🎶 Sugarshack Vibes | 🍤 Seafood Fest Fun | 🚗 Exotic Cars Roll In | 🍰 Vote for SWFL’s Sweetest Treat!

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Friends & Neighbors,

Spring has arrived in Southwest Florida, and the energy is buzzing! We are fresh off of spring break and the weather has been awesome. Whether you’re looking for live music under the stars, family-friendly festivals, or a chance to cheer on our local entrepreneurs, there’s something exciting happening this week.

This issue is packed with can’t-miss events, including a review from my recent visit to Sugarshack Downtown in Bonita Springs—one of the coolest spots I’ve found in a long time (trust me, you’ll want to check it out). Plus, we’re sharing the lineup for this week’s festivals, d the CEO Southwest Florida Trade Show, and our latest reader poll on favorite sweet treats.

As always, I love hearing from you, so be sure to vote, comment, and share your favorites!

See you out there,

Table of Contents

• 🎶 Looking for Something Completely Different? Che …

• 🎉 Top Events This Week:

• 🚀 Save the Date! CEO Southwest Florida Trade Show

• Foodie Feedback: Diner Demand & What’s Your Favori …

• This Week’s Poll: What’s Your Favorite Sweet Treat …

🎶 Looking for Something Completely Different? Check Out Sugarshack Downtown in Bonita Springs

Looking for something different? And I actually mean completely different? All you have to do is drive a few miles north of Naples into Bonita Springs and check out Sugarshack Downtown—a live music venue that offers something you don’t find often in Southwest Florida.

Sugarshack hosts live music every single night in a super cool, laid-back indoor-outdoor space. It’s casual, family-friendly, and has a vibe that makes you want to stay a while. There’s even a kids’ area with a playhouse and games, so the whole family can hang out together. It’s a rare spot where people of all ages—kids, parents, grandparents—are enjoying the music, singing along, and having fun side by side.

We went last Friday with family and friends, and despite the two-hour wait for a table (by the time we left, they weren’t even taking names anymore!), we still had an amazing time. Honestly, the fact that we never sat down had little effect on the night. We stood outside, grabbed hot slices of pizza, and sipped drinks from the bar cart conveniently located near the stage. It felt more like a backyard jam session with friends than a formal concert—and that’s what makes it special.

There are so few venues like this in the Naples area. Sugarshack Bonita Springs is refreshingly unpretentious, welcoming, and all about the music and community vibe. If you’re craving a night out that’s fun, easygoing, and good for the whole family, make sure to support this hidden gem.

And if you’re looking to grab dinner before or after the show, check out The Rooftop at Riverside next door. It’s another great, laid-back spot where you can eat, drink, and enjoy the evening without the formality of downtown Naples.

📍 Sugarshack Downtown
27549 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL
🎶 Live music every night
🌐 Visit Sugarshack Downtown

📍 The Rooftop at Riverside

27333 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
🍹 Food trucks, craft cocktails, rooftop views
🌐 More information on The Rooftop here

🎉 Top Events This Week:

March 18 – 24, 2025

Spring is in full swing, and this week is packed with can’t-miss events across Southwest Florida! From food festivals and art shows to exotic car exhibitions and world-class tennis, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Highlights include the 11th Annual Naples Motorfest, the return of Big Green EGGfest in Bonita, and the soulful sounds of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill at Gulfshore Playhouse.

1. Marco Island Seafood and Music Festival

📅 Date: Thursday, March 20 – Saturday, March 22, 2025
📍 Location: Veterans Community Park, Marco Island
🎶 Description: One of Marco Island’s signature events! Enjoy fresh seafood, live music, arts and crafts vendors, and family-friendly fun throughout the weekend.
🎟 Admission: Varies by day; children under 12 free
🚗 Parking: On-site parking is available; early arrival recommended
🔗 Festival Info

2. Naples Artcrafters Fine Art & Craft Show

📅 Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
📍 Location: Cambier Park, Downtown Naples
🎨 Description: Stroll through Cambier Park and explore fine art and handcrafted goods from talented local artists.
🎟 Admission: Free
🚗 Parking: Public parking lots nearby
🔗 Event Info

3. Bonita Springs National Art Festival

📅 Date: Saturday & Sunday, March 22–23, 2025
📍 Location: Riverside Park, Bonita Springs
🖼 Description: A juried fine art show featuring national and international artists.
🎟 Admission: Free
🚗 Parking: Public parking lots available nearby
🔗 Festival Info

4. Sixth Annual Big Green EGGfest

📅 Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
📍 Location: Riverside Park, Bonita Springs
🔥 Description: Sample incredible grilled dishes, enjoy live music, and vote for Grill Master of the Year!
🎟 Admission: $20 Taster / $50 VIP
🚗 Parking: Public parking is available
🔗 Event Info

5. Naples Motorfest: Cars In Paradise

📅 Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 10 AM – 3 PM
📍 Location: Paradise Sports Complex
🚗 Description: A stunning lineup of exotic cars, muscle cars, and supercars on display at the beautiful Paradise Coast Complex
🎟 Admission: Free
🚗 Parking: Free
🔗 Event Info

6. Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill

📅 Date: March 14 – March 30, 2025
📍 Location: Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples
🎭 Description: A powerful, intimate performance featuring the life and music of Billie Holiday.
🎟 Admission: Tickets available through Gulfshore Playhouse
🚗 Parking: Complimentary on-site
🔗 Show Info

7. Miami Open Tennis Tournament

📅 Date: Sunday, March 17 – Sunday, March 30, 2025
📍 Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
🎾 Description: Watch the world’s top tennis pros compete at this iconic South Florida event.
🎟 Admission: Ticket prices vary by session
🚗 Parking: Available at Hard Rock Stadium
🔗 Tournament Info

🚀 Save the Date! CEO Southwest Florida Trade Show

📅 Date: Friday, March 28, 2025
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: 999 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples, FL 34108

I receive dozens of upcoming events each week, but here’s one that I really want to encourage you to attend. The CEO Southwest Florida Trade Show will be held on Friday, March 28^th, and it’s going to be a great opportunity to support the next generation of Naples entrepreneurs.

See the next generation of entrepreneurs showcase their innovative products and services, and even pick up a unique item or two! Hosted by CEO Southwest Florida, this exciting event is your chance to support local student businesses, network with up-and-coming leaders, and experience the energy of young entrepreneurship in action!

About CEO Southwest Florida

CEO Southwest Florida isn’t just a class for local students—it’s a transformational experience. Students learn by doing, launching real businesses, and gaining firsthand insight into how business works. The program encourages participants to step outside their comfort zone by visiting local businesses, networking with professionals, and making exponential leaps in personal and professional growth.

By joining CEO SWFL, students build lifelong networks, connecting with subject matter experts and local business leaders invested in their success. They also develop essential skills, including communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, giving them a competitive edge whether they’re heading to college or starting a career.

Why Attend?

• Shop unique student-run businesses

• Network with Southwest Florida’s rising talent

• Be inspired by the innovation and passion of young entrepreneurs

• Support future leaders in their business journey

🔗 Event Details

Foodie Feedback: Diner Demand & What’s Your Favorite Sweet Treat?

The results of last week’s poll are in, and most readers eat out in Naples once a week and many believe that the cost of dining out is becoming excessive. 

I must confess that, as a busy mom of two, we eat out (or pick up food) a few times a week. It’s not always glamorous (my sneaky weeknight favorite is Outback on Mondays, when kids eat free). 

Thank you for taking the time to vote last week, and I’d really appreciate it if you’d share your favorite sweet treat below. Don’t forget to share the location in the comments so we can all join in! 

Last Week’s Results:

This Week’s Poll: What’s Your Favorite Sweet Treat?

🍨 Naples Favorite Sweet Treat Poll!

We’re on the hunt for Southwest Florida’s favorite sweet treat, and we need your vote! Cast your pick below and tell us which dessert steals your heart.

Vote now and see if your favorite makes it into next week’s feature!
📣 Don’t forget to share your “Other” favorites—we might spotlight them soon!

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Why It Matters

The best memories aren’t made scrolling through event listings—they happen when you step out and experience something new. This week is your chance to discover the hidden gems of Southwest Florida, connect with your community, and support local artists, chefs, and entrepreneurs who make this place so special.

So, whether you're front row at a live show, tasting your way through a festival, or cheering on the next generation of innovators, make it count. Because the best stories start when you say yes to adventure.

See you out there!

Carolyn Cervoni
Editor-in-Chief
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review

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