Top 5 things to do in Fort Myers, Cape Coral: SWFL Craft Beer Week, 'Exquisite Moving Corpse'
Looking for some entertainment in Southwest Florida?
Here are five fun things to do this weekend and beyond, including SWFL Craft Beer Week and the art installation/film "The Exquisite Moving Corpse' at Rauschenberg Gallery.
Lee County’s COVID-19 community level is currently ranked as high, according to the CDC. Masks are recommended indoors and on public transportation, plus staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
Got anything cool happening next weekend or later? Email me the details at crunnells@gannett.com.
1. “The Exquisite Moving Corpse”
A feature-length movie compiled from one-minute films by more than 60 internationally known artists, including Chip Lord, Jack Massing, Sean Miller, Nina Katchadourian, Kristin Lucas and William Wegman. The gallery has been transformed into a screening room designed by the artists, including bean bags and a big custom screen. “The Exquisite Moving Corpse” was inspired by a 1925 artist’s parlor game of the same name. The movie plays on a loop during normal gallery hours. Now through Dec. 10. Free. Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at Florida SouthWestern State College, 8099 College Parkway S.W., Building L, south Fort Myers. 489-9313 or rauschenberggallery.com
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2. “Broadway Palm Thru the Decades”
A new jukebox musical featuring three decades of numbers from past productions at the popular dinner theater, including songs from “Me and My Girl,” “42nd Street,” “The King and I,” “Miss Saigon,” “Cats” and more. Aug. 26-Oct. 1. $50-$75. Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com
3. Choral Artistry’s “Summer Sing”
The chorus performs with other local singers at its annual choral event. All singers are invited to come and rehearse with the chorus and then perform for the audience. This year’s “Gloria” theme will have singers perform Vivaldi’s full “Gloria,” plus music by Ramierez, Argento, Bach and more. 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30. Free. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., downtown Fort Myers. Singers must register at ChoralArtistry.org/performances.
4. “Clown Bar”
Last chance to see this “zany clown-noir dramedy” that transforms the Foulds Theatre into a working “clown bar.” The Theatre Conspiracy show is set in the dark, secret world of gangster clowns. The bar opens 45 minutes before each show to sell drinks to theater patrons. Now through Sunday, Aug. 28. $30. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. 939-2787 or artinlee.org
5. SWFL Craft Beer Week
A series of events and specialty beer releases at Southwest Florida breweries, starting at 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, with a kick-off party at HeadPinz Fort Myers. Thursday through Monday, Sept. 1-5. Organized by The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce. Admission to most events is free. For participating breweries and a schedule of events, visit SWFLCraftBeerWeek.com.
MORE THINGS TO DO
Sip & Shop Craft Show: Local vendors show and sell their arts and crafts at this indoor event organized by the Local Ladies Social Network. Food and drinks will be sold to benefit the Cape Coral Volunteer Firemen’s Association. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. Free admission. Terrace Hall, 1313 S.E. 47th Terrace, downtown Cape Coral. llsnevents.com
SWFL Sports Card Show: Vendors buy, sell and trade a variety of baseball cards, Pokémon cards and other sports cards and memorabilia, from vintage to modern. The event also features a food truck and giveaways. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28. $3. Fair Play Indoor Soccer, 79 Mid Cape Terrace, Cape Coral. 440-5204 or facebook.com/swflcardshow
“The Legend of Tayos”: This 2021 documentary follows a Hungarian explorer who claimed to have discovered a “gold library” inside a cave in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Spanish with English subtitles. The screening will be followed by a group discussion with a member of the center’s film society. 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29. $10. Part of the center’s Monday night film series. Wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks and popcorn will be available. Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artcenterbonita.org
“Drop The Mic”: This monthly music series features performances by young Southwest Florida rap, country, reggae and rock artists. The August lineup includes Glennsets, Mac Muse, Soldier941, Shlumpskll and Southside. There will also be raffles for prizes. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30. Free with an optional $5-$10 donation. Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., East Fort Myers. reycityevents.com
LOOKING AHEAD
Art Walk: The monthly event features new art exhibits at downtown galleries, receptions, live music, art vendors outside on First Street, and other events throughout downtown Fort Myers. September’s exhibits include DAAS CO-OP’s “Paper Garden,” a group show featuring works on paper depicting flowers and plants. 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2. Free. Art Walk takes place on the first Friday of each month. Downtown Fort Myers. facebook.com/fortmyersartwalk
“The Odd Couple (Female Version)”: Cape Coral’s newest theater opens its first mainstage season with the all-female version of the classic Neil Simon comedy. Only instead of mismatched roommates Oscar and Felix, it’s Olive and Florence. Sept. 2-11. $27.50 ($10 for students). The Belle Theatre, 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd., Suite 135, in The Towers at Santa Barbara shopping center, Cape Coral. 471-6056 or thebelletheatre.com
Hardwired: The Metallica tribute band returns for another headbanging Southwest Florida show. Show starts at about 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3. $18 for general admission, $35 for reserved seating (plus applicable taxes and fees). The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 985-9839 or theranchfortmyers
Cool & Crispy Fest: Point Ybel’s second annual festival creates an outdoor oasis with water guns, fans, misters, food trucks, live music, ax throwing and lots of “crispy” beer. Noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4. Free. Point Ybel Brewing Company, 16120 San Carlos Blvd., south Fort Myers. 603-6535 or facebook.com/PointYbelBrew
Connect with this reporter: Charles Runnells is an arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. Email him at crunnells@gannett.com or connect on Facebook (facebook.com/charles.runnells.7), Twitter (@charlesrunnells) and Instagram (@crunnells1).
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Things to do in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs: Beer Week
