This weekend in Ave Maria, FL

Find calm and plenty of laughter during an outdoor yoga session with playful goats and a sweet Highland calf. Practice poses in the fresh air as the animals mingle, turning downward dog into a lighthearted experience. All skill levels are welcome, with a minimum age of 12. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian present. Plan to bring a mat, blanket, or towel. There will be time to feed the goats and take photos, and outside food is not allowed. The gate opens 15 minutes before the class starts.

The 16th annual backpack giveaway supports students in Immokalee and nearby communities with 1,900 backpacks filled with school supplies for elementary and middle school children. Children must be present to receive a backpack and must be accompanied by a trusted adult or sibling. More than 50 local nonprofits will share resources, and there will be free food, services, entertainment, giveaways, and more.

Jewelry by Kaye Krest showcases handcrafted beaded and wire wrap designs at the Fort Myers Farmers Market, featuring gemstones and Sanibel Island seashells. The selection also includes unique creations in resin and polymer clay, offering plenty of variety. This downtown market highlights local food and operates year round.

Incoming Heights Kindergarten families are gathering at Rutenberg Park Playground for a relaxed meetup. Children can play and make friends while parents connect with other Heights families ahead of the new school year. Pack a water bottle for your child. Hosted by the Heights Elementary PTA.

Shop locally at the Fort Myers Farmers Market in downtown Fort Myers. The market runs every Saturday morning and features a variety of fresh goods from area vendors. Plan to visit on this date during the scheduled market hours.

This event offers short sessions with psychic consultations, tarot and oracle card readings, reiki, aura readings, and intuitive guidance. Each session is available for $35.

The Fort Myers Home Show is a fun, in-person event for people planning home projects. Meet and compare local home improvement professionals, then get inspired by all the possibilities for everything from updates and repairs to bigger renovations. Saturday hours run from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sunday hours run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Kick off the morning at Bert's Black Pearl with Sarah's Pancake Diner. Chef Sarah will be serving a hearty breakfast, with fresh pancakes available while supplies last. It is a tasty way to fuel up before exploring the showroom, meeting fellow riders, and spending the day at Bert's Black Pearl.

Learn the basics of line dancing in a welcoming workshop taught by Michael Faith and Laura Gordon. After check in, enjoy an open dance period, then move into beginner friendly instruction. Guest DJ Anthony Gordon provides the music to keep the floor energized. This event is open to ages 12 and up. Tickets are $25.00 in advance or $35.00 at the door.

Dead Lifts for Doggies brings the lifting community together at Dream Fit to raise funds for Loves Animal Rescue in Puerto Rico. The day centers on strength, camaraderie, and giving back, with opportunities to compete, cheer participants, and support the mission. Competitors can enter men’s or women’s divisions, with playful age brackets that include Pups for ages 16 to 25, Alpha Dogs for ages 26 to 39, Pack Leaders for ages 40 to 54, and Wise Hounds for ages 55 and up. The entry fee is $50 per person, and all proceeds support Loves Animal Rescue Puerto Rico. For registration or questions, contact Taz Mellott by text at 929-382-6920, by email at touchoftazesthetics@gmail.com, or on social at @touchoftazesthetics. Payments are accepted via Cash App using $tazmellott and Venmo at @tazmellott, with Apple Pay and Zelle available upon request.

Kick off the school season with a family and pet friendly photo experience. Children and their furry companions can pose for professional back to school portraits by Real Tours with playful school themed props. After photos, explore local vendors offering treats and finds for people and pets, and take advantage of free nail trimming for dogs courtesy of Zoomin Groomin. Activities unfold in the parking lot of the new Paws for Wellness Veterinary Clinic, bringing together pets, people, and community in support of a meaningful cause. Photo sessions are available with a $10 donation that benefits Gulf Coast Humane Society.

A 90s themed edition of Smoke & Paint brings two separate sessions to Stet’s Bar in Fort Myers, giving attendees the choice between an early sunset vibe and a later prime vibe in the same night. A live artist leads the painting experience while DJs spin throwback tracks, all in a relaxed lounge setting. The evening features local vendors and creators, food and drinks available, goody bags for participants, and raffle prizes throughout. From mixtapes and MTV to oversized jerseys and classic hits, the celebration leans into everything that made the decade unforgettable.

Explore Florida’s native plant life in a hands-on workshop designed to deepen connection to the local environment. Learn practical identification techniques that engage all five senses, supported by digital learning tools, with a focus on native flora and fauna. This experience aims to help Floridians tune in to the landscape around them. The workshop costs $10, or opt for the full series at $50, which includes one workshop free.

Celebrate the new school year at Gulf Coast Town Center with a free, family friendly back to school bash. Expect live performances, hands on games and activities, photo spots, giveaways, and special offers from participating businesses. Kids can step into the Superhero and Real Hero Costume Contest by dressing as a favorite superhero or a real life hero such as a police officer, firefighter, teacher, military member, healthcare worker, or another community hero. Select participants will receive prizes. Families can also explore the Children's Entrepreneur Market featuring more than 50 businesses run by kids, showcasing creativity and products from young entrepreneurs. The celebration includes visits from local partners and first responders, plenty of fun throughout the center, and a Teacher Appreciation recognition. Community members can nominate an outstanding local teacher for a chance to receive a $250 prize, with the recipient honored during the event. Nomination details coming soon. Admission is free.

Total Wine & More is hosting a hands-on guide to perfect wine and cheese pairings. You will learn how different wines and cheeses are composed, and which cheese choices pair best with which wines. It is a great way to sharpen your palate and discover new favorite combinations.

Kids Markets at Back To School Bash is a fun, family-friendly, farmers market-style event designed for kids ages 5-17. Plan for a couple of hours of hands-on activities and a lively in-person experience to get everyone ready for the new school year.

This family friendly bingo event at Elks Lodge welcomes all ages. Admission is free, with online pre-registration required. Expect featured items such as boomsticks, a TV, coolers, Bluetooth speakers, and more, along with a general raffle and a silent auction. A $10 meal option offers two slices of pizza and a drink. Questions can be directed to the organizers.

Take part in The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show, where guests work together to crack a laugh-filled, challenging case while enjoying dinner. Keep your eyes open, because the culprit could be right in the room and anyone might find themselves labeled a prime suspect. The story plays out in the present day and in real time. Performers blend into the crowd, creating a lively, social, and highly interactive experience suited for adults. Staged across the country since 2004, these dinner theatre shows deliver an evening of intrigue, comedy, and spontaneous twists that keep everyone guessing.

Get ready for an exciting night of amateur fighting at Millennial Brewing Company. This in-person event runs for about 4 hours, so come enjoy the matches in a great local venue. Refunds aren’t available for this event.

A welcoming, supportive space where LGBTQ+ people and allies gather for tabletop gaming and casual socializing. This recurring gathering takes place on the second Saturday of each month.

A dance party featuring Girl Krush is set at Nauti Parrot Oasis.

The Dazzling DelRays return to Sneaky Pete's Bonita with classic oldies, beach tunes, Motown favorites, plus additional selections. Reservations are strongly suggested at 239-498-8887.

Kelly Hunt brings a contemporary roots sound that marries old-time banjo traditions with crisp, modern songwriting and an expressive vocal presence. Her debut, Even the Sparrow, earned national recognition as a finalist for the International Folk Music Awards Album of the Year and was included among PopMatters’ 20 Best Folk Albums of 2019. Critics have noted the way she bridges Appalachian and folk influences with a present-day sensibility, and Rolling Stone Country praised the ageless lilt in her delivery. She broadened her palette on Ozark Symphony with producer Dirk Powell, a project recognized for reflecting a wide cross-section of American music. On stage, she offers an intimate, finely detailed performance shaped by precise musicianship, warm tone, and nuanced vocal control, creating an atmosphere that feels immediate and timeless. Tickets are $48 for Tier 1, $43 for Tier 2, and $38 for Tier 3, plus an additional $4 service fee per ticket at checkout.

Now in its ninth year, this special dance social at DanceLife, Florida Dance Center welcomes everyone, from students and teachers to studios and dance enthusiasts. No partner is required and no experience is needed. Food and drinks are provided. The evening starts with a group class followed by a workshop led by host Anthony Tineo, then the floor stays lively as DJ Robo spins a mix that highlights Salsa and Bachata with touches of Cha cha cha, Latin hustle, and Merengue. A live Jack and Jill competition is planned with prizes for first, second, and third place, and the competition entry price will be announced. Admission is listed at $20 or $25.

PURE COUNTRY appears for the first time at Mango Rita’s Rhythm House, bringing a set of country favorites from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Billed as Southwest Florida’s top country band, the group performs alongside special guest Brandon Allen. Seating options include XTREME VIP up close seating and a VIP private lounge for six with bottle service that includes one premium bottle and mixers. Table and bar seating are available, and the venue offers a full drink and dining menu with table service. The show is promoted as an up close and personal experience where every seat feels like the front row.

Celebrate all things Blou Note in a single unforgettable evening that honors the sound, the movement, and the message. This fourth installment of a semi-annual tradition marks more than a year of momentum and still feels like the beginning. Whether you have been part of the story from day one or are new to the Blou Light Special, this gathering is meant for you. Arrive as yourself and walk away changed.

This event offers free oil changes when you provide your own oil and oil filter. To participate, register for a free account on the website connected to a free app that will be available in app stores soon.

Settle into a tranquil outdoor setting for a lighthearted goat yoga session featuring playful goats and Marsala, a Highland calf. Enjoy stretches and steady breathing with plenty of giggles as poses flow alongside these curious animals. The class is open to all levels and welcomes participants ages 12 and up. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is time to feed the goats, with no outside food allowed, and to take photos. Please bring your own mat, blanket, or towel. The gate opens 15 minutes before class begins.

A leisurely afternoon by the water at HB’s starts with a welcome glass of champagne, followed by warm Southern biscuits and HB’s signature crudo platter. Choose an entrée, then enjoy a steady stream of handcrafted canapés and shareable plates served at the table throughout the meal. Reservations are available through HB’s OpenTable.

Michael Nichols brings live music to the 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill at Compass Hotel Naples. Enjoy a relaxed, tropical vibe with sunny sounds in a warm, welcoming setting. This event is open to the public.

Learn the art of making corn husk dolls in a witch crafting class centered on a time honored practice from Native American and Appalachian traditions. Participants will shape a small figure from dried corn leaves using a Lammas themed kit that includes husks, twine, and step by step instructions. The finished doll can rest on an altar or hearth and can serve as a grounding ritual for first harvest intentions, ancestor work, or gentle grief practices. Witch tip: give your doll a name as you tie the final knot, then keep it on the altar through the three harvest sabbats, Lammas, Mabon, and Samhain, before returning it to the earth. The cost is $16 and seating is limited, with reservations available through the website.

Come mix and mingle at the Naples Speed Mixer, a guided singles event for adults in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. You’ll get structured, age-appropriate introductions paired with time to mingle so you can make connections in a relaxed, respectful setting. A complimentary welcome drink is included, and there’s a private mutual-match system that only reveals shared interest. Giveaways are announced at the end, and attendees must be present to claim prizes. Guests are expected to stay for the full event.

Emo Night Karaoke transforms the room into a full-blown show where attendees step up as lead singers alongside a live band, complete with concert-style production and visuals. The musicians on stage are a collective whose members have performed on Warped Tour, When We Were Young, and on tours around the world. Expect the energy of a real gig as you take on favorite emo tracks with seasoned players bringing the sound to life behind you.

Crafts After Dark offers a relaxed, creative evening at Kava Culture in downtown Fort Myers, hosted by Creative Hands Events. Enjoy painting, crochet, and coloring, learn new skills or practice favorite techniques, and bring any art project you are working on to spend time creating alongside others. Snacks and kava support a friendly community atmosphere centered on unwinding and connecting. All skill levels are welcome. A one drink minimum applies for participation.