by Stephen Fortier

Created on: May 30, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Festivals and events in and around the Naples, Florida area are plentiful throughout the year. Tropical weather allows visitors to enjoy events each and every month. I will highlight one event each month to give you a whole year of non-stop fun. Following each event is the contact number to obtain more information for that event.

January - New Year's Weekend Art Fair - Meet select artists from throughout the country. Ask questions and purchase various works of art to add to your collection. The festival takes place along 5th Avenue South in beautiful Downtown Naples. (954)472-3755

February - Everglades Seafood Festival - Held the first weekend of February, eat the freshest seafood from Everglades City and all through the Thousand Island Area. Music, live entertainment, and arts & crafts provides a little something for everyone. (239)695-3941

March - Swamp Buggy Races - Enjoy some of the messiest racing here! Held the first weekend in March at Florida Sports Park. Enjoy many types of refreshments and laughs all weekend leading up to the Swamp Buggy Spring Championship ending with the Queen's Mud Bath.(800)897-2701

April - Latin America Family Festival - Something for everyone! Held at the Golden Gate Community Center towards the end of April, this family oriented event features Latin music, food, and arts & crafts. Health screenings, health care information, and networking opportunities will be available. (239)348-0808

May - Taste of Collier - Delectable foods from Collier County abound! This event takes place on the first Sunday in May. Live local bands and activities available non-stop! This scrumptious event donates all proceeds to area charities. (239)593-1905

June - The Back Country Classic - Compete at the Bayfront and other locations to see who can catch the biggest Snook, Redfish, and Trout. Proceeds will go to local charities. The price of admission includes dinner and beverages. (239)479-7916

July - Fourth of July Parade - The Naples Pier, Snudgen Park, and Fifth Avenue South will host many events throughout the entire first week of July. (239)213-1030

August - Big Cypress Gallery Labor Day Open House - There will be a series of swamp walks, lectures, and gallery exhibits along with live music. (239)695-2428

September - Summer Jazz on the Gulf - The Naples Beach Hotel plays host to live jazz bands on the grounds of the resort right on the beach. (239)261-2222

October - Swamp Buggy Races Return! - Repeat the fun everyone had in March! You can never get enough of a good thing. (800)897-2701

November - American Indian Arts Celebration - The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum celebrates Native American culture on the Seminole Big Cypress Reservation. (863)902-1113

December - Holiday Pottery Sale - This event is sponsored by Immokalee Ceramics Studio during the first weekend of December. Locally made pottery and crafts will be available for purchase. (239)263-8242

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