Friends and neighbors,

This week, Naples gives you more than one excuse to wear green and raise a glass. The 50th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes over 5th Avenue on Saturday, and Mercato follows with an all‑afternoon ShamROCK block party on Tuesday.

You can sip beers at Ankrolab in support of Shy Wolf Sanctuary, build your dream Bloody Mary while listening to live blues at The Center Bar, or go full luxe with a Hundred Acre wine dinner at BALEEN next Thursday. For something a bit more serene, the Naples Flower Show and Garden Market returns to the Botanical Garden this weekend, with extended hours Friday night so you can wander the blooms after work.

Too many events to fit in here, so here’s a reminder that Evening on 5th occurs tonight and again on Tuesday to nudge you out of the house for St. Patrick’s. And if you’ve missed the Bonita Springs National Art Festival, it’s back for its final weekend at Riverside Park and worth the quick drive for a stroll among the art.

Warmly,

1.   Naples Flower Show and Garden Market
📅 Friday, March 13 - Saturday, March 14 | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (until 8:00 PM Friday) 
📍Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples

One of Florida’s largest juried flower shows takes over the Garden, with floral designs, botanical arts, and garden‑inspired displays tucked among the tropical pathways. Browse a curated market of plants, décor, and garden goods, then stick around for the “Friday After 5” extended hours to enjoy the blooms (and sunset) until 8 PM. Event info. 

2.   Sip for the Sanctuary 
📅 Saturday, March 14 | 5:00 – 9:00 PM
📍Ankrolab Brewing Co., 3555 Bayshore Dr., Naples 

Raise a pint for rescued wolves and wolfdogs at Ankrolab, where every beer helps support Shy Wolf Sanctuary’s animal residents. You can expect sanctuary‑themed beer and cocktail specials, raffles, exclusive merch, and, best of all, ambassador animals from the Shy Wolf Sanctuary. Your furry friends are also welcome. Facebook event.  

3.   St. Patrick’s Day Parade 
📅 Saturday, March 14 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍5th Avenue South, Naples

Naples’ biggest St. Patrick’s tradition is back, drawing tens of thousands to 5th Avenue for floats, bagpipes, dancers, and plenty of green. The route winds from 3rd Street South and 10th Avenue onto 5th Avenue and over to City Hall, so you’ve got plenty of spots to stake out a curbside view. Event info. 

4.   Naples Concert Band: Broadway Selections
📅 Sunday, March 15 | 9:00 – 11:00 AM
📍Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S., Naples

Settle into Cambier Park for a morning of Broadway favorites with the Naples Concert Band and guest vocalist Jodi Keogan. This long‑running community band brings a feel‑good program outdoors, so you can enjoy show tunes, sunshine, and coffee all in one easy outing. Event info. 

5.   Blues and Bloody Sunday Concert Series  
📅 Sunday, March 15 | 12:00 – 6:00 PM
📍The Center Bar, 26811 South Bay Drive, Naples

Blues and build-your-own Bloody Mary bar? Head to The Center Bar and settle in for an afternoon of live blues at The Promenade. Music kicks off at 1 PM with award‑winning saxman Terry Hanck and Louisiana BlackCat Zydeco and food and drink specials will keep you satisfied. Bring your own lawn chair! Event info. 

6.  ShamROCK Social ft. The Rowdy Bards
📅 Next Tuesday, March 17 | 2:00 – 6:00 PM
📍Mercato, Strada Place (from Piazza to The Pub), Naples

Mercato throws a St. Patrick’s Day block party with Irish dancers, bagpipers, stilt walkers, and live Celtic tunes from The Rowdy Bards. Sip drafts and cocktails from The Pub’s outdoor bar, let the kids loose in the “mini‑festival” zone with inflatables and face painting, and then keep the shenanigans going inside The Pub into the night. 

7.   Hundred Acre Wine Dinner @ BALEEN
📅 Next Thursday, March 19 | 7:30 PM
📍BALEEN, 9891 Gulf Shore Dr, Naples

BALEEN hosts an intimate collector’s dinner featuring rare Hundred Acre and Fortunate Son wines, paired with a multi‑course tasting menu from the resort’s culinary team. You’ll receive Champagne to start, and a progression of scallops, duck, venison, and a decadent dessert course carefully selected to accompany each pour. Tickets and more info.  

Last week’s poll asked: When hosting at home, what is your go-to move?

Here’s where you landed:

Cook a full meal yourself came out on top, with 34.85% of the votes! And a quarter of respondents cater from a local restaurant. Some of you love cooking for a crowd, and also pick up prepared items from the grocery store to ease the load. Thank you for chiming in! I love knowing that we have so many cooks, even when it’s often said that not a lot of ovens work in Naples. 

Naples is at its best when there is a reason to get out and enjoy it, whether that means a parade on 5th, live music with friends, or a beautiful evening by the water.

It is a reminder that the Naples lifestyle is not just about where you live, but how you live.

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

P.S. - This edition’s sponsor spotlight features a beautifully renovated Bear’s Paw penthouse with immediate golf membership, panoramic fairway views, and access to a brand-new clubhouse, fitness center, courts, and private marina. For more information or to schedule a private tour, call or text Dana Mosholder at 814-442-4601.

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