Walt Wesley, former Kansas Jayhawk and first NBA player from Fort Myers, passes away at 79

Things to do this weekend in Fort Myers, Naples: ZZ Top, Oktoberfest, Pablo Francisco

Charles Runnells
The News-Press

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18

ZZ Top: The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have racked up many blues-rock hits across their 15 studio albums, including '70s and '80s favorites such as “La Grange,” “Legs,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Tush." Cheap Trick opens. 7:30 p.m. $39-$125. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 948-7825 or hertzarena.com

Oktoberfest: This 34th annual event brings two weekends of German culture to the Cape Coral area, including beer, live bands, food and vendors. Takes place Oct. 18-20 and 25-27. $5 in advance, $6 at the gate (free for ages 11 and younger). German American Social Club, 2101 S.W. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. 283-1400 or capecoraloktoberfest.com

ZZ Top

Comedian Pablo Francisco: The popular touring comedian shot to fame after joining MadTV, where he was the first Hispanic member. He is best known for his knack for impressions of people such as Jackie Chan, Michael J. Fox and even Kermit the Frog. Oct. 17-19. $21. Visani Restaurant and Comedy Theater, 2400 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte. (941) 629-9191 or visani.net

The Absentee Ballot: The Cape Coral pop punk/powerpop act reunites after 10 years to play their entire 2009 self-titled album. Plus opening acts Perfect Sequence and Heads or Tails. 9 p.m. $10. Rack’em Spirits & Times, 1011 S.E. 47th Terrace, downtown Cape Coral. facebook.com/RackemspiritsandTimes

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Southwest Florida concerts: ZZ Top, Wynonna, One Drop, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Big Orange and more

Aldo Trujillo: Mexican singer whose hits include “Con Olor a Cuero,” “Tenemos Que Hablar” and “Soy O No Soy.” Plus Noel Torres. 9 p.m.  $35.  Dimension Events Center, 2634 Tamiami Trail E., Naples. (786) 306-5321 or facebook.com/DimensionNightclub

Music Walk: Downtown Fort Myers comes alive with music at this monthly celebration with bands in the streets and inside the bars and venues. 6-10 p.m. Music Walk takes place on the third Friday of every month. Free. Downtown Fort Myers. fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com

“The Hobbit”: A stage version of the J.R.R. Tolkien fantasy about a hobbit who goes on an adventure involving orcs, elves and a gold-hoarding dragon. Performed by the students in CFABS’ youth-theater program. Oct. 18-20. $15-$20. Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artcenterbonita.org

Haunted Walk: The 35th annual Haunted Walk brings fear back to the trails at Calusa Nature Center. Not recommended for ages 15 and younger. Oct. 4-Nov. 2. $15. Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. 275-3435 or calusanature.org

Frightmare on 78: This new event takes the place of the popular annual Haunted Hike at the former Greenwell’s fun park, now under new ownership and renamed Gator Mike’s. Expect lots of scares and screams as you walk through a dark maze filled with killer clowns, chainsaw maniacs and more horrors. Oct. 4-Nov. 2. $15-$20. Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park, 35 N.E. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. 574-4386 or gatormikes.com

Masterworks No. 1: The Naples Philharmonic performs its first Masterworks concert of the 2019-20 season. The program features Beethoven’s “Piano Concerto No. 1,” Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5” and the world premiere of D. J. Sparr’s “The Fire and the Water.” 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. $44-$64. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 597-1111 or artisnaples.org

Farmer Mike's U Pick Corn Maze and Fall Festival: The Halloween tradition includes a hay ride, games, zombie paintball, food and two corn mazes (one “haunted,” one not). Costumes, flashlights, glow sticks and lanterns are welcomed. Daytime events are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Nighttime events are 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Continues through Oct. 27. $12-$20. Farmer Mike’s U Pick, 26031 Morton Ave., Bonita Springs. farmermikesupick.com

Fall and Halloween Festival: This daily festival features rides, a huge pumpkin patch, games, family activities, the "Halloween Express" train and a collection of creative scarecrows entered into the festival's annual "Scarecrows in the Park" contest. Oct. 11-27. Free admission, but some activities and rides cost extra. Parking is $1 per hour or $5 all day. Lakes Regional Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, south Fort Myers. 533-7575 or leeparks.org

“Syzygy Dark Art”: Last chance to see this annual Halloween exhibit featuring creepy, unsettling art. Oct. 4-18. Free. The annual show is organized by the local collaborative art project Syzygy. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., downtown Fort Myers.  333-1933 or sbdac.com

Andy Howl exhibit: The HOWL co-owner and tattoo artist displays his pen-and-ink illustrations in an exhibit called “Nunquam Obliviscaris.” His work usually has an underlying psychedelic and occult sensibility. Opening reception from 5-8 p.m. The gallery will also display works by Chris Gustin, Paul Tamanian, Mark Dickson and Karen Shapiro. The exhibit continues through Nov. 22. KAJ Gallery, 462 Ninth St. N., Naples. 234-7918 or vkajartgallery.com

Bedlam’s “Saint Joan” is playing Gulfshore Playhouse.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19

EC Twins: Influential British EDM deejays and producers consisting of brothers Marc and Allister Blackham. They’ve played festivals and scored radio hits with remixes of songs such as Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful,” LMFAO’s “Champagne Showers” and Adele’s “ Someone Like You.” 10 p.m. Free. Society at Bell Tower Shops, 13499 Bell Tower Drive, Suite E-518, south Fort Myers. 334-0900 or societyfortmyers.com

Spooktacular Drink & Treat: Ride trolleys and party buses throughout downtown Cape Coral and stop at 13 different places for candy and custom drink samples during this Halloween-themed event. Costumes are encouraged. 7-11 p.m. $19. Check-in happens at Big John Plaza and in front of Dixie Roadhouse, downtown Cape Coral. facebook.com/SouthCapeHospitalityAndEntertainmentAssociations

Zine Fest: Celebrate the DIY magazines known as zines and the opening of LYR’s Zine Library. The fest features zines from all over Florida for sale, art and food vendors, deejays, zine readings and the unveiling of murals for the library. Noon to 5 p.m. Free (although donations will be accepted). Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers. loveyourrebellion.org

Bedlam’s “Saint Joan”: An intimate, stripped-down adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s tale of Joan of Arc from New York theater company Bedlam. Oct. 19 to Nov. 3.$42-$75. Gulfshore Playhouse at The Norris Center, 755 Eighth Ave. S., downtown Naples. 261-7529 or gulfshoreplayhouse.org

Brew-Ha-Ha Craft Beer Festival: Mercato’s eighth annual beer fest features more than 60 craft brews, a costume contest, a stein-holding contest, live bands, a photo booth and raffles. The event benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida. 5-8 p.m. $35-$65. Takes place on the lawn across from The Pub at Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Naples. 437-0202

Big Storm Oktoberfest: The fourth annual festival features unlimited pours of all five Oktoberfest beers, German food, games, live music and deejays. Buy a stein glass for $40-$50 for unlimited beer pours. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free admission. Big Storm Brewing Co., 839 Miramar St.. Cape Coral. 257-1401 or bigstormbrewery.com

Southwest Florida Team Hope Walk: Fundraising walk hosted by the South Florida chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration starts at 9 a.m. Free. Jaycee Park, 4125 SE 20th Place, Cape Coral. 727-221-4826 or hdsa.org/thwftmyers

A 2009 photo of local pop-punk band The Absentee Ballot. Pictured, from left, are Joe Hill, José Garzón, Derek Doucette and Shane Frank.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20

Italian Fest: Celebrate all things Italian with food, live entertainment, games, raffles, wine, beer and more at this 11th annual event. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. 939-2787 or artinlee.org

Danny Gokey: The Grammy Award-nominated Christian singer and American Idol finalist performs. 7 p.m. $15-$35 ($75 for VIP). First Baptist Church of Naples, 3000 Orange Blossom Drive,  Naples. ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1850318

Fort Myers Drum Circle anniversary: The weekly event celebrates its ninth anniversary with balloons, food, drinks and — of course — lots of percussion. People gather every Sunday to play drums, dance, juggle and more. Bring your own chair and an instrument, or just come and listen. 6:30-9 p.m. Free. Centennial Park, 2000 W. First St., downtown Fort Myers. facebook.com/groups/fortmyersdrumcircle

“Ding” Darling Day: Celebrate the refuge’s 75th anniversary and its namesake’s birthday with this eco-festival featuring free tours, live wildlife presentations, hot dogs, live music, archery and paddleboarding clinics, yoga, kids crafts, fly-fishing demos and more. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.  J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel Island. 472-1100 or fws.gov/refuge/jn_ding_darling

LOOKING AHEAD

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22        

Rumors of Fleetwood Mac: The tribute band celebrates the Mac’s 50th anniversary, including a blues set spotlighting the Peter Green era. 7:30 p.m. $31-$80. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23

"Escanaba in da Moonlight": The Jeff Daniels comedy tracks the tales of deer hunters in Michigan in this Naples Players version. Oct. 23-Nov. 17. Tobye Studio Theatre, 701 Fifth Ave. S. Times vary. $40. 239-263-7990 or naplesplayers.org 

Theatre Conspiracy's “5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche”

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24

Naples International Film Festival: The award-winning annual fest returns with more feature films, shorts, documentaries and student films, plus panel discussions and opening and closing parties. Oct. 24-27. Ticket prices vary. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 597-1111 or artisnaples.org/naples-international-film-festival/2019

“5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche”: In this audience-participation comedy, the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein are having their annual Quiche Breakfast in 1956 when the Communists attack their town. Performed by Theatre Conspiracy. Oct. 24-Nov. 3. $26. Foulds Theatre at the Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. 939-2787 or at ArtInLee.org/Theatre

“Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man”: Lab Theater stages the first licensed production of the interactive romantic comedy after its 4½ years Off-Broadway run. Based on the best-selling book of the same name, “Sex Tips” involves an author and sex expert who appears at a college book discussion. But soon, the author ends up dispensing advice to the discussion’s straight moderator, too. Oct. 25-Nov. 16. $25.  The Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave., downtown Fort Myers. 218-0481 or laboratorytheaterflorida.com

Squirrel Nut Zippers: Popular North Carolina act whose blend of jazz, Delta blues, klezmer and other styles led to hit albums in the 90s and the hit song “Hell.” Plus opening act Johnny Jensen. 7 p.m. $32-$60. Southwest Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road S.E., Bonita Springs. 245-9910 or swfleventcenter.com

“Cause and Affection”: The CFABS Players perform the world-premiere of this multi-media comedy. An aging soap star finds his evening plans ruined after his elderly neighbor gets locked out of her apartment and his best friend shows up needing marriage advice. Oct. 24-27. $22.50-$25. Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artcenterbonita.org

“West Side Story”: Gulfshore Opera and Gulfshore Ballet team up to perform selections from the classic Leonard Bernstein musical, plus songs of the French Impressionists. 7 p.m. $45 ($75 tickets include premium seating and a 6 p.m. reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres). Gulfshore Ballet, 5636 Youngquist Road, Unit 1, Fort Myers. 529-3925 or gulfshoreopera.org

Music for Hope concert: Popular local pianist/singer Paul Todd and son Paul Todd Jr. perform a concert raising money for the victims of Hurricane Dorian. 7 p.m. Free admission but a love offering will be collected. Beach United Methodist Church, 155 Bay Road, Fort Myers Beach. paultodd.com

Popular local pianist/singer Paul Todd and son Paul Todd Jr. will perform Thursday for "Music for Hope."

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25

“Psycho: The Film with Live Orchestra”: Southwest Florida Symphony performs Bernard Hermann’s famous movie score for two screenings of the classic Hitchcock thriller. 7:30 p.m.  Friday at Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda (Tickets are $20-$60) and 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers ($15-$91). swflso.org

Oktoberfest in downtown Fort Myers: The River District celebrates Oktoberfest with this new three-day event featuring German food, German music (including live Bavarian music from DeLeon Oktoberfest Band and Alpine Doc), live bands (including rock, blues, samba and soul), dancers, vendors, arts, crafts, and lots and lots of beer. 4-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Free. Downtown Fort Myers. seafoodfestivals.com/S-64-Fort+Myers+Oktoberfest+Festival.html

Stone Crab Festival: The 10th annual festival celebrates the stone crab with fresh seafood, live music, live magic, vendors, ice cream and more. Friday through Sunday. Free. Tin City, 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. 262-4200 or tin-city.com

“On Golden Pond”: The stage version of the tear-jerking movie classic about an aging couple who are visited by their daughter at their summer home. Oct. 25-Nov. 3. $22. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. 772-5862 or culturalparktheater.com

Haunting on the Harbor: A 6,000-square-foot haunted house billing itself as the largest haunted house in Southwest Florida. It’s part of a Halloween festival that includes live music, costume contests, a hypnotist show, food, drinks and more. 5-11 p.m. Oct. 25-26 and 31 (festival and haunted house), 7-10 p.m. Oct. 27 (haunted house only). Free gate admission for the festival. $10-$20 for haunted house.  The corner of U.S. 17 and 41 in downtown Punta Gorda. puntagordahaunting.com

Maestro Nir Kabaretti will lead Southwest Florida Symphony's “Psycho: The Film with Live Orchestra”

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26

Big Orange Music Festival: The annual fest features Blackberry Smoke, The Allman Betts Band, Joanne Shaw Taylor, J Edwards, JD Simo, Champ Jaxon and more. Noon to 11 p.m. $45. Laishley Park, 100 Nesbit St., downtown Punta Gorda. bigorangemusicfestival.com

Sonic Masquerade: Some of Southwest Florida’s top musicians celebrate the songs of Blink-182, The Beach Boys, The Deftones and more at this tribute show benefiting Love Your Rebellion. There will also be a Halloween costume contest. 9 p.m. to midnight. $5. Nice Guys Pizza, 1334 Cape Coral Parkway E., downtown Cape Coral.  549-7542 or facebook.com/NiceGuysPizza

Wynonna and The Big Noise: Country superstar Wynonna Judd and her band return for another casino show. 8 p.m. $87. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S. First St., Immokalee. 658-1313 or seminoleimmokaleecasino.com

Julian Marley: The Grammy nominated roots-reggae singer-songwriter is the son of the legendary Bob Marley. 7 p.m. $29-$55. Southwest Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road S.E., Bonita Springs. 245-9910 or swfleventcenter

Marching band event: 21 Southwest Florida marching bands perform their halftime shows at this all-day event for the Florida Bandmasters Association. They’ll be assessed on their skills. 2-8:30 p.m. $8.  Sam Sirianni Stadium at Fort Myers High School, 2635 Cortez Blvd., Fort Myers. fba.flmusiced.org/mpa

HEAL garage sale fundraiser: Cat rescue group Haven on Earth Animal League (HEAL) holds a community garage and bake sale. More than 30 homes in the Cross Creek Estates neighborhood will take part. All proceeds go toward housing, feeding and caring for the many cats and kittens that HEAL takes in until they can be adopted. 8 a.m. to noon. Cross Creek Estates, 12831 Allendale Circle, Fort Myers. facebook.com/HEAL.Fort.Myers.FL

Babcock Ranch Dragon Boat Challenge: Dragon boat teams race a 400-meter course in this second annual event. The boats are 25 to 45 feet long and require 10-20 paddlers. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission. Founder’s Square at Babcock Ranch, located just northeast of Fort Myers on Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31. babcockranchdragonboatfestival.com

Halloween Comic Fest: This eighth-annual event features giveaways of specially produced comic books, a big sale, raffles, a charity auction and appearances by several “superheroes.” 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Comics Cards And Stuff, 2215-J Winkler Avenue, Fort Myers. 939-0878 or facebook.com/FortMyersComics

KidsFest: The 22nd annual family festival includes entertainment, games, raffles, costume contests, food trucks and free hot-dog meals for kids 12 and younger (while supplies last). Non-perishable food will be collected for the Cape Coral Caring Center. Organized by Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission ($2 for parking). Sun Splash Festival Grounds, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral. facebook.com/KiwanisKidsFest

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27

One Drop: Touring San Diego act that plays classic roots reggae and dub music blended with pop, R&B and rock. Their hits include  "Don't Make Me Wait" and  a cover of Men at Work's "Down Under.” South Street City Oven and Grill, 1410 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. 435-9333 or southstreetnaples.com

Hogwarts Halloween: Gulf Coast Symphony performs music from the Harry Potter movies at this a not-so-spooky Halloween concert with a pre-show costume contest and trick or treating. 2 p.m. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com