Naples Winter Wine Fest auction raises millions for Collier children

Naples Winter Wine Fest auction raises millions for Collier children

Kendall Little | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

Money can’t buy sunny skies in Naples, but it can buy an all-inclusive luxury wine trip to Italy during the Naples Winter Wine Festival live auction.

Though skies were gloomy and rainy, hundreds gathered at the Ritz-Carlton Tiburon on Saturday, Jan. 31, to place competitive bids on luxury experiences during the annual live charity auction.

After an overnight call to move the Festival indoors due to weather, attendees used the cold conditions as an excuse to break out designer coats and scarves. Inside the Ritz-Carlton were dozens of tables full of both savory and sweet options for attendees to sample. Desserts were the most eye-catching items, with macarons that looked like burgers, smoked candied bacon-wrapped Oreos, and hibiscus cola creations.

The Grand Tasting room featured not only savory bites, but also tables lined with rare and vintage wines, many that aren’t otherwise accessible to the general public. Guests mingled and sipped wine throughout the afternoon leading up to the live auction.

Festival goers dressed to impress with sparkling designer tops, skirts, bags, jackets and of course, shoes. I mean, what else would you wear to bid hundreds of thousands of dollars on once-in-a-lifetime experiences?

This year’s auction lots were impressive to say the least. From wine excursions in Napa Valley to VIP experiences in France and Italy, there were over 50 luxury lots to bid on. The auction took place under an iconic white tent decorated with sparkly chandeliers and multi-colored lights.

“Every dollar on this day under that tent stays in Collier County,” NWWF public relations consultant Clay Cone said.

More about this year’s Naples Winter Wine Festival with photos on naplesnews.com.

Biggest 2026 concerts in Naples, SW Florida: Hertz Arena and more

Biggest 2026 concerts in Naples, SW Florida: Hertz Arena and more

Charles Runnells | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

If you love music, Southwest Florida is the place to be in 2026.

Some big concerts are heading to the Fort Myers/Naples area between January and June.

The lineup includes Barry Manilow’s final concerts at Hertz Arena, disco greats KC and the Sunshine Band, actor Bill Murray and his blues-rock band, classic rockers Styx and Cheap Trick, pop-parody king Weird Al Yankovic and lots more.

For information about the best shows to see in 2026 between now and May 30th click here.

Where can I see Christmas boat parades in Naples, Marco?

Where can I see Christmas boat parades in Naples, Marco?

Dave Osborn and Charles Runnells | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

Christmas boat parades once again will light up Southwest Florida waterways this holiday season.

Nautical types will deck out boat decks with everything from stringed holiday lights to inflatables and other Christmas decor.

Here’s a few to check out from Marco Island to Cape Coral.

COLLIER COUNTY

36th Annual Marine Industries Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday Dec. 13 6pm
Watch from Naples City Dock with a ticket but the boat parade can be viewed from local restaurants.

Marco Island Christmas Island Style Boat Parade
Saturday, Dec. 20 6pm.
On the Marco River. Best viewing spots are The Esplanade, Smokehouse Bay and The Snook Inn.

LEE COUNTY

Bonita Springs Christmas Boat Parade
Will not be hosted this year.

Fort Myers Beach Boat Parade
Saturday, Dec. 6 6pm
The 37th-annual Fort Myers Beach Boat Parade returns with more decorated, illuminated boats traveling along the Fort Myers Beach shoreline.

Cape Coral Holiday Boat-A-Long
Saturday, Dec. 20
The festival takes place 4-9pm, Boat Parade at 6pm.
Free
Annual festival featuring holiday-themed stage entertainment, food trucks, crafts, Santa Claus, an outdoor movie on a big inflatable screen and the main event: A parade of boats decorated with lights and inflatables.

Get parade details and see photos on naplesnews.com.

Thousands flock to annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Naples

Thousands flock to annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Naples

Dave Osborn and Ricardo Rolón | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

 

It’s not truly the holiday season until they light the tree in Old Naples.

 

Thousands gathered Nov. 24 for the 48th annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Third Street South, the unofficial start of the holiday season in Naples.

 

This holiday tradition transforms the district into a wonderland of twinkling lights, festive music, “snow” and seasonal cheer.

 

View the photo gallery on naplesnews.com.

There’s so much to enjoy in the Naples, Florida area. Be close to the fun with a home in the area. Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

Things to do in November in Naples, Bonita, Marco include wine, food event, concerts

Things to do in November in Naples, Bonita, Marco include wine, food event, concerts

Dave Osborn, Hannah Holmes | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

With October behind us, it’s time to seriously focus on the holidays. And with more seasonal residents and tourists beginning to return to Southwest Florida, there’s plenty to do including concerts, plays, comedy and more.

What else is happening? Check out our monthly calendar and feel free to email dosborn@gannett.com if you’d like to add an event. Just submit it in the format shown in these events.

GENERAL EVENTS
Godzilla Day: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Naples is celebrating this legendary monster’s 71st birthday at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3. This event will include a screening of “The Return of Godzilla” (1984) and Godzilla merchandise for purchase. Tickets are $13.99 through drafthouse.com. 9118 Strada Place, No. 8205, Naples.

Baker Senior Center Naples Events: Throughout November, the center will have several extended hours events. Join for a resin art class from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4. $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Enjoy the Twilight Cabaret with Doug Williams from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13; free for members and $5 for non-members. Lastly, attend Karaoke Night from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, November 20 – free admission. All events are for ages 60-plus and require reservations through (239) 325-4444. Baker Senior Center Naples, 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane.

For more things to do in the Naples, Florida area in November, including Veteran’s Day, USA Today Wine & Food Experience, Christmas Market, Classic Car Show and more, read the full article on naplesnews.com.

There’s so much to do in Naples – Bonita Springs! Be close to the fun with a home in the area. Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.

Revving up: Private automobile museum plans expansion in Naples

Revving up: Private automobile museum plans expansion in Naples

Laura Layden | Naples Daily News

Plans to expand a private automobile museum in Naples are revving up.

At a public hearing Aug. 27, the city’s Design Review Board got its first look at the architectural and landscape plans involving the expansion of the Revs Institute.

The nonprofit museum is seeking approval to expand and improve its campus to “elevate the quality, function, and experience.”

Thomas Long, a member of the museum’s advisory board, provided an overview of the project for a preliminary review by the design board.

The board liked what it saw, giving a thumbs up to the simplistic, L-shaped design, but with a few conditions – and requests for changes – before the project comes back for final approval.

The museum is located off Horseshoe Drive, near the Naples Airport.
It’s home to the Miles Collier Collections – consisting of more than 100 significant automobiles built between 1896 and 1995. Miles Collier is the grandson of Collier County’s founder.

Read the full article on naplesnews.com.

Looking for a home in the Bonita Springs – Naples, Florida area? Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.