Wow, the first month of the New Year sure went by fast. How are you doing with those goals and resolutions? Is it time to break away from “Dry January”? If so, there are lots of things happening in Southwest Florida this weekend to satisfy almost all of your cravings and desires. That includes decadent fair food in Port Charlotte and exotic cars in Naples. From Ferraris to Ferris Wheels this is where to find weekend fun in SWFL.

If you love cars, the Naples Automotive Experience is underway with lavish receptions, high dollar car auctions and a cool car show on 5th Avenue South. Scroll down for more. If you prefer paintings of cars, or almost anything else, you are likely to find that and more at the annual ArtFest Fort Myers this weekend. This year’s show has been expanded. Besides all of the art and entertainment, there is also a 5k run on Sunday morning.

Even more weekend fun in SWFL

For those of you who like celebrations that highlight food (my hand is raised) and family, there a couple of those as well. A chili cookoff is perfect for the cooler weather and the next front that is scheduled to move in Sunday. There is a also a gumbo festival and a cheeky, fun mullet festival.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Here are your Weekend Vibes for February 2nd through the 4th. Get out, support local and have lots of fun at these events.

*Please note, events are subject to change. It never hurts to confirm with a phone call or check of social media as well as event websites.

• 24th Annual ArtFest Fort Myers

  This is one of Southwest Florida’s premiere art shows. More than 200 artists converge on th streets of downtown Fort Myrers with all kinds of unique art pieces for sale, One of the things that makes this event different is the attention to kids. There is an entire area for them to be creative. In addition, there is an art competition for young artists. There is also a stage with lots of entertainment all weekend. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Check out the opening night preview from 6-9 p.m. Friday. Free admission. Edwards Drive between Heitman and Lee streets. More info here.
  

• Naples Automotive Experience

  Kicks off on Thursday with a chic reception at Jetport on Aviation drive from 6p.m. to 10 p.m. On Friday there is an exciting Motorcar Auction at Ultimate Garages on Terrace Ave. Then the event wraps up on Saturday with cars on 5th. It’s a world class car show with all kinds of exotic cars lining the posh 5th Avenue South. The show is put on by the Ferrari Club. Proceeds benefit St. Mathew’s House. Tickets prices vary. More info here.
  

• Charlotte County Fair

  This is the last weekend for the annual Charlotte County Fair. Eat funnel cakes to your hearts content. There is a huge midway with all kinds of rides as well as carnival games. Also enjoy animals and lots of live entertainment. Prices vary for admission and ride tickets. Find the fair grounds at2333 El Jobean Rd in Port Charlotte. More info here.
  

• Gumbo Fest

  This is another family friendly annual event. It takes place at the iconic Shell Factory on U.S. 41 in North Fort Myers. Enjoy all things gumbo with food trucks, live zydeco and Cajun music, vendors, and prizes. While you are there, check out the animal park. Well behaved dogs are welcomed. Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission.  More info here. 
  

• 5th Annual Chili Challenge

  This friendly food competition is between local firefighters, police, paramedics and military members cook and serve their best chili recipes and you get to taste them all. Money raised at the cookoff goes to the  Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Collier-Lee Honor Flight and Injured Warriors Fund of Florida. There will be more food than chili, drinks, prizes and more. Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10. It’s at Stu’s Motorcycles on Six Mile Cypress Parkway in Fort Myers. More info here.
  

• Asia Fest

  It’s the Year of the Dragon and the 20th anniversary of this event so there is a big celebration planned in Bonita Springs. The annual Asia Fest celebrates Asian culture and the diversity in Southwest Florida. There will be all kinds of entertainment and a variety of food. Sunday Noon to 5p.m. at Riverside Park in downtown Bonita Springs, Free. More info here.

  

• 40th Annual Mullet Festival

  This quirky festival draws huge crowds every year, celebrating Southwest Florida’s most famous bottom feeding fish. Dine on all kinds of mullet, cold beverages and enjoy live music. Don’t miss the Buzzard Lope dance contest and the crowning of the Buzzard Lope Queen. What is the Buzzard Lope? It is the odd dance that buzzards do when they are hovering over roadkill. The fun is at Stan’s Idle Hour in Goodland starting Friday at 6p.m. The party picks up Saturday from noon to 630 and the same for Sunday. More info here.  

  

• Creepy Crawly Day at Calusa Nature Center

  If you or your kids like all things creepy and crawly, put this on your to do list. The event celebrates all kinds of bugs, snakes and the likes. You can learn about all kinds of bugs, even the ones you can eat. Guests can also interact with the creepy crawlies including the snakes. Finally, there is a special planetarium show. There are all kinds of things going on Saturday from 10a.m. to 4p.m. at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in Fort Myers. $5 3-12, $10 over 12, . More info here.

  

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