It finally feels like fall and its time to get outside and have some fun. To give you some ideas of what to do and where to go, here are 6 weekend events kicking off the holidays in SWFL. They cover a lot of ground from Fort Myers Beach to Naples to Punta Gorda and everywhere in between.

Thanksgiving isn’t quite here yet and we have even more time to go for Christmas. However, some holiday events are already starting this weekend. You can see festive light shows as well as live stage shows at several spots in Southwest Florida. All of juicy the details are below.

Kicking Off The Holidays In SWFL And More

In addition to the holiday events that are starting to come online, we have one popular holdout. But this is the last weekend to enjoy it. “It” is the Fair At Fenway.

Getty Images

But one of the biggest and most exciting weekend events is taking place on Fort Myers Beach. The American Sand Sculpting Championship is returning for the first time in four years. In years past it was held on the south end of the beach. However, that area is still struggling with its hurricane recovery efforts so the festivities are at Diamond Head Beach Resort this year.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Here are your Weekend Vibes for November 22nd through the 24th. Be sure to share with friends. No one likes FOMO (fear of missing out).

Here Are 6 Weekend Events Kicking Off The Holidays In SWFL

• American Sand Sculpting Championship

  For longtime lovers of this event, it makes a triumphant return to Fort Myers Beach following four years of cancellations due to COVID and then Hurricane Ian damage. Artists from around the world are creating stunning sculptures out of sand and competing for bragging rights. There are amateur events, demos and lots more starting Thursday and running through Sunday. This year’s events have a new location, Diamond Head Beach Resort.  $5. More info here. 

• Magic of Lights

  This is a longtime holiday favorite and it returns this weekend to Naples. The Magic of Lights is a drive-thru experience that includes more than 2 million individual lights and six miles of light cord. Load up your car and head to Paradise Sports Complex Friday through Jan. 4. Tickets start at $19 per vehicle. More info here.

• A Christmas Carol

  Broadway Palm Dinner Theater in Fort Myers kicks off the holiday season with a new show and it’s a classic. A Christmas Carol, The Musical, opens this weekend. It runs through Christmas Day when you can enjoy dinner and show. Ticket prices vary. More info here.

• Fisherman's Village Festival of Lights

  Fisherman’s Village in Punta Gorda is alive with the annual Holiday Festival of Lights. The iconic waterfront spot sports more than a million lights and various themes. Enjoy entertainment and visits from both Santa and the Grinch on Saturday. More info here.

   

• Fair At Fenway

  It’s the last weekend for the 10th anniversary of this family-friendly fair at JetBlue Park. All of your favorite rides are back, both for kids and adults. There are live shows, music, carnival games, food, a petting zoo and lots more. Fun runs Thursday through Sunday, through Nov. 24. Ticket prices vary.  JetBlue Park, Fort Myers. More info here..

• Bluegrass At The Alliance

  The bluegrass music series continues this weekend at Lee County Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers. This concert features the music of Highway 41 South. Sunday 3pm to 5pm. $18 for member, $20 for non-members. More info here.

Sign Up For The Sunny Side-Up Newsletter

Your connection to the music and entertainment news you want and, the community information you need, plus exclusive games and contests.

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.