Friends and neighbors,

This week has fun in spades.

Tonight brings a Casamigos tequila tasting at La Playa, while Saturday packs a dress-to-impress Derby watching and a hot dog crawl (!) happening all day across Naples. Score hot dogs and crown the winner? Say less. 

Rookery Bay is also hosting its free Community Day on Saturday if you want to enjoy the great outdoors, and Artis—Naples hosts the Mahler Chamber Orchestra on Sunday night. 

If you’re looking for something easy and fun next week, Much Ado About Nothing opens at The Naples Players.

That’s the scoop!

Cheers,

Set against a Gulf Coast sunset, this beachfront tasting at BALEEN blends elevated cocktails with Mexican-inspired flavors. The evening begins with a spicy mango margarita before moving into guided pours of Casamigos Cristalino, Reposado, and Añejo, with live music and thoughtful bites throughout. It all wraps with a dessert cocktail finale, including a churro espresso martini and tequila-infused treats. Tickets. 

Grab your fascinators and head to the Inn on Fifth to watch the Run for the Roses! Held on the Pool Terrace and in the Ballroom, expect to be welcomed with a signature cocktail and Derby-inspired bites as music sets the tone leading up to race time. Come in your Derby finest and compete for best dressed man, woman, and couple. Tickets. 

Part food crawl, part friendly competition, the Hot Dog Safari sends “Safarians” across six local restaurants to sample and score creative hot dog creations. Your $10 scorecard doubles as a donation to St. Matthew’s House, with judging based on everything from toppings to presentation. Pick up your card in the morning, explore at your own pace, and turn it in by 5 PM before the winner is announced at The Mini Bar! Event details.

This free, family-friendly day is a chance to explore one of Naples’ most unique natural areas. Highlights include kayak demos on Henderson Creek, a hands-on marine touch tank with sea stars and whelks, and live music from Charlie Pace. There’s also face painting, a photo booth, food trucks, local art exhibitions, and book signings with Naples authors. Sneak peek boat tours are available with advance registration. Event info.  

Making its Hayes Hall debut, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra brings a dynamic program led from the piano by Yuja Wang. The evening includes Prokofiev’s light “Classical” Symphony, Tsfasman’s lively Jazz Suite, and Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Tickets include same-day access to The Baker Museum, with extended hours and early entry to enjoy exhibitions and light fare before the performance. Tickets. 

A romantic comedy with a bit of chaos underneath, Much Ado About Nothing centers on two sworn cynics who get cleverly set up by their friends, while a second romance nearly unravels at the altar. A witty, banter-filled Shakespeare play that even non-theater people will enjoy. Evening shows and weekend matinees through May 23. Tickets $25+ 

Last week we asked: What’s your favorite thing to grill?

Here’s where you landed: 

Steak won with 24.39% of the vote, and it wasn’t particularly close, followed by chicken at 19%. The biggest surprise? Hot dogs beat out burgers. I hope some of you hot dog lovers pop around town at the Hot Dog Safari this weekend and help crown the winner! 

Everyone has their go-to spots when it comes to an elegant dinner out, so I’m curious: 

Naples feels more like home when we show up for it.

Pick one thing. Bring someone with you. Support a local venue, a local nonprofit, a local stage, or just the small rituals that make living here feel fun.

That’s how a place stays lively. Not just because events are on the calendar, but because neighbors keep showing up.

Elizabeth Bellotti
Editor-In-Chief
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review

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