🌸 Waterlily Weekend, Free Concerts & Long Weekend Plans

Friends and neighbors,

Labor Day Weekend is upon us, and I’m looking over my shoulder, wondering where the summer went. There are plenty of ways to have fun this weekend—have a staycation and listen to poolside tunes at The Perry Hotel, enjoy a backyard hangout at the Mini Bar’s evening market, or plan an easy local getaway with our sponsor, Naples Florida Rentals, which has huge fall savings rates on pool homes.

I’m especially eyeing the free Naples Philharmonic chamber concerts coming up next week—what a treat to catch world-class music in such intimate settings. And don’t forget, Sizzle Dining begins September 3 (and they’re debuting breakfast menus this year).

Find something to sink your teeth into this week. Here’s to the long weekend!

Cheers,

Have suggestions? I’d love to hear from you!
📧 [email protected]

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Why guests love it: family-ready layout (king, queen, bunks + crib/pack-and-play), kid-friendly touches so you pack less, pet-friendly fenced yard, and outdoor living that looks straight down the fairway—minutes to beaches, shopping, and dining.

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Lock in September–October pricing—book direct to secure your dates.

Miss the last one? The Mini Bar hosts another Summer Evening Market featuring local vendors, a live DJ, and even water guns to keep you cool (or the kids occupied). Sip a cocktail, play oversized games, and enjoy the backyard vibe. Event Info. 

A morning of movement, music, and mindfulness. Try a HIIT workout, Pilates, or a run (or all three), then take a cold plunge. A live DJ, wellness vendors, and a complimentary drink round out the experience. Don’t forget your yoga mat and water bottle! Tickets $40. Tickets. 

This weekend, head to the Botanical Gardens to see the beautiful collection of over 300 types of waterlilies. Enjoy a special plant sale, curator talks, and even a waterlily weigh-off, as well as tours at 10 AM, 11 AM, and 12 PM. Grab a smoothie or juice from Beyond Juicery, which will be on-site from 10 AM - 2 PM. Adult tickets $17 & kids free (for county residents through Sept. 30). Event Info & Tickets. 

Kick off the long weekend poolside at one of Naples’ best rooftop bars. Hunter McDaniel plays live Thursday (7–10 PM), DJs spin Friday and Saturday nights, and happy hour specials run all weekend. Ready for a full staycation? Reserve poolside daybeds at resortpass.com ($45 special) or just come for a great sunset view with a soundtrack. Event Info. 

The Naples Philharmonic brings chamber concerts to you—for free. Enjoy Ravel, Mozart, and Dvořák in intimate venues. Check out the complete list of concerts around town in local libraries, churches, and community centers. Find what is close to you or peruse the performance lists to pick your favorite program. Reserve free tickets. 

Pack your lawn chairs and head to Mercato for an evening of live music. Pitbull of Blues will be keeping the energy high all night long, and The Pub event bar will keep the drinks coming. They will have bites, but you can also purchase takeout from any of the restaurants in Mercato. Rocco’s Tacos and a few blues tunes? A perfect Thursday plan. Free. Event info. 

Don’t Forget! 

Sizzle Dining starts next Wednesday, Sept 3! New this year – 2-course breakfasts for $19 or $29. Check out the Sizzle Guide for the complete list of participants. 

Why It Matters

These picks help you squeeze the last drops of summer—move your body, hear great music, and explore the garden—while supporting local venues and businesses.

Circle a couple now so you roll into September with good stories, not missed plans.

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

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