Top 5 things to do this weekend in SW FL: Stephen King exhibit, singer Eddie Montgomery
Looking for some entertainment in Southwest Florida?
Here are five fun things to do this weekend and beyond, including Montgomery Gentry singer Eddy Montgomery and the Parkland shootings-inspired play 'Bulletproof Backpack." Plus, we look ahead at more things to do in the coming weeks.
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.
1. 'Bulletproof Backpack' at Arts Bonita
Fort Myers’ Florida Repertory Theatre world-premiered this original play in 2021, and now it’s back for a new run in Bonita Springs. Southwest Florida students did research and interviews exploring the topic of school shootings, and then Broadway playwright Eric Coble ("Refugee") crafted that material into a play designed to inspire people and start a conversation about the future. Kody C. Jones came up with the show’s concept and directed the world premiere at Florida Rep. He returns to direct this new production. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, July 21-23. $20-$25 ($10 for students). Arts Bonita (also known as the Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs) performing arts center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artcenterbonita.org
Read more about 'Bulletproof Backpack': Students speak out on school shootings in 2021 world-premiere play
2. Eddie Montgomery at The Ranch
The Montgomery Gentry singer keeps the duo’s country/Southern rock sound alive after the 2017 death of Troy Gentry. Montgomery released his latest solo album, “Ain’t No Closing Me Down,” in 2022. Pure Country opens. Show starts at about 9 p.m. Saturday, July 22. $37-$75. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 985-9839 or theranchfortmyers.com
3. Family Fun Night at Bell Tower
The monthly event features games, face painting, balloon twisting, snacks (including cotton candy) and a mini zoo with live exotic animals. 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 28. Free. Family Fun Night takes place on the fourth Thursday of each month. Bell Tower Shops, 13499 U.S. 41, south Fort Myers. 489-1221 or belltowerfl.com
4. Stephen King art exhibit in Fort Myers
Last chance to see the group art exhibit “Follow the King,” featuring works inspired by legendary horror novelist Stephen King. Now through Thursday, July 27. Free. The Capital Gallery at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., downtown Fort Myers. 333-1933 or sbdac.com
5. Christmas in July at Fort Myers Brewing
Celebrate Christmas early with craft beer (including the eggnog-inspired stout Keg Nog), food trucks, live music and holiday cheer. Plus photo opportunities with Santa and The Grinch. Noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 22. Free. Fort Myers Brewing is also collecting donations of back-to-school supplies for local students through the Guardian ad Litem Foundation. Fort Myers Brewing Co., 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Unit 28, south Fort Myers. 313-6576 or fmbrew.com
MORE THINGS TO DO IN FORT MYERS, CAPE CORAL
Breaking Bad’s Steven Michael Quezada
Actor/comedian Steven Michael Quezada played DEA agent Steven Gomez on the hit TV crime drama “Breaking Bad.” He’s performed stand-up at comedy clubs all over the United States since 1987. Thursday through Saturday, July 20-22. $20-$25 ($40 for dinner and show). Snappers Laugh In Comedy Café, 8595 College Parkway, Unit 270, south Fort Myers. 479-5233 or snapperslaughin.com
'A Chorus Line: Teen Edition'
Older teens and young adults perform the teen version of the classic musical set during a Broadway chorus audition. Friday through Sunday, July 21-23. $15-$20. Performed by Melody Lane Performing Arts Center. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. melodylanepac.com
The F.E.M. Collective returns to downtown Downtown Myers
The female-empowering collective The F.E.M. presents a night of songs and the stories behind them from singer-songwriters Sheena Brook of Fort Myers Beach and Sara Douga of Nashville. Part of the Sounds of Summer concert series. 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 21. $10-$15. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., downtown Fort Myers. 333-1933 or sbdac.com
Fort Myers Music Walk
Downtown Fort Myers comes alive with music at this monthly celebration with bands in the streets and inside the bars and venues. 6-10 p.m. Friday, July 21. Free. Music Walk takes place on the third Friday of each month. Downtown Fort Myers. facebook.com/RiverDistrictAlliance
SWFL Sports Card Show in North Fort Myers
Vendors buy, sell and trade a variety of baseball cards, Pokémon cards and other sports cards and memorabilia, from vintage to modern. The event also features a food truck and giveaways. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 23. $3 (free for ages 12 and younger). Pondella Bingo, 959 Pondella Road, North Fort Myers. 440-5204 or facebook.com/swflcardshow
LOOKING AHEAD
'Joan Sonnenberg: A Retrospective' exhibit
Last chance to see this exhibit of work by 92-year-old Southwest Florida artist Joan Sonnenberg. Her paintings depict mundane, decaying objects; wall graffiti; street people and more. She often creates geometric patterns through reverse etching and stacks up to 10 images on top of each other to make a complex montage of lines, shapes and patterns. Now through Saturday, July 29. Free with a suggested $5 donation. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. 939-2787 or artinlee.org
WWE SuperShow comes to Hertz Arena
WWE wrestlers perform at Hertz Arena, including Cody Rhodes, Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Bianca Belair, Rhea Ripley, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 29. $20-$115. Parking on site is $30 (plus taxes and fees). Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 948-7825 or hertzarena.com
Sneak peek at the new Players Circle Theater
The North Fort Myers theater has moved to a new location on McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers − the former home of New Phoenix Theatre. The professional theater won’t open its first play until October, but people can get a sneak peek at the renovations, learn about future shows and even sign up for discounted subscriptions. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP required. 4-6 p.m. Saturday, July 29. Free. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. RSVP at 800-3292 or jlindsey@playerscircle.org.
John Gidding of HGTV’s 'Curb Appeal' and 'Designed to Sell'
Architectural designer, author and TV personality John Gidding is best known for hosting the HGTV home-renovation shows “Curb Appeal,” “Curb Appeal Xtreme” and “Designed to Sell.” He’ll speak about his new book, "At Home with Nature, a Guide to Sustainable, Natural Landscaping.” Noon Sunday, July 30. Free. Registration suggested. Gidding will also sign and sell copies of the book next door at the Banyan Café in the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. The South Florida Water Management District building, 2301 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. To register and reserve a seat, visit EdisonFord.org.
— Connect with this reporter: Charles Runnells is an arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. For news tips or other entertainment-related matters, call him at 239-335-0368 (for tickets to shows, call the venue) or email him at crunnells@gannett.com. You can also connect with him on Facebook (facebook.com/charles.runnells.7), Twitter (@charlesrunnells) and Instagram (@crunnells1).
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Fort Myers, Cape Coral things to do: Stephen King show, Eddie Montgomery
