Southwest Florida beaches have some of the softest, finest sand, which makes it the PERFECT medium for sandsculpting events and competitions. This November, two Florida beach towns will be hosting these events that the public is welcome to attend.
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Find out what’s happening on Fort Myers Beach by checking the FMB Chamber Event Calendar below.
For specific information on live music or happy hours at FMB Chamber member restaurants, visit their Live Music page or Happy Hour Page.
They also have a list of our upcoming networking events for those who are interested.
https://www.fortmyersbeach.org/events/
Incoming owner Amy Ginsburg with Joel and Carol Notes, long-time owners of Cape Cabaret
A popular Cape Coral entertainment venue is coming under new ownership.
Cape Cabaret, a vibrant hot-spot featuring multiple performance spaces under one roof, will continue operating without interruption under new local ownership beginning Sept. 1.
Joel and Carol Notes have sold the bus
iness to longtime Cape Coral resident, arts advocate and entrepreneur Amy Ginsburg following several weeks of discussions about preserving the venue’s staff, artists and community legacy.
“Under Ginsburg’s ownership, Cape Cabaret will continue its current programming while gradually expanding entertainment offerings to include additional tribute productions, nationally touring artists, cultural events and community partnerships designed to strengthen Cape Coral’s growing arts and entertainment district,” a release announcing the sale states.
Guests with existing reservations or tickets will experience no interruption in operations, and current employees and scheduled performers will continue as planned during the ownership transition, officials said.
“Cape Cabaret was one of our passions in life,” said current owner Joel Notes. “We had the opportunity to bring live entertainment to Cape Coral for 10 years, and it worked out just beautifully. Now we’re ready to transition into the next stage of our life, but we’re taking wonderful memories with us.”
Ginsburg said she was overjoyed to announce that she has purchased Cape Cabaret, “Cape Coral’s only multi-auditorium entertainment venue!”
“Owning a business like this has been my dream for as long as I can remember,” Ginsburg said. “It’s remarkable how the right opportunities and people materialize at precisely the right time. Joel and Carol have perfected the recipe for success at Cape Cabaret. Other than a pinch or dash of unique entertainment flavor, I have every intention of following their recipe. This will continue to be the same Cape Cabaret everyone knows and loves.”
Ginsburg, a Cape resident for more than four decades, is the founder of Cut the Chord Entertainment, “a boutique talent management and booking agency representing touring artists and connecting them with orchestras, presenters and performing arts centers throughout the United States.”
She also serves as president of Cape Arts Network, Cape Coral’s arts alliance, and is “committed to strengthening the city’s arts and cultural identity through collaboration, live performance and community engagement.”
Ginsburg, who has worked in orchestral music in Southwest Florida for 20 years, said having an accessible venue is always at the top of the list for those in the industry.
“When you have that, that’s a big piece of the puzzle when it comes to being able to exercise creative muscles,” she said. “If you have your owns space, you have all the dates you could ever want and the ability to be creative. That’s all I ever wanted out of music, was creativity.”
Ginsburg has attended and even performed at Cape Cabaret over the years, and is excited to now be at the helm.
“It’s a model that works,” she said. “It’s consistently busy. What’s there works. I have no intention of taking that away from a community that clearly wants it. But, there’s definitely room to add and enhance programming.”
Ginsburg said she has a love for what she calls classical crossover — where popular and classical music are combined by artists.
“I definitely plan to bring programs like that here,” she said. “There are a handful of artists I work with who are really good at making classical music relevant to audiences that otherwise probably wouldn’t have a relationship with it. There are multimedia programs that are compact enough that they can fit in a space like Cape Cabaret.
“There are programs that I’m sure haven’t occurred to me yet, and are artists that will cross my path an I’ll go, ‘Yeah, you know what, let’s try it.’
“It’s going to be a great place to workshop concept programs. My hope is that this will be a space for a lot of world premieres. We test drive things here and then we send them out to the world for everybody else to love them.”
Joel and Carol Notes have been Southwest Florida residents since 2000.
Before relocating to Florida, Joel spent many years in commercial real estate and retail in the Washington D.C. area, learning the ropes from his father. His desire to explore new industries led him to purchase Sandy Parrot and The Buddha in addition to shopping centers in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, the release states.
The Notes bought the former Italian American Club building in 2015 and Joel and Carol spent nearly two years renovating.
It has served the Cape as Cape Cabaret for more than a decade as the only venue of its kind in the city.
“(The Notes) threw their heart and soul into this venue,” Ginsburg said. “They are just good people. The people who work here love them.”
Ginsburg said the staff is being retained, calling them, “amazing, dedicated, and hardworking.”
Cape Cabaret is at 4725 Vincennes Blvd. in the South Cape.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include more information provided by the incoming owner, Amy Ginsburg.
Feature courtesy CAPE CORAL BREEZE/BREEZE NEWSPAPERS
The Island Hopper Songwriter’s Fest announced Michael Ray will headline the closing pool-party performance on Sunday, Sept. 27, at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach.
A Florida native, Ray has three No. 1 country songs, “Kiss You in the Morning,” “Think a Little Less” and “Whiskey and Rain.” Ray is known for blending traditional country with modern radio appeal. His 2018 album, “Amos,” named after his grandfather, produced hits like “Her World or Mine” and “One That Got Away.”
The Islander Hopper Songwriter’s Fest will return to the Pink Shell Beach Resort on Sunday, Sept. 27. File photo
The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest also announced LOCASH will perform at the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest in the new “Stars on the River” concert on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in downtown Fort Myers.
Fresh off their third album, “Bet the Farm,” the popular duo will bring their signature style to the Island Hopper stage with BMI singer-songwriter Alexandra Kay as the opening performance.
Blending country energy with beach vibes, LOCASH is riding high from the summer anthem, “Let the Country Music Play.” Released as a collaboration with Parmalee, the song is a country reimagining of Rupert Holmes’ 1970 classic, “Escape (The Pina Colada Song).”
Known for their platinum breakout hits “I Love This Life” and “Hometown Home,” LOCASH singer-songwriters Preston Burst and Chris Lucas have earned eight charting singles and more than 1 billion combined streams.
LOCASH and Michael Ray add to an already exciting lineup including Edwin McCain who will be headlining Island Hopper’s “Westin Unplugged” Monday, Sept. 21, at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village in Cape Coral.
While most Island Hopper shows are free, the LOCASH, Michael Ray and Edwin McCain performances, along with a few other experiences, will be ticketed. Those include the ACMA Showcase at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers, a sunset cruise on Fort Myers Beach and dinner experiences at Gather in Cape Coral and Luminary Hotel & Co. in downtown Fort Myers. Stay tuned for upcoming details at Islandhopperfest.com.
In addition to the headlining performances, more than 60 BMI singer-songwriters will perform more than 80 performances during the 10-day music fest. Be sure to catch a live Island Hopper Songwriters Fest performance at these four locations around the Fort Myers area:
Captiva Island, Sept. 18-20
Cape Coral, Sept. 21-22
Downtown Fort Myers, Sept. 23-24
Fort Myers Beach, Sept. 25-27
In its 12th year, Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, named one of the Top 5 music fests by USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, gives fans the opportunity to see the country’s top singer-songwriters perform up close with a tropical setting as the backdrop.
For the full lineup and ticket information, download the Island Hopper app or visit Islandhopperfest.com.
Feature courtesy Fort Myers Beach Observer/BREEZE NEWSPAPERS
The Fort Myers Philharmonic will open its 2026-2027 season with a moving tribute to the heroes of Sept. 11 and the first responders who continue to serve our community.
“Honoring First Responders,” under the direction of Music Director Paul Nadler, will take place on Friday, Sept. 11, at 7:30 p.m., at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.
The special commemorative concert marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with an evening of remembrance, reflection and extraordinary music.
Before the performance, WGCU’s Tom Hall will present a short film featuring interviews with first responders who served at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, offering personal reflections on courage, sacrifice and resilience. The film sets the stage for an evening dedicated to honoring those who answered the call in one of America’s darkest moments.
The musical program opens with Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings,” one of the most poignant and emotionally powerful works in the orchestral repertoire. Its timeless beauty has become synonymous with remembrance and healing.
The concert culminates with Mozart’s “Requiem,” the composer’s final masterpiece and one of the most celebrated choral works ever written. The Fort Myers Philharmonic will perform alongside the acclaimed Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, an 80-plus-voice ensemble of men and women dedicated to musical excellence. Led by Matthew Koller, the Mastersingers will be joined by an outstanding quartet of soloists Sarah Tucker, soprano; Gina Perregrino, mezzo-soprano; Joshua Blue, tenor; and Lawson Anderson, bass-baritone. Together, they will bring this monumental work to life with the power, beauty, and emotional depth that have inspired audiences for generations.
“Music has a unique ability to bring people together, to help us remember, and to express emotions that words alone cannot,” said Paul Nadler, music director and conductor of the Fort Myers Philharmonic. “As we mark the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, this performance honors the extraordinary courage of those who responded that day, while recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of the first responders who continue to protect our community every day.”
The evening serves as both a tribute and a celebration of resilience, hope and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Community members, veterans, active and retired first responders, and families are invited to join the Philharmonic for this meaningful evening of music and remembrance.
For tickets, visit fmphil.org. Ticket prices start at $65.93 (including processing fees and taxes). For more information, email info@fmphil.org or call (239) 350-1520.
The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is on the Florida SouthWestern campus at 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers.
Feature courtesy Fort Myers Beach Observer/Breeze Newspapers
Calling all horror fans, movie buffs and pop culture collectors! Florida Horror-Fest, the premier single-day touring horror convention, is officially making its way to Southwest Florida. On Saturday, Sept. 19, the DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops will transform into the ultimate regional hub for all things spooky, offering an immersive day of buying, selling, and community fandom.
Running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Florida Horror-Fest is a dedicated mecca designed for every tier of fan, from vintage horror memorabilia seekers to modern thriller buffs. The convention features a sprawling marketplace packed with vendors, local artists, and exhibitors showcasing a massive variety of comicbooks, magazines, toys, movies, movie posters, artwork sketches, apparel, and more.
Event highlights include:
• The Horror Marketplace: Dozens of specialized vendors buying, selling and trading rare horror collectibles, hard-to-find movie posters, and retro monster toys.
• Celebrity Meet-and-Greets: Fan-favorite industry professionals and celebrities will be in attendance for exclusive signings and photo opportunities throughout the day, featuring actor Warrington Gillette (Jason from “Friday the 13th Part 2”) and actor James C. Leary (Clem from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”).
• Family-Accessible Pricing: General admission is $20. Kids 11 and under are free to enter (limit one child per paid adult admission), and additional children 11 and under are $10.
“Florida Horror-Fest is built by long-time collectors, for collectors,” according to the promotional team. “Our goal is to give the Fort Myers community a focused, high-energy environment where they can hunt for their favorite memorabilia, meet industry professionals, and share their passions with thousands of local peers.”
The DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops is at 13051 Bell Tower Drive in south Fort Myers.
For ticket purchases, vendor applications or additional schedule information, visit the official event page at floridahorrorfest.com or follow updates on Facebook and Instagram.
Feature courtesy CAPE CORAL BREEZE/BREEZE NEWSPAPERS
An annual late-summer dining event across Southwest Florida is returning for its biggest year yet while celebrating a major milestone.
Sizzle Dining, which is marking its 10th year, will run the entire month of September, encouraging the community to “save, support, and celebrate.” The event gives participants a chance to indulge in Southwest Florida flavors and delectable cuisines, as foodies have the opportunity to dine at a record-high number of restaurants throughout the month, for less.
Now in its most expansive format to date, the month-long event will feature 140 restaurants across Lee and Collier counties, from Cape Coral to Marco Island, offering exclusive lunches and dinners at discounted prices, all while giving back to the local community.
“It’s crazy that it’s been 10 years, because it feels like a blink of the eye,” said Sizzle Dining founder Guy Clarke. “But it feels amazing to know that the event has grown, and it’s amazing to see the participation and the community really embrace Sizzle Dining. This is something I’m passionate about. It helps the community. It helps the children.”
For every Sizzle Dining meal purchased, $1 is donated for Blessings in a Backpack of Southwest Florida, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that feeds local elementary school children who face food insecurity on weekends.
“Being able to help Blessings in a Backpack is really the essence of the event,” Clarke said. “When I talk about Blessings at events, I can barely make it through without choking up. It’s such a great feeling to know the impact we’re having on children, because I was one of those hungry kids. My mom worked three jobs, did a great job raising me and I had a great childhood, but I was one of those kids. It brings me joy to know that year after year, this event keeps growing, and helps us provide more to local children.”
In 2024, Sizzle Dining raised $62,529. The momentum surged in 2025, when 127 restaurants across Collier and Lee counties served a record 87,483 meals during the event’s first four-week run.
Clarke estimates the event’s overall economic impact at roughly $20 million since the event started, supporting not only restaurants but also local farmers, linen and uniform services, and even local boutiques, which benefit when you buy a new dress to go out in.
During the 2025-2026 school year, Blessings in a Backpack’s local chapter served 31 programs, fed approximately 8,000 children every Friday, and distributed 256,000 weekend food bags. Sizzle’s consistent support has become a vital part of that greater effort.
This year, Clarke has set an ambitious goal: selling more than 100,000 Sizzle meals and surpassing last year’s record. The guiding mission remains, “Save local restaurants, Support hospitality, and Celebrate Southwest Florida’s vibrant culinary scene,” and is now paired with the rallying cry #DineWithPurpose.
“This event is a call to action,” Clarke said. “Go out one more time. Go to one extra restaurant this year. Find a place you’ve never been to. That one extra dollar really makes an impact if everyone does it.”
There are no passes or tickets required to participate. Diners simply browse the list of participating restaurants online, make their reservations, and go enjoy their meals, knowing that every bite supports a great cause.
Clarke said dining in the month of September also provides a boost during the slow time of the year, and has a ripple effect beyond just the restaurants.
“Obviously the benefit for Blessings is massive and is at the heart of this, but this also helps those restaurants trying to work through these end-of-summer months where it’s usually the most quiet. I think in the 10 years we’ve been doing Sizzle, this is probably the worst summer when it comes to feedback I’ve had from the restaurants.”
For the first time ever this year, Sizzle Dining is allowing the restaurants to pick their own prices — with a strict caveat.
Sizzle Dining menus must be 25 to 30% off of the regular-priced menu.
“We have a team of people who scours their regular menu and compares it to their Sizzle Manu, and then we approve it or not,” Clarke said. “It’s easier for them to put together these really great menus, and I think this year is the best we’ve seen. I really do.”
Restaurants participating in Sizzle Dining are in Babcock Ranch, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Naples, Estero, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Marco Island, and St. James City.
In Cape Coral, participating restaurants this year include: Bimini Basin Seafood & Cocktails, Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon, El Jardin, Fathoms, Gather, Next Door, Oak & Stone, Pinchers, Point 57, and Sage on 47th.
“Cape Coral turnout is very impressive this year,” Clarke said.
Clarke added that overall, there are 46 new restaurants participating this year, with a record-breaking 26 new participants coming from Lee County.
“That was really great to see,” he said. “We’ve worked really hard to bring these discounts to customers to help save money. This is the last hurrah before season starts. You don’t have to worry about lines or waiting, you can go to any one of these amazing restaurants and get right in. This is the best deal diners will get all year.”
Sizzle Dining was founded in Naples in 2016 by Clarke, who also is the creator of BaconFest Naples along with his wife Erin Clarke, a culinary school-trained chef and restaurant management consultant. The promotional event originally launched with 26 restaurants as dinner-only. Today, Sizzle Dining has grown into a month-long event that draws thousands of diners.
To view menus, make reservations, or sign up for updates, visit SizzleDining.org.
For more information on Blessings in a Backpack, visit swfl.blessingsinabackpack.org.
Feature courtesy CAPE CORAL BREEZE/BREEZE NEWSPAPERS
Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina will celebrate Labor Day weekend (Sept. 5-7) with four days of live entertainment, interactive competitions and waterfront fun.The festivities will kick off on Friday with live music from Joey Klima from noon to 3 p.m. followed by More Better Band from 6 to 9 p.m. Based in South Florida, The More Better Band is a high-energy touring quintet that puts a unique ska and reggae twist on American favorites.The evening will also include a Tiki Cocktail Showdown from 6 to 9 p.m. Six guest bartenders representing popular local bars and restaurants will compete by creating a specialty cocktail for guests to sample and judge. Participating businesses include Cork Soakers Deck & Wine Bar, El Jardin, Sage on 47th, Fish Tale Grill by Merrick Seafood, Jungle Bird Tiki and Point 57 Kitchen & Cocktails.
Eventpassports are$36 and include six drink tokens that can be redeemed for each featured cocktail. Guests will be asked to rate the drinks and choose a winner in the following categories: Most Innovative, Best Flavor, Best Presentation and Best Overall. The bartender who receives the most votes in the Best Overall category will be crowned Tiki Cocktail Champion.
Saturday’s lineup of activities starts with mat Pilates from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m., instructed by Rise Pilates and includes a mimosa or mocktail and the class for $25. Following Pilates, guests are invited to enjoy Slipaway’s Summer Social: Sip & Shop with goods from local artisans, fashion retailers, jewelry makers and more from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. DJ Big Rob Deluxe will provide live entertainment from 1 to 4 p.m. followed by The Freecoasters from 6 to 9 p.m
On Sunday, JPH Reggae performs from 12:30 to 7 p.m., and the park’s first Food Truck Wars will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Each of Slipaway’s resident food trucks will prepare a unique dish featuring the same surprise ingredient. Guests will sample the creations and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award. Local celebrity judges will also judge the dishes, with the award ceremony taking place at 5:30 p.m.
The Labor Day celebration continues Monday with live entertainment throughout the day from James Gragg from 1 to 4 p.m. and Chris Workman from 6 to 9 p.m.
For the latest event updates and entertainment schedule, visit SlipawayCape.com.
About Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina
Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina is a one-of-a-kind destination for family friendly outdoor fun and entertainment. Located at the base of the Cape Coral Bridge at 1811 Cape Coral Parkway E., the waterfront destination features 10 on-site food trucks, a full-service bar, shaded seating options, 30 boat slips, a fuel dock, Gift Store, unobstructed views of the Caloosahatchee River and more. Slipaway is a hot spot for festivals and events with daily live music and entertainment. For more information, visit SlipawayCape.com or email Info@SlipawayCape.com.
Feature courtesy CAPE CORAL BREEZE
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A sweet treat spot in Cape Coral has added another location, just in time to help residents cool down during the hot summer months.Ice Sssscreamin’ recently opened its second location in the city on July 18, with the new spot at 290 Nicholas Parkway to go along with a location on Cape Coral Parkway.Owners Zeek Rays and Esther Gonzalez tout Ice Sssscreamin’ as a premium dessert destination where they bring the best of traditional ice cream and viral, culturally unique sweet treats to Cape Coral and Southwest Florida.
“We proudly serve super-premium ice cream with a rich, creamy texture, alongside classic parlor favorites and our own signature creations, like authentic baklava and the highly sought-after Dubai chocolate,” the duo said. “But what makes us truly special is that we are also the home of Dayana Bake, a massively popular TikTok dessert creator. As part of the Ice Sssscreamin’ family, she brings her amazing artisanal desserts–like her famous Choco Flans, Churros Cheesecakes, and other exciting new creations she is currently working on — right to our counters.”
A vibrant, welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere is at the heart of Ice Sssscreamin’ locations. Rays and Gonzalez said they want each customer that walks through the doors to feel like a guest in their home. From the sweet aroma of waffle cones to brightly lit dessert displays showcasing both in-house treats and Dayana’s latest creations, it’s designed to be a fun, happy environment.
“Our team is always eager to offer samples and help you discover your new favorite flavor or treat,” Rays and Gonzalez said. “Quality is everything to us, which is why we exclusively source our ice cream from the award-winning Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company. They craft genuine, super-premium Wisconsin dairy ice cream, which means it has a high butterfat content and very little air whipped into it — resulting in the richest, creamiest texture possible. And absolutely, we want everyone to be able to enjoy a treat with us, so we make sure to keep delicious dairy-free, vegan, and sorbet options fully stocked.”
The owners state what sets Ice Sssscreamin’ apart is the exclusive fusion of ultra-premium American ice cream, their own unique specialty treats, and viral desserts crafted by a recognized social media talent.
“You won’t find another local ice cream parlor where you can get a scoop of award-winning, high-butterfat ice cream alongside our signature Dubai chocolate or the exact Choco Flans people watch Dayana make on TikTok,” Rays and Gonzalez said. “We give our customers an unforgettable dessert experience they literally can’t get anywhere else.”
The duo wanted Ice Sssscreamin’ to be a true dessert hub, not just a traditional scoop shop, which is why they create their own specialty items like authentic baklava and the viral pistachio-knafeh filled Dubai chocolate. On top of in-house specialties, having Dayana Bake in the family elevates the menu even further with her signature Choco Flans and Churros Cheesecakes. “Sometimes a family comes in and the kids want ice cream, but the parents are craving our rich baklava or one of Dayana’s famous creations,” Rays and Gonzalez said. “By offering these diverse, high-quality eats, we’ve created a place where everyone can find exactly what they are craving under one roof.”
So, why should Cape Coral and Southwest Florida residents pay a visit?
“Our message is simple: come treat yourself and experience the difference,” Rays and Gonzalez said. “We are so proud to be a part of the Cape Coral community, and we poured our hearts into creating a space where friends and families can gather and make memories over incredible food. Whether you’re a lifelong local coming in for our Dubai chocolate or a fan who has been following Dayana Bake’s dessert journeys online, we’d love to welcome you in, hand you a scoop of the best ice cream in town, and show you what Ice Sssscreamin’ is all about.”
For additional information, full menu, hours, and more, please visit icescreaminswfl.com.
