No April foolin': There's plenty of things to do in Naples, Marco, Bonita, Immokalee
FOOD TRUCK FEST, BLOOMS AND BREWS, MORE GENERAL EVENTS
Bonita Springs International Food Truck and Music Festival: Live music and an array of food trucks will take over the grass field next to The Poker Room, 28001 Old 41 Road, for the weekend. 3-9 p.m. April 5; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. April 6; and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. April 7. Free admission. paragonfestivals.com.
Spring Operetta Film Festival: Opera Naples presents European productions on video. Countess Maritza by Emmerich Kalman on April 7 and La Belle Helene by Jacques Offenbach at 2 p.m. April 14 at the Wang Opera Center, 2408 Linwood Ave., Naples. operanaples.org
Blooms and Brews: Enjoy a beer-tasting experience surrounded by the beauty of the Naples Botanical Garden. April 13, 6-10 p.m. $75 per participant, $25 admission for designated drivers. 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples. naplesgarden.org
Giving Back ― A Repatriation Story: The Southwest Florida Archaeological Society is holding this presentation by archaeologist Theresa Schober at 7 p.m. April 17. She will discuss the implications of new regulations for the return, protection, and exhibition of Native American Ancestral remains, funerary belongings, sacred items and objects of cultural patrimony housed at institutions across the United States set by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Free admission. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples.
Earth Day Celebration at the Wonder Gardens: Enjoy education stations, a scavenger hunt, yoga demonstrations, tarot readings, touch tables, yard games, arts and crafts, and photo opportunities on April 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. An Earth Day Market will take place, featuring a variety of local vendors. Events are free with paid Wonder Gardens admission ― $12 per adult, $10 per senior (ages 65+) and $7 per child (ages 3-12). Children under 3 are free. Face painting, animal meet and greets and terrarium building are also available for an additional fee. 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. wondergardens.org or (239) 992-2591.
Earth Day at The Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch: Participate in an eco-friendly workshop of planting trees and discovering sustainable practices. Free. 9-11 a.m. April 20. 1215 Roberts Ave., Immokalee. colliermuseums.com
Sensory-Friendly Saturdays at Naples Botanical Garden: This event is created especially for guests and families with autism spectrum disorder and other sensory processing needs. Family-friendly hands-on activities and an air-conditioned take-a-break space will be provided. 4-6 p.m. April 27 and May 11 at 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples. Admission is free but must RSVP ahead of time in order to minimize disturbances at naplesgarden.org.
ART FAIRS WINDING DOWN IN COLLIER COUNTY
Naples Artcrafters: Local artists who are members of the Naples Artcrafters will gather for this nonprofit festival at Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples, on April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. naplesartcrafters.com
Art in the Park: Presented by Naples Art Institute April 6 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples. Free admission. More at naplesart.org.
REO SPEEDWAGON AT HERTZ, VAN HALEN TRIBUTE, MORE CONCERTS
Three Dog Night: Classic rock band known for hits like "Joy to the World" and "Black and White" and "Mama Told Me" with original member Danny Hutton visit Seminole Casino Immokalee, 506 S. 1st Street, for a concert that starts at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 4. Tickets $85 (standard admission). More at seminoleimmokaleecasino.com.
Power of Love: Huey Lewis & The News tribute band performs two shows Friday, April 5, at Artis―Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard. They are at 6 and 8:30 p.m. and tickets start at $59. More at artisnaples.org.
REO Speedwagon with Cheap Trick: Live in concert at Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero at 7:30 p.m. April 6. Few tickets remain. Resale tickets are also available. hertzarena.com
Completely Unchained: Self-proclaimed “world’s greatest” Van Halen tribute band returns to Naples with the sound and energy of a David Lee Roth-era Van Halen show, including hard-rock hits such as “Running With The Devil,” “Panama,” “Jump” and “Hot For Teacher.” 8 p.m. Saturday, April 6. $25 plus fees. South Street City Oven and Grill at Founders Square, 8845 Founders Square Drive, Naples. 239-331-4149 or southstreetnaples.com
Gulf Coast Big Band: Directed by former U.S. Air Force band leader JR Erb, band will perform a concert of lively jazz TV and movie themes starting at 2 p.m. April 7 at Naples' Cambier Park Bandshell, 755 Eighth Ave. S. Free, bring a chair. The band funds scholarships for local music students, and donations are appreciated. On the program are such familiar tunes as "Mr. Lucky," "The Odd Couple" and "Mannix." gulfcoastbigband.com
Stardust Memories Big Band: Group has returned for its 10th season, performing outdoor, evening concerts. Musicians play songs from legendary American big bands including Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Artie Shaw and Duke Ellington. Concerts start at 7 p.m. April 8-9 and are in Cambier Park, Naples (Monday nights), and at Riverside Park, Bonita Springs (Tuesday nights) ― a total of 12 performances. Suggested donation of $5 per person requested. More at stardustmemoriesbigband.com.
Victor Wainwright: Popular American singer, songwriter and pianist and his band return for another Arts Bonita show. Wainwright has won multiple Blues Music Awards and was nominated for a 2019 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13. $49-$55. Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 239-495-8989 or artsbonita.org
Jive Aces: This British band invades Artis―Naples for two concerts at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17. Tickets from $59. More at artisnaples.org.
Naples Philharmonic: Czech conductor Tomá? Netopil leads the orchestra through a program featuring works by two of the country’s best-known composers. Concerts start at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 18, and Saturday, April 20, at Artis―Naples as part of the Naples Philharmonic Masterworks series. Tickets from $29. artisnaples.org
Brit Floyd: The Pulse Tour will be at Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, at 8 p.m. April 19. Tickets start at $54. hertzarena.com
Fakefest: This outdoor tribute concert presented by Nice Guys Production and Seminole Casino will feature food trucks, craft vendors and tribute band performances. Free admission. April 20, noon-10:30 p.m. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 South 1st St., Immokalee. moreinparadise.com
Naples Dixieland Jazz Band: Final concert of the season is April 21, 2 p.m. at Cambier Park, Sixth Avenue South and Eighth Street South. Please bring lawn chairs. All concerts are free but donations are greatly appreciated and needed. More at naplesjazzsociety.com.
Camerata of Naples concert: In its fourth and final concert of the season, the Camerata will feature Naples Philharmonic’s Concertmaster Zachary DePue as a featured soloist, performing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Spring and Summer. Tickets are $45. 4 p.m. April 21 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 500 Park Shore Drive, Naples. (239) 596-8404.
Lang Lang: Among the biggest stars in classical music, Lang Lang returns to Artis—Naples. For his 8 p.m. April 23 recital, he will perform works by Schubert, Schumann and Chopin. Tickets from $115. artisnaples.org
Brandon Lake: The Tear Off the Roof Tour will be at Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero on April 28 at 7 p.m. Few tickets remain. Resale tickets are also available. hertzarena.com
Live at the Cove: Live music from 5-8 p.m. Saturdays in Paradise Coast Sports Complex at The Cove Beer & Wine Bar, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples. playparadisecoast.com.
Live music at Miromar Outlets: Enjoy musicians playing on the plaza, between Ford’s Garage & Naples Flatbread and in the Restaurant Piazza. miromaroutlets.com.
COMING UP
The Bad Boys of Reggae Inner Circle and Stephen Marley: The Bad Boys of Reggae ― known for the Bad Boys movie theme song Bad Boys and Sweat, and Stephen Marley, eight-time Grammy Award-winner and son of the legendary Bob Marley ― will be live in concert in Immokalee. 8 p.m. May 4 at the Seminole Center Outdoors, 506 1st Street. Tickets start at $55. $1 of each ticket purchased will benefit the mission of Ghetto Youths Foundation, helping people in need across the globe. seminoleimmokaleecasino.com
GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE, THEATRE ZONE AND MORE
“She Loves Me”: This romantic musical following a busy sales season for clerks at a 1930s European parfumerie will be at the Gulfshore Playhouse, 755 8th Ave., South Naples, showing through April 21. Tickets start at $45. gulfshoreplayhouse.org
Remember: The Story of Abe Price: A one-night-only performance in association with the Holocaust Museum and Cohen Education Center. Remembers the true story of a local Holocaust Survivor. April 15, 7 p.m. Gulfshore Playhouse, 755 8th Ave. South, Naples. Tickets start at $25. gulfshoreplayhouse.org
Carrie: The Musical: TheatreZone of Naples presents the musical adaptation of Carrie White’s story, as written by Stephen King in 1974. 7:30 p.m. April 25-28 and May 2-5; 2 p.m. April 27-28 and May 5. Tickets start at $50. The G&L Theatre at the Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Road. theatre.zone
KEVIN NEALON, MS. PAT, OTHERS AT OFF THE HOOK IN APRIL
Andy Huggins: The comedian performs standup at 7 p.m. April 3 and 4 and at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on April 5. Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. $25 general admission, plus a fee. offthehookcomedy.com or (239) 389-6901.
Ms. Pat: The comedian performs standup at 6 and 8 p.m. April 6 and 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. April 7. Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. $30 general admission, plus a fee. offthehookcomedy.com or (239) 389-6901.
Don McMillan: The comedian performs standup at 7 p.m. April 11. Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. $25 general admission, plus a fee. offthehookcomedy.com or (239) 389-6901.
Kevin Nealon: The comedian performs standup at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. April 12, 6 and 8 p.m. April 13 and 6:30 p.m. April 14. Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. $35 general admission, plus a fee. offthehookcomedy.com or (239) 389-6901.
Darius McCrary: The comedian performs standup at 7 p.m. April 23. Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. $25 general admission, plus a fee. offthehookcomedy.com or (239) 389-6901.
ONGOING, KARAOKE, TRIVIA AND MORE
Open Jam: 7-10 p.m. Tuesday's Z's Music Kitchen, 12655 Tamiami Trail E., Naples. Enjoy music and food. More at (239) 304-9552 or zsmusickitchen.com.
Jebry's Jazz and Blues Jam Session: 6 to 9 p.m. every Monday at Dogtooth bar and restaurant, 5310 Shirley St., Naples. (239) 431-7004.
Karaoke: 10:30 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays at Sneaky Pete's, 3465 Bonita Beach Road SW, No. 120, Bonita Springs. (239) 498-8887 or sneakypetesbonita.com.
Trivia: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at South Street City Oven and Grill at Goodlette Corners, 1410 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 4, Naples.
Trivia: 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at South Street City Oven and Grill at Founders Square, 8845 Founders Square Drive, Naples.
Trivia: 7 p.m. Mondays at Naples Flatbread of Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road suite 520, Estero.
Special Experiences at the Wonder Gardens: Wild Wonders Animal Encounters and guided tours are available for an additional fee at various days and times. Weekly Habitat Chats are free with paid admission every Thursday at 1 p.m. Topics vary. wondergardens.org
Mall Mutts: Adoptable dogs visit from the Gulf Coast Humane Society on the first Thursday of every month. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Lee County Sheriff’s Outreach Center, suite 190. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. miromaroutlets.com.
Cool Cruisers Car Show: Cruise-ins on the first Sunday of each month through May. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. coolcruisersofsouthwestflorida.com or miromaroutlets.com.
FARMERS MARKETS
Third Street South Farmers Market: 7:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays on Third Street South. Fresh produce, flowers, pastas, seafood, baked goods, prepared foods, jams, relishes, fresh-roasted coffee, more. Music, dog treats.
St. Paul’s Farmers Market: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays through mid-April at 3901 Davis Blvd., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Naples. Gift shop and unique boutique.
Immokalee State Farmers Market: Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily year-round at 424 New Market Road E., Immokalee. For more, call 239-658-3505 or visit fdacs.gov.
Friends of Koreshan Sunday Market: Open 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays at a new location, Three Oaks Town Center, 18731 Three Oaks Parkway, south Lee County. More on Facebook.
Best April concerts in Collier County: Huey Lewis tribute, Three Dog Night, Patti LaBelle
Inyoni Organic Farm: This 6-acre all-organic farm offers online ordering with Saturday pickup on the farm. Learn more at facebook.com/inyoniorganicfarm.
Estero Farmers Market at Miromar Outlets: Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays near Corkscrew Road entrance; 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Find it on Facebook for more.
Pine Ridge Road Farmers Market: Open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays at 3370 Pine Ridge Road, North Naples. Find it on Facebook for more.
Marco Island Farmers Market: Wednesdays through April 10, 2024, at Veterans Community Park, 901 Park Ave.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: What's there to do in April in Naples, Marco, Bonita, Immokalee
