Friends and neighbors,

Plenty on the slate for a packed weekend. Head up to Fort Myers for the Annual American Sand Sculpting Competition, catch a fresh line-up of stand-up at a brewery, or enjoy a cozy evening of live jazz at Opera Naples.

For family-friendly theater, Little Women: The Musical debuts from The Naples Players and for those who love mixing a good drink with holiday prep, check out the Holiday Cocktail Workshop at Waterside Shops. Of course, the season officially kicks off downtown with Third Street South’s 48th Annual Tree Lighting and Snowfall (complete with Santa, music, and festive storefronts). 

A quick heads-up: tickets are going quickly for Nash to Naples, the 5th Annual Songwriting Festival at Cambier Park. Grab tickets here! Use code NFRN2N26 and you’ll save 15%—that means lawn tickets for this concert drop under $50. Hear the stories behind your favorite songs, sung by the hit songwriters who wrote them. 

I love sharing these local happenings with you, and I hope you get a chance to enjoy a little sand, music, laughter, and holiday cheer right here in Naples this week. 

Cheers,

1.   35th Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship 
📅 Thursday - Sunday, November 20-23 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
📍2000 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach

The 35th Annual American Sand Sculpting Competition is back on Fort Myers Beach, bringing an impressive lineup of talent from around the world. Ten Master Sculptors and eleven Advanced Amateurs from ten countries will turn the shoreline into a showcase of incredible creativity. Enjoy food and drinks, live entertainment, and a dedicated sand play area for kids, that ends Sunday with judging and an awards ceremony. Tickets are $5. Check out the event schedule. 

2.   Next Stop Comedy @ Riptide Brewing
📅 Friday, November 21 | 7:00 – 8:30 PM
📍Riptide Brewing Company, 28120 Hunters Ridge Blvd, Bonita Springs

Catch a rotating lineup of stand-up talent at Next Stop Comedy’s show at Riptide Brewing Company in Bonita Springs. Each event features a fresh mix of comedians, including performers seen on TV and heard on popular podcasts. Find more details at nextstopcomedy.com (formerly Boston Comedy Club). Tickets are $30. 

3.   Jazz Night @ Opera Naples
📅 Friday, November 21 | 9:00 PM
📍Opera Naples, 2408 Linwood Avenue, Naples

Enjoy an evening of live jazz with talented musicians and a top-notch production at the Wang Center this Friday. Perfect for a night out with a loved one. Reservations can be made by calling 239-234-7873 or online. Tickets start at $29. 

4.   Little Women: The Musical @ The Naples Players
📅 Opens Wed, November 19 | Multiple Showtimes
📍Kizzie Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples 

The Naples Players bring the story of the March sisters to the Kizzie Theater this season, offering a mix of memorable music and timeless themes of family, resilience, and hope. A classic the whole family will enjoy. Tickets start at $55. 

5.   Naples Days Holiday Cocktail Workshop
📅 Saturday, November 22 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
📍Vince, 5435 Tamiami Trail North, Naples

Prep for your holiday hosting and learn to mix three holiday-ready cocktails at a hands-on workshop inside Vince at Waterside Shops. Led by Hannah Kendrick of Del Mar, the class features fresh herbs, whole spices, and cold-pressed juices from Juicelation. Space is limited, so early reservations are encouraged. Tickets are $37 and going fast! 

6.   The North Pole on Third 48th Annual Tree Lighting and Snowfall
📅 Monday, November 24th | 6:00—9:00 PM
📍Third Street South, Naples

Third Street South launches its 48th Annual Christmas on Third festival with a month of holiday events in Naples’ historic district. The celebration begins Monday with the official tree lighting, live music, decorated storefronts, extended shopping and dining hours, vendors, snowfall, and a visit from Santa (street closes at 3 PM, Santa arrives at 6:15 PM, tree lighting at 6:20 PM). Thanksgiving week continues the festivities with live Christmas music from 5–8 PM and nightly snowfall at 7 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. Find event details here.

Last week I asked: Do you have pets at home?

Here’s where we landed: 

Yes, I have one or more dogs 🐶 led with 30.12% of the votes and most respondents have at least one pet at home. I’ll be sure to feature more pet-friendly events as they come up! Thank you for all your responses. 

And a fun note for our pet people: every vacation home offered by our sponsor, Naples Florida Rentals, is pet-friendly -- so your four-legged family members are always welcome to join you in Naples. 🐾

When you show up for things like sand sculpting on Fort Myers Beach, jazz at Opera Naples, or a tree lighting on Third Street South, you’re doing more than filling a calendar—you’re keeping our local arts, small businesses, and traditions alive.

These moments become the memories that make Naples feel less like a destination and more like home, whether you’ve been here for generations or just one season.

Thanks for letting me be part of how you plan your week here in Naples.

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

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