Friends and neighbors,

We’re closing out February with a little bit of everything: the start of spring training, a trip around the world at Mercato, and live music in multiple genres.  

Beer lovers can raise a glass for a good cause at Kaleidoscope, while fashion fans break out their best “Jackie” looks and meet a Say Yes to the Dress icon. Dog people can head to a brunch “Yappy Hour,” and big-band and Neil Diamond fans both have reasons to stay out late. 

We also have fresh results on where Naples locals land as art collectors, plus a new poll question! 

I hope you find a reason to get out and enjoy your weekend. Thanks for sending events and suggestions my way. You help make this newsletter better. 

Warmly,

1.   Jackie & Monte—A Legacy of Style
📅 Friday, February 27 | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM 
📍Zazu Salon, 445 5th Avenue South, Unit 205, Naples

Channel your inner Jackie O for an evening of glamorous fashion history. Hosted by Monte Durham of Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, this event from the National First Ladies Library & Museum celebrates Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ enduring style with live models and an engaging presentation on her fashion legacy. Guests are encouraged to arrive in Jackie-inspired attire to compete for Best-Dressed honors and prizes. There will also be an opportunity to bid on a special fashion history photograph from Monte’s personal collection. Get tickets. 

2.  Brew For the Zoo
📅 Saturday, February 28th | 12:00 – 10:00 PM
📍Kaleidoscope Beer Company, 987 3rd Ave N, Naples

Raise a glass to Florida’s wildest locals at Brew for the Zoo, where Naples Zoo and Kaleidoscope Beer Company have teamed up to support panther conservation. For every pint and 4-pack sold of their limited-edition brews, dollars flow directly to helping panthers in the wild. Snag hourly Naples Zoo ticket giveaways, grab barbecue from Ro & Co, and chat with zoo staff about how to spot panther crossings. All proceeds benefit real on-the-ground work for injured, orphaned, and wild panthers. Event info. 

3.  International Fest
📅 Saturday, February 28 | 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
📍Mercato Piazza, 9110 Strada Pl., Naples

Take your taste buds and dancing shoes on a world tour at Mercato’s International Fest, featuring food, crafts, and performances from 30+ countries. Sample global cuisines from local vendors, then catch hula, belly dancing, flamenco and more. The afternoon closes out with the Sudamerica Latin Groove Band at 3:00 PM. Event info and artist lineup. 

4.   Red Sox Spring Training
📅 Saturday, February 28 through Monday, March 23 | 1:05 PM Games, Select 6:05 PM Games
📍JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers

The Red Sox are back in Fort Myers for Spring training. This weekend, they take on the Twins (Sat) and the Orioles (Sun), while next week brings matchups against the Yankees (Wed) and the Rays (Sat). This is the baseball you love in a more intimate, laid-back setting, where you can chase balls, snag autographs and get a first look at the rising stars. Parking included with tickets. Tickets and the full game roster. 

5.  Yappy Hour @ M Waterfront Grille
📅 Saturdays | 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM 
📍M Waterfront Grille, 4300 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples 

Make Saturdays your pup’s favorite day of the week at Yappy Happy Hour on the veranda at M Waterfront Grille. Happy hour cocktails and wines by the glass are 25% off, and your pup gets a complimentary treat while you enjoy brunch with a view. A portion of proceeds supports the Patty Baker Humane Society of Naples. Snap a photo of your four-legged friend, tag @MWaterfrontGrille on Instagram, and enter their weekly “Best in Show” contest for a chance at a $50 gift card. More information. 

6.   Celebration of Neil Diamond: I Am, He Said
📅 Saturday, February 28 | 7:30 PM 
📍Arts Bonita, 10150 Bonita Beach Road S.E., Bonita Springs, 

Sing along to “Sweet Caroline” and more at I Am, He Said, a heartfelt Neil Diamond celebration from Matt Vee and The Killer Vees. This tribute covers the classic songbook with favorites backed by a full band of seasoned players who have shared stages with legends from Sir Paul McCartney to The Brian Setzer Orchestra. Tickets. 

7.   The StarDust Memories Big Band 
📅 Monday, March 2 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM
📍Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples

Head to Cambier Park for an evening under the stars with The StarDust Memories Big Band, a nonprofit group dedicated to keeping big band music alive in SWFL. Monday’s concert spotlights the music of Glenn Miller and The Andrews Sisters. Bring a chair, grab a friend, and enjoy two hours of big band charts at this lovely outdoor venue. Suggested $10 donation. Event info. 

Last week’s poll asked: What kind of art collector are you?

Here’s where you landed:

Serious buyer—“I’m hunting for my next big piece”—took the lead with 33.93% of votes, proving Naples is serious about its art collections. Even knowing this city’s art obsession, I’m still surprised, since this isn’t the norm elsewhere. Thank you for voting (and supporting the arts!) 

If you go to one of these events, hit reply and tell me how it was. The quick version is perfect: worth it, skip it, or go early next time. And if there’s something coming up that should be in next week’s roundup, send it my way. Your tips keep this newsletter truly local.

Have a great weekend in Naples.

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

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