Looking for some fun in Southwest Florida?
Here are our top things to do this weekend and beyond, including Florida Horror-Fest, comedian Nate Jackson and the annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. Plus a look at what’s ahead in October.
To submit events, email the details to reporter Charles Runnells at [email protected].
1. Island Hopper Songwriter Fest
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is back for its 11th year in Lee County.
The sprawling, 11th-annual music fest continues with many singer-songwriters — mostly country-music artists — performing in downtown Fort Myers and on Fort Myers Beach. Now through Sunday, Sept. 28. Most events are free, but a few are ticketed. Country singer Chris Young performs a Sunday pool party at Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina on Fort Myers Beach (5-8 p.m., $60). island-hopperfest.visitfortmyers.com
2. Florida Horror-Fest
A publicity poster for Florida Horror-Fest
The annual, horror-themed convention returns with more things to make your hair stand on end: Horror- and pop-culture-themed celebrity guests, panel discussions, vendors, a cosplay contest and more. The celebrity lineup includes actor Paul T. Taylor (Pinhead in the movie “Helllraiser: Judgment”), drummer Dr. Chud of horror-punk icons Misfits (1995-2000) and actor Leonaro Scelfo (best known for playing a cheerleader in the classic movie “Scream”). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. $20. Free for kids 11 and younger with each paid adult ticket, $10 for additional children. Hilton Doubletree Hotel in Bell Tower, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, south Fort Myers. floridahorrorfest.com
3. Florida Rep’s ‘The Rat Pack Lounge’
This funny revue celebrates the music of the famous “Rat Pack”: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. The trio returns to earth from heaven for a show packed with hits, including “My Way,” “What Kind of Fool Am I?” and “Everybody Loves Somebody.” Sept. 30-Nov. 16. $80. Limited seating. ArtStage Studio Theatre at Florida Repertory Theatre, 2268 Bay St., downtown Fort Myers. 332-4488 or floridarep.org
4. Comedian Nate Jackson at B.B. Mann
Comedian Nate Jackson
The rising comedy star brings his Big Dog Tour to south Fort Myers. Nate Jackson has more than 4 million TikTok followers. 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. $51-$63. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com
5. Broadway Palm’s ‘Murder For Two’
Broadway Palm’s “Murder For Two”
Last chance to see this zany musical mystery about a small-town cop trying to solve the death of a famous author. Two actors play all 13 roles and also play the piano. Now through Saturday, Sept. 27. $68-$88. Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com
LOOKING AHEAD
Millennial Oktoberfest in downtown Fort Myers
The ninth-annual Oktoberfest celebration boasts German food and beer, themed cocktails, competitions, drinking games, “dirndl girls” and more. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 3-5. Free. Millennial Brewing Co., 1811 Royal Palm Ave., downtown Fort Myers. 271-2255 or facebook.com/MillennialBrewing
‘Carrie: The Musical’ at Arts Bonita
A spooky rock musical based on Stephen King’s book and movie about a bullied teenaged girl who discovers she has telekinetic powers. Everything comes to a head at a bloody, vengeance-filled senior prom. Oct. 3-12. $24-$39 ($16 for students). The show is intended for mature audiences. Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artsbonita.org
ParrotPHest at Margaritaville Resort Fort Myers Beach
Singer Jimmy Buffett performs during NBC’s ‘Today’ show Summer Concert Series in New York City, U.S., July 29, 2016. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
Parrotheads and trop-rock fans can party with boat drinks, live bands, raffles, giveaways and a best-dressed parrothead contest at this new three-day festival. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 3-5. Free except for events in Fins Up! Beach Club. Those are free for the resort’s overnight guests, but everyone else needs a $75 day pass. Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach, 251 Crescent St., Fort Myers Beach. MargaritavilleResorts.com/Margaritaville-Beach-Resort-Fort-Myers-Beach/ParrotPHest
Broadway Palm’s ‘Pretty Woman’
The musical adaptation of the beloved 1990 romantic movie starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. The soundtrack features original music by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. Oct. 3-Nov. 15. $48-$98. Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com
Charles Runnells is an arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. To reach him, call 239-335-0368 or email [email protected]. Follow or message him on social media: Facebook(@charles.runnells.7), Instagram (@crunnells1) and X (@CharlesRunnells)
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Best things to do in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs: BB Mann, Florida Rep
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