Happy Wednesday, Naples.
You're reading Issue #2 of The Naples Pulse Weekly — your personal guide to the best of what's happening this week. Every event below is hand-picked based on the interests you chose when you signed up.
This week's headliner: Joshua Bell brings his $16 million Stradivarius to Artis—Naples for three nights. If you go to one thing this week, make it that.
But honestly? This whole week is ridiculous. Dolly Parton's songs performed by the Naples Philharmonic. Santana at Hertz Arena. Afternoon tea at The Ritz. And the 9 to 5 musical is in its final two weeks.
Know someone who'd love this? Forward this email — they can join the 115+ Naples locals already getting it every Wednesday.
Let's get into it.
🌟 The Week's Headliner
Joshua Bell & the Naples Philharmonic: "The Elements"
Thursday–Saturday, April 2–4 | 7:30 PM | Artis—Naples, Hayes Hall
Joshua Bell doesn't need an introduction — but his violin does. It's a 1713 Huberman Stradivarius worth an estimated $16 million. And this week, you can hear it 50 feet away in the acoustics of Hayes Hall.
The program is The Elements — five American composers depicting earth, fire, air, water, and space. Add Wynton Marsalis' Herald, Holler and Hallelujah and Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring and you've got one of the most ambitious programs the Naples Phil has staged all season.
Prelude talk at 6:30 PM if you like context before the curtain rises.
🎟️ Tickets from $119 | artisnaples.org
🎵 Music & Live Entertainment
🔥 Santana: Oneness Tour
Wednesday, April 8 | 8:00 PM | Hertz Arena, Estero
Carlos Santana. Live. In Southwest Florida. The Oneness Tour is a victory lap from a living legend — Smooth, Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va, and three decades of Latin-infused guitar mastery. Doors at 6:30 PM.
🎟️ From $43 | hertzarena.com
Motown Ross Brown
Thursday, April 2 | 5:00–7:00 PM | Rooftop at Riverside
Early evening Motown vibes on the rooftop. No cover, good drinks, sunset views. This is one of those "just show up" nights that always delivers.
Live Music Thursdays at Compass Margaritaville
Thursday, April 2 | 6:00–9:00 PM | Compass Hotel by Margaritaville
The Compass series continues with live music and island-casual atmosphere. They do live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
JJ Grey & Mofro — Arts on Tap
Saturday, April 4 | 6:00 PM | Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers
Florida's own JJ Grey brings swampy Southern rock and raw blues to the Alliance's annual craft beer and music event. Outdoor venue, great beer, and a band that was born for a warm Florida night.
🎟️ $75–$150 (Alliance members only) | artinlee.org
Cynthia Scott & Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra
Wednesday, April 8 | 6:00 PM & 8:30 PM | Artis—Naples
Jazz vocalist Cynthia Scott joins the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra for two intimate sets. The "All That Jazz" series at Artis is consistently one of Naples' best-kept secrets.
Open Mic Night with Bryan & Steve
Monday, April 6 | 7:00–10:00 PM | The Oasis
Local talent, cold drinks, no cover. The Oasis open mic is a Monday night staple.
🎭 Theater & Performing Arts
9 to 5: The Musical — Final Weeks!
Wed–Sat through April 12 | 7:30 PM | The Naples Players, 701 5th Ave S
Dolly Parton wrote the music. The Naples Players are killing it. If you haven't seen their production of 9 to 5 yet, you have two weeks left — and the word-of-mouth is strong. Funny, sharp, and the ensemble numbers are a blast.
🎟️ $42–$57 | 239-263-7990 | naplesplayers.org
A Piece of My Heart — Just Opened
Through April 26 | The Naples Players, Price Studio Theater
Shirley Lauro's powerful drama about six women who served as nurses in Vietnam. The Price Studio is the Naples Players' intimate second stage — every seat is close. Raw, emotional, important theater.
🔜 Coming Next Week: Dolly Parton's Threads — My Songs in Symphony
April 7–11 | 7:30 PM | Artis—Naples, Hayes Hall
The Naples Philharmonic Pops performs Dolly's greatest hits with conductor Jack Everly and three female vocalists. This will sell out. Tickets from $72.
Ozel Plays Mozart — Chamber Music
Monday, April 7 | Artis—Naples
Pianist Evren Ozel joins the Naples Philharmonic for a Sypert Salon chamber music performance. An intimate setting for one of the finest young pianists working today.
🍽️ Food & Dining
Afternoon Tea at The Ritz-Carlton
Saturday & Sunday | 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM | The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
A curated selection of teas, finger sandwiches, pastries, and champagne at one of the most beautiful hotel properties in Southwest Florida. This is the kind of thing that feels like an event, not just a meal. Reservations required.
📞 280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd | ritzcarlton.com
Saturday Champagne Brunch at Sails Restaurant
Saturday, April 4 | 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM | Sails Restaurant
Waterfront brunch with champagne service. Sails is one of the best brunch spots in Naples — the setting alone is worth the trip. Also open Sunday.
Brunch with a Roar at Tigress
Sunday, April 5 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Tigress Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
A bold name for a bold brunch. Rooftop dining, creative menu, and one of the newer restaurants making noise in Naples.
A Slice of Naples Food Tour
Thursday, April 2 | 4:30–8:30 PM | Paradise Food Tours
Walk Naples' best restaurants with a local guide. Four hours, multiple stops, all the insider stories you don't get dining on your own.
Third Street South Farmers Market
Saturday, April 4 | 7:30–11:30 AM | Third Street South
The Saturday morning ritual. Gourmet foods, artisan vendors, live music, and the best people-watching in Naples. Free.
Wooftop Wednesday at Rooftop
Wednesday, April 8 | 5:00–8:00 PM | Rooftop at Riverside
Bring your dog. Bring yourself. The Rooftop's Wednesday dog-friendly happy hour has become one of the most fun midweek hangs in town.
🎨 Arts & Culture
Joan Miró: Fire in the Soul — FINAL DAYS
Through April 4 | Naples Art Institute, Watson Gallery
This is it — last chance to see the major Miró exhibition before it closes Saturday. Spanish surrealism at its most vivid and alive. If you've been meaning to go, stop meaning and go.
America the Beautiful — Clyde Butcher Photography
Now showing | Marco Island Historical Museum
Legendary Florida photographer Clyde Butcher's large-format black-and-white landscapes. His work captures wild Florida with a reverence that makes you want to protect every last acre of it. Free admission.
The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples
Ongoing | 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd
World-class modern and contemporary art in a space most Naples visitors never find. If you haven't been in a while, the current exhibition lineup is excellent. $10–$20 (free for members).
Downtown Bonita Springs Walking History Tour
Thursday, April 2 | 10:00–11:00 AM & Wednesday, April 8 | 2:00–3:00 PM
A one-hour guided walk through Bonita Springs' historic downtown. Local history, beautiful architecture, and stories you won't find on Google.
⛵ Boating & Water Sports
Naples Princess — Sightseeing & Dining Cruises
Daily | Port-O-Call Way
Sightseeing from $45, lunch cruises ~$65, sunset dinner cruises ~$80. Book ahead — season is still in full swing.
Pure Florida — Dolphin Watch & Sunset Cruises
Daily from Tin City | 1200 5th Ave S
Dolphin sightings are practically guaranteed this time of year. The sunset cruise from Tin City is one of the best ways to end a day in Naples. From ~$45.
Naples Bay Water Shuttle
Daily | 12:00–8:00 PM
Hop-on, hop-off water taxi connecting Naples Bay waterfront spots. A different way to see the city — and a lot more fun than driving.
⛳ Golf & Sports
🔥 Coming April 11: US Open Pickleball Championships
April 11–18 | East Naples Community Park
The world's largest pickleball tournament turns 10 this year. 3,450 players from 40 countries. 55,000+ fans. FREE general admission ($10 parking). Whether you play or just want to watch the best in the world, this is THE event of the month.
We're doing a full guide next issue — courts, schedule, parking, where to eat nearby, and the Championship Court lottery. Stay tuned.
🌿 Outdoor & Nature
Naples Botanical Garden — Spring in Full Bloom
Open daily | 4820 Bayshore Dr
170 acres at peak spring color. The ChromaFlora exhibition is still on and the gardens have never looked better. $25 admission (members free). Come early — it gets hot by noon.
Rookery Bay Reserve
Open Tue–Sat | 300 Tower Rd
Boardwalk trails through pristine mangrove forest, nature exhibits, and guided kayak tours through 110,000 acres of estuary. Dolphins, manatees, osprey, roseate spoonbills. This is the real Florida, 15 minutes from downtown. $8 admission; kayak tours extra.
📌 Quick Picks: This Weekend (April 4–5)
Saturday
• 7:30 AM — Farmers Market @ Third Street South
• 11:00 AM — Afternoon Tea @ The Ritz-Carlton
• 11:30 AM — Champagne Brunch @ Sails Restaurant
• 5:00 PM — Live Music @ Compass Margaritaville
• 6:00 PM — JJ Grey & Mofro @ Alliance for the Arts, Ft. Myers
• 7:30 PM — 9 to 5 Musical @ The Naples Players
• 7:30 PM — Joshua Bell (final night) @ Artis—Naples
Sunday
• 10:00 AM — Brunch with a Roar @ Tigress Rooftop
• 11:00 AM — Afternoon Tea @ The Ritz-Carlton
• 11:30 AM — Champagne Brunch @ Sails Restaurant
• 2:00 PM — Live Entertainment @ Compass Margaritaville
🔜 Coming Up (Mark Your Calendar)
• April 7–11: Dolly Parton's Threads — My Songs in Symphony @ Artis—Naples ($72+)
• April 8: Santana: Oneness Tour @ Hertz Arena ($43+)
• April 8: Cynthia Scott Jazz @ Artis—Naples
• April 11–18: US Open Pickleball Championships — FREE admission
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