Friends and neighbors, 

If your weekend is wide open, I have enough inspiration to fill every hour.

There’s live music with sunset views, art and floral displays, pet parades, and even swamp buggy racing. Catch a movie on the lawn, sip wine with a master sommelier, or cheer on four-legged friends in costume. Plan one or all, and you’ll be inspired and delighted this weekend. 

No plans tonight? A reminder that there’s a dog-friendly Pawty in the Piazza at Mercato. And good luck to everyone running the half-marathon on Sunday! I’ll be cheering you on from afar and waiting for silly dogs in costumes.

Get out there,

1.   Movies in Paradise: Superman
📅 Thursday, January 15 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM
📍Paradise Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd N., Naples

Start your weekend early with a relaxing evening. Paradise Coast Sports Complex is bringing back its outdoor movie series with a free screening of Superman on the Great Lawn. The film starts at 7 p.m. on their massive outdoor screen. Bring chairs or a blanket, grab something to drink from The Cove, and make a night of it with food trucks parked nearby. This series will now run monthly on the third Thursday. Event info. 

2.   Artful Arrangements 
📅 Fri-Sun, January 16-18 | 1:00 - 5:00 PM
📍Inspirations Art & Design Gallery, 5450 B Shirley Street, Naples

This annual Naples Art District event pairs original artwork with custom floral designs created in response to each piece. The result is thoughtful, beautiful art displays worth seeing even if you’ve attended before. Galleries are open all weekend, and Friday includes an optional preview featuring a live Ikebana demonstration for anyone interested in the philosophy behind Japanese floral design. GA is $20 and VIP is $50. Event info and pre-registration. 

3.   Live @ The Cove - Vibes & Tie Dyes w/ The Moonstone Riders 
📅 Saturday, January 17 | 6:00 – 9:00 PM
📍Paradise Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd N., Naples

Paradise Coast Sports Complex has your Saturday night plans scheduled. Groove with live music from The Moonstone Riders and indulge with food trucks, drink specials, and giveaways throughout the evening with sunset views. There’s also a silent auction benefiting Valerie’s House, supporting local families navigating loss. Admission is free, with optional VIP seating and perks available for those who want to upgrade. Advance registration includes a raffle ticket and event t-shirt. Reserve a spot for free!

4.   17th Annual Pets on Third: Pet Parade & Pet Fest
📅 Sunday, January 18 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍Third Street South, Naples

One of Naples’ most lighthearted traditions returns to Third Street South. This year’s theme, Pets Through History, nods to America’s 250th anniversary, with costumes inspired by different eras including Most Creative Time Traveler, Most Colonial, Best Historical Re-Paw-sentation.  The Pet Parade begins at 11 a.m., while PetFest Village runs all morning with vendors, nonprofits, and pet-focused services. Register the morning of for $20, which supports the Patty Baker Humane Society of Naples. Costumes encouraged, but not required. Cash Prizes for Best in Show! Event info. 

5.   Cars & Coffee 239 @ Mercato
📅 Sunday, January 18 | 9:00 – 11:00 AM
📍Mercato, Naples

A morning of Porsches and coffee? Count me in. Cars & Coffee 239 returns to Mercato with featured Porsches in the traffic circle, live music, and all the morning fuel you need. All vehicles are welcome. VIP lawn parking is available with a $50 donation benefiting Empty Bowls. Coffee, pastries, and drinks will be available on-site, with brunch spots open nearby. Event info. 

6.   Naples Swamp Buggy Races: Winter Classic
📅 Sunday, January 18 | 10:30 – 4:00 PM
📍Florida Sports Park, 8520 Rattlesnake Hammock Rd, Naples

There are few events that feel more Florida than Swamp Buggy Races. The Winter Classic delivers a full afternoon of racing, mud, and mechanical ingenuity. Tickets are available for adults and kids, and races run well into the afternoon. Kids $10, Adults $30. 

7.   Wine Tasting with Master Sommelier George Miliotes
📅 Sunday, January 18 | 3:00 PM
📍Artis-Naples, Naples

Did you know there are fewer than 300 Master Sommeliers worldwide? Sharpen your palate when Master Sommelier George Miliotes comes to Artis—Naples this Sunday. This guided blind tasting includes six wines (three red, three white) and a shareable charcuterie board. Wines are revealed only after tasting, with insights into structure, aroma, and craftsmanship. Suitable for curious beginners and seasoned wine lovers alike. Tickets. 

Last week’s poll asked: If you could instantly master a new skill, which would you choose to explore?

Here’s where you landed:

Culinary skills came out on top with 32% of the votes! I often see cooking classes and demonstrations around town, so I’ll be sure to feature those when I find them. Readers shared they wanted to master Knitting & Crochet, Violin, and Italian. Personally, I just took my first jazz piano lesson, a good reminder that it’s never too late to try something new!

Weekends go fast, but the moments you make in Naples stick. Showing up supports local artists, small businesses, and nonprofits, and it keeps our community feeling connected and alive. Even one plan can turn into a memory you’ll carry all week.

See you out there,

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

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