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Mornings With Gina Birch

Weekend Highlights In SWFL Include US Open Pickleball Championships

By Gina Birch

Southwest Florida’s seasonal visitors may be thinning out, however, the variety of things to do and fun events remain strong. One is even in the national spotlight. Weekend highlights in SWFL include the US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples and lots more.

Here are your Weekend Vibes for April 12th through 14th to help combat your FOMO (fear of missing out).

This pickleball event is a big deal. Last year the tournament featured 3000 players. That’s just players, not spectators. Those numbers topped 40,000 according to organizers. Numerous events surrounding the championship are already underway.

However, the actual competition does not begin until Saturday morning. The event runs all week with the final matches on April 20th.

More weekend highlights in SWFL

Not all weekend competitors will be swinging rackets on the court. Some will be flipping spatulas over open flames. More on that event below. In addition, it is the final Cape Coral Bike Night of the season and it is expected to be a big party.

Kevin Nealon gives a thumbs up to the camera. His live show is a weekend highlights in SWFL

Comedian Kevin Nealon brings his funny brand of stand up to Naples this weekend. The show is one of the weekend highlights in SWFL.

If you like theater, live music and live comedy shows, you will be a happy camper with the numerous other choices for weekend entertainment. There is a new musical comedy debuting at Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers.

And speaking of comedy, Kevin Nealon will be in town. The comedian got his big break on Saturday Night Live and has gone on appear in numerous movies.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Here are your Weekend Vibes for April 12th through the 14th. If you can, get out and support local events and business.

*Please note, events are subject to change. It never hurts to confirm with a phone call or a check of social media and event websites.

  • Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championships

    This is billed as the largest pickleball tournament in the world. 40,000 people attended last year’s events and 3000 players from around the world competed. Enjoy both amateur and pro competition along with a wheelchair division. The action runs April 13th through 20th at East Naples Community Park. Some events are free, other tickets prices range from $20-$60. Parking is $5. More info here.

  • Cape Coral Bike Night

    This is the last Bike Night of the season in Cape Coral. Portions of SE 47th Terrace in downtown Fort Myers, will be blocked off for the popular event. The streets will be filled with vendors, beer tents, a variety offood options and a big stage full of rock musicians.  Saturday from 5 to 10pm. Free. More info here.

  • 5th Annual Big Green EGGfest

    The title of Grill Master is up for grabs at this food event in Bonita Springs. Big Green Egg is the chosen barbecue cooker and chefs will use it to show off their skills. Sample their creations and vote on your favorite. There will also be grilling demos, adult beverages, music and more. Saturday from 11am to 3pm at downtown Riverside Park. Taster tickets are $20, VIP tickets are $50. More info here. 

  • Naples ArtCrafters Art Show

    Naples Artcrafters have several shows a year and this is the last one for the 2024 season. It is Saturday from 10-4 in in Cambier Park. It’s a lovely park in downtown Naples and it will be packed with local artists and a large variety of their unique works. Free.  More info here.

  • Comedian Kevin Nealon Live

    Tickets to see comedian Kevin Nealon this weekend are expected to sell out at Off The Hook Comedy Club. Nealon was a regular on Saturday Night Live Weekend Edition and has been in numerous films. His live shows are Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start at $35. Shows times vary. The comedy club is on Vanderbilt Beach Road in Naples. More info here.

  • Broadway Palm's 'The Addams Family'

    It’s opening weekend for the dinner theater’s new show. The Addams Family is a Broadway musical based on the famous 1960’s television show which gained renewed  popularity by the Netfllix series named “Wednesday” after one of the family’s characters. The musical runs trhough May 25th. Tickets start at $35. Broadway Palm is on Colonial Blvd in Fort Myers. More info here. 

  • Gulf Coast Symphony Presents Disney In Concert

    Who doesn’t love the magical music from Disney movies? That is what Gulf Coast Syphony will be playing Sunday at Barbarbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. Think music from  “Frozen,” “The Lion King,” and more. 7 p.m., Tickets start at $35. More info here.  

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