What's happening this weekend? Top 5 things to do in Naples

Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News
Updated ·2 min read

Take a look: What's happening in July? Here's our events calendar.

And for our full list of July Fourth events, including the annual parade in Naples, visit naplesnews.com.

5. Independence Day reading

Storyteller Jacob Winge tells his story called “How Skipping School Made a Difference” at the Southwest Florida Storytellers Project event on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at the Norris Community Center in Naples, Fla.
Storyteller Jacob Winge tells his story called “How Skipping School Made a Difference” at the Southwest Florida Storytellers Project event on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at the Norris Community Center in Naples, Fla.

Independence Day Historic Celebration: Kick off the Independence Day weekend with the Estero Historical Society in Estero Park, 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd. At 10 a.m. Saturday, July 1, there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence by local historian Jacob Winge and the Estero Fire Rescue team will raise the flag. https://estero-fl.gov/join-estero-historical-societys-independence-day-celebration-on-july-1/

4. Free Saturday at Naples Zoo

Masamba, a 16-year-old African lion, is seen lounging on a platform in his enclosure at the Naples Zoo on Friday, October 14, 2022, in Naples. FL. Just 17 days after Hurricane Ian swept through Collier County, the Naples Zoo once again opened its doors to the public. Although a few feet of storm surge flooded the zoo, most animals were safely housed in hurricane resistant structures. After some cleanup to the facilities, the zoo was able to once again welcome animal lovers on to the premises.

It's Free Saturday at the Naples Zoo for Collier County residents. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 1. Enter any time, all day long, up until 3:30 p.m. with no coupon required. Proof of residency required for all adults. Visitors younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age. State-issued photo ID with Collier address, like driver's license. If you have an out-of-area photo ID, but own property in Collier, bring a utility or tax bill for a property in Collier County with a matching name photo ID. napleszoo.org

3. Jeff Dye back at Off The Hook

Seattle native Jeff Dye ― who's been on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" and co-starred on the NBC show "Better Late Than Never" ― performs standup at 7 and 9 p.m. Friday, June 30; 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 1, and Sunday, July 2, at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. $25 general admission, plus a fee. offthehookcomedy.com or 239-389-6901

2. Tasting the Tropics

Inside Fogg Cafe at Naples Botanical Gardens.
Inside Fogg Cafe at Naples Botanical Gardens.

Celebrate mangos, coconuts and more fruits during Tasting the Tropics from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, July 1, at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples. The event includes demonstrations, fruit to taste, educator-led tours on the Garden grounds and more. Fogg Café will be open with Garden-inspired menu of fruit-themed specials. Taco Tummy food truck will also have food available for purchase. All Tasting the Tropics activities included with admission. A summer resident discount of $12 for adults and $3 for children, is available to residents of Collier, Lee, and Charlotte counties with qualifying identification. naplesgarden.org

1. July Fourth celebration begins

The Everglades City Independence Day Celebration kicks off the free holiday celebration in Southwest Florida. It begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 1, at Everglades City Hall, 102 Copeland Ave. The day ends with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. The theme of this year’s Independence Day celebration at Everglades City is “100 Years of History."

Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and News-Press. Follow him on Instagram @lacrossewriter and on Twitter @NDN_dosborn.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Things to do in Naples this weekend: July 4 fun, tropical fruit event