I recently stopped by the Center for the Arts in Bonita Springs to purchase tickets to an event.  While my tickets and fee were being processed I toured the galleries on site.

If you’ve not been to the galleries or any event at the Center for the Arts consider stopping in.  It’s located on Old 41 Road near the post office and in front of Imperial Harbor.  You can look at the latest exhibitions in the gallery and pick up a list of events revolving around art in Bonita Springs. 

The tickets I was purchasing was for the “Off The Walls” event in January. It’s an annual event that is a lot of fun. You can look into the details here:

Off The Walls Art Event Bonita Springs | 342/365 Things to Do

Join us for a fun-filled day as Babcock Ranch celebrates our love of the land! We’ll be showcasing our new and improved Jack Peeples Park Playground and Nature Trail, which will be open to event-goers at the Babcock Ranch Festival of Kites event.
Saturday, Jan 25, 2020, 12-5pm at Jack Peeples Park

World-renowned kite makers and pilots will showcase their talents in:
Kite making
Kite flying
Large kites and inflatables
Kite making – Free kite kits**
Open fly zone
New Playground
New Nature Trail
DJ/ MC providing kite education!
Kite Demos to Include:
Single Line Demo-Rocs
Fighter kites
Deltas
Dual lines
Hot tricks
All team fliers
Beautifully Decorated Model Homes:
Open for viewing
Air-conditioned shuttles whisk you around town effortlessly
Pre-register to sample menu items from local favorite food trucks at every stop! ***
Festival of Kites Vendors:
Food trucks with Family-friendly meal offerings
Windworks Hosting our onsite Wind Garden:
Kites and accessories for purchase.
Founder’s Square Retail Partners Welcome Your Business:
Table & Tap Restaurant
Slater’s Goods & Provisions
Square Scoops Coffee & Creamery
Recharge Juice Co.
Curry Creek Outfitters
Lee Health Healthy Life Center
Bring a chair or a blanket and find a spot along our new & improved Jack Peeples Park as you watch and learn about the colorful sport of kiting!
Check back often for the most current schedule of events.
*The sport of kiting is weather permitting. Considerations have been made by event organizers to ensure that actives are planned for perfect kiting conditions, as listed above, but also for no-wind and rain conditions. The event will go on regardless of weather conditions. Please plan accordingly. **While supplies last.

Read also: Visit Babcock Ranch | 206/365 Things to Do

Annual Stangs vs. Vettes  Fort Myers | 357/365 Things to Do

GulfShore Mustang Club of SWFL presents the 8th Annual Stangs vs. Vettes, Head to Head Challenge. Most Cars Win! $2000.00 in cash prizes. $1,000.00 to the host club with the most cars (Mustangs or Corvettes), $500.00 to the 2nd place host club (Mustangs or Corvettes) & 2 additional $250.00 cash prizes for club participation for one Mustang Club & one Corvette Club.

The Mustang Club and the Corvette Club with the most club participation in 2020 will have host club status for 9th Annual Stangs vs. Vettes in 2021 presented by GulfShore Mustang Club. Gates Open at 10:00 AM, No Exceptions

If you are looking for fun things to do and you’re a car enthusiast stop by the Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers for the event on Jan 18 2020. You can find future events by following the Facebook page:

GulfShore Mustang Club of SW Florida

Big Swamp Smoke Off! | 356/365 Things to Do

On Saturday, January 4th, 2020 come out to the Collier Fairgrounds for the 8th Annual Big Swamp Smoke Off! This annual event will feature a wide selection of craft beer, food vendors and a local favorite, the Ben Allen Band!

Admission to the Big Swamp Smoke Off is FREE!  Gates open at 10am! Ben Allen Band plays from 12pm to 3pm! Craft beer sales begin at 11am!

This year's event will feature a Steak Cook Off and People's Choice Award competition, open to ALL for entry!  If you are interested in being a vendor or competing or need more information, click here: http://www.bigswampsmokeoff.com/contests.php.

If you are looking for fun things to do with your family visit the Big Swamp Smoke Off!   This is not a pet friendly event.  Service dogs only please.