Naples, Florida is really stealing the spotlight with some of the most prestige and luxurious events over the next few months, and our private jet services can get you there so you don’t miss out on all the fun. Let us know how we can help, and check out the remaining events below.
September 2015
(May 1st – November 30th, 2015)
This event started awhile ago, but since it goes on until November, we figured it would be best to include it here while it’s still happening. Culinary Concepts is a dining organization that controls several restaurants in the Naples area. This year, they’re bringing savings to their customers by discounting many of the fine dishes at these restaurants for several months. The restaurants are Chops City Grill Naples, Yabba Island Grill, Pazzo! Cucina Italiana, Chops City Grill Estero, and Blue Water Bistro. Keep in mind, if you’re a member of Culinary Concepts, you get an additional 5% discount.
(September 9th – October 23rd, 2015)
Lasting until late October, come get a taste of Ireland with this whiskey tasting event. The star of the event, the Teeling Whsikey Company, an award-winning Irish Whiskey, will also be hosting the event. Jack Teeling will be there to describe the process and history of the company, but will also offer tasting of four unique whiskeys. In addition, all purchases will get 10% off the retail price. Furthermore, Vom Fass will be offering tasty appetizers throughout the evening.
(September 29th, 2015)
For one day only, for two hours, you can taste flavors from Spain that will make your eyes water with excitement. It’s all part of the monthly “Taste of Nations,” an event that features international cuisine chefs. This month is, as noted, Spaniard, and if a crunchy tuna napoleon with avocado cream mango doesn’t sound good, then you are truly missing out. The tickets are bit pricey, $65 per person, but with the ability to taste portions of several meals that would usually cost 100’s alone, we think you’re making the right choice.
(September 30th – October 14th, 2015; Naples/Marco Island Area)
For a few weeks in September and October, people go kayaking in the waters around Marco island for a light show. No, not a light show with lasers, but a light show brought to you by nature. There are single-celled organisms in the water that emit light when disturbed, and depending on the concentration of these organisms, the water can appear to glow. If you’re lucky enough to go kayaking during this time, it’s a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
October 2015
(Month Long Event)
During the month of October, it’s time for the seafoodies to come out and enjoy a dish or two. Chef Abel will be cooking up a storm like the Greek God Poseidon at Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar. It’s enough to put King Neptune to shame, and it’s your chance to taste new dishes and local favorites prepared and cooked by a top Chef. Go to the upstairs grill for this feast.
(October 1st, 2015)
Saks 5th Avenue in Naples and the United Arts Council (UAC) are mixing contemporary art and fashion to bring you a show with a twist. Get a chance to see the latest fashion trends that complement and are complemented by artworks provided by the UAC. Some of the proceeds will go to the Naples division of the UAC.
(October 3rd – 4th, 2015)
Owned and managed by the Marine Industries Association of Collier County, the Naples Boat Show Downtown starts up early October. This is the premier in-water recreational show, featuring marinas, boat dealers, and other marine activities. If you’re a boat enthusiast, or even in the area, drop by and see what’s going on. Admission is free, so it’s great to stop by and see what’s off the shelf and in the water.
(October 7th, 2015)
This is a nice way to spend time with the kids, as well as have something for them to do. At MundoMAX Playland, kids and toddlers up to age 12 can participate in multiple activities for a fun time. There will be crafts and games to keep them busy and tucker them out, but it’s a nice way to let them have some fun for a couple hours.
(October 9th, 2015)
This event is definitely for the prestige, what with a $200 admission fee. Don’t worry though, it’s for a good cause. The proceeds go to the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency, an organization that helps change the lives of kids all over the country. Of course, the event will be watching a game of golf, but there will surely be other activities to make it worthwhile.
(October 10th, 2015)
Allen’s Car Shows are known to be a fun time for car enthusiasts, or really anyone looking to help a greater cause. The proceeds for this show go to the Shriners Hospital every year. Drop by and see makes and models of many cars, trucks, and bikes. Plus, there will be a few activities such as door prizes, grab bags, and food and beverages will also be available. Nice way to spend some time with the family and for a good cause.
(October 16th, 2015)
This one is for you nature lovers out there. The Corkscrew Sanctuary has been protected by the Audobon for over 50 years, keeping it lush and alive for many more years to come. On October 16th, its doors open for wilderness exploration after hours, an unusual event. People are free to come to the sanctuary and explore the area themselves, or go on guided walks – both give you a chance to see the nocturnal critters. The admission is reasonable for a night of discovery.
(October 17th, 2015)
For a day of craft beer tasting, lawn games, contests, live musical entertainment, and more, come on over to Mercato Way at 4pm. There will also be food available for purchase so you can build a grease layer before the alcohol hits, and if you get a VIP ticket, unlimited bottled water and soda. All of the proceeds for this event are going towards Ronald McDonald Charities in SW Florida.
(October 18th, 2015)
For it’s 5th year in a row, North Collier Regional Park will light up with a 10 mile relay race. It is the only one known in Southwest Florida, and it comes with an easier option for a group of four people – two for every 5 miles of the 10 mile race. This year, the race(s) feature a Rock’n’ Roll and Oktoberfest theme. Following the race, there will be plenty of festivities, such as listening to the latest music hits, snacks and refreshments, and a day of fun.
(October 19th – 22nd, 2015)
The first annual Naples Originals Foodie Camp is coming to life this October! This is a foodie’s chance to learn how to prepare and cook select foods from Naples’ top chefs. Over the course of four days, 90-minute themed cooking classes will be taking place; there will be fish and seafood prep, Alsatian cuisine, gluten-free and low-carb Italian, Catalunya foods, and other cooking techniques. The admission is $50-60, but the proceeds go to St. Matthew’s House and the NEW Naples Originals culinary scholarship for aspiring chefs at Florida Gulf Coast University.
(October 30th, 2015)
Murder? Mayhem? Oh, how delightful! Get your scare on at the Frightseeing Ghost Tour at Marco Island. This two-hour tour starts at 8pm at the Olde Marco Inn. The admission is a little pricey, $39, but you get a free cocktail. Dressing up in costume to enjoy the fun is also encouraged.
(October 31st, 2015)
Hosted at the von Liebig Art Center, it’s a night of spooky fun for kids and adults, especially in costume. There will be live music entertainment, activities for kids, trick or treating, costume contests, and even a costume contest for pets. The kids activities and trick or treating start at 4:30pm and last until 7. Starting at 6:30pm, there will be street dancing, the adult costume contest, and classic horror movies on display. Seeing as how the Night at the Museum Haunted House is also hosted at von Liebig Art Center, you’ll have a chance to check this out as well.
(October 31st, 2015)
For the benefit of conserving Southwest Florida and the Naples Zoo, a 5K race is being held. Admission is $25 for the proceeds, and runners will be racing from Goodlette-Frank to the Gordon River Greenway Park. Because this is on Halloween, there will be a costume competition as well as an awards ceremony after the race. It’s encouraged to wear a costume while you run, but no one can blame if you don’t want to be a very sweaty Spiderman.
November 2015
(November 5th – 8th, 2015)
Naples Film Fest comes back again every year, making this year its seventh annual reception. To start the festival, an impact movie is chosen to get things started. This year, they will be showing a documentary about the 1972 astronaut, Eugene Cernan, who left his footprints and his daughter’s initials in lunar dust. The documentary is about his personal story and why inscribing his daughter’s initials was so important. Following this, Cernan is scheduled to have a discussion after the film. If you wish to go to the Opening Night party, you have to purchase a VIP ticket, otherwise you can purchase tickets for individual films or just for the festival.
(November 6th and 7th, 2015)
Early on in November, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Indian Museum hosts the annual American Indian Arts Celebration (AIAC). This festival aims to focus on traditional and contemporary arts, dances, and music of the Seminole tribes. Over the years, the number of people attending has grown largely – everyone enjoys the fresh air, green fields, and of course, the arts.
(November 7th & 8th, 2015)
The season is coming, the season is coming! For Swamp Buggy Racing. If you’re a fan of NASCAR, or just car racing in general, then you might also like to watch the Swam Buggy races in November. They’re fast, they’re messy, and they’re a whole lot of fun to watch. Pick a buggy and cheer them on at the race!
(November 11th, 2015)
Every year, the Naples support of the troops and role as an Army Air Corps base during World War II is remembered. During the times of war, a USO show and dance was performed to boost the soldiers’ morale. Today, to honor Naples during such a trying time, a USO Show is held at the Naples Depot Museum, following a Veterans Memorial Service at Cambier Park. Seats are limited however, so if you’re interested, check it out soon.
(November 23rd, 2015)
A little ways before Christmas, about a month before, Third Street South in Naples lights up with red and silver to get people ready for the holidays. There will be music and bells, Santa makes an appearance, and the Mayor lights the “official” Christmas tree of the town. They even bring in fake snow to give the sense of a white Christmas. It’s a nice little way to bring in the holiday cheer.
(November 24th – 28th, 2015)
On the courtyards of Third Street and South, musical performances and holiday cheer take place every year. Much of this music comes from orchestras and bands. The holiday cheer comes from fun, games, and the man-made ice-skating rink. Plus, there’s a bit of a parade with a guest appearance by the jolly man himself, Santa Claus. With December right around the corner, it’s time to get in the holiday spirit.
(November 25th, 2015)
During Thanksgiving week in Naples, the good people of Ave Maria University hold a BBQ that benefits the Collier County 4-H Foundation. It’s a great way to have a great meal, have fun with the locals, and support a good cause. There will be steak, corn, Immokalee salad, and other favorite foods. If you come early, you’ll have a chance to network with some people, and there will be raffle tickets available to win prizes. A Thanksgiving BBQ is just the way to set the mood for good food and something to be thankful for.
December 2015
(Various Dates in December)
As a part of their “Night Lights” celebration, the Naples Botanical Garden also celebrates the Winter Solstice, the beginning of Winter, and the longest night. There will be live musical performances, family activities, and the entire garden will be lit up with thousands of lights. In earlier years, a great bonfire was held where people could write down their wishes on sticks and then throw them into the fire for good luck. Who knows, maybe there will be some wishes this year too.
(December 5th, 2015)
For one last chance for hot rods to strut their stuff, and another chance to give to the less fortunate, the Holiday Collector Car Show is the place to be. There will be over 150 cars at this show, from Ferraris to Corvettes, Maseratis, Lamborghinis, and more. If you plan to attend, please bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Salvation Arm Toys for Tots drive. It’ll really mean a lot to some boy or girl on Christmas Day.
(December 8th, 2015)
Parades become a big thing during the holidays, and Christmas usually has the most. The sights and sounds of holiday cheer are abound the city streets of Naples with the annual Naples Christmas Parade. From Third Street South to Fifth Avenue South, parade floats will coast down. Of course, with a little Christmas magic, Santa Clause will appear, as he always does, to spread more holiday cheer.
(December 12th, 2015)
Going on its 69th year, the holiday boat parade in Naples has always drawn quite the crowd. At 5pm, the streets shut down, and at 6pm the large boats start off the parade. Beautifully decorated, the boats float by, some of which play a tune or two. It’s a nice way to spend a Winter evening during the holiday season.
(December 31st, 2015)
Starting at 9pm, the celebration of the New Year begins its reign with a Naples Philharmonic concert. It’s your chance to dance to the tunes of a live band on stage and count down to the beginning of a New Year in good company. Following the concert, there will be a reception held at the Naples Philharmonic center. During this time there will be a buffet, bottomless flutes of champagne, and simply a great way to celebrate the first night of the new year.
(January 2nd – 3rd, 2016)
Okay, so this is next year, not a 2015 event, however it starts the day after the New Year. That’s because all of these wonderful artists need a day to set up their stands. In earlier years, more than 15,000 people have attended the New Years Art Festival, and over 200 artists present various works. It’s a nice way to causally stroll on through Fifth Avenue and find something that gives you that “New Year” feeling, something to change the atmosphere in your home, office, or bedroom.