October on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel brings long sunny days, happy Halloween hauntings and a hint of cooler temperatures that are right around the corner.
In addition to offering plenty of space for social distancing, great year-round weather, shell-drenched beaches, wildlife, and the sparkling Gulf of Mexico, the area offers lots of new experiences for return guests and first-time visitors. For the latest vacation information, visit www.FortMyers Sanibel.com. In the meantime, don’t miss these things coming up this month:
¦ The 12th annual “Scarecrows in the Park” returns as part of the popular Lakes Park Fall Festival that runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 15-31. The festival includes a pumpkin patch, bounce houses, hayrides, the Halloween Express train, and concessions. Visitors also enjoy Dr. Seuss characters, Harry Potter, Frankenstein, fairy tale characters and more along the paths in the Children’s Garden. For more information, go to www.lakespark.org.
¦ Celebrating the arts and the achievements of student artists, “Wicked Walk” is a collaborative project between Lee County Public Schools, the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, and the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers. From 5:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, the immersive arts experience tours audiences throughout the center where Lee County School students explore spooky stories, classic monsters and horror in theater, dance, song and artwork. Check www.sbdac.com/events for details and tickets.
¦ Plan for more Halloween fun at the SBDAC from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday, Oct. 29. Dress up as your favorite character (there is a prize for the best) and make plans to be at the rooftop Halloween party with music and dancing. For more information, go to www.sbdac.com/halloween party.
¦ Lee County Parks & Recreation hosts “Spooktacular Night at the Estero Park” beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at Estero Community Park. The event includes a “Trunk or Treat” from 5-7 p.m. Children are encouraged to wear costumes and walk from vehicle trunk to trunk to see decorations and collect treats. Awards will be given out for the best decorated trunks/vehicles. “Scoob!” will be the featured Movie in the Park at 7:15 p.m. For details, visit www.leegov.com/parks/ centers/estero.
¦ Celebrate Halloween in genuine vampire seeking fashion with José H. Leal, science director and curator at Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island, by logging in for a virtual lecture at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20. Dr. Leal will unmask the shocking lifestyles of ghastly and bloodcurdling mollusks. Get acquainted with vampire squid and snails, clams that live entombed for life, grave-robbing and corpse-eating snails, parasitic micro mollusks addicted to blood, and other harrowing creatures of the molluscan universe. Find out more at www.shellmuseum.org/lecture-series.
¦ Bring the family and celebrate Halloween in the historic settlement of Koreshan State Park, from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20. Local businesses will offer treats and game, street food, arts and crafts and more. Find all the details at www.friendsofkoreshan.org.
¦ There will be plenty of treats and surprises from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Oct. 31, at Everglades Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs. Children can explore the botanical gardens and interact with more than 300 rescued, rehabilitated, and non-releasable birds and reptiles while visiting “Gator Sweet Tooth” trickor treat stations offered by area businesses. A scavenger hunt and tic-tactoe, a pumpkin toss and an educational boneyard with fossils will also be part of the fun. Costumes are optional but encouraged. Check for details at www.wondergardens.org.
Also happening this month
¦ Latino history outside guided tour at Mound House, Fort Myers Beach: 2 p.m. Oct. 19 and 26 – Learn about the Latino fishing village, known as a rancho, that existed on the shell mound between the ancient Calusa and Anglo-Pioneer eras. Explore the site’s archaeology and history through unearthed clues about this multicultural society. Details and reservations at www.moundhouse.net.
¦ 35th annual Cape Coral Oktoberfest: Oct. 22-24 and 29-31 – Presented by the German American Club, this lively event includes nonstop German music and entertainment, three stages, two dance floors, food, sit-down dinners, a carnival area for kids, crafts, vendors, and exhibitors. Check www.capecoral oktoberfest.com for more information. ¦
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