EsteroToday.com by Engage Estero

Plant This, Not That
2023-10-14 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Master Gardener Debbie Boyles will share Florida friendly alternatives to invasive plants that will attract birds, butterflies and beauty to your yard.

Sip and Stroll for a Cause
2023-10-14 17:00 - 20:00 | Coconut Point Mall
Support the Lee Health Cancer Institute in an evening of shopping, store events, fashion show, live music, auctions and more. The event is open to the public, with a bonus bracelet of extras benefitting the institute available.

Speaker Series: Ponce de Leon
2023-10-21 09:30 - 11:00 | Country Creek Country Club, 21180 Country Creek Drive, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Presenter, local historian Jacob Winge, will talk about de Leon’s interaction with our part of Florida. Program includes a continental breakfast. Advance registration is required.

Spooktacular Night at Estero
2023-10-28 17:00 - 20:45 | Estero Park and Recreation Center
Annual Trunk or Treat followed by a Movie in the Park. The park is accepting trunker applications.

Y&HOW Sustainability Workshop: Alternative Proteins
2023-11-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Ms. Renee Bell, Senior Science Content Specialist from the Good Foods Institute will lead a virtual program on alternative protein options and why they benefit climate goals.

Andrus Madsen, Harpsichord & Susan Ogata, Violin
2023-11-02 19:30 | FGCU
An evening of music that will transport listeners to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Koreshanity: Estero's New Age Religion
2023-11-03 09:00 - 10:00 | Koreshan State Park
Join a park ranger for a fascinating overview of Koreshanity, the unusual religion that was practiced by the members of the Koreshan Unity.

Jaws vs. Claws
2023-11-03 19:30 | Estero High School, 21900 River Ranch Road, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Engage Estero is proud to sponsor the annual Jaws vs. Claws High School football game between rivals Estero High School Wildcats and the Bonita Springs Bullsharks. The fun community event begins at 7:30 here at the Estero High School field. Tickets can be purchased at the door, but all tickets sales will be online, so bring your phone.

Affordable/Attainable Housing in Lee County
2023-11-04 09:30 - 11:00 | The Collaboratory
John Talmage, Director, Economic Development, Lee County and Ali Ankudowich, Florida Housing Coalition will discuss affordable housing, an ongoing concern in Lee County. This unmet need was documented in the 2020 Lee County Gap Analysis. This need has become more critical to the most vulnerable populations and those without the resources to recover following Ian.

The Big Shred
2023-11-04 12:00 - 14:00 | Estero Park and Recreation Center
Drive up and have your paper documents shredded at Estero Park and Recreation Center. Limit three banker boxes per car. No plastic bags or electronics accepted.

GO Divas Benefit Concert
2023-11-05 16:00 - 18:00 | Lamb of God church
Gulfshore Opera’s GO Divas, a popular women’s vocal ensemble will perform “Divas through the Decades” at this benefit concert at Arbor at Lamb of God Church.

EHS Speaker Series : Alvarez/Smith House Relocation
2025-09-13 09:30 | The Villages at Country Creek, 21131 Country Creek Drive, Estero, FL, 33928
Join the Estero Historical Society for a fascinating morning as we welcome Tanda Hogg, Vice President at Tri-Town Construction and project manager for the relocation of the historic Alvarez/Smith House. With hands-on experience rehabilitating historic homes in Georgia, Tanda brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to this ambitious project. She will walk us through the process of moving the house and the careful rehabilitation that will preserve its historic charm for generations to come.

Join us at 9:30 am for this spectacular insight into the complexity and importance of the Society’s current restoration project over a delicious continental breakfast at Villages of Country Creek, 21180 Country Creek Blvd., Estero.

Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for future members. Join online today! Visit https://esterohistoricalsociety.com/events/ to RSVP.

The Estero Historical Society is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of our unique greater Estero area, and depends on volunteers and donations for projects such as the relocation and restoration of the Alvarez/Smith Home. Find out more about us at www.EsteroHistoricalSociety.com

YMCA Annual Charity Golf Tournament
2025-09-19 | Spanish Wells Golf Club

EHS Speaker Series: Haunted Shores: Witchcraft and Folklore Along Florida's Coast
2025-10-18 09:30 | The Villages at Country Creek, 21131 Country Creek Drive, Estero, FL, 33928
Just in time for Halloween, join Melissa Mari, Adjunct Professor and Complete Student Navigator at Florida Gulf Coast University, for a spellbinding talk on witches and witchcraft through the ages. From myth and folklore to historical fact, Melissa will explore the cultural, social, and even political forces that shaped these enduring legends.

Join us at 9:30 am for this spectacular insight into the intersection myth and history over a delicious continental breakfast at Villages of Country Creek, 21180 Country Creek Blvd., Estero.

Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for future members. Join online today! Visit https://esterohistoricalsociety.com/events/ to RSVP.

The Estero Historical Society is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of our unique greater Estero area, and depends on volunteers and donations for projects such as the relocation and restoration of the Alvarez/Smith Home. Find out more about us at www.EsteroHistoricalSociety.com

Alive After Five! Miller's Ale House
2025-10-23 17:30 - 19:00 | Miller’s Ale House, 22810 Via Villagio, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
Network with local business professionals, enjoy tasty appetizers and happy hour specials Alive After Five! at Miller’s Ale House on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

Don’t miss a refreshing evening of conversation, connection, and community with fellow professionals and neighbors from Greater Estero. Enjoy mouthwatering appetizers and enjoy happy hour specials as you mix and mingle in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

The fun begins at 5:30 pm on Thursday, Oct. 23 at Miller’s Ale House, which is conveniently located 22810 Via Villagio, Estero.

Tickets are $20 for Members and just $30 for Non-Members. Get yours online at https://esterochamber.org

So bring a friend and enjoy an evening with your peers and colleagues of the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce!

Nine Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping
2025-11-08 10:00 - 17:00 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero
Discover the 9 Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™!
Offered through the University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) program helps homeowners create vibrant, sustainable landscapes that protect Florida’s unique natural resources. This introduction to the 9 guiding principles provides simple, science-based steps for conserving water, reducing pollution, supporting wildlife, and enjoying a beautiful yard that thrives in Florida’s climate. Whether you’re looking to cut down on maintenance, save money on irrigation, or make your landscape eco-friendlier, the FFL principles offer practical solutions that benefit both your property and the environment.
Master Gardener Volunteers are presenting these 9 principles throughout Lee County from October 2025 to March 2026. Find out when they are in your neighborhood by visiting Lee County Extension Eventbrite page (https://www.LeeCountyExtension.eventbrite.com) or following us on Facebook (UF IFAS – Ext Lee County) and Instagram (lee_ufifas).
Learn how small changes in your landscape can make a big impact for you and Florida’s future!

Paws For The Night
2025-11-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Coconut Point Mall
Make some tails wag for Christmas this year at the Paws for the Night event Wednesday November 12, 6pm to 8pm on Cinema Way Circle.
Our friends at Guardians of Florida Animal Rescue will have adorable adoptable dogs available for a forever home.View here: ADOPTION OVERVIEW — Guardians of Florida Animal Rescue
Bring something from their wish list to put under the tree. Shop pet friendly vendors, enjoy tasty treats for both, the two legged and four legged!
Coconut Point restaurants will offer food and drink for purchase.
Enter to win your furry friend in our Holiday themed contests for a chance to win prizes!
Event Website
Categories:

Most Festive Costume
Best Pet Trick
Best Duo Look-alike

Enjoy live music by Rob Norum and festive fun all night long!
It’s time to Pawty!!!
Date: Wednesday, November 12
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Cinema Way Circle, Coconut Point

Rising: Surviving the Surge
2025-11-13 17:00 - 19:30 | FGCU
RSVP

High 5 Groundbreaking
2025-11-14 15:00
The Village of Estero and High 5 Entertainment are pleased to announce groundbreaking ceremonies are planned for 3 p.m., Friday, November 14.
Mark your calendars now; additional details to come soon.
The sitework has been completed to allow High 5 to initiate construction in Estero’s Entertainment District on the north side of Williams Road and east of via Coconut Point.
The family entertainment venue will include 6 indoor pickleball courts, 15 outdoor courts, 36-holes of miniature golf, bowling, arcade and other family entertainment elements. A scratch kitchen will service both indoor and outdoor dining with a sports bar theme. A large digital wall in outdoor social space will allow for large-scale sports broadcasts and “movies-in-the-park.”
The official opening is planned for the Fall of 2026.
High 5 Entertainment is the first of multiple family entertainment concepts that will be joining the SportsPark being developed by the Village as part of its Village Center Hub, adjacent to Estero High School. The overall SportsPark master plan calls for upgraded and new sports fields along with an event lawn, walking trails and community gathering spaces.

Speaker Series: The History of the Citrus Industry
2025-11-15 09:30 - 11:00 | Villages of Country Creek, 21180 Country Creek Dr, Estero
Join us on Saturday, November 15 at 9:30 AM at the Villages of Country Creek, 21180 Country Creek Dr, Estero, for our Speaker Series program featuring Dallas Townsend presenting The History of the Citrus Industry.
Dallas Townsend is a Fort Myers native who worked as an agent with the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service ensuring SWFL farmers and ranchers benefitted from the agency’s research. He was inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2014.
Enjoy a fascinating look back at one of Florida’s most important agricultural legacies while connecting with fellow history enthusiasts.
Tickets are $15 for EHS and BS Historical Society members and $20 for non-members and includes a continental breakfast.
RSVP online at: https://esterohistoricalsociety.com/event/nov2025/
The Estero Historical Society is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of our unique greater Estero area, and depends on volunteers and donations for projects such as the relocation and restoration of the Alvarez/Smith Home. Find out more about us at www.EsteroHistoricalSociety.com

Annual Holiday Open House at the Cottage Museum
2025-11-29 09:30 - 12:30 | Estero Historical Society
Get into the holiday spirit at the Estero Historical Society’s Annual Holiday Open House! Join us on Saturday, November 29th, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Cottage Museum, where the cottage will be beautifully decorated, offering a warm and festive welcome for all who attend.
Enjoy complimentary refreshments while browsing the museum’s gift shop, which will also be open, featuring unique items crafted by local artisans. It’s the perfect opportunity to shop locally, support a non-profit, and find that special gift for loved ones.
No RSVP is required, so bring family and friends and celebrate the season with us. We look forward to seeing you there!

Holiday Tea at the Cottage
2025-12-03 12:00 | Estero Historical Cottage
Enjoy a sparkling libation, an assortment of savories & classic tea sandwiches, and delicate scones with clotted cream & jam in a historical setting. Celebrate the holidays in style and benefit the Society at the same time. Hats are not required, but are welcomed!

The 2025 annual Holiday Tea will be held Wednesday, December 3 at noon at the historic Cottage at the Estero Historical Society site in the park at 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd.

Tickets are $40 for members and $45 for future members and can be reserved at EsteroHistoricalSociety.com/events. You can save by joining online today! Seating is limited to a cozy 24 persons. Reservations open Oct. 3 and close Nov. 25.

The Estero Historical Society is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of our unique greater Estero area, and depends on volunteers and donations for projects such as the relocation and restoration of the Alvarez/Smith Home. Find out more about us at www.EsteroHistoricalSociety.com

Right Plant for Every Place
2025-12-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero

Annual Holiday Turkey Lunch
2025-12-15 12:00 - 13:30 | The Villages at Country Creek, 21131 Country Creek Drive, Estero, FL, 33928
Join the Estero Historical Society on Monday, December 15 for a traditional turkey lunch with all the trimmings and hear local historian Jacob Winge share “Holiday Traditions on the Florida Frontier”.

Lunch begins at noon at the beautiful Country Creek Clubhouse, located at 21180 Country Creek Blvd.

Tickets are $40 each Estero Historical Society and Bonita Springs Historical Society members. Future-members are just $45.

The Estero Historical Society is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of our unique greater Estero area, and depends on volunteers and donations for projects such as the relocation and restoration of the Alvarez/Smith Home. Find out more about us at www.EsteroHistoricalSociety.com

South County Regional Library Reopens
2025-12-18 09:00 - 18:00 | South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, Fl 33928
The South County Regional Library will welcome back residents to the newly renovated building

South County Regional Library Ribbon Cutting
2026-01-07 10:00 - 12:00 | South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, Fl 33928
a Community Celebration to include live steel drum music, balloon animals and face painting plus crafts, activities and fun giveaways from 10 a.m.-12 noon, Saturday, January 10.

Alive After Five! at Venture Visionary Partners
2026-01-08 17:30 - 19:00 | Venture Visionary Partners, 27400 Riverview Center Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Enjoy good eats, great conversation, and meet new peers at Alive After Five! at Venture Visionary Partner’s incredible meeting space on Thursday, January 8, 2026. From 5:30 – 7:00 pm enjoy complimentary appetizers from Miller’s Ale House! Take in the unique atmosphere and mingle with your colleagues in the greater Estero business community. You might even win one of our gift card or cash giveaways!
Venture Visionary Partners is conveniently located at 27400 Riverview Center Blvd., in Bonita Springs just off US 41. The space is a hidden gem and is available for meetings, retreats and more. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to build relationships, share ideas, and meet local business leaders in a fun, casual setting. Tickets are $20 for Members and just $30 for Non-Members. Get yours online at https://esterochamber.org.

Plant This Not That! (Invasive Plant Awareness)
2026-01-10 10:00 - 17:00 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero

Community & Membership Meeting
2026-01-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Estero Park & Recreation Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, FL, 33928, United States
RSVP

FGCU Entrepreneurial School, Gulfshore Opera and Bower School of Music & The Arts Featured at Engage Estero Community Meeting January 29, 2026
Engage Estero’s January Community & Member Meeting features presenters on how FGCU’s entrepreneurial school benefits greater Estero, and how our cultural experiences are enriched by Gulfshore Opera.
The meeting, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Estero Recreation Center on Thursday, January 29, at 10:00 a.m. The address is 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, located inside Estero Community Park & Recreation Center, Estero, FL 33928.
Dr. Bill McDowell, Dean, FGCU’s Daveler and Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship and Mark Ain Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship will share how the school benefits our community and economy.
Steffanie Pearce, Founder & General Director, Gulfshore Opera will introduce its goals and the exciting upcoming season of performances.
Most residents are excited that they chose this area to live and work in. But we also need to ensure that we keep providing new opportunities and support for everyone trying to improve what is available.
Several plans and proposals are being considered for the future development of Greater Estero. There is a need for the Village, local businesses, and the public to support new business ideas that would have a positive commercial impact and prevent skilled workers from leaving our area!
Discussions are ongoing about establishing a Community Theatre Complex in Estero. However, this is unlikely to happen without support for the many existing musical genres that need backing.
Please come and listen to these dedicated individuals who are thinking of our future.
Seating is limited, so reservations are required for all attendees.
The meeting will be recorded and posted to our YouTube channel @EngageEstero, so subscribe to be notified if you cannot make it.

Early Settlers & Livelihoods: Conversation at the Cottage
2026-01-31 13:30 - 14:30 | Estero Historical Society
Join the Estero Historical Society for an informative and cozy Conversation at the Cottage: Early Settlers & Livelihoods on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 1:30 pm.

Learn about our local history while surrounded by our own historic cottage, schoolhouse and exhibits. The Cottage is located within the Estero Park and Recreation Center, at 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero, Florida 33928.

Tickets are free for members, and just $15 for non-members. Space is limited, so reservations are required.

The Estero Historical Society is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of our unique greater Estero area, and depends on volunteers and donations for projects such as the relocation and restoration of the Alvarez/Smith Home. Find out more about us at www.EsteroHistoricalSociety.com
