Gobble, Gobble...it's that time of the year where we start thinking about the holidays and all of the fun activities as it will be here before we know it. Which means we start planning for an amazing turkey dinner and all of our favorite dishes. But before we start talking about eating ourselves into a food coma, I am here to help you plan for upcoming Turkey Trots. In case you want to sign-up for a race this year, sign-ups have already began!   Not sure which trots are in SW Florida? I've got you covered. Turkey Trots are always fun for the entire family, and I've got a list of the best Turkey Trots in SW Florida!   Gulf Coast Runners Naples Thanksgiving 5K / 1 Mile / Kids 1K & 100 Dash   The Naples Gulf Coast Runners Thanksgiving Turkey Trot has been a tradition for the entire family for the past 11 years benefitting St. Matthew's House and their Youth development / Scholarship Fund, making it a SW Florida favorite event.  Not only does the beautiful course wind you through the famed downtown Naples, all paid participants receive a custom designed comfy event shirt too! Come one, come all, as walkers are welcomed for both the 1-mile walk and the 5K. This event is held Thanksgiving Day morning and registration ends on November 27th, so don't wait!    Click here for more information.     45th Annual Fort Myers Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk    A true Ft. Myers tradition for all! This trot takes place on Thursday, November 28th at the historic and picturesque Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Downtown Ft. Myers welcoming thousands of participants from over 34 states. This exciting and vibrant event creates a great way to kick off the holiday season benefiting the Edison and Ford Winter Estates Preservation Fund and Ft. Myers Track Club a 501 (c) (3) and its Youth Scholarship Program.    Registration is now open. $25 for adults and $15 for the youth. Hurry and register as the fees increase slightly after November 20th.  Do you have little one? No worries, they too can participate in the Tot Trot featuring a 100-yard dash for ages 6 and under for just $5. Virtual participation is also available for those who can't make it in person.   Ready to participate in a long time Ft. Myers tradition? Click here for more information.     Thanksgiving Day 5K in Estero   Get your heart pumping and fittnes on Thanksgiving morning at this fun-filled 5K at Hertz Arena in Estero, FL. It doesn't matter if you are Southwest Florida resident or vactioner, this central location is a great way to kick off the holiday season in your event swag and make sure to hang around for the post-race activities including music, refreshing drinks and a variety of snacks to celebrate with your friends and family. Included with your entry fee: tank or T-shirt, finish medal, snacks, finish video, free photos and live reports. Will you be there as a cheerleader? Awesome, you can follow your runner with free live runner tracking with Elite Events Tracker App.   For additional event information, click here.     Englewood Turkey Trot   One of my favorite things about the holiday season is giving, love and community and that's exactly what this Turkey Trot is all about. Gather your loved ones on Thursday, November 28th in the charming community of Englewood and celebrate giving back! This is a family-friendly event featuring a 5K Fun Run/Walk that was created to bring people together and to support a noble cause - the Englewood Area Cancer Foundation. Registration fees are set at $15 for adults and $5 for kids, every dollar raised will go directly to local cancer warriors.    Enjoy the festive event and begin the holiday season on a positive note by participating in this non-timed run promoting health, community spirit and compassion. Generous sponsors are providng donated goodies, food and prizes.    To be a part of this community giving event, click here.   Subscribe to our Weekly Events Newsletter   CHRISTI BRYANT   Hi Southwest Florida, I’m Christi Bryant! I'm here to share weekly information about the best events, restaurants, shopping and activities in and around Southwest Florida. Plus, the best hiking, biking, health and wellness options, new hot spots, and more!  

On Oct. 26th, 2024 come spend the day as you stroll along and shop craft vendor booths, get something to eat and drink, and listen to music. Plus, there will be lots of fun activities for the kiddos! The festival is free to attend; however there is a fee to participate in each activity, and visitors are encouraged to bring cash. Admission to 20 acres of park & museums, laboratory, and riverside of the property requires an additional ticket. ACTIVITIES Banyan tree climb NEW inflatable obstacle course Pumpkin patch & pumpkin painting (with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes awarded) Mobile make-your-own teddy bear shop Flower truck for creating your own floral bouquet CLICK HERE for more details to this exciting event.

On November 21st – 24th, 2024, the American Sand Sculpting Championship is making its long overdue return to Estero Island, bringing back fan favorite Master and Advanced Amateur champion sand sculptors!  Don’t miss the artistry, wonder and excitement that this event brings to Fort Myers Beach.   For more information, CLICK HERE.