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. 

Featuring James Pryor, Judy Becker, Jean Camposano, Nancy Norman, Joel Shapses, and Dick James

October 5-November 24, 2026

La Petite Galerie:

(November) Vera Ripley (November 2 – December 1, 2026) 

Receptions November 10, 2026 5:30pm-7pm

Packing Up Polly

November 5-22, 2026

By Leslie Kimbell

Directed by Hyla Crane

Polly Porter, famous 1970’s gospel singer of the group POLLY PORTER & THE PRAISE HIS NAME SINGERS, has gone on up to heaven. Her daughter, Caroline, has come home to Savannah, Georgia, to pack up Miss Polly’s house but there is just one little problem (or two or three): Miss Polly was an extreme hoarder of epic proportions, Caroline’s useless siblings are totally MIA, and her three best friends from high school, former co-cheerleaders, have all shown up…UNANNOUNCED! Lizzy now owns the Miss Georgia Belle Pageantry system, Donna Jo is the local community theatre diva, and Becca is having a late in life geriatric pregnancy with baby girl number five. The gospel music plays and the margaritas pour as the four ladies laugh, cry, scream, and COME TOGTHER to pack up Miss Polly’s house, heal old wounds, and make new plans for their future.

AN EVENING WITH DANNY SINOFF – The Stardust Memories Big Band

November 9 @ 7 p.m. – Cambier Park, Naples

Pianist, vocalist and band leader Danny Sinoff presents an evening of some of your favorite vocals from The Great American Songbook and Broadway.  Hear The Song is You, All the Way, Hello Young Lovers, Just in Time, Come Rain or Come Shine, Where or When, Pennies From Heaven, Night and Day and many, many more.

Bring your lawn chairs for an exciting evening of big band music under the stars!

$10 Per Person Suggested Contribution

www.stardustmemoriesbigband.com

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.

Leslie Cartaya, a talented Cuban singer and songwriter, was born in Havana, Cuba, where her love for music blossomed from a young age. Growing up in a tight-knit family that often spent warm afternoons improvising melodies, Leslie was immersed in the sounds of Cuban music, jazz, and American funk, which later shaped her artistic identity. Singing became her therapy, a way to express her emotions—joy, passion, sadness, and even melancholy.

Her musical journey began with her first album No Pares, a 19-track production where she took on the roles of co-producer and musical arranger. Out of the 19 tracks, 18 were written by Leslie herself, with one bolero included as a nod to her Cuban heritage. The album, blending Caribbean, Afro-American, Afro-Latin, and Latin American rhythms, earned her widespread recognition, and it reached as high as fifth place on the Miami Latin Reverbnation Charts. The official CD release concert took place at the Miami Dade County Auditorium on April 18 as part of the Miami on Stage series, sponsored by Fundarte.

Leslie’s roots in music go deep, influenced by Cuban and Brazilian traditions, and she was taught early on by her cousins, who played the guitar while she sang nursery rhymes. Her formal training included studies at the National School of Arts in Cuba, where she graduated in Choral Conducting. Her musical path also saw her collaborate with her cousin, José Pepín Rivero, before joining the group Palo in 2003. As the lead vocalist of Palo, she fused Cuban and African-American styles and gained recognition for her unique voice.

In 2013, Leslie decided to launch her solo career, traveling to Panama to promote No Pares. Since then, she has become a celebrated figure in the Latin music world, known for her mix of salsa, tropical music, and bolero. She has performed in numerous countries, including Puerto Rico, Panama, Venezuela, Peru, and Costa Rica, and appeared on popular TV programs like Sábado Gigante.

Leslie’s musical catalog includes hits such as:

• “Baila”
• “No Pares”
• “Improvisado”
• “Se Va”
• “Abrázame”
• “Esa Es Mi Tierra”
• “Olvidarte”
• “La Candela”
• “Bolero Blue”
• “Lo Mejor de Mis Locuras”

In addition to No Pares, Leslie released her second album Llévame Contigo in 2015, featuring collaborations with Latin artists like Latin Frest and Descemer Bueno. Songs from this album include:

• “Improvisando”
• “Yo Quiero Tu Amor”
• “Por Verte”

In 2018, she released more singles such as “Baila” and “Llévame Contigo”, followed by tracks like “Quédate Conmigo”, “Cuando Todo Pase”, and “Sonríe Y Calla” in 2020. Between 2021 and 2023, Leslie continued to release hits, including “Te Vas”, “Relax”, and a version of “Yo Viviré”, originally by Cuban legend Celia Cruz. Her music has reached international audiences, particularly in countries like Mexico, Spain, Colombia, and the United States.

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!

Here’s a preview of what your website’s text will look like by default. You can also adjust the typography of most elements separately. Note that the Font Size setting affects all the sizes defined in “rem” units, that is, almost all areas of your site.

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. 

Here’s a preview of what your website’s text will look like by default. You can also adjust the typography of most elements separately. Note that the Font Size setting affects all the sizes defined in “rem” units, that is, almost all areas of your site.

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.

Enjoy this fun and informative class designed to help you identify birds around you. Oriented toward the beginning birder, this workshop explores how to use birds’ plumage, shape, behavior and habitat to recognize various species. Practice using your binoculars and field guides as you tour the paved paths of Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, led by local expert biologists from Audubon Florida and Rookery Bay Research Reserve.

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 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.

Join us for a jolly good time at Rookery Bay’s Holiday Hootenanny on December 5th! Enjoy a day of holiday cheer as you browse unique nature-inspired gifts in our Nature Store. Perfect for everyone on your list! Sip on light refreshments and soak in the festive spirit surrounded by the beauty of Rookery Bay.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., meet author Susan Levine as she celebrates the launch of her newest book, Rookery Rescue! Susan will also have fan favorites Jenny’s First Catch and Gilbert’s Migration Vacation available for fans of all ages to enjoy.

It pays to pre-register! Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children at the door, but pre-register online and save $1 per person.

Don’t miss this one-day-only holiday celebration filled with festive fun activities, special savings, refreshments, and wonderful nature-inspired gifts. Pre-register today and make the most of the Holiday Hootenanny!

All proceeds from the nature store and admissions support education, conservation and research at Rookery Bay Research Reserve.

“Mud and Mistletoe” Clay Guild Exhibition

December 7, 2026- January 5, 2027

Mini Masters (Rush Gallery) – Intake December 4, 2026

Mini Masters is a fundraiser for Art Center programs that will sell small pieces for the set price of $50 from local artists.  The intake sheet for artist donations and participation can be found on our Call To Artists page Here Mini Masters will be featured in Rush Gallery during “Mud and Mistletoe” Clay Exhibition.

La Petite Galerie

Hannah Ineson December 7, 2026-January 5, 2027 

Reception December 8, 2026 5:30 pm-7 pm

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.

FLOAT

December 9-20, 2026

By Patricia Kane

Directed by Amy Saad

The industrious members of the Budapest Women’s Club (pronounced Bu-DAP-est) come together for an annual tradition: the crafting of the holiday parade float. But under the surface of this pleasant gathering, the women find themselves grappling with sexuality, betrayal, and their own hard and fast notions of right and wrong. In this ode to the complicated undercurrents of Midwestern morality, you’ll meet Marty, Luce, Char, Arletta, and Doodee — five women who face the tests life presents to them with laughter, love, and a lot of fake snow.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.