Good Morning SWFL!

Welcome to the first Squeeze of fall! I try not to wish time away, but I have to admit I've been counting down to October. September was a slow month for local events, and I've missed having a full calendar to share with you. October is right around the corner, and it's already shaping up to be packed. Festivals, fall fun, and plenty of reasons to get out of the house are on the way.

Our Fall Guide drops next week, but if you want a sneak peek of the events, here you go! Until then, here's what's worth your time this week.

Grimaldi's at Bell Tower Gets New Owners, Five More Locations Coming to SWFL
The beloved Grimaldi's Pizzeria at Bell Tower Shops has new ownership after being acquired by UNIV Hospitality of Fort Myers, who have also signed a franchise development agreement to open five additional Grimaldi's locations across Lee, Collier, and Sarasota counties. A Fort Myers staple since 2010, Grimaldi's is known for its coal-fired brick oven pizzas made with secret recipe dough and fresh-sliced mozzarella, along with calzones, salads, and house-made desserts including New York cheesecake and cannoli. The Bell Tower location is also expected to receive a full liquor license in October.(News-Press)

RSW Adds New Flights for Winter Season
Southwest Florida International Airport is heading into its busiest season with a wave of new and returning flight routes from five airlines. Delta Air Lines is launching daily nonstop service to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina starting November 21, while Southwest Airlines is bringing back six seasonal routes and adding two new ones in January. Breeze Airways is adding nonstop flights to Dayton, Ohio and Madison, Wisconsin this fall, with a Trenton, New Jersey route launching in January 2027, and Avelo Airlines is adding nonstop service to Concord, North Carolina beginning November 19.(Naples Daily News)

Florida Fall Forecast: Warmer and Wetter Than Usual
The Climate Prediction Center is forecasting above normal temperatures and rainfall across all of Florida through October, November, and December, driven by a strong El Niño season. South Florida, including Southwest Florida, is expected to see rainfall 33% to 40% above normal, with temperatures running warmer than average statewide. The increased moisture also raises the potential for flooding and severe weather over the next three months.(WGCU)

After years of anticipation, Estero River Park is open to the public. The 62-acre preserve along the Estero River welcomes visitors Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Park at the end of Highlands Road, then cross the new pedestrian bridge past Ellen's River House into the preserve. The trail is easy walking, passes a beloved heritage oak near US-41, and offers a view toward the wetlands, where a pair of resident bald eagles has nested since 2022.

This land carries decades of history. In the 1940s, the Girl Scouts of the USA established a campsite here, and the historic Girl Scout House still stands today. This August, a local troop gathered there to paint rocks and explore the grounds, continuing a tradition more than 80 years old. In 1972, environmentalist Ellen Peterson acquired riverside acreage as a personal retreat, later formalizing it in 2006 as the Happehatchee Center, a nonprofit eco-spiritual sanctuary. Peterson was one of Southwest Florida's most persistent environmental advocates, known for saving Fisheating Creek from development and securing Outstanding Florida Waterway protections for several local rivers before her passing in 2011.

By the mid-2010s, the property had been approved for 530 housing units and 300,000 square feet of commercial space. In January 2019, the Village of Estero purchased the full 62 acres for $24.5 million, choosing preservation over development. The Village rezoned roughly 35 acres as permanent open space, protecting the floodway, and built out Phase 1 improvements: a parking lot, restrooms, the new pedestrian bridge, and mulch walking paths designed to keep the site's natural character intact.

My family walked the loop last weekend, and it's an easy 20-minute stroll from end to end, perfect for a quick morning outing. Recent rain had the mosquitos out in force, so bring repellent and plan accordingly, but the trail itself stayed dry and mud-free. It's not paved, but the path is compact enough that you would have no trouble pushing a jogging stroller through, a standard stroller with larger wheels should manage with a little extra work. While we were there, we ran into a few of the Estero Forever Foundation's volunteers, who shared some exciting news: they're planning a full slate of programming for the park, and they'll soon be opening the historic buildings and the on-site kayak launch to visitors. It's clear this is just the beginning for Estero River Park, and there's a lot more to look forward to!

Read online for the full list of events

Pumpkin Painting Night
Friday, September 25th | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Immokalee Community Park, 321 North 1st Street, Immokalee
A family pumpkin painting night with painting supplies, games, and a light refreshment included.

Get Outside x Relax: Sip + Paddle
Saturday, September 26th | 8:00 AM-10:00 AM
Lowdermilk Beach, 1301 Gulf Shore Boulevard North, Naples
A free beach meetup with paddleboarding, coffee, and matcha on the sand from a featured local vendor.

Saturday Mat Pilates
Saturday, September 26th | 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.

Beach Cleanup
Saturday, September 26th | 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach
Volunteers help clean up Mid-Beach; gloves, buckets, and pickers provided.

12th Annual Fall Festival at Farmer Mike's
Saturday, September 26th | 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.

Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market
Saturday, September 26th | 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.

Mommy & Me Pilates Brunch Club
Saturday, September 26th | 10:00 AM
Hampton Social in Mercato
A Pilates class and brunch for moms with facial gift cards and a complimentary photo.

National Coffee Day Celebration
Saturday, September 26th | 10:00 AM
Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, 810 39th Avenue Northeast, Naples
A free self serve coffee celebration for National Coffee Day, while supplies last.

Y2K + Vintage Pop-Up Market
Saturday, September 26th | 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Forever Grounded Cafe, 2633 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Fort Myers
A Y2K and vintage pop-up market featuring $5 bins, mystery bags, Halloween decor and costumes, and vintage and Y2K clothing.

Kids Day at WINK Playland
Saturday, September 26th | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Playground at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero
Free face painting & crafts, free pizza from Luigi's Pizza & Pasta, ice cream coupons from Dairy Queen all while supplies last.

Family Build It
Saturday, September 26th | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs
A free drop-in family building activity for all ages with a variety of building stations, no registration required, all materials provided.

Paws on the Mat
Saturday, September 26th | 11:00 AM
Backyard Social, 16371 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers
A movement and community morning benefiting Wags to Wishes, with a book signing and local vendors.

Farm Fresh Flower Arranging Workshop
Saturday, September 26th | 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
M&M Farms, 5450 Higginbotham Road, Fort Myers
A hands-on mason jar flower arranging workshop using freshly harvested farm blooms, led by local flower farmer Amanda of Kenny Bee Company.

7th Annual Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 26th | 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Ankrolab Brewing Company, 3555 Bayshore Drive, Naples
The 7th annual Oktoberfest celebration featuring 6 beer releases, food specials, BOGO Oktoberfest 4-packs, live music from Nostaljah (1-4pm), and a stein holding competition (2 & 5pm).

12th Annual Fall Festival at Farmer Mike's
Sunday, September 27th | 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.

Orange Party: Health and Wellness Experience
Sunday, September 27th | 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Sugarshack Downtown, 27421 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs
A health and wellness pop up with mat Pilates, recovery services, shopping, a vendor village, and a live DJ.

Pilates and Puppies
Sunday, September 27th | 9:00 AM
Seaside Pups, 5544 Cynthia Lane, Naples
A special morning of Pilates, puppy playtime, and cold brew with Seaside Pups and instructor Ale Muro.

Storytime with Miss Becky
Sunday, September 27th | 12:00 PM
Barnes & Noble Market Square, 13751 South Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers
Weekly storytime with Miss Becky featuring activities and fun for children.

Naples Kids Rave
Sunday, September 27th | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Dimensions Nightclub, 2634 Tamiami Trail East, Naples
A neon daytime dance party for kids and families with glow sticks, bubbles, and a DJ, benefiting Eva's Closet.

Yoga w/ Cats
Sunday, September 27th | 5:10 PM
Cattyshack Cafe, 9902 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers
A yoga class alongside the adoptable cats at Cattyshack Cafe.

Baby Rhyme Time
Monday, September 28th | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers
A lap-sit program of books, rhymes, and songs that builds early literacy, language, and motor skills for babies and caregivers.

Toddler Tales
Monday, September 28th | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers
A high-energy storytime of stories, music, and movement that builds language and motor skills for toddlers and caregivers.

Retro Game Night
Monday, September 28th | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Mercato, 9110 Strada Place, Naples
A family game night in the Piazza with classic board games, giant lawn games, and complimentary treats.

Toddler Storytime
Tuesday, September 29th | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples
Sensory singing, stories, fingerplays, and puppets for toddlers and their caregivers.

Miromar Outlets Free Kids Crafts
Tuesday, September 29th | 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.

Get Hooked!- A Beginner Crochet Class
Tuesday, September 29th | 4:00 PM-5:30 PM
Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First Street, Fort Myers
Teens learn basic crochet stitches, chain, single, and working in the round, with supplies provided.

Baby & Me Pilates Playdate & Brunch
Wednesday, September 30th | 10:00 AM
The Pilates Pearl, 600 Goodlette-Frank Road North, Naples
A Pilates playdate and brunch for moms and infants, with reformer and mat options.

Family Storytime
Wednesday, September 30th | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers
Books, rhymes, songs, and movement help kids ages birth-5 build friendships and early literacy skills with their caregivers.

Preschool Storytime
Wednesday, September 30th | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers
An interactive storytime where preschoolers build friendships and school-readiness skills through reading, singing, and play.

Prenatal Yoga & Sound Bath
Wednesday, September 30th | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs
Prenatal yoga and a sound bath for expecting moms, in collaboration with Doula for the Soul; child-free event.

Free Admission to Art After Hours
Wednesday, September 30th | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
The Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard South, Naples
A fun evening of art and entertainment for audiences of all ages with live music performed by local musicians, concessions at Heidi's Place and free admission to all museum exhibitions.

Family Storytime (Bonita Springs)
Thursday, October 1st | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs
A free family storytime, registration opens one week before and guarantees your spot until the program begins, with waitlist tickets available morning of.

Sip & Shop - First Thursday
Thursday, October 1st | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
The Brass Alligator, 10610 Founders Way, Bonita Springs
A monthly shopping and socializing event featuring local vendors, drinks, bites, and exclusive offers.

Stress Relief Meditation
Thursday, October 1st | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Headquarters Regional Branch, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples
A seated meditation session blending mindfulness and gentle breathwork to relieve stress; open to all levels.

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.

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.

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.

Free admission at Naples Zoo (Collier Residents Only)
Saturday, October 3rd | 9:00 AM-3:30 PM
Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road North, Naples
Collier County residents receive free zoo admission all day long with proof of residency.

Pumpkin & Me
Saturday, October 3rd | 9:30 AM-11:30 AM
Big City Kids, 12601 Trade Way Drive, Bonita Springs
A fall pumpkin painting party for moms and kids with open play and fall themed activities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.