Looking for fun in Southwest Florida?
Here are five fun things to do this weekend and beyond, including the Art Walk and the Metallica tribute band Hardwired.
Lee County’s community level of COVID-19 is currently listed as high, according to the CDC. Masks are recommended indoors and on public transportation, plus stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
Do you have anything interesting next weekend or later? Email me the details at [email protected].
1. Fort Myers Art Walk
The monthly event features new art exhibits in downtown Fort Myers galleries, receptions, live music and outdoor art vendors on First Street. September exhibits include DAAS CO-OP’s “Paper Garden,” a group show featuring paper works depicting flowers and plants; and an exhibition of surrealist art by Julio Figueroa-Beltrán at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (pictured). 6-10pm Friday, September 2nd. Free. Art Walk takes place on the first Friday of every month. In downtown Fort Myers. facebook.com/fortmyersartwalk
News from the concert:Brantley Gilbert, Jelly Roll goes to Hertz Arena.
New in the Cultural Park:Cheaper tickets, more big changes at the Cape Coral theater
2. Metallica tribute Hardwired
The tribute band returns for another headbanging show in Southwest Florida. The show starts at around 9pm on Saturday 3rd September. $18 for general admission, $35 for reserved seats (plus applicable taxes and fees). The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 985-9839 or theranchfortmyers
3. Cool & Crispy Fest
Point Ybel’s second annual festival creates an outdoor oasis with water guns, fans, mystery, food trucks, live music, ax throwing and plenty of “crunchy” beer. Noon to 8pm Sunday, September 4. Free. Point Ybel Brewing Co., 16120 San Carlos Blvd., south Fort Myers. 603-6535 or facebook.com/PointYbelBrew
4. TGIM (Thank God it’s Monday)
Co-hosts Eric Raddatz and Melissa DeHaven participate in this monthly event with screenings of independent short films being considered for the annual Fort Myers Film Festival. After watching each film, the presenters, celebrity judges and the audience chat and help determine whether it will enter the big festival. After party at Blu Sushi. Doors open at 6:30pm on Monday, September 5, and the show starts at 7pm $10 for adults ($8 for seniors and students). Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., downtown Fort Myers. 333-1933 or sbdac.com
5. “The Odd Couple (Female Version)”
Cape Coral’s newest theater opens its first mainstage season with the all-female version of Neil Simon’s comedy classic. September 2-11. $27.50 ($10 for students). Belle Theatre, 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd., Suite 135, at The Towers at Santa Barbara Mall, Cape Coral. 471-6056 or thebelletheatre.com
MORE THINGS TO DO
“Nature Program: Biomimicry in Art and Design”: This touring exhibition shows how nature inspires the design of everything from raincoats to skyscrapers. Sept. 2-Oct. 20. Free. Bonita Springs Center for the Visual Arts, 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artcenterbonita.org
Labor Day at Isle of Pines Helping Paws with food and supplies: Yard Dog Charlie plays more of his “Florida swamp music” for this annual Labor Day event that includes a food and supply drive for Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary. 2-5pm Monday, September 5th. Free. Bert’s Bar, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha. bertsbar.com
Zeta: The Venezuelan-born experimental punk band returns to Cape Coral to open its fall Nice Guys tour. Yr Glow opens. 9pm Thursday 8 September (doors open 8pm). 7 dollars. Nice Guys Pizza, 1334 Cape Coral Parkway E., downtown Cape Coral. 549-7542 or facebook.com/NiceGuysPizza
looking ahead
Funny Shorts Live!: This ongoing series features humorous short plays. Many of the shows are featured in the center’s annual Stage It! 10-minute Plays competition and festival. The show’s title also has two meanings: The audience member who wears the funniest shorts gets free tickets. 7.30pm Friday 9 September. 25 dollars. Moe Auditorium & Film Center at the Bonita Springs Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artcenterbonita.org
Patriot’s Day: Punta Gorda blues-rocker Champ Jaxon was 11 years old when he appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in 2021. Now he’s performing at this patriotic fundraiser that includes food trucks, vendors, raffles and giveaways. The event benefits Florida nonprofit The Grateful Veteran, which helps veterans with pain and PTSD find alternatives to pharmaceutical-based treatment, including medical marijuana. 5pm Sunday, September 11. $15-$20 ($40-$55 for VIP). Buddha LIVE, 12701 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 246-1246 or thebuddhalive.com
Never forget the Festival: An outdoor festival honoring first responders who died on 9/11 with live music, vendors, raffles and more – all while raising money for the Tunnel To Towers Foundation. Noon to 9pm Sunday, September 11. 5 dollars. Ralph’s Place, 1305 Cape Coral Parkway E., Cape Coral. 549-2040 or facebook.com/RalphsPlacecc
FIX: The ’80s rockers play the first major concert at the new Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in downtown Fort Myers. FIXX’s hits include “Saved By Zero” and “One Thing Leads to Another.” 7pm Tuesday, September 13. Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance online. VIP tickets are also available. Caloosa Sound Amphitheater at Centennial Park, 2000 W. First St., downtown Fort Myers. CaloosaSoundAmp.com
Connect with this reporter: Charles Runnells is an arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. Email [email protected] or connect on Facebook (facebook.com/charles.runnells.7), Twitter (@charlesrunnells) and Instagram (@crunnells1).