Events in Ave Maria today

Local professionals in Lehigh Acres come together for a weekly Elevate Business Network meetup centered on meaningful connections and business growth. Conversations focus on sharing referrals, leadership, and mutual support, creating a welcoming community that lifts one another higher. Entrepreneurs and professionals collaborate with accountability and genuine connection, and each gathering features focused discussion, networking time, and practical insights you can put to work in your business. Coffee is provided to keep the ideas flowing.

This monthly LCBW luncheon brings together women in business at Carrabba's Italian Grill, creating a welcoming space where attendees are seen, supported, and celebrated. The gathering focuses on meaningful networking, shared know-how, and collaboration, with conversations that encourage professional growth. Each event is designed to help participants build lasting relationships, exchange expertise, and leave with fresh ideas, renewed inspiration, and added confidence. It is open to longtime members, those new to LCBW, and anyone exploring the community. Admission is $30 for members and $35 for guests.

Get hands-on with epoxy art at a guided workshop at Riptide Brewing Company. Create a custom piece such as an epoxy river charcuterie board, lazy susan, clock, key holder shelf, a set of coasters, or a mini pair. Work with premium black walnut and other quality hardwoods, then personalize your design with up to two epoxy colors chosen when you arrive. After the session, each project is cured and expertly finished. Curing takes about a week, and the full finishing process typically requires 8 to 10 weeks, with timing influenced by class size and shipping. Once complete, your piece is carefully shipped to you. Tickets are final sale. If you cannot attend, you may send a substitute. Participants ages 12 and up each need a ticket, and a couples ticket lets two people collaborate on one project.

Every Tuesday features a trivia night where participants can show what they know alongside others. It is free to play with the purchase of a drink, and first place receives complimentary drinks.

Goodwill offers free Senior Planet technology classes at the Tice Community Resource Center to help older adults build essential computer, typing, and internet skills. Designed for people 60 and over, these sessions move at a comfortable pace and focus on practical needs like accessing healthcare, managing finances, and staying safely connected with family and friends. Participants also use technology to learn new skills, save money, get active, and meet new people. Free resources are available across Southwest Florida, and coordinators are bilingual with Spanish language support. For details, call (239) 710-2602 or email hildaortega@goodwillswfl.org.

Live trivia takes place every Wednesday at Duffy's of Estero. Prizes are awarded to the top three finishers, with $25 for first place, $15 for second, and $10 for third.

Taking place on the fourth Wednesday of each month, this creative writing workshop begins with a prompt to spark ideas. Participants then spend roughly 45 minutes free writing and can choose to share their pieces afterward.

Lehigh Goodwill Community Resource Center offers an advanced-level English as a Second Language class for learners aiming to refine fluency, expand vocabulary, and tackle complex grammar. Lessons use authentic materials such as news articles and podcasts to build skills for real-world communication. For more information, contact Sheila Hernandez, Lehigh Acres Community Resource Coordinator with Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, at sheilahernandez@goodwillswfl.org or 239-369-4774.

Settle in for a creative getaway with a Sunshine & Sassy themed crop retreat at Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Myers Estero. Choose a three day experience or extend it to four, with the three day option priced at $165 and an optional extra day available for $45. An early bird offer includes a special gift when the registration form and deposit are received by the stated deadline. Crafters receive welcome gifts and a full six foot table that can remain set up all weekend. Tables are arranged in pods so you can sit with friends, and the space offers nearby power outlets and complimentary WiFi. The crop room stays open around the clock so you can create at your own pace. Expect added fun with door prizes, raffles, challenges and games. A $50 deposit is required at registration to reserve a seat, with the remaining balance due before the event. Unpaid balances past the deadline result in forfeiture without refund. Payments are accepted via Venmo, PayPal using the Friends and Family option, check, or credit card with a 3.5 percent surcharge. Overnight stays are optional. A discounted room block under Scrappin Buddies is available at $139 per night, with queen or king suite options. Suites include a separate living room with a queen sleeper sofa, a mini refrigerator, microwave, flat screen TV, wet bar, coffeemaker and free WiFi. Hotel stays also include a cooked to order breakfast each day and an evening reception with drink coupons and a snack. Guests book and manage their own hotel reservations. For cancellation details, please refer to the organizer’s posted policies.

Goodwill SWFL offers free digital skills training designed for older adults. Participants learn the fundamentals of using computers and the internet, increase comfort with everyday technology tasks, and receive individualized support. The program also focuses on job readiness and career growth, helping attendees use technology to reconnect with loved ones online, manage health needs, and explore new opportunities in the workforce. It aims to help people stay connected and confident in today’s digital world.

Explore participating shops and boutiques at the Promenade, where free wine and light bites or sweet treats come with special promotions. Raffles and prizes add to the festive atmosphere. Live entertainment will be featured at The Center Bar.

I Need to Unwind is a relaxed crochet meetup in a cozy coffee shop setting, perfect for slowing down with a favorite drink while stitching in friendly company. Everyone is welcome, from complete beginners to experienced makers. Bring a current project or borrow supplies from the host, then settle in for easy conversation, shared ideas, and creative connection. Work on new stitches, make progress on a work in progress, or simply enjoy the calming rhythm of crochet. If crochet is not your craft, feel free to bring another portable project. There is no fee to attend, but participants are encouraged to purchase a food or beverage to support the host location. Stitch, sip, socialize, and unwind.

ACMA and Island Hopper spotlight local songwriting at The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center with an in-the-round performance featuring Roy Schneider, Anthony Wayne, Bill Metts, Tim McGeary, and Matt Hannam. Each artist will share original songs along with the stories behind them. All performers are members of the Americana Community Music Association, a Fort Myers nonprofit dedicated to supporting original music throughout the year. Roy Schneider, a founding member of the duo Reckless Saints, has toured across the United States and abroad for two decades. His work has earned multiple NewFolk finalist honors at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas, an appearance on Season 5 of NBC’s The Voice, and recognition at the Telluride Acoustic Blues competition in Colorado. He has received praise from No Depression, drawing comparisons to artists like Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Guy Clark, and Lyle Lovett while highlighting his singular voice and craft. In April he and partner Kim Mayfield released the album Blue Twangled Folk’n’ Roll. Anthony Wayne is a Southwest Florida singer songwriter with roots in Indiana whose Americana and roots rock songs pair memorable melodies with honest storytelling. After nearly two decades performing along the Gulf Coast, he continues to grow a catalog of original music and is releasing new recordings and videos while appearing at festivals, waterfront stages, and intimate songwriter rounds throughout the region. Bill Metts began playing during the country blues revival of the 1960s and developed a love for fingerstyle guitar. His performances include the Mississippi John Hurt Blues Festival, the famed Ground Zero in Clarksdale, the Will McLean Festival in Brooksville, and multiple appearances at the Island Hopper Songwriter Festival. He led the ACMA’s weekly Songwriter Circle in Fort Myers for four years and favors original material, with occasional carefully chosen covers. Tim McGeary from Naples signed with A&M Records in the 1980s and toured alongside artists such as Billy Idol, Duran Duran, and Simple Minds. His songs have been featured on television in Smallville and One Tree Hill and in films including The Kiss Me Curse and Girl Got Mo. He now writes for other artists and produces music with collaborators around the world, driven by a belief in music’s power to connect people. Matt Hannam, based in Fort Myers, is a singer songwriter who has performed solo, as half of the duo Another Era, and with the five piece band The Collective. He has been part of the ACMA since its founding year and is also active with the Hope by Song organization. Advance tickets are $15, and the price is $20 during the week of the concert.

Celebrate the legacy of The Moody Blues with a concert experience that brings their groundbreaking sound to life. Time Traveller honors the band’s lush harmonies, symphonic textures, and the pioneering blend of rock and classical elements that defined a generation. The performance journeys from the psychedelic roots of the late 1960s to the radio favorites of the 1980s, featuring songs such as Nights in White Satin, Tuesday Afternoon, Question, The Story in Your Eyes, Isn’t Life Strange, Your Wildest Dreams, and I Know You’re Out There Somewhere. With meticulous attention to detail, the music rises on rich arrangements and sweeping melodies, capturing the atmosphere and power of the originals. Having appeared across the United States, Time Traveller has earned notice for channeling the band’s spirit and musical finesse. Whether rediscovering lifelong favorites or discovering them for the first time, audiences can expect a heartfelt tribute to a cornerstone of progressive and symphonic rock.

Uplift Peer Group offers an accepting space for LGBTQ+ adults and allies to breathe, connect, and feel grounded. Gatherings are gentle and peer supported, with time for conversation, decompression, and mutual support. Each session includes a rotating mix of workshops, community-building activities, and guided discussions. The environment is low pressure, affirming, and designed to help build resilience and foster community.

Play bingo at the Bonita Springs Lions Center with twenty games and multiple winner take all rounds. This event is open to everyone.

Drop in for a monthly roofing happy hour open house that replaces the sales pitch with real, straightforward guidance. Homeowners can handle actual roofing materials, see how different systems work, and speak directly with experienced professionals who work on roofs every day. Learn what is new, what is recommended, and what truly matters, all while enjoying food and drinks. The setting is casual and low pressure, with no formal presentation and no obligation. Come with a specific question or simple curiosity, whether you are planning ahead or just want a better understanding of your roof before issues arise. Stay for a quick visit or take your time exploring materials and conversations with the roofing experts.

An elegant Nile-themed evening brings guests together to support children and families in the community. Attendees can enjoy an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, live music, and an auction, with cocktail attire requested. Set at The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, all proceeds benefit the Children and Families Scholarship Fund and programs of the Fort Myers YMCA.

Food & Thought hosts a Friday open mic featuring live performances across a wide mix of styles. Expect rock, country, and pop along with oldies, plus favorites from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, as well as alternative and yacht rock. It is an easygoing night of live music where the setlist ranges from nostalgic classics to crowd-pleasing hits.

Presented by Vibez Nation, this single-night Country on the Gulf concert brings Southwest Florida a high-energy evening at Dimension Event Center. The Ben Allen Band, known from NBC’s The Voice and celebrated as a hometown headliner, takes the big stage with a mix of popular country favorites and original songs. The night features line dancing on a spacious dance floor, a full bar and on-site food trucks, plus free parking. General admission is $20, with a limited number of tickets available.

Enjoy throwback tracks from the 80s and 90s at Lani Kai Fort Myers Beach, all set to a relaxed beach vibe. The focus is on nostalgic hits and a lively, welcoming atmosphere that keeps the mood light and fun.

Mia Vassilev, a concert pianist noted by The Miami Herald for polished vitality and expressive nuance, leads a dynamic program that blends classical finesse with popular styles. The music centers on the 1940s through the 1960s, reimagining boogie-woogie, Latin rhythms, early rock and roll, and symphonic pops through new arrangements for piano, double bass, and percussion. With Howie Gordon on percussion and Chuck Bergeron on bass, the performance unfolds as a full-stage production that fuses precise musicianship with vivid presentation and driving rhythm. Ticket pricing is tiered at $48, $43, and $38, plus a $4 service fee per ticket at checkout.

El Basque presents El Jazzque, turning the venue into a jazz lounge style café on summer Friday nights. Local musicians perform live jazz, and a light menu features pintxos, craft beer, and wine in an intimate atmosphere.

Presented by Absolute Bands, Absolute Queen brings a stadium-sized salute to Queen to Mango Rita's Rhythm House. This national touring act recreates the band’s iconic catalog with meticulous detail, channeling the soaring vocals, rich harmonies, and tight musicianship that defined Freddie Mercury and his bandmates. From the stomp and clap of We Will Rock You to the operatic sweep of Bohemian Rhapsody, each classic is delivered with precision and heart. A full light show transforms the venue into a rock arena for an unforgettable night, inviting the crowd to sing along and revel in the showmanship. This is a one night only performance.

Enjoy a day on the course at a golf scramble fundraiser benefiting Florida Clutch Baseball. The tournament takes place at Olde Cypress Golf Club in Naples and welcomes both seasoned golfers and casual players for friendly competition with a shotgun start. Entry is 150 dollars per golfer, and teams may register as a twosome or foursome. After play, participants gather at Boston Beer Garden for awards along with food and drinks. The organization is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations or sponsorships may be tax deductible. For player registration, hole sponsorships, or raffle item donations, contact Jared at Blocker@pga.com or 239-595-9677. Support helps grow the program and the next generation of youth baseball players in Southwest Florida.

The Foundation of CCMS hosts the 13th Annual Docs & Duffers Charity Golf Tournament & Raffle at Bonita Bay Club East in Naples. Participation helps raise funds for healthcare scholarships and for local healthcare programs in need. Options include awards luncheon tickets, sponsorships and exhibits, and volunteer opportunities. Raffle entrants do not need to be present to win. Ace sponsors are Naples Cancer Advisors and EisnerAmper.

The 6th Annual Shy Wolf Scramble brings a charity golf scramble to Heritage Bay Golf and Country Club. Participants can register to play or support the event through sponsorship. Swing for a cause during a day on the course.

Settle into a lighthearted outdoor yoga class where mindful movement pairs with the company of animals. Practice alongside friendly goats and a charming Highland calf, finding calm as you stretch, breathe, and share a few laughs in nature. All experience levels are welcome, with a minimum age of 12. There is ample time to feed the goats, with no outside food permitted, and to take photos. Please bring your own mat, blanket, or towel. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The gate opens 15 minutes before the class starts.

Jewelry by Kaye Krest showcases handmade beaded and wire wrapped pieces at the Fort Myers Farmers Market. Designs incorporate gemstones and seashells from Sanibel Island, along with additional creations in resin and polymer clay. The market highlights local food, creating a setting where visitors can discover distinctive accessories.

At Golden Gate Comunity Park, this health fair brings Hispanic families together with health resources, health screenings, participating vendors and sponsors, and approachable wellness education. Attendees can connect with community organizations, explore available services, and gather information that supports everyday well-being.

The Apex All-Star Awards transforms an awards show into a poolside celebration that spotlights the athletes, sponsors, charities, and personalities that shape the Apex community. Set on the pool deck at Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Naples, the experience blends a relaxed vibe with high energy, offering lunch, drinks, music, and live entertainment while everyone cheers on their favorites. This event is built around audience participation. Every category is decided in real time through live voting by the crowd using QR codes, with results appearing on the spot. Expect spirited support for the finalists as custom Apex awards are earned in front of an enthusiastic audience. Attendance is limited to 110 people, creating an exclusive and lively atmosphere. Guests are free to move about and enjoy the venue throughout the day. Pool access, bar service, open seating and lounge areas, and photo opportunities are all part of the experience, including chances to snap pictures with live parrots. Games and interactive elements keep the celebration going, and the format is intentionally not a sit-down affair. The program features check-in, a kickoff, lunch service, the awards presentation, sponsor remarks, closing remarks, and an after party immediately following. Honors will be given for Male Athlete of the Year, Female Athlete of the Year, Sponsor of the Year, Charity of the Year, and Best Dressed, with three finalists in each category. Winners receive a custom Apex Award along with a complimentary one-night stay at Compass Hotel. Registration includes event entry, one drink ticket, lunch, and an Apex All-Star T-shirt, and additional food and beverages will be available for purchase. Nominees receive complimentary entry and may invite friends, family, and supporters to take part in the live voting. Sponsorship opportunities are available for drinks, lunch, and individual awards. The focus is on bringing the community together in a fun, relaxed setting while recognizing people and organizations that make a difference.

De LaSalle Academy’s second annual golf tournament centers on children’s futures, highlighting the impact made one round at a time. Play begins with a shotgun start.

Round up your best boots for an evening that supports the American Cancer Society at the 2026 Lee County Cattle Baron's Ball. Taking place at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, this long-running celebration marks 22 years in Lee County and combines generosity with lively fun. Expect plenty of toe tapping with hearty food and drinks, dancing, bulls, a standout auction, and more, all in the spirit of giving back to the community and the American Cancer Society.

At Omaya Studio, this full moon ceremony invites a gentle pause to release what no longer serves and to create space for new intentions. Settle into hammocks for a soothing sound bath, ease into quiet meditation, and take time for peaceful self-connection. The gathering concludes with warm herbal tea in a calm, welcoming setting.

Mango Rita’s Rhythm House hosts a powerhouse Def Leppard tribute from Absolute Bands, channeling the iconic group with tight musicianship, soaring vocals, and relentless energy. The production delivers a full-concert feel with big sound and stacked harmonies, keeping the crowd on its feet and singing along. Expect faithful renditions of favorites like Pour Some Sugar on Me, Rock of Ages, Photograph, and Hysteria, packed into a set of generation-defining anthems.

This Dachshund meetup takes place at Celebration Park, with a variety of food trucks, a full bar, and a stage featuring live music by Sweendog. All dogs and their owners are welcome, and friends are welcome too.

Naples Kids Rave brings a high-energy, family-friendly dance party to Southwest Florida by transforming Dimensions Nightclub into a neon-lit space where kids can safely move and play. Expect glowing lights, kid-safe dance floors, nonstop music, glow sticks, bubbles, and fun surprises that keep the good vibes going throughout the day. DJ MAY will keep the energy up while families enjoy music and movement together. Separate areas are set up so toddlers and older children can have fun comfortably at their own pace. Bright neon clothing is encouraged, and hearing protection is recommended for little ears. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children, and a portion of proceeds supports Eva’s Closet. It is planned as a colorful, music-filled experience made for making memories.

Exhale brings a one-day dance convention to Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection in Fort Myers, centered on high-quality training, an inclusive environment, and open conversations that champion mental health in the dance community. Over the last five seasons, this program has contributed more than $30,000 to organizations supporting pediatric mental health. Dancers participate by age group: Mini ages 4 to 7 is $135 and includes four classes, Juniors ages 8 to 11 is $145 with five classes, Teen ages 12 to 15 is $155 with six classes, and Senior ages 16 and up is $155 with six classes. Observer passes are $25, and studio faculty are welcome at no cost. Age groupings may be combined based on enrollment to create the best experience for everyone, and a tentative schedule will be shared in advance. Studios can secure Early Bird pricing and save $10 without a deposit by submitting an estimated dancer count, with flexibility to adjust final numbers later. Training is led by Eva Igo, Camryn Brothers, Lauren DiPietro, Julia Rose Francolino, Austin Blais, and Nathan Beech. The day concludes with the signature Improv Battle, a high-energy, confidence-building experience included with registration and open to every dancer, with no extra fees or additional sign-up.

A relaxed evening of making and mingling hosted by Creative Hands Events brings crafters together at Kava Culture Fort Myers. Participants can paint, crochet, color, try new techniques, or continue personal projects in a welcoming setting. Light snacks and kava set an easygoing mood that supports creativity and conversation. All experience levels are invited to take part, and any kind of art project fits right in. A one drink minimum applies for participation.