Top 10 Spring Events in Naples, FL

Make your spring in Naples, FL, an unforgettable experience with these must-attend gatherings. Exciting things to do await around this southwest Florida town, but in the “snowbird season,” when the part-time residents return, Naples comes alive with arts, culture, and delicious food. It’s a social calendar that will leave your head spinning with memories and a heart full of abundance. Check out these locals’ top recommended events for your spring in Naples, FL.

Cars on Fifth

Dates: February 1-4

Admission: Vary by event 

Alternatively known as the “Naples Automotive Experience,” this two decades and counting event benefits the St. Matthew’s House of Naples. Over several days, Cars on 5th curates a one-of-a-kind automobile fan festival. This high-end car show is known to draw celebrities. Special events start at the Jetport Reception and continue with a motorcar auction and the Cars on 5th Concours.

In 2024, the show will feature the first reveal of the Shelby Series 2 car. The Cars on 5th Concours has over 100 Porches, 70 Corvettes, and 50 muscle cars registered in the show, plus high-end McLarens, Bugatti, and Aston Martins. In sum, wander the venue to see over 650 cars, from vintage to new, for 2024. The auction is one of the best for specialty and luxury car fans. It’s a curated sale of 200 one-of-a-kind automobiles, from vintage Ferraris to Aston Martins. Throughout the whole event, auto fans enjoy extraordinary experiences, including wine tasting, specialty cigars, and craft art. 

Each individual event is known to sell out, so plan ahead.

St. Katherine’s Annual Greek Festival

Dates: February 2-4

Admission: $5

Another can’t-miss event locals recommend is the culture and fun of St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church’s annual Greek festival. The festival is a total fest for the senses. Dine on authentic Greek fare like hummus and baklava while listening to traditional music and watching dancers. A Greek Market sells cultural arts and crafts. For extra convenience, the festival has a drive-thru option for purchasing Greek food and pastries as takeout. Kids 12 and under are free, and so is the parking. It is one of the top cultural spring events, and the proceeds support the church’s work. 

Chubb Classic

Dates: February 13-19

Admission: Starting at $20 for daily grounds, up to $400 for VIP.

Rub shoulders with PGA pros at this prized golfing tournament. This flagship PGA TOUR champions tournament is an annual February tradition in Naples. Pros play the Chubb Classic at the Black Course of the top-rated Tiburon Golf Club. The $1.8 million purse is a big draw for its 80 players, who often include top pros to grace the fairways. They play over three days and 54 holes. 

Pick from daily tickets or VIP passes. Daily grounds tickets include entrance to the golf shop and general concessions. The event proceeds to benefit the Grace Place for Children & Families. 

Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival

Dates: February 17

Admission: Free

A beloved Naples event, this one brings together music and barbeque in a delightful street festival. Besides the delicious ‘cue on the spits and the sounds of soulful music wafting through the smoke, the Blues, Brews, & BBQ festival includes a car show, farmers market, kids activities, and food trucks.

Find the festival at Ave Maria Town Center, a “small town” development inside Naples. Bring your lawn chair, but leave the coolers behind.

National Art Fair at Cambier Park

Dates: February 23-25

Admission: Free

Naples has curated a reputation for its opulent arts and culture scene, and the National Art Fair is part of that reason. This long-running spring event consistently appears listed among the top Fine Art events and Art Fairs. Locals consider it a must-visit because the quality of the craftsmanship and pieces is so high. Well over 20,000 people visit this Naples art fair each year. 

Artists from around the globe present in 17 categories, including ceramics, sculpture, watercolor, and jewelry. The juried event is right in the heart of downtown Naples, adding a scenic venue to the perks of the outdoor fairs. Visit any food vendors or a classic down restaurant as you make a day of art. 

Naples Craft Beer Fest

Dates: March 2

Admission: $77

If you like a good cold one, the Naples Craft Beer Fest is for you! This top Naples spring event celebrates crafted hops and malt beverages in all their glory. Select from over 100 locally made microbrews and hoppy creations from around the world to try on your taste buds. 2024 Florida-based brewers include Big Top, Coppertail, Riptide, and Islamorada Beer Company. The festival includes a People’s Choice contest and a chef meal pairing challenge. 

So kick back with a flight as you delight in this fan-favorite festival’s live music, paired eats, and the overall relaxed vibe at the Naples Bayfront. Get tickets early, as this regularly sells out. 

Swamp Buggy Classic

Dates: March 3 & April 6

Admission:  $18 adult, $8 kids

Naples, FL, may be known for its luxurious homes and upscale shopping, but it’s not afraid to get dirty and let loose old-Florida style. For over 75 years, it’s the one place in the US where you can watch swamp buggies tear through the mud and water on the way to victory. It’s another local fan-favorite event.

In case you’re new, swamp buggies are vehicles designed to handle southwest Florida’s swampy and lowland terrain. Think about the Everglades–you can’t just drive a regular 4×4 or off-road vehicle into its high waters. A swamp buggy essentially has large tires atop ATV and UTV vehicles, although today’s racing buggies are increasingly purpose-designed for speed. The racing season goes from January to April, culminating in the Bud Cup finals. 

Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Date: March 16

Admission: Free

Year after year, the Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade draws in a crowd exceeding 40,000 individuals to downtown Naples. It’s a cherished tradition that celebrates the rich tapestry of Irish heritage and the enduring influence of Irish culture in America. 

The grand event steps off at the intersection of 3rd Street South and 10th Avenue, weaving its way eastward along Fifth Avenue South, then southward on 8th Street South, culminating in front of Naples City Hall. Make sure to arrive early to secure a prime spot for catching glimpses of the emerald floats, fire engines, marching high school bands, and captivating dancers. This private-funded parade has been going on for over 40 years and donates money raised to local school bands and student scholarships.

Collier County Fair

Dates: March 21-31

Admission: $35 

What’s springtime without a traditional county fair? In Collier County, the annual event showcases all the midway and classics with a South Florida twist. You get warm weather to wander from the Main Stage pub to the rides to the livestock pavilions. Locals enter quilt and homemade goods contests, while youth show off their cows, pigs, and chickens in the 4H shows. Ride the bumper cars, get a full view of the Ferris Wheel, and race down on slides. And complement it all with fried fair food and popcorn. Just in time for spring break, it could be a fun day to make memories with any visiting family members.

Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championships

Dates: April 13-20

Admission: $5 for parking; admission is by lottery

Pickleball has taken the US by storm, so naturally, there will be a championship for the fast-growing sport. And why not right here in the retirement haven of Naples? The Minto US Open is the world’s largest pickleball tournament and probably its biggest party, too! The event is at the East Naples Community Park. Top players from around the world–seriously, 29 countries in 2023–come to party and watch the fast-paced action on the courts. Over 40,000 people attended in 2023. And the event is only eight years old!

Besides this taste of things to do in Naples for the spring, you’ll find many more ways to stay active. Naples always has beautiful beaches and waterfront, plus its Fifth Avenue Shops, countless championship golf courses, and tennis. Pick and choose whatever you want to do and live like a local in Naples, Florida!