As Southwest Florida eases into autumn, more events and activities are showing up on local calendars of things to do. Here’s a sample of some that will inspire, educate and make for a fun day. 

HOME AND GARDEN

If you’re dying to see the latest from floor to roof, patio to pool, or dock to deck, then the Home & Garden Shows in Fort Myers and Cape Coral are two events you don’t want to miss. Check out all the latest and greatest in home improvement products, services, landscaping, furnishings, accessories and decorating and remodeling ideas. You may be inspired to formulate some plans for the inside and/or outside of your home. 

11th Annual Home & Garden Show, Cape Coral 

ARTS AND CRAFTS

You’ll find an expansive array of vendors at the Arts & Crafts Fair in Fort Myers, selling all kinds of cool stuff that makes for great décor or gifts. Talented artists sell jewelry, home décor, bath products, candles and more—all in a festive forum. It’s not too early for holiday gift shopping. 

Arts & Crafts Fair- Fort Myers  

FINE ARTS

Voted one of the top 100 art shows in America, the Estero Fine Art Show, since 2008, features quality juried artists. All art is for sale in all disciplines, including painting, clay, glass, fiber, jewelry, wood and sculpture. “There is something for everyone, in all price ranges,” says Patty Narozny, executive director of Hot Works Fine Art, which organizes the show. Plus, there is a youth art competition and budding artist awards for ages 5-13. “On Sunday at 3 pm, there are $250 Youth Art Awards presented at the show as young artists are exposed to the rules and entrepreneurship of doing art shows for a living. Each youth art winner also receives the same, two-foot-long colorful ribbon that the professional artists receive,” says Narozny. Food from local restaurants and music add to the ambiance of this open-air show, which takes place at JetBlue Park at Fenway South. Admission is free, and a $5 parking fee supports the Institute for the Arts & Education (IA&E), the associated nonprofit arm with a focus on visual arts, cultural diversity, community enrichment and fostering art education among youth.  

25th Estero Fine Art Show 

GARDENING 

ECHO is a valuable local resource that teaches people in need around the world how to grow their own food. Locally, ECHO hosts its own Get into Gardening event offering a variety of free workshops and great plant sales. “Specialty tours and Global Farm Tours are available [fee applies],” says communications manager Danielle Flood. Make sure you check out the seeds, books and more at the gift shop. 

Get into Gardening 

HOME AND REMODELING 

Billed as the “Biggest Home Show In Southwest Florida!”, the Fort Myers Home & Remodeling Show offers the opportunity to learn about the latest and greatest in home and remodeling ideas. Whether you are looking to create an open-floor concept, redo a kitchen or bathroom or add a sunroom, this show can inspire and provide some useful tips. Top-name exhibitors, educational seminars and featured giveaways are all part of this popular three-day event held on two consecutive weekends at the Lee Civic Center.  

Ann Marie O’Phelan is a Southwest Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.