The art gallery hosts several exhibitions each year. A partnership with the United Arts Collier brings annual exhibitions of painting, photography and mixed media by artists from Collier and Lee County. The exhibits are juried by local art experts and follow Rookery Bay’s environmental mission with a central theme of plants, waters and wildlife of Southwest Florida. Most works are available for purchase.

Discover the lasting contributions of the little-known chapter in American and Mexican history that helped sustain the United States transportation network during World War II. Explore the origins of the Railroad Bracero Project, the journey of workers from Mexico to the United States, and their demanding work maintaining the nation’s railways during wartime efforts.

This exhibit is part of Honorando Nuestra Historia, a month-long celebration running from September 15 to October 15. 

Celebrate the Halloween season with family-friendly spooky crafts at the Naples Depot Museum then stop next door to visit our friends at the Naples Lionel Train Museum and ride the Halloween train for a fee. Join us the last two weekends of October for no tricks all treats at the Naples Depot Museum.

Explore your wild side through nature-themed crafts!

Join us on Saturdays for fun, self-guided, family-friendly crafting activities inspired by nature. Each month features a new theme and all supplies are included with admission … just bring your creativity!

FREE with Admission to Environmental Learning Center

Discover the wonders of nature every Saturday at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center! Science Saturdays make it easy and fun for kids and adults to get hands on and learn more about the wildlife, habitats and environment of coastal Southwest Florida.

Each Saturday features a nature or science theme with fun, self-guided activities, crafts, puzzles and activity sheets as well as additional science-based experiences using microscopes, doing nature experiments and making scientific discoveries. Themes range from fabulous fish and mangroves to marine debris, native and invasive wildlife and other topics inspired by the natural world and the research happening at Rookery Bay Research Reserve. There is something for all ages to discover and enjoy!

On the second Saturday of each month, when admission to the Environmental Learning Center is free, an expanded variety of Science Saturday activities and crafts will be available.

Celebrate the Halloween season with family-friendly spooky crafts at the Naples Depot Museum then stop next door to visit our friends at the Naples Lionel Train Museum and ride the Halloween train for a fee. Join us the last two weekends of October for no tricks all treats at the Naples Depot Museum.

Celebrate the Halloween season with family-friendly spooky crafts at the Naples Depot Museum then stop next door to visit our friends at the Naples Lionel Train Museum and ride the Halloween train for a fee. Join us the last two weekends of October for no tricks all treats at the Naples Depot Museum.

Explore your wild side through nature-themed crafts!

Join us on Saturdays for fun, self-guided, family-friendly crafting activities inspired by nature. Each month features a new theme and all supplies are included with admission … just bring your creativity!

FREE with Admission to Environmental Learning Center

Discover the wonders of nature every Saturday at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center! Science Saturdays make it easy and fun for kids and adults to get hands on and learn more about the wildlife, habitats and environment of coastal Southwest Florida.

Each Saturday features a nature or science theme with fun, self-guided activities, crafts, puzzles and activity sheets as well as additional science-based experiences using microscopes, doing nature experiments and making scientific discoveries. Themes range from fabulous fish and mangroves to marine debris, native and invasive wildlife and other topics inspired by the natural world and the research happening at Rookery Bay Research Reserve. There is something for all ages to discover and enjoy!

On the second Saturday of each month, when admission to the Environmental Learning Center is free, an expanded variety of Science Saturday activities and crafts will be available.

Celebrate the Halloween season with family-friendly spooky crafts at the Naples Depot Museum then stop next door to visit our friends at the Naples Lionel Train Museum and ride the Halloween train for a fee. Join us the last two weekends of October for no tricks all treats at the Naples Depot Museum.

Discover the lasting contributions of the little-known chapter in American and Mexican history that helped sustain the United States transportation network during World War II. Explore the origins of the Railroad Bracero Project, the journey of workers from Mexico to the United States, and their demanding work maintaining the nation’s railways during wartime efforts.

This exhibit is part of Honorando Nuestra Historia, a month-long celebration running from September 15 to October 15. 

Set against the backdrop of the picturesque mangrove forests of Rookery Bay, this indoor slow-flow yoga class is designed to deepen your connection with your body. Instructor Jen Wyatt takes inspiration from nature-rooted places to create sacred practices that awaken your physical senses, aliveness, and authentic expression. Open to all levels, this class leaves you feeling more open, balanced, and grounded, with strength and flexibility arriving as natural gifts along the way. Just as the serene estuaries of Rookery Bay provide refuge for the fish who call it home, Jen invites attendees to explore the meditative spaces you find when you return to the wild.

Experience Art After Dark in the Naples Art District! Meet talented local artists in their working studios and explore an exciting variety of original artwork available for purchase or commission. Light refreshments will be served.

During the event hours, go to the home page of naplesartdistrict.com and click STUDIOS OPEN NOW to find participating studios and galleries.

Pick up a free catalog in any of our studios and galleries.

Free admission.

Get creative with watercolor while celebrating the “Spirit Animals of Rookery Bay”! These fun, no-stress classes are perfect for both beginners and experienced artists. With all supplies provided and friendly guidance from local artist Jan, you’ll explore color, technique and wildlife inspiration, without the pressure. Each session ends with a beautiful, matted painting to take home. All supplies included.

Application Form is required at  www.rookerybay.org/make-a-difference/volunteer

Looking for a meaningful way to give back, meet new people, and connect with nature? Join us for a Volunteer Orientation and discover how you can become part of a welcoming community dedicated to protecting Southwest Florida’s coastal environment. No experience is necessary to volunteer. Rookery Bay has a robust training program for any department of interest.

Meet staff and current volunteers, tour the Environmental Learning Center, and learn about volunteer opportunities in education, research, conservation, facilities, visitor services, special events, and the Pollinator Garden and grounds keeping. Whether you’re interested in working with people, wildlife, or behind the scenes, there’s a volunteer opportunity for almost every interest and schedule. Volunteer work in the Pollinator Garden is especially needed this time of year.

As a Rookery Bay volunteer, you’ll become part of a close-knit community and enjoy exclusive opportunities, including volunteer appreciation celebrations, Noontime Knowledge presentations with guest speakers and special behind-the-scenes experiences.

To register, complete a volunteer application at www.rookerybay.org/make-a-difference/volunteer and select an upcoming orientation date, or contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@rookerybay.org.

Experience the creative energy of the Naples Art District, where our artists invite you into their working studios and galleries. Find Art for every taste and budget, with opportunities to purchase or commission a custom piece made just for you. This immersive experience invites visitors to see, learn and connect in Southwest Florida’s most vibrant creative community. Every Thursday and Saturday, November through April.( No Open Studio events on November 26, 28 or December 24, 26 or 31st.)

During the event time, go to the home page of naplesartdistrict.com and click STUDIOS OPEN NOW to find participating studios and galleries.

Pick up a free catalog in any of our studios and galleries.

Free admission.

Explore your wild side through nature-themed crafts!

Join us on Saturdays for fun, self-guided, family-friendly crafting activities inspired by nature. Each month features a new theme and all supplies are included with admission … just bring your creativity!

FREE with Admission to Environmental Learning Center

Discover the wonders of nature every Saturday at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center! Science Saturdays make it easy and fun for kids and adults to get hands on and learn more about the wildlife, habitats and environment of coastal Southwest Florida.

Each Saturday features a nature or science theme with fun, self-guided activities, crafts, puzzles and activity sheets as well as additional science-based experiences using microscopes, doing nature experiments and making scientific discoveries. Themes range from fabulous fish and mangroves to marine debris, native and invasive wildlife and other topics inspired by the natural world and the research happening at Rookery Bay Research Reserve. There is something for all ages to discover and enjoy!

On the second Saturday of each month, when admission to the Environmental Learning Center is free, an expanded variety of Science Saturday activities and crafts will be available.

Enjoy a slow, quiet, guided-sensory and meditative experience in nature at Rookery Bay Research Reserve. A Certified Forest Bathing Guide will conduct a guided-meditation session and offer a series of invitations to use your curiosity and senses to connect with nature and yourself. Look, listen, smell and feel what the forest is offering you.

Experience the creative energy of the Naples Art District, where our artists invite you into their working studios and galleries. Find Art for every taste and budget, with opportunities to purchase or commission a custom piece made just for you. This immersive experience invites visitors to see, learn and connect in Southwest Florida’s most vibrant creative community. Every Thursday and Saturday, November through April.( No Open Studio events on November 26, 28 or December 24, 26 or 31st.)

During the event time, go to the home page of naplesartdistrict.com and click STUDIOS OPEN NOW to find participating studios and galleries.

Pick up a free catalog in any of our studios and galleries.

Free admission.

Experience the creative energy of the Naples Art District, where our artists invite you into their working studios and galleries. Find Art for every taste and budget, with opportunities to purchase or commission a custom piece made just for you. This immersive experience invites visitors to see, learn and connect in Southwest Florida’s most vibrant creative community. Every Thursday and Saturday, November through April.( No Open Studio events on November 26, 28 or December 24, 26 or 31st.)

During the event time, go to the home page of naplesartdistrict.com and click STUDIOS OPEN NOW to find participating studios and galleries.

Pick up a free catalog in any of our studios and galleries.

Free admission.

Florida Southwestern State College

7505 Grand Lely Drive, Naples

$10 Adults, $5 Children ages 4-12, Free Children under 3

Car enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The 8th Annual Rookery Bay Classic Car Show returns this November with an impressive display of more than 100 antique, classic, muscle, exotic and high-performance cars. Presented by Carter Fence in support of Friends of Rookery Bay, this popular Naples tradition also features more than 20 vendors, entertainment and family- and dog-friendly activities throughout the day. Admission also includes same-day entry to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center.

The Friends of Rookery Bay is Florida’s largest Citizen Support Organization (CSO) among Florida Aquatic Preserves and National Estuarine Research Reserves and provides financial support to Rookery Bay Research Reserve’s conservation, education and research work

Explore your wild side through nature-themed crafts!

Join us on Saturdays for fun, self-guided, family-friendly crafting activities inspired by nature. Each month features a new theme and all supplies are included with admission … just bring your creativity!

FREE with Admission to Environmental Learning Center

Discover the wonders of nature every Saturday at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center! Science Saturdays make it easy and fun for kids and adults to get hands on and learn more about the wildlife, habitats and environment of coastal Southwest Florida.

Each Saturday features a nature or science theme with fun, self-guided activities, crafts, puzzles and activity sheets as well as additional science-based experiences using microscopes, doing nature experiments and making scientific discoveries. Themes range from fabulous fish and mangroves to marine debris, native and invasive wildlife and other topics inspired by the natural world and the research happening at Rookery Bay Research Reserve. There is something for all ages to discover and enjoy!

On the second Saturday of each month, when admission to the Environmental Learning Center is free, an expanded variety of Science Saturday activities and crafts will be available.

Must show drivers’ license or proof of address

Enjoy the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center for free on the second Saturday of the month. Everything on this day is free to experience including aquariums, touch tanks with marine critters, natural history, environmental and wildlife exhibits, art gallery, picnic area, guided walking trails, butterfly garden and a scenic overlook bridge.

Come hang out in the fort for a trailblazing good time learning how to pioneer! Bring your muscles to churn your own little batch of butter to take home, a candle-making station, campfire cooking tutorials, learn some rope-knotting techniques including loops, hitches, and bends! …And it’s a perfect time of year to remind us of the “Three Sisters” planting method begun by many different Indigenous peoples including the Seminoles and carried on through the pioneers and even today.

This event is free!

Experience the creative energy of the Naples Art District, where our artists invite you into their working studios and galleries. Find Art for every taste and budget, with opportunities to purchase or commission a custom piece made just for you. This immersive experience invites visitors to see, learn and connect in Southwest Florida’s most vibrant creative community. Every Thursday and Saturday, November through April.( No Open Studio events on November 26, 28 or December 24, 26 or 31st.)

During the event time, go to the home page of naplesartdistrict.com and click STUDIOS OPEN NOW to find participating studios and galleries.

Pick up a free catalog in any of our studios and galleries.

Free admission.

Experience the creative energy of the Naples Art District, where our artists invite you into their working studios and galleries. Find Art for every taste and budget, with opportunities to purchase or commission a custom piece made just for you. This immersive experience invites visitors to see, learn and connect in Southwest Florida’s most vibrant creative community. Every Thursday and Saturday, November through April.( No Open Studio events on November 26, 28 or December 24, 26 or 31st.)

During the event time, go to the home page of naplesartdistrict.com and click STUDIOS OPEN NOW to find participating studios and galleries.

Pick up a free catalog in any of our studios and galleries.

Free admission.

Experience the creative energy of the Naples Art District, where our artists invite you into their working studios and galleries. Find Art for every taste and budget, with opportunities to purchase or commission a custom piece made just for you. This immersive experience invites visitors to see, learn and connect in Southwest Florida’s most vibrant creative community. Every Thursday and Saturday, November through April.( No Open Studio events on November 26, 28 or December 24, 26 or 31st.)

During the event time, go to the home page of naplesartdistrict.com and click STUDIOS OPEN NOW to find participating studios and galleries.

Pick up a free catalog in any of our studios and galleries.

Free admission.

THIRD THURSDAYS LECTURE SERIES:
Visit the Museum of the Everglades every third Thursday for a local history lecture. Museum of the Everglades | 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Born in 1920, well before a road connected Florida’s coast through the watery wilderness of the Everglades, Buffalo Tiger grew up in a traditional camp and later learned both the language and business practices of Florida’s non-indigenous settlers at a tourist attraction in Miami called Musa Isle Village. His fluency in English allowed him to act as interpreter for Tribal elders during the U.S. Government’s Indian Termination initiative and his experience with economic strategy and diplomacy helped him guide the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida through their separation from the Seminoles ultimately becoming his Tribe’s first elected leader. Join us as Museum Manager Thomas Lockyear, using Buffalo Tiger’s award-winning autobiography as his primary source, celebrates the amazing life of this indigenous leader.

This event is free.

Explore your wild side through nature-themed crafts!

Join us on Saturdays for fun, self-guided, family-friendly crafting activities inspired by nature. Each month features a new theme and all supplies are included with admission … just bring your creativity!

FREE with Admission to Environmental Learning Center

Discover the wonders of nature every Saturday at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center! Science Saturdays make it easy and fun for kids and adults to get hands on and learn more about the wildlife, habitats and environment of coastal Southwest Florida.

Each Saturday features a nature or science theme with fun, self-guided activities, crafts, puzzles and activity sheets as well as additional science-based experiences using microscopes, doing nature experiments and making scientific discoveries. Themes range from fabulous fish and mangroves to marine debris, native and invasive wildlife and other topics inspired by the natural world and the research happening at Rookery Bay Research Reserve. There is something for all ages to discover and enjoy!

On the second Saturday of each month, when admission to the Environmental Learning Center is free, an expanded variety of Science Saturday activities and crafts will be available.

If you want to get the best pictures possible, and truly understand your camera’s features, this workshop is for you. This class covers the essentials of your digital camera to help you capture and display the Reason, Emotion and Vision, why you decided to capture the image in the first place. You will learn how to use your camera’s shutter, aperture, ISO control, and the drive modes to create images with impact and creativity. Sonny Saunders has over 35 years of experience in photography and instruction and is renowned for his ability to communicate to a wide variety of students. No previous camera or photography experience is necessary, just a desire to learn.

Experience the creative energy of the Naples Art District, where our artists invite you into their working studios and galleries. Find Art for every taste and budget, with opportunities to purchase or commission a custom piece made just for you. This immersive experience invites visitors to see, learn and connect in Southwest Florida’s most vibrant creative community. Every Thursday and Saturday, November through April.( No Open Studio events on November 26, 28 or December 24, 26 or 31st.)

During the event time, go to the home page of naplesartdistrict.com and click STUDIOS OPEN NOW to find participating studios and galleries.

Pick up a free catalog in any of our studios and galleries.

Free admission.

Experience Rookery Bay Research Reserve like never before, this time under the moonlight! Join Rookery Bay biologists for magical evening walks beneath the full moon, where the wild world comes to life after dark. As the sun sets, explore the trails (Pactor Raised Platform Boardwalk or the ELC Snail Trail) and tune in to the sounds of birds settling down and night creatures waking up. From flying bats to croaking frogs and unusual nocturnal insects, you never know what might be seen under the stars and moonlight. Perfect for nature lovers, night owls and the curious of all ages. This monthly moonlit adventure only happens from October through May, don’t miss out! Register now!

Explore your wild side through nature-themed crafts!

Join us on Saturdays for fun, self-guided, family-friendly crafting activities inspired by nature. Each month features a new theme and all supplies are included with admission … just bring your creativity!

Discover the lasting contributions of the little-known chapter in American and Mexican history that helped sustain the United States transportation network during World War II. Explore the origins of the Railroad Bracero Project, the journey of workers from Mexico to the United States, and their demanding work maintaining the nation’s railways during wartime efforts.

This exhibit is part of Honorando Nuestra Historia, a month-long celebration running from September 15 to October 15. 

Explore your wild side through nature-themed crafts!

Join us on Saturdays for fun, self-guided, family-friendly crafting activities inspired by nature. Each month features a new theme and all supplies are included with admission … just bring your creativity!

Puccini’s poignant score follows the tragic tale of Cio Cio San, a young Japanese girl who falls in love with American naval officer Pinkerton, with devastating consequences.

Set in early 20th-century Nagasaki, Japan, Madama Butterfly explores themes of love, heartbreak, betrayal, and cultural differences. This tragic love story starts with an arranged marriage between a young Geisha, Cio-Cio-San, also known as Butterfly, and an American naval officer, Pinkerton. Shortly after their wedding, Pinkerton abandons Butterfly and returns to America; it becomes clear he had deemed the marriage temporary. Years later, Pinkerton returns to Japan with his new wife and learns that Butterfly has since given birth to their child. Upon learning that Pinkerton has a new wife and won’t live in Japan with Butterfly, she agrees to give up her son and commits hara-kiri.

Featuring unforgettable arias like the iconic “Un bel dì” and the tender “Flower Duet,” performed with full orchestra, chorus, and world-class soloists, bringing Madama Butterfly to life in all its emotional beauty.

Why did the cowboy decorate his Christmas tree with spurs? Because he wanted it to have a real “kick!” Embracing the sweet charm of pioneer life on the ranch, join us to make festive ornaments you can take home to adorn your tree. As the air is filled of the smell of magnolia and pine, remember to join the line to take photos with Santa!

Celebrate the festive season with us at our annual Cowboy Christmas event to lift the holiday spirit in Immokalee!

THIRD THURSDAYS LECTURE SERIES:
Visit the Museum of the Everglades every third Thursday for a local history lecture. Museum of the Everglades | 2:00 – 3:00 PM

At one time known as “the most photographed man in the United States, hermit Roy Ozmer became a tourist attraction at his home on Pelican Key in the 1950s. Easily identified by his omnipresent red beret, Ozmer’s image appears in hundreds of photos of the era taken by amateurs and professionals alike. Visitors to his island retreat enjoyed the sophomoric humor of his folk art signage – including one that said “Gypsy Rose Lee slept here” over his door after a visit from her and other cast members of “Wind Across the Everglades” filming nearby remained unaware that he was a skilled writer published in a variety of national magazines. A respected naturalist in early chapters of his life, Ozmer helped chart the route of the Appalachian Trail through the state of Georgia and beyond. Join us as Museum Manager Thomas Lockyear unwinds the complex and often tragic story of this reclusive, rustic celebrity.

This event is free.

It’s a winter wonderland at the Naples Depot Museum as we deck the Depot in festive décor! The month-long extravaganza features holiday decorations throughout the museum with holiday crafts on select dates.

It’s a winter wonderland at the Naples Depot Museum as we deck the Depot in festive décor! The month-long extravaganza features holiday decorations throughout the museum with holiday crafts on select dates.

Holiday celebrations differ from generation to generation, and the traditions of yesteryear can fade, what remains the same is the nostalgia that brings us together and the desire to share joy in pastimes that celebrate the past, present, and future. We’ll be making dried orange slices and pine garlands encouraging using the natural resources around us to add decor during this festive season and also indulging in crafts from the glitzy Mid-century Modern era. Discover all the ways Jell-O was used with various foods and take-home recipe cards to try these indulgences at home! Bring your family in and share your joy making some homemade holiday cards, ornaments, and decorations set in and around the Cottage all decked out for Christmas!

This event is free!