6 Fun Art and Cultural Events in Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands

This winter, head to Florida’s southwest coast for an array of family-friendly and artistic events. Enjoy a refined, Old Florida atmosphere in Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands.

Photo credit: CharlotteHarborTravel.com

Mark your calendars for the following events: 

1. Fourth Sunday Jazz Jam: Starting in January, enjoy the Charlotte County Jazz Society’s jam sessions at the Port Charlotte Golf Club from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m on Sundays. Club members get in free free, while all others pay $3.00.

2. Third Thursday Gallery Walks: During gallery walks on each third Thursday of the month, shops stay open until 8:00 p.m. There are free trolley rides, gallery maps at participating merchants, and plenty of free parking in downtown Punta Gorda. For more info, call 941-505-1915.

3. Placida Art Market: On select Saturdays (October through May), visit the Placida Art Market, which is open 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the historic fishing village and arts enclave of Placida. Featuring paintings, wood sculpture, pottery, jewelry, metal work and fine crafts from local artisans, the market takes place outside the Margaret Albritton Gallery, located at 13020 Fishery Road in Placida.

4.The 2015 Florida Winter National Wood Art Expo and Competition: On Jan. 10-11, 2015 head to the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center (located at 75 Taylor Street in Punta Gorda) for a premier woodcarving show, featuring hundreds of entries, vendors, demonstrations, silent auction and artists’ displays and sales of sculptures and other carvings.

5. The 7th Annual Hands Across the Harbor: On Jan. 31, 2015 at Gilchrist Park, fitness enthusiasts will walk, run, bike or race their longboards over the bridge at Charlotte Harbor and return back to the park for breakfast and family-friendly activities, awards and door prizes. Registration for Hands Across the Harbor is at 6:45 a.m. and the first event is at 8:00 a.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students.

6. The 10th Annual Wine & Jazz Festival: On Feb. 21, 2015, the Wine & Jazz Festival will feature artists Mindi Abair, Nick Colionne and Dave Koz, who will perform on the shores of Charlotte Harbor in Laishley Park on Nesbit Street in Punta Gorda. The park opens to the public at 12:30 p.m. with first performance at 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $65 (purchased by Dec. 31, 2014). VIP tickets are available as well and include stage front seating, private dance area, food, drink tickets, welcome back Friday night artist’s meet and greet and more.

Insider Tip: To get inspired to plan your next trip, follow Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands on Facebook and Twitter: @CHGIFlorida.

Want more travel tips from VISIT FLORIDA’s Entertainment & Luxury Insider? Follow Kara Franker on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.