Looking for some entertainment in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and the rest of Southwest Florida?
Here are five fun things to do this weekend and beyond, including Cape Coral’s annual Oktoberfest and DJ Pauly D of “Jersey Shore.”
If you’re unvaccinated, the CDC recommends wearing a face mask, avoiding mass gatherings and staying at least 6 feet from others. Vaccinated people are also advised to wear masks in public, indoor places in states where COVID cases are surging. For more CDC guidelines, visit bit.ly/3fohmDC.
Got anything cool happening next weekend or later? Email me the details at crunnells@news-press.com.
1. Oktoberfest
This 34th annual event brings two weekends of German culture to Cape Coral, including beer, live bands, authentic German food and vendors. It takes place Oct. 22-24 and 29-31. Hours are 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. $6 in advance, $8 at the gate (free for ages 11 and younger). German American Social Club, 2101 S.W. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. 283-1400 or capecoraloktoberfest.com
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2. Estero Fine Art Show
The juried art festival returns to JetBlue Park with artists showing and selling their work. The festival started out at Miromar Outlets in Estero, then moved to JetBlue Park about three years ago. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 23-24. Free. Parking is $5. JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive, south Fort Myers. artsandeducationinc.org
3. “The Lifespan of a Fact”
This provocative Broadway hit examines the importance of truth in the age of “fake news.” It makes its Southwest Florida debut after being delayed during the pandemic. The dramedy involves three characters: A writer who wants to get his 18-page article printed in a major magazine, a fact-checker with pages of notes, and an editor who wants the story published but insists that it be truthful. Oct. 27-Nov. 14. $50. Players Circle Theater at The Shell Factory, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers. 800-3292 or playerscircletheater.com
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4. DJ Pauly D
The deejay and “Jersey Shore” star performs at the new Palm City Festival with opening acts MADDS and Damaged Goods. Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23. $25-$65. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. eventbrite.com
5. Haunted Walk
The annual Haunted Walk brings fear back to the dark, decorated trails at Calusa Nature Center. Not recommended for ages 15 and younger. 7:30-11 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 22-31. $15-$20. Ticket holders must arrive at their designated arrival time. Limited to six guests per group. Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. 275-3435 or calusanature.org/haunted-walk
More Halloween events: Your guide to haunted walks, pumpkins and more in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita, Estero
MORE THINGS TO DO
“White Rabbit Red Rabbit”: Iranian writer Nassim Soleimanpour’s acclaimed theatrical experiment gets off to an unusual start: No rehearsal, no director and a different actor every night. The script is in a sealed envelope, and the actor doesn’t even read it until taking the stage. The rotating Lab Theater cast includes a mix of local actors and celebrities. A Southwest Florida premiere. Now through Saturday, Oct. 23. $37 ($15 for students). The Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave., downtown Fort Myers. 218-0481 or laboratorytheaterflorida.com
“Men on Boats”: Theatre Conspiracy describes this show as “mostly a comedy” and a “true (ish)” history of an 1869 expedition to chart the Colorado River. Along the way, the one-armed captain and an outlandish crew find disaster, conflict and adventure. The cast will feature all women, keeping the tradition of Jaclyn Backhaus’s play. Now through Oct. 31. $30. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 939-2787 or artinlee.org
Casting Crowns: The contemporary Christian rockers return to Southwest Florida with their Only Jesus Tour. Plus opening act Matthew West. 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22. $31-$103. Parking on site is $20. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 948-7825 or hertzarena.com
Haunting on the Harbor: A 6,000-square-foot haunted house billing itself as the largest haunted house in Southwest Florida. It’s part of a festival that includes live music, costume contests, carnival games, rides, food and more. Oct. 22-31. Free admission to the festival. Haunted house admission is $15 ($30 for fast pass admission). The corner of U.S. 17 and 41 in downtown Punta Gorda. puntagordahaunting.com
The New York Bee Gees: Southwest Florida Symphony joins the popular Long Island tribute act for a night of disco tunes from the legendary Bee Gees. The band includes current and former members of many major musical acts, including The Alan Parsons Project, Meat Loaf, Queen, Blue Öyster Cult, Herman’s Hermits, Enrique Iglesias and The Rippingtons. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23. $15-$109. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 418-1500 or swflso.org
Frontiers: The Ultimate Journey Tribute Band: The New York City band bills itself as “the world’s number one tribute to rock supergroup Journey.” They promise to recreate “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms” and more – right down to every iconic riff. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23. $31-$44. Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artcenterbonita.org
Spooktacular Drink & Treat Trolley Event: At this spooky annual event, dress up in Halloween costumes, ride trolleys throughout downtown Cape Coral and stop at 10 bars, restaurants and businesses for drink and appetizer samples. 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23. $17-25. Check-in happens from 6-7:30 p.m. in downtown Cape Coral at Big John Plaza (near Pinch-A-Penny) and the South Cape Hub at 909 SE 47th Terrace, No. 105. Early and late check-in from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the South Cape Hub. facebook.com/SouthCapeHospitalityAndEntertainmentAssociations
“Altar Boyz: The Musical”: The award-winning Off Broadway musical follows a fictitious Christian boy band on the last night of their national “Raise the Praise” tour. Oct. 27-Nov. 13. $35-$45. Masks required and either a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination at the door. Socially distanced seating. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers. 277-1700 or gulfcoastsymphony.org
Outdoor Movie Night: “Hocus Pocus”: Watch the witchy family classic on an outdoor screen. Bring lawn chairs, coolers and blankets. 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28. $12. Seating is limited. Tickets must be reserved in advance. Masks required when indoors, in bathrooms and when social distancing isn’t possible outside. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. 939-2787 or artinlee.org
LOOKING AHEAD:
Appalachian Road Show: The Nashville band plays authentic bluegrass, but they sometimes take on other genres, too (such as a “grassy” version of the Steve Miller Band’s “Dance, Dance, Dance”). The outdoor show is the Edison Estates’ first Rhythm on the River concert of the season. 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29 (gates open at 5:30 p.m.). $35-$40. Bring lawn chairs. No coolers allowed. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., downtown Fort Myers. 334-7419 or edisonfordwinterestates.org
“The Woman in Black”: Florida Rep performs the classic ghost story — the second-longest-running play on London’s West End, right behind “The Mousetrap.” Oct. 29-Nov. 14. $35-$39. Masks and a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination required. Florida Repertory Theatre, 2268 Bay St., downtown Fort Myers. 332-4488 or floridarep.org
Rodney Atkins: Country singer-songwriter whose hits include “Watching You” and “Take a Back Road.” 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29. $36-$73. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 985-9839 or theranchfortmyers.com
Comedian Bert Kreischer: The actor/comedian brings brings “The Berty Boy Relapse Tour” to Fort Myers. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. $43-$107. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com
Virtual Arts for ACT auction: The annual fundraiser moves online for a second year with more art donated by local artists. Hosted by NBC2 News anchor Kellie Burns with auctioneer Scott Robertson. The event helps pay for shelters, a hotline and other services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year for the nonprofit Abuse Counseling & Treatment Inc. 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29. $200. artsforactfineartauction.com
Rhymin’N’Stealin’: The Beastie Boys tribute act plays the Buddha’s annual Halloween party. The “old school” party includes drink specials, “Run-DMC wanna-be’s FUN DMC”, drink specials and an “old school haunted house.” 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. $20. Buddha LIVE, 12701 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 246-1246 or thebuddhalive.com
“Symphony Spooktacular: Star Wars vs. Harry Potter”: Gulf Coast Symphony performs a kid-friendly night of music from the two popular movie franchises. Audiences are encouraged to come in costume. 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31. $15 for adults, $5 for children. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com
Marc Anthony: The pop and salsa superstar brings his Pa’lla Voy Tour to Hertz Arena. His many hits include “You Sang To Me,” “I Need to Know,” “Rain Over Me,” “Vivir Mi Vida” and “Ahora Quien.” 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5. $61-$191. This show is nearly sold out. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 948-7825 or hertzarena.com
DropItCanYa Festival X: The camping festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with three days of music, art and more. The event features 44 deejays, five live bands (Saturday only), yoga, four food trucks, vendors and workshops. Friday through Sunday, Nov. 5-7. $25-$65. Heart of Palms Ranch, 15291 Broken J Ranch Road, Fort Myers. dropitcanya.com
“The Tempest”: Shakespeare’s classic story of magic, betrayal, jealousy, an exiled sorcerer and a shipwreck on a remote island. November 5-20. $30. Masks and either a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination required. The Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave., downtown Fort Myers. 218-0481 or laboratorytheaterflorida.com
Connect with this reporter: Email crunnells@gannett.com or connect on social media at Charles Runnells (Facebook), @charlesrunnells (Twitter) and @crunnells1 (Instagram).
