Friends and neighbors,
August is off to a surprisingly busy start!
Bonita Riverfest is back after a long hiatus, The Perry Hotel is throwing a Latin-inspired pool party, and South Street is bringing in an Elton John tribute show this weekend. There's also a sunset paint-and-sip at LaPlaya, local singers competing at Sugarshack, and one of Corkscrew Swamp's guided night walks if you've never experienced the preserve after dark.
Hope you find something worth adding to your calendar!
Warmly,
Table of Contents
Top 7 Events This Week: Pool Parties, Paddle Races and Moonlit Walks
1. Still Standing: An Elton John Tribute
📅 Friday, July 31 | 8:00 PM
📍 South Street, Founders Square, Naples
If you've ever wanted to sing along to Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer or Your Song with a crowd, this is your chance. "Still Standing" is one of the country's touring Elton John tribute acts, known for recreating both the sound and spectacle of Elton's live performances. Tickets start at $25.
2. Bonita Riverfest
📅 Saturday, Aug. 1 | 10:00 AM
📍 Riverside Park, Bonita Springs
Bonita Riverfest is making its return with a full day celebrating the Imperial River. Watch or participate in canoe, kayak, paddleboard and even homemade boat races, browse local vendors, enjoy live entertainment and food, or buy a rubber duck for the community duck race. Proceeds help support the Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT). Event info.
3. Aloha Pool Party at Perrydise
📅 Saturday, Aug. 1 | 3:00 PM–Sunset
📍 The Perry Hotel, Naples
Trade the beach for the pool at The Perry Hotel's Latin-inspired summer party. DJs Axel, Rony and Lexx will spin reggaeton, salsa, bachata and dance music while live saxophonists, percussionists and dancers keep the energy going around the resort pool. Tropical cocktails and discounted staycation rates round out the afternoon. Tickets.
4. Sunset Paint & Sip
📅 Saturday, Aug. 1 | 6:30–8:30 PM
📍 LaPlaya Golf Club, Naples
Spend an evening painting on LaPlaya's Gulf Lawn with instruction from a local artist from Wine and Canva. Every ticket includes all art supplies, a complimentary cocktail and 20% off BALEEN's menu before or after class. No artistic talent required. Tickets.
5. Downtown Showdown Singing Competition
📅 Tuesday, Aug. 4 | 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Sugarshack Downtown, Bonita Springs
Think American Idol, but local. Sugarshack's 2nd annual singing competition continues for another round next week, with eight local performers taking the stage backed by the Sugarshack Allstars Band. Audience members help decide which two singers advance toward the finals on August 18th, where one singer will take home a $2,500 prize. Event info.
6. Night Tour at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
📅 Wednesday, Aug. 5 | 8:00–10:15 PM
📍 Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples
Corkscrew feels like a different world after dark. Guided by an Audubon naturalist, you'll explore the two-mile boardwalk while listening for owls, insects and alligators. Summer tours may also include one of the sanctuary's most unusual sights: glowing bioluminescent mushrooms. Reservations are required. Tickets.
PRESENTED BY Naples Florida Rentals
The Naples Rental You May Not Want to Leave 🌴
This Naples rental comes with two vacations built in.
Start the day on the Gordon River with two paddleboards and a guest kayak. Then come home to a heated pool with a waterfall, a huge fenced yard, covered outdoor dining, a BBQ grill, a fire pit, and mango trees overhead. 🌴
📍 Downtown Naples, 5th Avenue South, the beach, restaurants, shopping, tennis, pickleball, and fishing are all close by.
But the best part may be realizing you do not need to leave the house.
🏡 4 bedrooms · 2 bathrooms · Sleeps 5–8 · Pet-friendly
Two king beds, one queen, and two twins give families and groups plenty of room to settle in.
Come for Naples.
Stay for the afternoons that move from the kayak to the pool without anyone checking the time. ☀️
Poll Results: On the House?
Last week we asked: If every restaurant had to offer one complimentary item, what would you choose?
Here’s where you landed:
Valet parking took the top spot with 30% of the vote! Bread basket came in second at 25%, just ahead of dessert at 23%. I can't argue with that one. The ease of not having to think about parking is, to our readers, the most valuable item on this list. I’m still a sucker for complimentary bread.
This Week’s Poll: Appetizing Apps?
You're ordering one seafood appetizer for the table. What are you picking?
Why It Matters
A full calendar does not always require a major plan.
Sometimes it is a tribute show, a paddle race, a pool party, or a guided walk after dark that turns an ordinary week into something memorable.
August may be known for quieter days in Naples, but this week proves there is still plenty happening if you know where to look. Pick one event, invite someone along, and enjoy the fact that summer here rarely stays slow for long.
See you next week,
Elizabeth Bellotti
Editor-In-Chief
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review
P.S. - Check out our sponsor’s vacation homes, comfortable for you, your family, and even your pets. Find out why they currently have more than 600 reviews (all 5 stars!). For more information and to book that perfect vacation, click here.
Love reading The Naples Florida Review? Click here to share with your friends and family.
Advertise with us
Put your brand in front of 100,000 passionate Naples Florida Review readers. Let's partner.
Impossible is just an opinion.