Events in Charlotte County today

Learn to scuba dive with a beginner friendly open water course that builds confidence and safety from the start. Experienced instructors cover fundamental skills, buoyancy control, dive planning, and how to respond to emergencies so you can enjoy underwater exploration with peace of mind. The training blends at home eLearning with pool and classroom sessions in a controlled setting, then concludes with open water checkout dives. A boat trip is included, and the final two qualifying dives take place from a dive boat. Use of key rental gear is provided, including a BCD, regulator, dive computer, wetsuit, and weights, and certification is awarded through a widely recognized training organization. The typical flow begins with a day of classroom and pool work, followed by a weekend dedicated to checkout dives. Students only need personal items such as a mask, fins, snorkel, and an SMB, and guidance is available to help choose equipment that fits well. This course is designed for complete beginners, no prior experience is required, only basic swimming ability and a spirit of adventure. Class sizes are kept small to support focused instruction and strong diving habits.

Shop local in North Port at this family-friendly community market featuring local vendors, live music, farm-fresh offerings, handmade goods, and food creators. Admission and parking are free. The market runs Saturdays from 8:30 AM to noon.

Build a solid foundation for safe and confident boating with an in-person course that satisfies Florida’s education requirements. Thanks to support from the Charlotte County Marine Advisory Committee, tuition is free. Across 12 hours of instruction, participants learn essential skills and receive an introduction to using local nautical charts. Completing this training can help reduce accidents and injuries, may lower boat insurance costs, and qualifies attendees for the Florida Boater Education Card for operators of vessels powered by 10 horsepower or more who meet state criteria. For details or to register, call 941-584-5993 or email education@AmericasBoatingClubPeaceRiver.org.

Join the monthly 2nd Saturday Social Dance Party featuring a dance lesson plus refreshments. The lesson and party run from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with the dance party starting at 2:45 PM. It is a fun way to put into practice the moves, techniques, and styles learned during the lesson, and meet new friends. Please call to book your spot.

This event takes place at a tiki bar in downtown Punta Gorda.

Enjoy live music with a variety of musicians and bands taking the stage at Fishermen’s Village. Performances run every Friday and Saturday, with shows happening in the village center court and on the dry beach. Admission is free.

Learn how to create perfect wine and cheese pairings with Total Wine & More. This session walks through how different wines and cheeses work together, with guidance on which cheeses tend to pair best with different styles of wine. The event runs from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, and admission is $20.

An enchanted evening celebrates literacy while raising funds for the Charlotte County Imagination Library. The night includes a welcome reception with a signature cocktail, hearty hors d’oeuvres and grazing stations, and a decadent dessert bar. Guests can enjoy storybook photo moments, a literary character costume contest, a mystery book wall, a wine pull, silent auction items, raffles, and a Fund-a-Child giving opportunity. Tickets are $75 per person, with only 100 available. Proceeds support the Charlotte County Imagination Library, managed by the Gilstad Literacy Foundation, which provides a free, age-appropriate book every month to local children from birth to age five. More than 2,700 children receive books each month, and every ticket helps put stories into homes, building a love of reading and readiness for kindergarten and beyond. Sponsorships are offered at several levels. Presenting Sponsors at $2,500 receive premier recognition, featured logos on event marketing, recognition during the program, prominent signage, and eight complimentary tickets. Chapter Sponsors at $1,000 receive logo placement on marketing, recognition during the program, featured event signage, and six complimentary tickets. Story Sponsors at $500 receive recognition on marketing, name placement on event signage, recognition during the program, and four complimentary tickets. Book Sponsors at $250 receive recognition on marketing, name placement on event signage, recognition during the program, and two complimentary tickets. Presented by the Gilstad Literacy Foundation and Charlotte County Imagination Library.

This family-friendly bowling night brings the CDBIA community together at Treasure Lanes for strikes and spares, lighthearted competition, and time to connect away from the office and jobsite. All experience levels are welcome, whether aiming for a perfect game or just trying to steer clear of the gutter. Expect plenty of laughs, good company, and memories to take home.

A local duo performs popular hits from the 1990s and 2000s, offering a nostalgic throwback for fans of both decades.

Desoto Gun Club is hosting a Cowboy Match for a classic cowboy-style shoot. The match accepts single-action revolvers .32 or greater, shotguns in 20 gauge and 12 gauge, JR’s .410 (or a Winchester 97 or remake), as well as lever or pump action rifles. The entry cost is $10. Shooters are asked to arrive and help set up match targets, or the match will be cancelled. Note that the range used for the match will be closed for member use until the match is completed and match items are cleared away.

A lively dance party at Deep Creek Elks showcases 80s and 90s dance music. Expect upbeat favorites from both decades that build a nostalgic atmosphere and keep the dance floor moving.

Cooking with C.A.R.E. offers an evening of fine dining, live culinary instruction, and community support at Carmelo’s Italian Restaurant. Guests will savor a three course menu created specifically for the occasion by Carmelo, while he demonstrates the techniques behind each dish. Two ticket options are available. The VIP package is $350 for two people and includes premium seating with the best view, an opportunity to participate alongside Carmelo during the demonstrations, and a gift from the C.A.R.E. Auxiliary. Only three VIP packages are available. Standard tickets are $100 per person and include the complete three course meal and all live cooking demonstrations. All proceeds support the C.A.R.E. Center, the Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies of Charlotte County.

Free, in-person help with ACCESS Florida applications for SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid is available at the Goodwill Community Resource Center in Port Charlotte. This service supports Florida residents who need guidance or lack reliable internet access when completing benefits applications. Appointments are required so staff can advise which documents to bring. To schedule, call (941) 255-3884.

Build strength in a welcoming outdoor setting designed for active adults 55 and older. The session takes place in the open area of Gilchrist Park on the circular concrete pad. It is free to attend, with tips appreciated. Participants are encouraged to bring water, a towel, and a personal mat, and to arrive with a positive attitude. Instruction is led by Coach Liya, who can be recognized by a pink coach hat.

Kids can practice their reading skills by reading aloud with certified pet therapy dogs. It is a friendly session designed to spark conversation and help build communication and confidence while the dogs enjoy the attention.

Teen Writers Club is a weekly writing group for ages 12 to 18. You’ll work on your own writing, try free-writing exercises, and share your work to get feedback and help build creativity and writing skills. The club meets weekly on Mondays at 4:00 PM.

Led by instructor Gigi Caceda, this Zumba class offers a lively dance fitness workout set to upbeat music in an energetic group environment. Each session costs $12. Registration and payment are handled in person at the PGICA office. All PGICA classes are open to the public, and walk-ins are welcome. The office can be reached at 941-637-1655.

Need help but not sure where to turn? Goodwill CRC Coordinators provide walk in information and referral support at the Port Charlotte Community Resource Center. Stop by during weekly walk in hours to get connected with services and resources that match your needs. For more information, call (941) 255-3884.

Marking six decades of service, compassion, and community impact, the United Way of Charlotte County Florida is being honored by the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce with an official ribbon cutting. The celebration recognizes the organization’s longstanding commitment to improving life in Charlotte County and includes a toast with wine, light refreshments, and cake.

Enjoy a pasta night featuring a spaghetti dinner with your choice of two meatballs in red sauce or aglio e olio, served with a side salad and dessert. This event is BYOB. The cost is $14 per person for members and $16 per person for non-members. Karaoke follows the meal. Please call in advance to choose red sauce or white, garlic and oil, at (941) 764-9003.

Experience the Queen of Hearts progressive raffle at The End Zone Sports Grille. Tickets are $1 each. A drawing selects the winner, and attendees must be present to be eligible to win.

Shenanigans with Dan presents the Lazy Karaoke experience in Port Charlotte with a relaxed, seated sing-along at Kings Roadhouse. Tuesday sessions center on fun, laughter, and karaoke you can enjoy without leaving your seat.

At Downtown Kava, Zimco Entertainment leads four rounds covering a wide range of general knowledge, with opportunities to win prizes. Outside the Lunchbox Food Truck will be on site to serve food, making it easy to turn the outing into a full night.

Celebrate the songbooks of Billy Joel and Elton John in a high-energy tribute led by Anton Doran. He brings the piano-forward spirit of both artists to life with faithful renditions of their best-loved hits, honoring two Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. The performance highlights memorable lyrics, catchy melodies, and the timeless pop-rock sound that made these piano men beloved across generations.

Start your day with a monthly Business Over Breakfast networking meeting at the Wyvern Hotel. It’s a great chance to meet local professionals, have meaningful conversations, and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Come a little early to connect and build new relationships.

Children ages 2 to 8 and their caregivers are invited to a Wednesday morning of free-play time filled with toys and props that spark kids’ imaginations. You can drop in anytime during the event window.

Kids Needs Boutique is a community pop-in where families can pick up free essentials for school-age children, including clothing, shoes, socks, underwear, toiletries, and school supplies. Families may visit once each month to get what they need. The event hours listed are 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The boutique is also open on other days, but this listing reflects the specific window for this date.

A free support group focused on weight loss meets at the HCA FL Fawcett Community Center. Gatherings take place on the month’s second Wednesday.

Test your literary luck at a book-themed bingo night filled with laughs, prizes, and good-natured competition. Rounds range from nods to classic stories to unexpected twists, keeping the action lively and bookish. Participants may bring fellow readers, enjoy a cozy drink, and aim to be the first to shout bingo. Cost is $20 per person for five games, with each additional card available for $5.

This quarter auction at Beef O Bradys raises funds for Peace River Wildlife Center. All proceeds support the charity and its work. Paddles will be available for purchase before bidding begins, and local vendors will be on site to browse while waiting for the auction to start.

Join the TYS Book Club at The Yoga Sanctuary for a free monthly meeting focused on books that inspire change. For the first gathering, bring a book that has made a real impact on your life, and come share and discuss influential authors and stories with the community.

Moto Thursday at the MotoBros Training Compound is a moto simulation day for riders. Expect riders to be out doing moto-style riding as part of their training session.

Get personalized help completing ACCESS Florida applications for SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid at the Community Resource Center in Port Charlotte. MyACCESS helps Floridians request food, cash, and healthcare benefits, and in-person guidance is available for those without steady internet access or who find the online forms challenging. Appointments are required so staff can advise you on which documents to bring. To schedule, call (941) 255-3884.

Come and socialize with other knitting, crocheting, and sewing enthusiasts at this friendly, drop-in group. All skill levels are welcome, and you can bring your current project to work on while chatting.

Hands and Feet Outreach Ministry hosts a free community event featuring grilled food with potato salad and a wide selection of essentials. Clothing, hygiene items, purses, shoes, and other goods will be available at no cost.

Join The Yoga Sanctuary for a friendly 6-week Introduction to Yoga series designed for beginners. The class is capped at eight students so you can get personalized guidance in a supportive setting. You’ll learn how to approach basic postures safely, understand key yoga philosophy basics, and discover how to adapt poses for your own body, including modifications for specific issues or injuries. Enrollment includes a take-home book, Yoga Fan: Practice Guide for Everyday, to help you continue your practice at home.

Hosted by Blair Milliken at The Twisted Fork, this Charlotte County real estate roundtable gathers local investors, contractors, vendors, speakers, City Commissioners, trainers, and others for collaborative networking and practical discussion. Attendees share insights, present and find deals, and work through real-world challenges together. The focus is on actionable learning, with coaching, training, and mentoring available for every experience level. This session takes place in the rear conference building.