Friends and neighbors,

There are two ways to rock in Naples this week, and honestly, the city’s your oyster. Saturday night, RocktoberFest promises German food, drink specials, and even a chance to win a sunset cruise. Then next Thursday, Phenomenal Animal comes to Mercato’s free block party, with music, pumpkins, and games. 

And of course, there’s plenty more: meet unicorns at the zoo, spoil your pups at Paws Fest, groove to some jazz, check out boats at the Marco Boat Show, or pick the perfect pumpkin. 

I hope you find an excuse to round up your crew (pets included) and make the most of a fun week in Naples. 

See you out there,

 Have an event you’d like to share? Email me at [email protected] and I may feature it here!  

1.  Boo at the Zoo
📅 All weekend, October 10-12 & October 17-19 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples

Naples Zoo’s family-favorite Halloween event is back! Walk through the zoo transformed into a living film set, complete with costumed characters, trick-or-treating for kids 12 and under, and plenty of photo ops. Expect everything from dinosaurs to pirates to mini unicorns (yes, really). Meet princesses and superheroes, catch a live show, and dance your way through the morning. All activities are included with regular admission. Non-member tickets are $17 (child), $26 (adult). Event info and tickets. 

2.  Paws Fest @ Baker Park
📅 Saturday, October 11 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍Baker Park, 50 Riverside Circle, Naples

Back for its second year, the Naples Police Department is hosting its 2nd Annual Paws Fest, a fun and helpful morning out for pets and their people. Expect local vendors with everything from treats to toys, free nail trims and microchipping, and plenty of pup cups to go around. Donate pet supplies for a chance to win a gift basket! The community benefits, and your dogs get a morning full of fun. Free.

3.   RocktoberFest
📅 Saturday, October 11 | 6:00 – 9:00 PM
📍The Cove Outdoor Bar, 3920 City Gate Blvd N, Naples

Rock out this fall at RocktoberFest! Local favorite Rock Republic takes the stage for a high-energy evening filled with live music, German food, seasonal drink specials, and grand prize giveaways (including a sunset cruise on Pure Florida’s Double Sunshine). Free entry for all ages, and the first 200 registered attendees score a limited-edition event t-shirt. Upgrade to VIP for reserved seating, themed bites, two drink tickets, and an exclusive t-shirt for $35. Bring your friends, grab a commemorative stein, and celebrate fall in style. Reserve tickets. 

4.   Marco Island Boat Show
📅 Friday, October 11 - Sunday, October 13 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
📍Marco Island Yacht Club, 1400 North Collier Boulevard, Marco Island

Sail into fall at the Marco Boat Show, the largest recreational in-water show in the Naples–Marco area. Check out displays from marinas, boat dealers, and other marine vendors, all in one place. Parking is easy at Rose Marina, and a complimentary shuttle will take you to the show. Kids 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the gate, valid for one entry only. Find more info here. 

5.  Bobby Broom: All That Jazz @ Artis—Naples 
📅 Next Wednesday, October 15  | 6:00 PM & 8:30 PM 
📍Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples

Kick off the All That Jazz series with acclaimed guitarist Bobby Broom, a longtime Chicago jazz fixture known for blending soul, swing, and sophistication. From reimagining Thelonious Monk classics to giving rock and pop favorites a jazz twist, Broom’s inventive style and expressive tone promise an evening of music that delights. Tickets are $56-$66. 

6.   Rock the Block & Mercato Pumpkin Patch
📅 Next Thursday, October 16 | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
📍Event Lawn, Mercato, 9110 Strada Pl, Naples

Kick off the evening at Mercato with live music from Phenomenal Animal, refreshing drinks, and plenty of fun on the event lawn. Stop by the Mercato Pumpkin Patch (available through Oct. 26th) to purchase any size pumpkin for $8. Each purchase will contribute to SNIP Collier’s mission, which helps local pets. Kids (and adults) can entertain themselves with giant chess, cornhole, and more. Bring your chairs and pets (but no coolers). Free. 

Why It Matters

Thanks for scanning the lineup. Here’s the play: pick one “big” anchor (RocktoberFest or Mercato’s block party), add a daytime family stop (Boo at the Zoo or Paws Fest), and leave room for a wildcard (Boat Show or jazz night). Most are free or low-cost, pet-friendly, and outdoors, so RSVP where required, bring chairs, water, and a tote for pumpkins or dog treats.

Screenshot the dates, share with your crew, and make a plan you’ll actually keep.,

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

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