Mornings With Gina Birch

Here are your Weekend Vibes, what’s happening in Southwest Florida May 5-7. It’s a big party weekend for many people with the collision of Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby. These two events could not be more different, however, each draw big crowds for celebrations.

Happening in Southwest Florida

Sure, Cinco de Mayo is one day, May 5th. However, since it falls on a weekend, many Mexican themed restaurants and bars are hoping on the bandwagon and extending the celebration. For example, La Santa in Naples has events all weekend kicking off with a block party on Friday. There are too many celebrations to list here. You should have no trouble finding a good place to celebrate with a cold margarita and a hot plate of tacos.

The same holds true for the Kentucky Derby. Places such as the Ritz Carlton have more sophisticated celebration. However, once again, there are dozens of watch parties, complete with hat contests and friendly wagering, all over Southwest Florida. These two annual events aside, there are lots of things to do in Southwest Florida this weekend. Keep scrolling to find out more.

weekend kentucky derby

The Kentucky Derby, or Run For The Roses, is Saturday, May 6th. Post time for the race is 4:57. NBC is carrying the race live.

One more thing, we hit the 7-month mark since Ian hit our coast. Thankfully, many things are slowly getting better. However, there is still so much need in our area. Life is still challenging for many many people. If you feel like getting out and about, we have a few ideas here. But then again, if you are not feeling so great mentally that is OK too. Please take care of yourself. Here are some resources that might help.

Finally, here are your Weekend Vibes, what’s happening in Southwest Florida May 5-7.

  • Downtown Fort Myers Art Walk

    Art Walk is a monthly event in downtown Fort Myers that celebrates art with special exhibits, vendors, parties and music at galleries and even on the streets. It’s free and runs from 6-10.

    weekend artwalk

  • Hero Comic Con

    If you like to dress up or just people watch, this is for you. It’s a pop-culture convention with appearances by celebrities like  Adassa from “Encanto”, Sam J. Jones from “Flash Gordon”, actors who portrayed Darth Vador and more. The three day convention kicks off Friday and goes through Sunday at Caloosa Sound Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers. Ticket prices vary. 

  • Punta Gorda Hibiscus Festival

    At Gilchrist Park, this festival kicks off on Friday and runs through Sunday. There is a Little Miss Hibiscus pageant, car show, food, music, and of course plants.
    weekend events

  • The Orchestra

    This concert at  Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall features former members of ELO, the Electric Light Orchestra. They are performing with the Southwest Florida Symphony for two shows, Saturday. A second show is Sunday in Punta Gorda at Charlotte Performing Arts Center

  • “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Nature Wellness Week

    This is actually a week long event that wraps up Tuesday. There are all kinds of healing lectures, a Food Forest wellness event, mindfulness walks, meditation on Sunday, and more. Events are also at various sites in the community. Get all the details on where you can plug in at dingwellness.com 

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