As Southwest Florida prepares to welcome 2023, we reflect on the region’s strength in past years, particularly the end of 2022. The community’s resilience is truly a cause for celebration. With a fun run challenge in Naples, a rooftop celebration at Sydney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers, a trolley party in Cape Coral and a celebration for the entire family at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda, the Gulf is sure to bring high spirits for the year to come. Here are some New Year’s Eve events you won’t want to miss.
Dec. 30
The Atlantic City Blues Brothers at Cambier Park, Naples
In a tribute to the original Jake and Elwood, this performance features classic hits like “Somebody to Love,” “Soul Man” and “Sweet Home Chicago.” Jam out in the Norris Center, and expect a surprise special guest artist to help bring the house down and welcome in the new year.
Dec. 31
A Night in Paris at Blue Martini Lounge, Naples
Transport to France for this one-night celebration. The fun starts at 8 p.m., when doors open to the bar and lounge, where you’re whisked away to the city of love and lights. Enjoy a complimentary glass of Champagne at 12 a.m. Purchase tickets ahead for guaranteed entry.
Dec. 31
New Year’s Cruise, Naples
This Pure Florida party aboard the Double Sunshine departs from Tin City docks at 4:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve for a luxe cruise through the Naples Bay and Gordon Pass waterways out to the Gulf to watch the sunset. Keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the wake.
Dec. 31
Ring in the New Year at Yabba Island Grill, Naples
Indulge in a three-course, prix fixe menu, including fan-favorite Rasta Pasta, crispy crab-stuffed grouper, 10 oz. center cut filet and more. And for dessert, satisfy your pie cravings with a towering 4-inch coconut cream pie topped with toasted coconut and whipped cream or a three-layer key lime. Jam out to funky blues band Big Buck & the Biscuit Boys from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Dec. 31
Medal Madness Santa Half Marathon at North Collier Regional Park, Naples
Compete for a medal in various categories during this 1.64-mile course, passing the softball fields as you go, to finish the half marathon. The first runners to finish get first dibs on a collection of quirky medals, such as the Ninja Finisher, labeled ‘Run Like a Ninja’ with a cartoon graphic, or a festive Santa-themed piece to commemorate your accomplishment.
Dec. 31
The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón
Get ready for a rip-roaring time at this 20s-themed celebration. A gourmet buffet awaits—try the half-chilled lobster tail or beef Wellington—and the Wonderama Band swings in style, covering rock, pop and Top 40 hits. Visit one of the bars, or sit back as servers bring your fresh libations, like a vintage bottle of Dom Pérignon. A midnight fireworks display caps the night.
Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve Comedy Night, Bonita Springs
Get your tickets now for one of the two comedy shows held on New Year’s Eve at Vichino’s Cafe & Wine Bar. Enjoy a Champagne toast with a small pretzel charcuterie board and laugh along to Irish comedian Sean Finnerty—who’s performed on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon—in his stand-up routine.
Dec. 31
Coconut Point New Year’s Weekend Art Festival, Estero
Start the New Year by supporting about 150 local artisans at this two-day event. Life-size sculptures, paintings and handcrafted jewelry are just some of the pieces for sale.
Dec. 31
Fort Myers River District Downtown Countdown to New Year’s Eve
Maximize your night out in downtown Fort Myers, where five stages are set up throughout the artsy district. The ball drops at midnight, and a fireworks display launches the City of Palms into the new year. Food trucks and vendors provide goodies while you celebrate.
Dec. 31
Ring in the New Year at Luminary Hotel & Co., Fort Myers
Dress to impress (cocktail attire required) for these New Year’s Eve celebration at the modish hotel. At the riverside Oxbow Bar & Grill, food stations tout bourbon short rib, pickled shrimp and gingerbread crème brûlée. Round out the night with a complimentary Champagne toast as the clock marks a new year. For the 21+ crowd looking to dance with their dinner, stop by the New Year’s Eve Party on the Pool Deck for music and more from Curate Entertainment, a cash bar and a tailored menu. (Try the sesame tuna loin at the carving station and the roasted sweet potato for your greens & grains fixins’.) The night is sure to be one for the books.
Get Tickets for Oxbow Bar & Grill
Get Tickets for Pool Deck Party
Dec. 31
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center Rooftop NYE Celebration, Fort Myers
Get a sky-high view of fireworks over the Caloosahatchee River as The Lineup Band serenades the guests on the rooftop sculpture garden. An open bar, heavy Hors d’oeuvres, a late-night dessert buffet and a midnight Champagne toast keep the party going. VIPs get premium seating with a separate food station and cocktail server.
Dec. 31
Fort Myers’ New Year’s Eve Comedy Night
The Wine Room celebrates with laughs from headliner Julie Scoggins of Last Comic Standing as the Champagne pours. Treats are available thanks to locals Grazing Haus and Sweet Real. And in the spirit of giving, a portion of the proceeds from each ticket benefits SWFL Emergency Relief Fund.
Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve Bash with Pure Country, Fort Myers
The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon hosts the band for a night of ’80s, ’90s and early 2000 country tunes to usher in the new year with a dose of nostalgic harmonies. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the band starts at 9 p.m. Don’t miss the countdown to midnight.
Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party Countdown at Cantina 109, Fort Myers
With an open bar, top-shelf cocktails served all night long and a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight, this masked soiree raises the bar on countdown spectaculars. To keep you full into the wee hours, a buffet is served until 11 p.m. and late-night hors d’oeuvres are served at 1 a.m.
Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl, Fort Myers
Get in the holiday spirit with party beads, souvenir koozies and drink specials at all participating bars, including The Standard and Cowboy Up Saloon. DJs and bands bring the tunes throughout the crawl, and VIP ticket holders receive a signature Champagne flute to round out the festivities.
Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve Trolley Event, Cape Coral
Hitch a ride to your favorite joints in this roving, 21+ event. Whether you choose a sample of Midnight Kiss from The Dive or a Mimosa from Monkey Bar Steak & Seafood, drinks are sure to flow as you count down in the trolley. Passports are stamped at each location for a chance to win a New Year’s Eve gift basket.
Dec. 31
Fishermen’s Village New Year’s Eve Celebration and Fireworks Display, Punta Gorda
Attendees go big on festival glitter and elaborate face paint for this family-friendly, Charlotte County celebration. Capture the memories in a photo booth and receive tarot readings for the new year. The Shane Duncan band performs, and DJ Michael White keeps the party going through the end of 2022. Catch the fireworks display at midnight.
Dec. 31
TT’s NYE Bash with Majesty of Rock and The R Train, Charlotte Harbor
Grab a drink and rock out to back-to-back performances. The R Train takes the stage at 8 p.m., bringing a new wave of classic rock sounds to Southwest Florida. Majesty of Rock performs from 9:45 p.m. until midnight, recreating the iconic sounds of Journey and Styx.
Source: Gulfshore Life