Looking for fun things to do this weekend? Our Top 5 events in Fort Myers, Cape Coral area

Bring your friendship bracelets and get ready to dance: There's a Taylor Swift party happening Friday. The reason: The release of T-Swift's new album "The Tortured Poets Department."

But that's not all that's happening in Southwest Florida. Here are five fun things to do this weekend and beyond, including the return of "Hamilton" and the ever-popular Record Store Day.

Plus, we look ahead at more things to do in the coming weeks: Free Comic Book Day, the SWFL Sports Card Mega Show and more.

Broadway in SW Florida: B.B. Mann, Artis-Naples announce musical-theater seasons: Michael Jackson, Les Miz and more

1. 'Hamilton' at B.B. Mann Hall

The musical “Hamilton” opened on Broadway in 2015 and quickly became a national sensation with its rap songs, colorblind casting and biographical story about Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and the other founding fathers of the United States. The blockbuster returns to B.B. Mann after breaking sales records there in 2020. Limited tickets available. April 23-May 5. $52-$180. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com

2. Record Store Day in Fort Myers

UPDATE: Cape Coral's Revolution Records has dropped out of this year's event, citing slower business traffic since Hurricane Ian.

The annual Record Store Day is the biggest, busiest day of the year for many independent U.S. record stores and music fans. Long lines of vinyl lovers show up for sales and limited-edition records. Saturday, April 20. Free. Participating Southwest Florida stores include Record Trader 1, Stellar Records and Joe’s Record Exchange in Fort Myers. recordstoreday.com

3. Pink Floyd tribute Brit Floyd at Hertz Arena

The popular Pink Floyd tribute act celebrates the 30th anniversary of the band's hit 1994 album "The Division Bell." The show includes songs from that album and more, plus a Pink Floyd-style lasers and light show. 8 p.m. Friday, April 19. $45-$65. Parking on site is $30 (no cash). Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero.  948-7825 or hertzarena.com

4. 'Godspell' at Players Circle Theater

The blockbuster musical follows Jesus Christ and his apostles as they tell different parables using games, comedy and an eclectic blend of songs from pop to vaudeville. Now through May 12. $40-$55. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 800-3292 or playerscircletheater.com

5. Taylor Swift Dance Party

Ceremony Brewing hosts this party for Swifties, by Swifties. The fun includes dancing, face painting, specialty drinks and friendship bracelets – all to celebrate Taylor Swift's new album releasing that same day: "The Tortured Poets Department." 8 p.m. to midnight Friday, April 19. $5. Ceremony Brewing, 10441 Packinghouse Lane, Bonita Springs. 221-7849 or ceremonybrewing.com

MORE THINGS TO DO IN LEE COUNTY

‘Ding’ Darling Day at Lakes Park

The 35th-annual conservation carnival returns to Lakes Park with carnival games, prizes, archery, a dunk tank, a rock-climbing wall, crafts, guided bilingual birding walks, a biking tour, live music, food and more. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20. The celebration also observes Earth Day (April 22). Free. Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, south Fort Myers. dingdarlingsociety.org

SWFL Sports Card Mega Show

Buy, sell and trade sports cards, Pokémon collectibles and more at this card show happening on game day for the Mighty Mussels. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21. The baseball game starts at 12:05 p.m. The card show is free with game admission of $10-$13. Hammond Stadium at CenturyLink Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, south Fort Myers. facebook.com/swflcardshow

'The Mango Tree' book talk in Fort Myers

For years, Annabelle Tometich wrote about food and dining for The News-Press, including reviewing restaurants under the pseudonym Jean Le Boeuf. Now she's released her debut book, "The Mango Tree," and has been getting positive reviews and mentions in The New York Times, The Washington Post and other publications. "The Mango Tree" dives deep into her chaotic childhood and her love/hate relationship with her fiery, whip-smart, complicated Filipina mother. Tometich will appear at Barnes & Noble and discuss the memoir with New York Times bestselling author Nathan Hill. 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25. Free. Barnes & Noble Bookseller, 13751 Tamiami Trail, south Fort Myers. annabelletometich.com

Read more: Florida writer makes NY Times, Wash. Post with memoir of fruit, Florida and felony

LOOKING AHEAD

The Harlem Globetrotters at Hertz Arena

The famous basketball wizards dazzle on the court once again. 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2. $22-$125. Parking on site is $15 (no cash accepted) Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 948-7825 or hertzarena.com

Free Comic Book Day in Cape Coral

Get free comics from popular and independent publishers during the annual event at comic shops across the country, including official events at Cape Coral's JP Sports Collectibles and Cool Comics and Games. Check with other Southwest Florida comic shops, as well: They might be hosting unofficial events. Saturday. May 4. Free.  freecomicbookday.com

Southwest Florida Symphony: 70s, 80s & 90s Unplugged

Celebrate the music of the '70s, '80s and '90s with singer/guitarist Andrew Lipke and the always-unplugged Southwest Florida Symphony. The concert includes songs from Nirvana, 10,000 Maniacs, George Michael, Alanis Morissette, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow, The Cranberries and more. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18. $25-$115. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com

− EVENT SUBMISSIONS: Got anything cool happening next weekend or later? I’m always looking for concerts, festivals and other great events for my weekly Top 5 things to do. To be considered, email me the details at crunnells@gannett.com or message me at facebook.com/charles.runnells.7.  

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Taylor Swift party, Hamilton: Things to do this week in Fort Myers area