Your Guide to Exciting Events in Southwest Florida This Weekend

Discover a vibrant array of activities happening in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Bonita Springs, Southwest Florida. From unique art to festive holiday shows and lively music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season.

Weekend Highlights: Art, Music & Holiday Fun

American Sand Sculpting Championship on Fort Myers Beach

Witness top artists at the 35th-annual Sand Sculpting Championship. Sculptors transform Fort Myers Beach sand into masterpieces. Features amateur contests, vendor village, live music, and food. Thursday-Monday, Nov. 20-24. $5. Diamondhead Beach Resort, 2000 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach. fmbsandsculpting.com.

‘A Christmas Story’ The Musical at Broadway Palm

The musical version of the beloved holiday movie. Expect the leg lamp, Red Ryder rifle, pink bunny pajamas, and a freezing flagpole dare. Nov. 21-Dec. 28. $78-$98 ($43-$48 for ages 12 and younger). Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.

BackStreets Sports Bar’s 30th Anniversary Block Party

Celebrate three decades at Cape Coral’s BackStreets Sports Bar with live bands (Red Hannah, Deep Cover, Two Looping Vibes, Timothy Craig, Rock Republic), drinks, and food trucks. 3-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. Free ($100 for VIP upgrade). 915 S.E. 47th Terrace, downtown Cape Coral/South Cape. 945-7555 or facebook.com/BackStreetsSportsBar.

‘Once Upon a Christmas Time’ at The MACC

A new, original musical by Julie Carver. Fairytale creatures seek the meaning of Christmas through beloved holiday songs. Nov. 19-Dec. 6. $65-$74. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, south Fort Myers. 277-1700 or gulfcoastsymphony.org.

Ukulele Maestro Taimane at Arts Bonita

Hawaiian ukulele player and music producer Taimane, known for her inventive blend of classical, flamenco, and rock. Performed on NPR’s Tiny Desk. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. $42-$52. Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artsbonita.org.

More Weekend Activities in Southwest Florida

• Fort Myers Music Walk: Monthly downtown celebration with bands. Friday, Nov. 21, 6-10 p.m. Free. facebook.com/RiverDistrictAlliance.

• Backyard Bluesfest: Featuring blues saxophonist Jimmy Carpenter. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2-7 p.m. at Buckingham Blues Bar, Buckingham. $20. buckinghambar.com.

• Treaty Oak Revival Concert: Texas country band at Hertz Arena, Estero. Saturday, Nov. 22, 8 p.m. $55-$210. hertzarena.com.

• Tellabration 2025!: Storytellers for kids and adults. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2-4 p.m. at Peace Community Church, Fort Myers Beach. Free.

• Candlelight Concerts Tribute to Taylor Swift: String quartet plays hits by candlelight. Sunday, Nov. 23, 6 p.m. at Music & Arts Community Center, Fort Myers. $37-$62. gulfcoastsymphony.org.

• Saigon Night Market: Authentic Asian street food, performances, vendors. Saturday, Nov. 22, 3-10 p.m. at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, downtown Fort Myers. $17. CaloosaSoundAmp.com.

Looking Ahead: December Events in Southwest Florida

50th-Annual Holiday Nights at Edison & Ford Estates

Thousands of holiday lights and decorations. New displays, Santa visits (select nights), tours, and a Children’s Tree Trail. Daily, Nov. 28-Jan. 4 (closed Dec. 24-25), 5:30-9 p.m. $23 ($13 for ages 13-19, $3 for ages 6-12, free for younger). Lee County residents get a $5 discount on Mondays. 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. EdisonFord.org.

Theatre Conspiracy’s ‘Clown Bar Christmas’

Holiday-themed prequel to “Clown Bar,” exploring gangster clowns. Dec. 4-21. $35. The Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave., downtown Fort Myers. theatreconspiracyfl.com.

Gulfshore Opera’s ‘Carmen’

Bizet’s tragedy by Gulfshore Opera. Tues, Dec. 2 (Fort Myers), Thurs, Dec. 4 (Punta Gorda), Sun, Dec. 7 (Naples). All shows 7 p.m. Ticket prices vary. gulfshoreopera.org/carmen.

Cultural Park Car Show in Cape Coral

Monthly Classic Car Fests show: over 150 classic cars/trucks, music, food trucks, free museum tours. Saturday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free for spectators; $10 vehicle entry. Cultural Park behind Cape Coral Museum of History, 544 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. capecoralmuseum.org.

The Festival of Misfit Toys

New festival with local/touring rock and metal bands, also a toy drive. Games, contests, raffles. Saturday, Nov. 29, Noon-10 p.m. Free admission with new, packaged toy donation encouraged. Bay Street Yard, 2136 Bay St., downtown Fort Myers. tinyurl.com/36ff73xp.

Frequently Asked Questions About Southwest Florida Events

• What kind of events are featured?
  Diverse events: art (sand sculpting), musical theater, live music, cultural festivals, holiday celebrations, and car shows.
• Where are these events primarily located?
  All events are in Southwest Florida: Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Bonita Springs.
• Are there any free events listed?
  Yes, several are free, including general admission to BackStreets Sports Bar Anniversary, Fort Myers Music Walk, Tellabration, and The Festival of Misfit Toys (with toy donation).
• How can I submit an event for future consideration?
  Email details to reporter Charles Runnells at crunnells@gannett.com.
• Are there family-friendly options?
  Many options are great for families, such as the Sand Sculpting Championship, “A Christmas Story” musical, “Once Upon a Christmas Time,” Tellabration, and Edison & Ford Holiday Nights.

Whether you’re visiting Southwest Florida or exploring local options, these diverse events offer fantastic opportunities to create lasting memories this holiday season.

Southwest Florida Weekend Art Music Holiday Fun