Happy October and welcome to the fourth quarter, SWFL!

This is honestly one of my favorite times of year to put together the newsletter because there is so much happening in our community. And speaking of what is happening, I have a big announcement! The Squeeze Event Calendar is officially LIVE! You can now browse all upcoming local events anytime, day or night. I have already loaded it up(and more coming soon) with all the fall events, including dedicated pages for fall festivals and trick-or-treating events happening all across Southwest Florida. I have spent a decent amount of time building this out, so any feed back on how to make it better would be appreciated!

Because this time of year is SO event-heavy, I will be curating what makes it into each newsletter edition a little more intentionally going forward. I will still aim for 50+ events per issue, but may pull back the window from 10 days to 7 days to keep things focused and timely.

-Sarajane

Southwest Florida Eagle Cam Goes Live today!
The beloved SWFL Eagle Cam, which streams the nesting journey of the eagles in North Fort Myers, returns live on October 1st as eagle season kicks off. This year's season comes with a bittersweet twist, beloved female eagle Harriet has not been seen since late last season, leaving her long-time mate M15 without a partner. Eagle fans will be watching closely to see if M15 finds a new mate this season. The cam has attracted hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide and can be watched here for free. (Cape Coral Breeze)

Lee County Mosquito Crews Head to Tampa to Fight Dengue Outbreak
Lee County Mosquito Control District flew three helicopters to Tampa Executive Airport this week to help combat a dengue fever outbreak that has infected 170 people in Hillsborough County, accounting for nearly 90% of Florida's 190 locally acquired cases this year. The helicopters are spraying larvicide over hot spot areas to kill mosquito larvae before they become biting adults, with crews planning to return next week to continue treatments. There are currently no locally acquired dengue cases in Lee County, but residents are reminded to eliminate any standing water around their homes to prevent mosquito breeding.(WINK News)

Fort Myers Beach Raises Parking to $6 Per Hour
Fort Myers Beach Town Council approved a parking rate increase from $5 to $6 per hour effective October 1st, expected to generate an additional $511,000 in annual revenue, with the annual resident parking pass also rising from $50 to $75. Several island restaurant owners opposed the increase, arguing higher parking costs could discourage visitors already dealing with reduced parking availability due to hurricane restoration construction. Council plans to revisit pricing by November, including potentially exploring seasonal or variable rates. (Gulfshore Business)

General Election Voting Update (November 3, 2026)

Lee County has begun mailing approximately 119,000 vote-by-mail ballots for the November 3 General Election. Here are the key dates to know:

Note that all previous vote-by-mail requests have expired under Florida law — you must submit a new request to receive a ballot. Requests can be made online at lee.vote or by calling (239) 533-8683.

Fort Myers Beach is releasing non-residential annual parking passes starting Monday morning at 9 a.m. when Town Hall opens, but only 100 at a time! The Town Council approved up to 500 passes total, but will evaluate how the first 100 impact parking conditions before releasing more. Each pass costs $300, expires December 31, 2027 regardless of when purchased, and must be purchased in person at Town Hall. No online option is available at this time.

With metered parking now at $6 per hour, you would only need to spend 50 hours parked on Fort Myers Beach in 2027 for the pass to pay for itself, that's roughly one hour a week for the year. If you are a regular beach visitor, this could be a no-brainer!

The pass is valid at Matanzas Pass Bridge Lots 1-4 and beach access parking at locations including Aberdeen Ave, Bayview Ave, Coconut Dr, Gulf Dr, and more. Note that metered street parking, Waistina Way, and Lee County parks (Lynn Hall, Crescent Beach, and Bowditch) are excluded. To purchase, bring your valid vehicle registration, a driver's license or government-issued photo ID, and make sure any outstanding parking violations are paid in full beforehand.

Read online for the full list of events. Submit an event here

Friday Playdate
Friday, October 2nd | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Boulevard West, Naples
Open play time with new educational toys and snacks, where kids play while parents connect with other families.

Fort Myers Oktoberfest at Millennial
Friday, October 2nd | 5:00 PM-10:00 PM
Millennial Brewing Company, 1811 Royal Palm Avenue, Fort Myers
A Munich style beer hall celebration with German beer and food, live music, and stein competitions.

Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers
Friday, October 2nd | 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Downtown Fort Myers, First Street, Fort Myers
A monthly art walk through the historic River District with gallery exhibits, street artisans, and oversized murals.

FGCU Volleyball: Fall Sport 239 Night
Friday, October 2nd | 6:00 PM
Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 Fgcu Boulevard South, Fort Myers
FGCU volleyball hosts a 239 Night with discounted popcorn, beer, and game tickets.

First Friday Concert: The Girls of Motown
Friday, October 2nd | 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Gulf Coast Town Center, 10037 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers
A free outdoor concert featuring The Girls of Motown delivering smooth soulful harmonies and the fast-paced rhythms of the most popular Motown-era hits at Gulf Coast Town Center.

Galaxy Fright Nights 2026
Friday, October 2nd | 7:00 PM-11:00 PM
Collier Fairgrounds, 751 39th Avenue Northeast, Naples
A multi-weekend Halloween festival featuring two haunted houses (Aliens vs. Clowns and Last Call to Hell), a non-scary family-friendly maze (Beyond Wonderland), laser show, and interactive entertainment at an indoor venue running every Friday and Saturday in October.

Lakes Park Bird Patrol Walk
Saturday, October 3rd | 8:00 AM-9:00 AM
Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers
Guided birding tours. Tours meet at Shelter A7.

Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Saturday, October 3rd | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 South Bay Drive, Bonita Springs
A weekly outdoor farmers market featuring fresh local produce, flowers, plants, baked goods, seafood, honey, jams, prepared foods and drinks, and limited artists and crafters.

Running Scared 5K Pumpkin Run
Saturday, October 3rd | 8:30 AM-11:30 AM
FGCU South Village, 10751 Fgcu South Bridge Loop, Fort Myers
A 5K race where runners carry a pumpkin along the course, benefiting Special Olympics Florida.

Lee County Law Enforcement Running Scared 5K
Saturday, October 3rd | 8:30 AM
Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 Fgcu Boulevard South, Fort Myers
A 5K race (run, jog, or walk) benefiting Special Olympics Florida, with registration beginning at 7:30 AM and the race starting at 8:30 AM.

Saturday Mat Pilates
Saturday, October 3rd | 8:45 AM
Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina, 1811 Cape Coral Parkway East, Cape Coral
45-minute outdoor mat pilates class taught by certified instructors, all-levels full-body workout with complimentary post-class mimosa or mocktail. Bring your mat and towel.

12th Annual Fall Festival at Farmer Mike's
Saturday, October 3rd | 9:00 AM-10:00 PM
Farmer Mike's U-Pick of Bonita, 26031 Morton Avenue, Bonita Springs
A fall festival with a hay ride, corn maze, pumpkin patch, sunflower field, bouncy houses, and a haunted corn maze on select nights.

Free Home Depot Kids Workshop: Witch Candy Box
Saturday, October 3rd | 9:00 AM
Home Depot, Your Local Home Depot
Home Depot's free Kids Workshops provide a hands-on DIY experience for children ages 5-12, where they build a project, learn basic tool safety and skills, and take home their creation, an apron, and a special pin.

Fall Fest 2026
Saturday, October 3rd | 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Boulevard, Fort Myers
A weekend fall festival with local vendors, food, live music, farm animals, and pumpkins every weekend in October.

Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market
Saturday, October 3rd | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Downtown Fort Myers, First Street, Fort Myers
A weekly farmers market with fresh local produce, artisan goods, and community vendors in the heart of Downtown Fort Myers.

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Saturday, October 3rd | 9:30 AM
Six Mile Cypress Slough, 7751 Penzance Boulevard, Fort Myers
A 45 minute guided boardwalk walk covering the history of the Slough and its plants and wildlife.

Beach and Estuary Walk
Saturday, October 3rd | 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach
A ranger-led walk over the estuary and along the beach to discover seashells, crustaceans, starfish and other coastal creatures.

Kids Fishing at Bass Pro Shop
Saturday, October 3rd | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Bass Pro Shops, 10040 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers
Come to the Bass Pro Lake for some fishing! Rods, reels and bait (everything you would need) to catch some fish are provided. Outfitters are available to help with baiting hooks and showing kids how to fish.

Family Storytime with Fables & Flute
Saturday, October 3rd | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs
An autumn-themed storytime where a high school music duo brings classic children's stories to life with flute and storytelling.

Fort Myers Oktoberfest at Millennial
Saturday, October 3rd | 12:00 PM-10:00 PM
Millennial Brewing Company, 1811 Royal Palm Avenue, Fort Myers
A Munich style beer hall celebration with German beer and food, live music, and stein competitions.

Paint, Plant & Sip
Saturday, October 3rd | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Chocolattes Coffee & Roasting, 2180 West First Street, Fort Myers
A ticketed paint and plant workshop with a terracotta pot, a plant to take home, and a coffee.

Wild at Heart Flower Truck Event
Saturday, October 3rd | 1:00 PM
Chocolattes Roast House, 16120 San Carlos Boulevard, Fort Myers
Custom flower bouquet creation from Wild at Heart Flower Truck, with seasonal fall drinks available from Chocolattés Roast House.

Button Making 101
Saturday, October 3rd | 2:00 PM-3:30 PM
Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First Street, Fort Myers
Kids learn to use a button-making machine and take home personalized buttons.

Knit and Stitch Social Hour
Saturday, October 3rd | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Fort Myers Regional Library (South Building), 1651 Lee Street, Fort Myers
A social afternoon of knitting, crocheting and cross stitching, plus a look at the library's crafting resources.

Candles & Corks at Tony Sacco's
Saturday, October 3rd | 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
Tony Sacco's Coal Oven Pizza - Estero, 8001 Plaza Del Lago Drive, Estero
A laid-back evening at Tony Sacco's where you hand-pour your own custom candle then enjoy an informal tasting of 4 curated wines paired with savory small bites, perfect for date night or girls' night.

12th Annual Fall Festival at Farmer Mike's
Saturday, October 3rd | 6:00 PM-9:30 PM
Farmer Mike's U-Pick of Bonita, 26031 Morton Avenue, Bonita Springs
A fall festival with a hay ride, corn maze, pumpkin patch, sunflower field, bouncy houses, and a haunted corn maze on select nights.

FGCU Men's Soccer: Fall Sport 239 Night
Saturday, October 3rd | 7:00 PM
Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 Fgcu Boulevard South, Fort Myers
FGCU men's soccer hosts a 239 Night with discounted popcorn, beer, and game tickets.

Galaxy Fright Nights 2026
Saturday, October 3rd | 7:00 PM-11:00 PM
Collier Fairgrounds, 751 39th Avenue Northeast, Naples
A multi-weekend Halloween festival featuring two haunted houses (Aliens vs. Clowns and Last Call to Hell), a non-scary family-friendly maze (Beyond Wonderland), laser show, and interactive entertainment at an indoor venue running every Friday and Saturday in October.

12th Annual Fall Festival at Farmer Mike's
Sunday, October 4th | 9:00 AM-9:00 PM
Farmer Mike's U-Pick of Bonita, 26031 Morton Avenue, Bonita Springs
A fall festival with a hay ride, corn maze, pumpkin patch, sunflower field, bouncy houses, and a haunted corn maze on select nights.

Fall Fest 2026
Sunday, October 4th | 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Southern Fresh Farms, 8500 Penzance Boulevard, Fort Myers
A weekend fall festival with local vendors, food, live music, farm animals, and pumpkins every weekend in October.

Sanibel Island Farmers Market
Sunday, October 4th | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Sanibel City Hall, 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
An outdoor farmers market offering local produce, breads, honey, seafood, meats, flowers, cheeses, and other products, held weekly on Sundays.

Makers Market
Sunday, October 4th | 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
The Rebel, 8711 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers
A market featuring local artists and artisans selling handmade goods, with coffee and tea available and a curated selection of new and used books.

Family Fun Day
Sunday, October 4th | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Backyard Social, 16371 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers
Magic shows at 12pm and 1pm, free fall family photos, and face painting (for purchase), with 6 food trucks and a full service bar.

Fort Myers Oktoberfest at Millennial
Sunday, October 4th | 12:00 PM-5:00 PM
Millennial Brewing Company, 1811 Royal Palm Avenue, Fort Myers
A Munich style beer hall celebration with German beer and food, live music, and stein competitions.

Storytime with Miss Becky
Sunday, October 4th | 12:00 PM
Barnes & Noble Market Square, 13751 South Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers
Weekly storytime with Miss Becky featuring activities and fun for children.

Witching Hours: Pumpkin Fest
Sunday, October 4th | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Michael's Craft Store, Your local Michael's Craft Store
Pick out a craft pumpkin and decorate it in-store using provided supplies, with inspiration ideas on hand or total creative freedom.

Bayside Concert Series: Wayward Souls
Sunday, October 4th | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Bayside Park, 645 Old San Carlos Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach
Wayward Souls plays a free open-air Sunday concert by the bay, with lawn chairs and leashed pets welcome.

Baby Rhyme Time & Toddler Tales
Monday, October 5th | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM & | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers
A lap-sit storytime where babies and caregivers bond through books, rhymes and songs.

Toddler Tales
Monday, October 5th | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs
An interactive, high-energy storytime where toddlers and caregivers move and groove to stories, music and rhymes.

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Tuesday, October 6th | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Playground at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero
Stop by for a quick and easy craft your little ones can assemble on the spot or take home to enjoy.

Toddler Storytime
Tuesday, October 6th | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples
A toddler storytime with sensory singing, stories, fingerplays and puppets for little ones and their parents.

Koi Fish Canvas Art
Tuesday, October 6th | 4:00 PM-5:30 PM
Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First Street, Fort Myers
Teens paint a koi fish pond with watercolors and metallic paint.

Teen Buttons: Fall Edition
Tuesday, October 6th | 5:00 PM-6:30 PM
Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs
Teens design and press custom pinback buttons from memes, doodles or cut-up manga and comics.

Lakes Park Farmers Market
Wednesday, October 7th | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers
A weekly outdoor farmers market featuring approximately 50 vendors selling local produce, fresh seafood, native plants, cut flowers, artisan foods, and organics.

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Wednesday, October 7th | 9:30 AM
Six Mile Cypress Slough, 7751 Penzance Boulevard, Fort Myers
A 45 minute guided boardwalk walk covering the history of the Slough and its plants and wildlife.

Toddler Storytime
Wednesday, October 7th | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples
A toddler storytime with sensory singing, stories, fingerplays and puppets for little ones and their parents.

Fishing Clinic
Wednesday, October 7th | 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach
Park naturalists cover tackle, bait rigs, the park's best fishing spots and Southwest Florida fishing regulations.

Baby Play
Wednesday, October 7th | 10:00 AM-10:45 AM
South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero
A relaxed sensory play group where babies explore and caregivers make new friends.

Preschool Storytime
Wednesday, October 7th | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First Street, Fort Myers
An interactive storytime where preschoolers build school readiness skills through reading, singing, writing and play.

Music & Movement
Wednesday, October 7th | 10:30 AM-11:00 AM
Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Boulevard West, Naples
An active, musical storytime that gets little hands and bodies moving.

Baby Playdate: Storytime & Little Explorers
Wednesday, October 7th | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs
A gentle, play-based session of sounds, rhymes, songs and activities for babies and their caregivers.

Backyard Boos Movie Series:Coraline
Wednesday, October 7th | 7:00 PM
Backyard Social, 16371 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers
A Halloween-themed outdoor movie screening. Enjoy free popcorn while you watch.

Coconut Point Farmers Market
Thursday, October 8th | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Coconut Point Mall - Panera parking lot, 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero
A weekly farmers market offering fresh produce, seafood, meats, cut flowers, locally harvested honey, and baked goods.

Family Storytime
Thursday, October 8th | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Boulevard West, Naples
A drop-in storytime for little ones packed with stories, songs and activities.

Little Explorers
Thursday, October 8th | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Avenue, Naples
Young kids learn about plants and animals through books, crafts and hands-on activities led by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

Family Storytime
Thursday, October 8th | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs
Books, rhymes, songs and movement help young kids make friends and build early literacy skills alongside their caregivers.

Make & Take Craft
Friday, October 9th | 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Avenue, Naples
A drop-in, all-day craft station where visitors of any age can make something to take home.

Little Chemistry Inventors
Friday, October 9th | 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 Mcgregor Boulevard, Fort Myers
Preschoolers explore chemistry and learn about Thomas Edison through hands on activities like slime and a colorful milk explosion.

Lakes Park Fall Festival
Friday, October 9th | 10:00 AM-9:00 PM
Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers
A multi-week fall festival featuring a Halloween Express Train Ride, Scarecrows in the Park display in the Children's Garden, and a Pumpkin Patch. Train rides run M-F 10am-2pm and 6-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-9pm; scarecrows and pumpkins Th-F 6-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-9pm.

Seashell Walk
Friday, October 9th | 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach
A ranger-led shoreline hike to learn seashell names, the creatures that make them and the rules that protect them.

12th Annual Fall Festival at Farmer Mike's
Friday, October 9th | 6:00 PM-9:30 PM
Farmer Mike's U-Pick of Bonita, 26031 Morton Avenue, Bonita Springs
A fall festival with a hay ride, corn maze, pumpkin patch, sunflower field, bouncy houses, and a haunted corn maze on select nights.

Boots and Bling
Friday, October 9th | 6:00 PM
Millennial Brewing Company, 1811 Royal Palm Avenue, Fort Myers
A country line dance night with a special themed drink menu, including a non alcoholic option for designated drivers.

City of Naples Halloween Hustle 5k
Friday, October 9th | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Baker Park, Frederick, Maryland, United States, Baker Park, Naples
A 5K run featuring live entertainment, food trucks, and a vendor village with local businesses.

Galaxy Fright Nights 2026
Friday, October 9th | 7:00 PM-11:00 PM
Collier Fairgrounds, 751 39th Avenue Northeast, Naples
A multi-weekend Halloween festival featuring two haunted houses (Aliens vs. Clowns and Last Call to Hell), a non-scary family-friendly maze (Beyond Wonderland), laser show, and interactive entertainment at an indoor venue running every Friday and Saturday in October.

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