Visit Everglades City

2023 Swamp Heritage Festival
2023-12-02 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Big Cypress National Preserve, 33000 Tamiami Trail E., Ochopee, FL, 34141, United States
A day full of music, art, food, history, culture, and kids’ activities at the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center Festival Grounds in Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee, FL.

See speakers such as the legendary Gladesmen, Franklin Adams and historian Thomas Lockyear, watch traditional Seminole boat carving demonstrations by Pedro Zepeda, enjoy live music from local artists and much more for an afternoon of learning and fun! With kid’s activities, swamp buggies, airboats and more, there are opportunities for the whole family to learn and get involved!

The goal of this festival is to shine a spotlight upon the inhabitants of early south Florida, whose rugged strength and pioneering spirit contributed to the shaping of today’s unique and diverse culture. Through living history demonstrations, informative presentations, and exhibits everyone can learn what daily life was like in such a remote, and at times, inhospitable place. It is these unique chapters in American history that add to the rich and colorful tableau that comprises our shared past and present. In 2023, we are bringing back this perfect example of collaboration and community in order to share the knowledge and cultures of the past.

City Council Meeting
2023-12-05 19:00 - 20:00 | Everglades City Hall, 102 Copeland Ave N., Everglades City, FL, 34139, United States
City Council meetings are held every 1st Tuesday of the month @ 7 PM in the City Council room, 2nd floor City Hall.
The agenda will be posted here prior to the meeting. https://www.cityofeverglades.org/public-notice

These meetings will be a Hybrid meeting with some board members present and others present by video conference / Zoom. The bottom of the agenda has instructions on how to join the meeting via Zoom.

Food Pantry
2023-12-06 09:30 - 12:00, 2023-12-13 09:30 - 12:00, 2023-12-20 09:30 - 12:00, 2023-12-27 09:30 - 12:00 | Everglades Community Church, 101 Copeland Ave, Everglades City, FL, 34139, United States
Food is distributed from the rear of Everglades Community Church located at 101 S. Copeland Ave., Everglades City. “This institution is an equal opportunity provider.”

Ladies' Coffee at City Seafood
2023-12-07 08:30 - 10:00, 2023-12-28 08:30 - 10:00 | City Seafood, 702 Begonia St, Everglades City, 34139, United States
Ladies Coffee is a casual weekly gathering for women every Thursday at different local breakfast spots or homes. No rules or fees, just a welcoming space to connect, forge friendships in a relaxed atmosphere.

Meals of Hope EVG Community Outreach Project
2023-12-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Everglades City School, 415 E School Dr, Everglades City, FL, 34139, United States
EVG Community Outreach Project (Schoolwide grades Grade 2-12th)
Sponsored by: SGA & Elementary Leadership
Location: EVG Cafeteria
Who: All students, parents, guardians, teachers, or stakeholders who are in 2nd grade and above
How Many Do We Need?: We need at least 50 volunteers
Theme: Holiday Time! We will have hats, music, and group challenges for all volunteers! Permission slips are needed!

Art in the Glades
2023-12-09 10:00 - 13:00 | McLeod Park, Copeland Ave & Hibiscus St W,, Everglades City, FL, 34141, United States
Do your holiday shopping at the Art in Glades event on December 9th from 10 am to 1 pm at McLeod Park! Discover a treasure trove of unique gifts crafted by local artisans. Entry is free! Don’t miss this opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting our talented community!

Christmas Tree Lighting & Light Parade
2023-12-09 17:00 - 20:00 | Everglades City Hall, 102 Copeland Ave N., Everglades City, FL, 34139, United States
Everglades City and the Booster Club are gearing up for the Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade! Bring out your Christmas lights and join us for a joyful family evening. Raffle prizes, food, and Christmas cheer await. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to win a 65″ TV and much much more!! All proceeds help our Gator athletes.
Light Parade Theme: Skunk Ape
Golf Carts: $10
Trailers, Buggies, Airboats: $20
Event Schedule:
5 pm – Food, Drinks & Raffle
5:30 pm – Tree Lighting at City Hall
6 pm – Line up behind fire station
6:45 pm – Light Parade

Bio Blitz
2023-12-13 07:45 - 10:30 | Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, 137 Coast Line Dr, Copeland, FL, 34137, United States
Park Volunteer Coordinator, Alex Gobel, would like to invite all interested persons to visit the beautiful Fakahatchee Strand to participate in the 2023-24 Fakahatchee Strand Bio Blitz! The Bio Blitz takes place on a series of seven different dates. Those interested in volunteering may participate in as many, or as few, Blitzes as they would like.
The Bio Blitz is an important activity which assists the park staff with understanding the wildlife trends within the park, and subsequently aids in the planning and management of the park. During the two-hour session, volunteers are stationed along Janes Scenic Drive, and record their wildlife observations.
This interesting opportunity occurs one Wednesday per month, beginning November 2023, through May 2024. Each month, on the designated Wednesday, volunteers meet at the Park Office at 7:45AM and then proceed to Blitz from 8:30-10:30AM. After the Bio Blitz concludes, you are encouraged to remain and enjoy the park at your leisure.
The upcoming Bio Blitz series will take place on the following Wednesdays:
• • December 13th
• January 10th
• February 7th
• March 13th
• April 10th
• May 8th
More Info:
Alex.gobel@floridadep.gov
(239) 961-1925

Paint Party!
2023-12-13 15:00 - 17:00 | HavAnnA Cafe, 191 Smallwood Dr, Chokoloskee, FL, 34138, United States
Come paint with local artist, Lisa Gilmore, at HavAnnA Cafe on Dec 13 from 3 to 5pm. Adults $20, Children $10. Paint a 6 x 6 canvas, coconut, metal or seashell or bring your own. Children will be given child safe paint.
Info: (239) 695.2214

Ladies' Coffee at Everglades Cafe
2023-12-14 08:30 - 10:00 | Everglades Cafe, 207 West Broadway, Ochopee, 34141, United States

Ladies' Coffee at HavAnnA Cafe
2023-12-14 08:30 - 10:00 | HavAnnA Cafe, 191 Smallwood Dr, Chokoloskee, FL, 34138, United States

Everglades Book Club
2023-12-14 10:00 - 11:00 | FL
Meetings are open to all. We just read the book, have wonderful discussions and make new friendships.
Dec. 14 Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus – 10 am at the home of Linda Williams, 943 Panther Creek Lane – DuPont
Jan. 18 Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – 10 am at the home of Geri Freiberger, 300 Kumquat
Feb. 15 The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyon – 10 am at the home of Sharon Nykiel, 301 S. Copeland, Unit 101
Mar. 21 Miss Dreamsville and the Collier County Women’s Literary Society by Amy Hill Heath – 10 am at the home of Elaine Middelstaedt, 410 Storter Ave. South
April 11 Last Train to Paradise by Les Stand – 10 am at the home of Patty Huff, 207 North Storter Ave
Questions
Call: (812) 361-7402
Diann Lock

Gift Wrap Fundraiser
2023-12-16 12:00 - 14:00 | Everglades City School, 415 E School Dr, Everglades City, FL, 34139, United States
On December the 16th in the EVG cafeteria the EVG Cheerleaders will be doing a gift wrap fundraiser. So bring your unwrapped gifts and they will wrap them for you. Please enter through the back bus loop cafeteria doors.

Oyster Shucking Contest
2023-12-16 12:00 - 16:00 | HavAnnA Cafe, 191 Smallwood Dr, Chokoloskee, FL, 34138, United States
Inaugural Oyster Shucking Contest featuring The Jack Shealy Band. Teams of 2 with 1 designated shucker and 1 designated shooter, will compete to see who can successfully shuck and shoot 50 oysters the fastest.
Entry fee of $100 covers both contestants and makes them eligible for cash & swag prizes!
12-1pm sign ups
1-3pm shucking and shooting
Winner & prizes announced by 4pm
*1st Prize is 50% off total entry fee
*2nd Prize is $100 HavAnnA gift card
*3rd Prize is Set of HavAnnA Cafe hats/shirts

Annual Christmas Boat Parade Everglades City 2023
2023-12-16 17:00 - 19:00 | FL
Join us for the upcoming Annual Everglades City Boat Parade on December 16th! This cherished tradition has been sailing strong since 2007 and has seen as many as 17 boats participate in the past. Anticipation is high for an exciting event this year!
Bring your decorated boat and meet us between 5:00 and 5:15. The boat parade departs shortly after sunset from the mouth of the Barron River near Outward Bound Base Camp, heading towards City Seafood Beach Bar.
The boats will gracefully traverse the Barron River along Riverside Drive, Hibiscus, and N. Storter Ave, with a special stop at City Seafood Beach Bar.
To watch, the best spots are anywhere along the Barron River, including popular locations such as the Everglades Rod & Gun Club, Triad Seafood Market & Cafe, Camellia Street Grill, and City Seafood.
Come celebrate the joy of Christmas with us at this enchanting event!

Planning & Zoning Meeting
2023-12-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Everglades City Hall, 102 Copeland Ave N., Everglades City, FL, 34139, United States
P&Z Board meetings are held monthly on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. City Council room, 2nd floor City Hall.
These meetings will be a Hybrid meeting with some board members present and others present by video conference / Zoom. The bottom of the agenda has instructions on how to join the meeting via Zoom. The Agenda can be found at: https://www.cityofeverglades.org

Christmas Dessert & Contest
2023-12-20 18:30 | Chokoloskee Family Church Of God, 1236 Demere Ln, Chokoloskee, FL, 34138, United States
Join us for the Chokoloskee Family Church Annual Christmas Dessert & Ugly Sweater Contest on December 20 at 6:30 pm. Don your ugliest sweater for a chance to win prizes.

Ladies' Coffee at Island Cafe
2023-12-21 08:30 - 10:00 | Island Cafe, 305 Collier Ave, Everglades City, FL, 34139, United States

Third Thursday Talk at the Museum of the Everglades
2023-12-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Museum of the Everglades, 105 Broadway Ave W, Everglades City, FL, 34139, United States
The Third Thursday Talks hosted by the Museum of the Everglades are geared towards teaching and preserving the history of the area.
Get all the details at colliermuseums.com.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town at Captain Morgan's Seafood Grill, 102 S Copeland Ave Everglades City
2023-12-22 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-12-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Captain Morgan’s Seafood Grill Corp, 102 S Copeland Ave, Everglades City, FL, 34139, United States
Santa Claus is making a special stop at Captain Morgan’s December 22 & 23 | 2 – 4 pm
Stop by to tell Santa what you want for Christmas.
Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Santa & Mrs. Claus at Skunkape
2023-12-23 12:00 - 14:00 | Skunkape Headquarters, 40904 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL, 34141, United States
Santa Claus is coming to town! Come get your family photos taken with Santa & Mrs. Claus on Saturday December 23rd from 12 pm to 2 pm. Our shop is fully stocked with great last-minute holiday gifts and Christmas cheer! Free-admission to the Reptile Exhibit for the day !

Grateful Holiday Jam
2023-12-23 18:00 - 23:30 | Trail Lakes Campground, 40904 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL, 34141, United States
Come join us for a festive and fun-filled event at the Trail Lakes Campground in Ochopee, FL, USA! Get ready to celebrate the holiday season with one of South Florida’s longest running Grateful Dead bands . We have lined up an amazing night of live music and a campfire gathering for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a music lover or just looking for a good time, this event is perfect for you. So mark your calendars and get ready to jam at the Holiday Jam! We can’t wait to see you there!
Primitive Camping included with GA Ticket
Electric sites,RV,cabin, and hut upgrades are available through the Trail Lakes Campground office.
(800) 504-6554

Christmas Blessing Service
2023-12-24 10:00 - 11:30 | Chokoloskee Family Church Of God, 1236 Demere Ln, Chokoloskee, FL, 34138, United States
Join us for the Chokoloskee Family Church Annual Christmas Blessing Service on December 24th at 10 AM. Worship with us and win great prizes as we celebrate the holiday!

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
2023-12-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Everglades Community Church, 101 Copeland Ave, Everglades City, FL, 34139, United States
Join us at the Annual Christmas Candlelight Service at Everglades Community Church! After the service, gather with friends in the Fellowship Hall for refreshments. Don’t miss this festive occasion!

Praise Night
2023-12-30 18:30 - 20:00 | First Baptist Church of Everglades City, 416 E School Dr, Everglades City, FL, 34139, United States
On the last Saturday of each month, First Baptist Church of Everglades City will have a “Praise Night” with a light supper at 6:30 pm, followed by praise music and fellowship.
