The Naples and Marco Island, Florida areas are brimming with opportunities to listen to live music and see world-class art. In fact, there are over 100 art galleries in the Greater Naples area! Art festivals and live music events occur throughout the year and are an excellent way to add a little bit of arts and culture to your next Florida beach vacation. Read on to learn about our favorite recurring art and music events in Naples and Marco Island, Florida.
Live Music in Ave Maria
Head to Ave Maria’s Town Center every Thursday for live music from a diverse selection of local musicians. Concerts begin at 1:00 p.m. and are free and family-friendly. Bands rotate weekly! Arrive early and enjoy a free trolley tour of Ave Maria to discover the town’s history and future or shop and dine at one of the many restaurants and stores located in the Town Center. Trolley tours depart every 45-minutes from the Welcome Center beginning at 11:00 a.m. and ending at 1:15 p.m.
Thursdays on Third Street South
Thursdays are hopping on Third Street South in Historic Old Naples from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Check out live music and entertainment across the courtyards and plazas that dot the pretty street. Make sure to check out the area during the day for excellent shopping and make a reservation for dinner at one of the fabulous restaurants in the area.
Mackle Park Free Concerts on Marco Island
Visitors and residents on Marco Island can join in on the free music fun as well! The City of Marco Island Parks and Recreation hosts a free music concert every Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. January through April. The concert features local musicians and the bands rotate weekly. Make sure to bring a lawn chair or a blanket, as seating is limited.
Free Cambier Park Bandshell Concerts
This 12+ acre park located in the heart of downtown Naples, features live music one to two times a week in the winter. Acts include the Naples Dixieland Jazz Band, Naples Concert Band, Naples Big Band, Gulf Coast Big Band, Stardust Memories Big Band, and more! Concerts take place at the Bandshell. Guests should arrive early and bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on.
Music in the Garden at Naples Botanical Garden
Enjoy a variety of local musical acts the first and third Sunday of the month between October and August at the Naples Botanical Garden. Music in the Garden takes place outside at the beautiful Water Garden Stage. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concerts are free for Garden members or included in the price of regular admission for non-members.
Naples Art Crafters Fine Arts and Craft Shows
Art lovers will enjoy the fine art and craft shows held in Cambier Park once a month on Saturdays, October through April. Shows begin at 10 a.m. and run until 4:00 p.m.
Art in the Park
On the first Saturday of every month, Naples Art Association members showcase a variety of original paintings, photographs, unique décor, wearables, collectibles, and gifts. Nestled on Park Street just to the west of The von Liebig Art Center, this juried art fair is held the first Saturday of the month November through April. Each art fair features hands-on art experiences and live demonstrations from skilled artists. Admission is free.
The Baker Museum Art After Hours
On the last Wednesday of each month from January to June, enjoy free admission to the Baker Museum at Artis in Naples, Florida. From 6:00 to 9:00 pm there is a local band and guests are invited to view the galleries and learn from the docents.
Left Bank Art Fest
Visitors to Marco Island can check out the Left Bank Art Fest on select Sundays from October to April at The Esplande. This outdoor art and craft festival is a juried show sponsored by the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts.