Alright, Naples locals and SWFL wanderers—clear your calendars and pack your FOMO away. From Thursday, August 28 through Wednesday, September 3, the Paradise Coast serves up a spread of good‑vibes-only happenings: art, comedy, nature, foodie flashpoints—you name it. Whether you’re a jazz-head, nature nerd, or date-night savant, we’ve got your brown-bag brunch to Labor Day lined up.
Thursday, August 28
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Habitat Chat at Wonder Gardens – Hook up with animal staff at Wonder Gardens for their interactive Habitat Chat. Free with admission, fun for animal lovers of all ages.
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Art After Hours at The Baker Museum – Gallery hop with a free admission night and live music from 6–9 pm. Date set, culture locked
Friday, August 29 to Sunday, August 31
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Labor Day Sidewalk Sale & Weekend Rooftop Music – Pop into Labor Day savings (Aug 29–31) along Gulf Shore Blvd—then elevate your weekend with rooftop beats and live tunes.
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Jimmy Buffett Day of Service – Friday, the Compass Hotel by Margaritaville hosts a day of tropical goodwill—volunteer by day, feel-good by Saturday, August 30
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Third Street South Farmers Market – Early risers, this is your jam. Fresh produce, artisan goods, pets on leash—every Saturday through October.
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Historic Palm Cottage BOGO – In honor of Labor Day, buy one ticket, get one free at this historic gem.
Monday, September 1 (Labor Day)
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Sizzle Dining SWFL Restaurant Week kicks off – Treat yourself. Over 70 restaurants across SWFL offer prix-fixe meals. Starts this week and runs through all of September.Tuesday, September 2 onward
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Comedy Nights – Catch Jonnie W. live at Vanderbilt Beach area on Tuesday night.
Ongoing Nearby Must-Sees
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Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary – A 2.25-mile boardwalk through North America’s largest old-growth bald cypress forest. Expect bird calls, peace, and maybe an owl or two. Serenity now.
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Naples Botanical Garden – Seven ecosystems, 1,000+ species, creative family programs like “W.O.N.D.E.R.” and Birding Walks you can tap into.
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The Revs Institute – Car buffs, history fans—this museum’s rare automobile collection and massive restoration shop are a slam-dunk.
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Gordon River Greenway – Nearly 2 miles of commuter trails, boardwalks, riverside scenery—from Freedom Park down to Baker Park. Perfect for scenic sweats.
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Artis–Naples & Baker Museum – If midweek art therapy is your jam, pop in anytime for rotating exhibitions and world-class modern
Bonus Hamilton-Approved Eatsphere
Not exactly an event—but totally worth the mention:
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Bicyclette Cookshop – Creative New American fare from a Chopped champ right on Vanderbuilt Beach. Think zucchini blossoms, schnitzel, and seasonal plates that earned it a spot in USA Today’s “Restaurants of the Year” for 2025.
Organized Event Overview Table
|
Date(s) |
Event |
Highlight |
|---|---|---|
|
Aug 28 (Thu) |
Habitat Chat @ Wonder Gardens |
Animal insights + fun for free |
|
Art After Hours @ Baker Museum |
Free gallery time with tunes (6–9 pm) |
|
|
Aug 29–31 |
Labor Day Sidewalk Sale |
Retail therapy with digs down Gulf Shore |
|
Rooftop Music & Live Beats |
Cool weekend vibes under the stars |
|
|
Aug 29 (Fri) |
Jimmy Buffett Day of Service |
Feel-good volunteer energy, Margaritaville |
|
Aug 30 (Sat) |
Third Street South Farmers Market |
Fresh eats, local finds, community feels |
|
Historic Palm Cottage BOGO |
Culture plus value—can’t lose |
|
|
Sep 1 (Mon) |
Sizzle Dining SWFL Restaurant Week |
3-course meals across SWFL |
|
Sep 2 (Tue) |
Jonnie W. Comedy Night |
Late-week laugh therapy |
|
All Week |
Outdoor & Cultural Staples |
Nature, art, cars, trails, and culinary gold |
