Hello friend!

Another week, another roundup of things to do right here in our own backyard! From family outings to sunset workouts and hidden gems, I’ve pulled together everything you need to plan the week ahead without the endless searching.

Island Hopper Fest
Starts: Friday, September 19
Location: Captiva | Cape Coral | Fort Myers | Fort Myers Beach
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is a 10-day music festival in Southwest Florida featuring performances by the greatest BMI singer-songwriters from Nashville and nationwide. The festival is broken up into four locations with the first weekend kicking off on Captiva Island, then moving to Cape Coral and downtown Fort Myers during the week, and ends with a weekend on Fort Myers Beach. The majority of the shows are free with the exception of some ticketed experiences like our headliner show
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Music Walk
Date: Friday, September 19 | 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Fort Myers, First Street
Enjoy local and regional musicians as they line the streets downtown
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Night Market at The Springs
Date: Friday, September 19 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Hopsized Brewing, 9201 Cockleshell Court #13, Bonita Springs, FL
Kick off the fall season the right way—sip on craft drinks, savor local eats, and browse one-of-a-kind creations from our community’s talented artisans and small businesses.
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Downtown House of Pizza – 20th Anniversary Celebration
Date: Friday, September 19 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Downtown House of Pizza, 1520 Hendry St, Fort Myers, FL
We’re proud to celebrate this milestone with the people who made it possible—our loyal customers and the dedicated DHOP team behind the counter and in the kitchen. Come say hi, grab a slice, and be part of 20 years of local flavor and community.
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Audubon of SWFL Birding Field Trip
Date: Saturday, September 20 | 8:00 AM-10:30 PM
Location: Lakes Regional Park
Join fellow nature lovers for guided birding trips to some of Southwest Florida’s best spots. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, these outings are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others, and learn more about local wildlife.
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The Fort Myers Chick is Turning 3 Celebration
Date: Saturday, September 20 | 9:30 AM-12:30 PM
Location: Chicken Salad Chick, 7925 Dani Drive Suite 100, Fort Myers, FL 33966
The Fort Myers Chick is turning 3 and we want to celebrate! Be one of the first 50 people in line for free Chicken Salad for a Year!
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Junior Ranger Program at Lovers Key State Park
Date: Saturday, September 20 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park in the Welcome and Discovery Center Community Room, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach FL 33931, Fort Myers Beach
Cost: Free with paid park entry
Join a park ranger for a Junior Ranger educational program and accompanying activity to explore the four components of the Junior Ranger program: natural resources, cultural resources, recreation, and service. Participants will be eligible for Junior Ranger passport stamps with the successful completion of each component.
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Clips for Cancer Touch-a-Truck Event
Date: Saturday, September 20 | 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shoppes, 13499 S Cleveland Ave Suite 231, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Get ready for an unforgettable day of sirens, smiles, and support! Kids (and kids at heart) can climb, explore, and interact with an incredible lineup of vehicles from LCSO emergency vehicles to waste management and Sunbelt rentals equipment. Full line up available in event details.
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Fall Arts and Crafts Fair at Bell Tower Shops
Date: Saturday, September 20 | 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shoppes, Bell Tower Shops Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Shop local vendors and their creative creations
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Friendly Forest
Date: Saturday, September 20 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL, United States, Florida
Cost: Standard Admission
In addition to everything the planetarium offers, enjoy fall festivities, crafts, games, pumpkins, and more!
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Free Family ArtLabs
Date: Saturday, September 20 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33919 United States, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33919 United States
Drop in for free, hands-on family fun. Explore something new every month like art making, gallery activities, games and more – all inspired by artworks on view in the gallery, famous artists, national holidays and artistic traditions around the world.
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Royal Scoop Estero- 1 Year Anniversary Celebration
Date: Saturday, September 20 | 11:30 AM-10:00 PM
Location: Royal Scoop Estero, 10151 Estero Town Commons Place #204, Estero, FL
Come celebrate with us! It’s going to be a FUN filled day at Royal Scoop Estero! We will raffle prizes, gifts, a photo contest and specials all day long….
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Rick's Acoustic Covers
Date: Saturday, September 20 | 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
Location: Friends of Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL, United States, Florida 33928
Enjoy a morning stroll of the Koreshan gardens then drop by the air conditioned Art Hall in our Historic Settlement to listen to the peaceful music of Rick McPhail.  Park Admission applies but there is no fee for the concert.  Dogs are welcome in the park.
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4th Annual Oktoberfest at Hopsized Brewing
Date: Saturday, September 20 | 12:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Hopsized Brewing, 9201 Cockleshell Court, Unit 13, Bonita Springs, FL,
4th Annual Oktobertest + SWFL Brewers Olympics! An awesome day filled with fun, food, music, delicious craft drinks and festivities!  Indulge in authentic German cuisine while enjoying live entertainment with a nice and cold delicious German-style brew, and test your skills in thrilling stein holding competitions!  But that's not all—get ready for exciting raffles and giveaways, drink specials, and exclusive event glassware to commemorate the day.
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Fall Candle Making Workshop
Date: Saturday, September 20 | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Poured Candle Co., 5216 Summerlin Commons Blvd Fort Myers, FL 33907
Fall candle making workshop
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Pups ‘n’ Books
Date: Saturday, September 20 | 1:30 PM-3:30 PM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples
Join Golden Paws Dogs for a fun meet and greet at Headquarters Regional Library. This interaction is great for the children and the dogs! Recommended for ages 6-12.
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Arts and Crafts Fair at University Village Shops
Date: Sunday, September 21 | 8:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: University Village, 19800 Village Center Dr, Fort Myers
Shop local vendors and their creative creations
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Cars and Coffee 239
Date: Sunday, September 21 | 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Mercato on the Event Lawn, 9110 Strada Place, Naples, Fl 34108
Browse hundreds of cool cars located around the property. Check out the traffic circle to see our featured cars of the month and connect with car enthusiasts from Southwest Florida
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Friendly Forest
Date: Sunday, September 21 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL, United States, Florida
Cost: Standard Admission
In addition to everything the planetarium offers, enjoy fall festivities, crafts, games, pumpkins, and more!
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Paint and Pot at RAD Winery
Date: Sunday, September 21 | 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Location: Creative Hands Events
Join us for a delightful afternoon of creativity and relaxation at our “Paint and Pot” event, presented by Creative Hands Events! We’ll be gathering to paint our own unique terracotta pots and pot a charming plant to take home.  Everyone will receive their own individual setup and be guided through a step by step process to paint their pot and to select and plant a small plant. The options will be various wildflowers, fruits, or veggies.
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Kids Skate Free at SPINZ
Date: Sunday, September 21 | 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: SPIN, 2095 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers
Free after $4.99 annual membership - $5 skate rentals available
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Sunday Makebreak: Fabric Pumpkins
Date: Sunday, September 21 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Location: Michaels, Coconut Point, Market Square or The Forum
Cost: Class free, supplies not provided
Join us in-store to sew a Fabric Pumpkin to add to your Autumn decor.
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Paint & Sip
Date: Sunday, September 21 | 3:00 PM-5:00 PM
Location: Riptide Brewing Company, 28120 Hunters Ridge Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL
Join us for an Artsy Evening hosted by Beyond the Canvas with Lissette! The canvas is pre-traced, and includes all supplies and step-by-step instructions. Price includes one beverage per painter.
Purchase Tickets

Bayside Park Concert Sunday Series
Date: Sunday, September 21 | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bayside Park, Corner of Old San Carlos Blvd. and 1st Street Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
The concert will begin each Sunday at 4pm and run until 7pm. Lawn chairs and well-behaved pets on a 6’ or less leash are encouraged
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Baby Rhyme Time
Date: Monday, September 22 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Wiggle and giggle to bond with your baby through books, rhymes and songs in this lap-sit program that introduces early literacy skills and encourages language, motor and social skills.
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Baby Rhyme Time
Date: Monday, September 22 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL
Wiggle and giggle to bond with your baby through books, rhymes and songs in this lap-sit program that introduces early literacy skills and encourages language, motor and social skills.
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Toddler Tales
Date: Monday, September 22 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Caregivers move and groove with their toddlers during this interactive and high-energy storytime that uses stories, music, movement and rhymes to support language and motor skills.
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Zumba
Date: Monday, September 22 | 5:30 PM
Location: Florida Blue Fort Myers, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928
Cost: Free
This fun dance fitness class combines world rhythms with dance moves. It's a great way to burn calories.
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Learn to Play MahJongg
Date: Monday, September 22 | 6:30 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Fort Myers MahJongg Club
Come learn one of the fastest growing games in the USA. Day 1 of this 2-day series will present the groundwork you will need to begin to play the wonderful game of MahJongg.
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Miss Irene and Miss Patty Storytime
Date: Tuesday, September 23 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples
This Storytime is recommended for birth to age 3 & 1/2 but all are welcome to attend. Children and parents will enjoy sensory singing, stories, fingerplays, puppets and much more.
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Munchin' Manatees
Date: Tuesday, September 23 | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Location: Lovers Key State Park in the Welcome and Discovery Center Community Room, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach FL 33931
Cost: Free with paid park entry
Join a park ranger for an interesting and informative lecture on our local, loveable manatees. Learn what these magnificent mammals are all about, and how you can help protect them.
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Family Storytime
Date: Tuesday, September 23 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Estero Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL 33928
This fun and engaging storytime promotes and reinforces early literacy skills and language development through stories, music, movement and activities.
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Miss Irene and Miss Patty Storytime
Date: Tuesday, September 23 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples
This Storytime is recommended for birth to age 3 & 1/2 but all are welcome to attend. Children and parents will enjoy sensory singing, stories, fingerplays, puppets and much more.
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Community Cares Day
Date: Tuesday, September 23 | 2:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: Gulf Coast Town Center | Lake Michigan Credit Union
LCSO will be passing out FREE ice cream with their robot dog, Lee Health will be hosting a blood drive, all donors will receive a wellness checkup including blood pressure, temperature, iron count and cholesterol screening. Lee County Domestic Animals will have an on-site adoption event and will be waiting their adoption fee
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Lego (& duplo) Club
Date: Tuesday, September 23 | 4:30 PM-6:30 PM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL
Drop in for this special event and get creative with LEGO building challenges! All materials are provided; just bring your creativity.  This program is intended for children ages 3-11 years.
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Paint-a-Pumpkin Party at Chick-fil-A Estero
Date: Tuesday, September 23 | 5:30 PM-7:30 PM
Location: Chick-fil-A Estero, 21900 S Tamiami Trl, Estero, FL
Join our guest art teacher Jenny Licht for a special event featuring pumpkin painting for kids.
RSVP(free)

Golden Hour Yoga
Date: Tuesday, September 23 | 6:15 PM-7:15 PM
Location: Kava Culture Estero, 10801 Corkscrew Rd , Suite 327, Estero, FL, United States, Florida 33928
Join us for an all-levels yoga class led by Nichole of Renegade Metaphysical! Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just getting started, this class offers plenty of options to make your practice your own. Stretch, breathe, and reset in our cool, breezy corridor—the perfect escape from the heat!
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6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Guided Walk
Date: Wednesday, September 24 | 9:30 AM
Location: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7751 Penzance Boulevard Fort Myers, FL
Guided walks along the boardwalk
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Mom Walk + Play
Date: Wednesday, September 24 | 9:30 AM
Location: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33919
Join the Fort Myers Mom Walk Co group for a walk
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Miss Irene and Miss Patty Storytime
Date: Wednesday, September 24 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples
This Storytime is recommended for birth to age 3 & 1/2 but all are welcome to attend. Children and parents will enjoy sensory singing, stories, fingerplays, puppets and much more.
Event Details

Family Storytime
Date: Wednesday, September 24 | 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33919
This fun and engaging storytime promotes and reinforces early literacy skills and language development through stories, music, movement and activities.
Event Details

Toddler Tales
Date: Wednesday, September 24 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL
Caregivers move and groove with their toddlers during this interactive and high-energy storytime that uses stories, music, movement and rhymes to support language and motor skills.
Event Details

Miss Irene and Miss Patty Storytime
Date: Wednesday, September 24 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples
This Storytime is recommended for birth to age 3 & 1/2 but all are welcome to attend. Children and parents will enjoy sensory singing, stories, fingerplays, puppets and much more.
Event Details

Preschool Storytime
Date: Wednesday, September 24 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Your preschooler will build relationships, meet new friends and develop school readiness skills. This fun and interactive storytime fosters independent thinking and a lifelong love of learning through reading, talking, singing, writing and playing. Children attend this program independently while parents and caregivers wait nearby.
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Wednesday Night Game Night
Date: Wednesday, September 24 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Backyard Social, 16371 Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers, FL
Fun for everyone with free games!  Activities include: -cards and boardgames -beer pong and ping pong -supersmash bros & Mario Kart on big screen -darts, shuffleboard  Food Trucks | Indoor and Outdoor Bar
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Hopsized Brewing Trivia Wednesday
Date: Wednesday, September 24 | 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Hopsized Brewing, 9201 Cockleshell Dr #13, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Free to play! Each round offers a chance to win, and there are special prizes for the top 1st and 2nd place teams overall! Gather your crew and see if you have what it takes to be crowned Trivia champions!
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Music Bingo at Rooftop at Riverside
Date: Wednesday, September 24 | 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Rooftop at Riverside, 27333 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
It’s Bingo with a musical twist! 🎶 Instead of numbers, we’re playing song clips! Free to play and prizes every round!
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Mobile Mammography
Date: Thursday, September 25 | 9:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Florida Blue Fort Myers, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928
A convenient and life-saving opportunity to prioritize your breast health with our Mobile Mammography event!
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Mommy and Me at DNA Academics
Date: Thursday, September 25 | 9:00 AM
Location: 9131 College Parkway Suite 115, Fort Myers, FL
Cost: Free with admission
Join Ms. Lisa and her amazing talents for baking, singing, playing, storytelling, crafting, and more!
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Preschool Sensory Play
Date: Thursday, September 25 | 10:30 AM-11:15 AM
Location: Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Join us for a morning of sensory play for preschoolers. Dress for a mess. All supplies provided. For ages 2 - 5. No registration, but space and supplies are limited.
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Family Storytime
Date: Thursday, September 25 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL
This fun and engaging storytime promotes and reinforces early literacy skills and language development through stories, music, movement and activities.
Event Details

Miss Jen’s Move and Groove Storytime
Date: Thursday, September 25 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples
This family program will provide children the opportunity to move and groove. The program will introduce movement and sensory activities for all ages.
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After School Fun Games
Date: Thursday, September 25 | 3:30 PM-4:30 PM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples
After school fun! Learn to play a card game like “Go Fish” “Slap Jack” “Crazy 8’s” and “UNO”. Instruction will be given on how to play, then kids will have a chance to play a game with other kids.
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Blow-Up Carnival Family Fun Night
Date: Thursday, September 25 | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Location: Bell Tower Shoppes, 13499 S Cleveland Ave Suite 231, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Our blow-up carnival-themed Family Fun Night is packed with oversized fun for all ages— inflatable obstacle courses, carnival games, and more!
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B.E.E.R.R.U.N. Social Run Club
Date: Thursday, September 25 | 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: Millennial Brewing, 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Fort Myers, FL
Running Friends of SWFL hosts a casual run/walk through beautiful Downtown Fort Myers with a new route each week featuring Downtown's most beautiful sights including bridge runs, park runs, and neighborhood runs!   Open to all ages, all skill levels and pets are encouraged!
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Lunch & Learn with LCSO
Date: Thursday, September 25 | 11:30 PM-1:00 PM
Location: LCSO Community Outreach Center, 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Suite 190, Estero
Join the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Guardian Ad Litem Office for an inspiring and informative Lunch & Learn event at Miromar Outlets. Complimentary lunch generously provided by Ford’s Garage of Miromar Outlets
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Painting with Passion
Date: Friday, September 26 | 10:00 AM
Location: Florida Blue Fort Myers, 8041 Plaza del Lago Drive, Estero, FL 33928
Cost: Free
An immersive art event where you can unleash your creativity and explore the vibrant world of painting. Discover the joy of self-expression through brushstrokes and colors in a supportive and inspiring environment.
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Bluey's Fall Festival
Date: Friday, September 26 | 2:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: We Rock the Spectrum, 2648 Tamiami Trl E, Naples, FL 34112
Come play and enjoy pumpkin decorating, apple cider and fall treats, music, crafts, and open play. Bluey meet and greet (Photo op) 3:30-4:30pm only.
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Young Adult Book Bedazzling
Date: Friday, September 26 | 2:30 PM-4:30 PM
Location: Headquarters Regional Branch Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, Florida, 34109
Bring your own book & bedazzle it! Join us for a creative and fun-filled afternoon where you can transform your favorite book into a personalized masterpiece. Just bring a book you’d like to decorate & the library will provide everything else!
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