Southwest Florida Events This Week: Markets, Mud Runs & Community Meetings

What’s happening locally this week?

Looking for Southwest Florida events this week? The standout leisure options in the published listings are in Ave Maria on Saturday, November 14: the Ave Maria Farmers Market, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., and the Mud Run, 10 a.m.–noon. Earlier in the week, Immokalee and Naples have scheduled civic meetings for residents interested in local issues.

This roundup focuses on events listed by the Town of Ave Maria and Collier County. It’s a practical Collier County shortlist—not a complete Southwest Florida calendar. Here’s what’s scheduled, who each outing may suit, and what to check before leaving home.

Saturday plans in Ave Maria

Ave Maria Farmers Market

• When: Saturday, November 14, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Where: Welcome Center Parking Lot, 5076 Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria, FL 34142
• Best fit: Browsing local goods, shopping for fresh ingredients, and a relaxed outing with friends or family.

The town’s listing describes a market with more than 50 local vendors, offering fresh produce, flowers, raw honey, artisanal foods, baked treats, home décor, handcrafted accessories, and ceramics.

That variety makes this a good choice when your group wants something flexible rather than a fixed performance or race. You can focus on groceries, browse handmade pieces, or simply make the market your main reason to get everyone out of the house.

Bring reusable bags and think about how you’ll keep any perishable purchases cool afterward. Vendor payment methods and admission details aren’t specified in the supplied listing, so check with the organizer rather than assuming.

New to the area? Our Ave Maria guide is a starting point for planning the rest of your visit.

Mud Run at Ave Maria North Park

• When: Saturday, November 14, 10 a.m.–noon; race starts at 10 a.m.
• Where: Ave Maria North Park, 4010 Anthem Parkway
• Best fit: An active morning for people who don’t mind getting dirty.

The town describes this as a family outing and explicitly invites participants to bring their four-legged friends. Whether you’re interested in racing or taking a more playful approach, this is the more energetic of the two Saturday options.

The supplied listing does not specify the course distance, entry fee, registration process, age requirements, or detailed pet rules. Confirm those points before making a commitment, particularly if you’re bringing children or a dog.

Wear clothing and footwear you’re comfortable getting muddy, and pack a change of clothes. Don’t treat the listed ending time as a guarantee of when your individual participation will finish.

AVE RIDES PRO TIP If you’re arranging a ride after the Mud Run, bring a towel, clean clothes, and a bag for muddy shoes. Change before pickup to help keep the vehicle clean and the ride comfortable.

Can you do both?

The schedules overlap, but the market’s listed closing time is later than the Mud Run’s. That makes a post-run market visit a possible plan—not a guaranteed itinerary. Leave room for cleaning up and getting between the two locations.

If you prefer a slower morning, choose the market on its own. There’s no need to turn a simple Saturday outing into a tightly timed checklist.

Weekday civic events

These are government and advisory-board gatherings, not festivals or entertainment events. They’re worth considering if your goal is to follow local decisions or become more involved in the community.

Monday, November 9: Immokalee walking tour

The Immokalee Community Redevelopment Advisory Board is scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. at Zocalo Park, 107 North 1st Street, Immokalee, for a walking tour of Main Street.

Check the county notice before heading out, especially if you’re reading this after the scheduled start time. This is a board activity rather than a general sightseeing tour.

Tuesday, November 10: Naples meetings

Collier County lists three meetings with published times and locations:

• Board of County Commissioners — 9 a.m. BCC Chambers, third floor, Collier County Government Center, 3299 Tamiami Trail E., Naples. The county says this meeting is open to the public and will use a hybrid remote format.
• Pelican Bay Services Division Board — 1:30 p.m. Community Center at Pelican Bay, 8960 Hammock Oak Drive, Naples.
• Ochopee Fire Control District Advisory Committee — 2 p.m. Greater Naples Fire Rescue Station 61, Port of the Islands, 525 New Port Dr., Naples.

Review the relevant agenda and participation instructions before attending. For destination planning, see our Naples guide.

Before you head out

Recheck the Town of Ave Maria events calendar or Collier County’s calendar and notices for organizer updates. Outdoor plans also deserve a weather check.

For more local planning ideas, browse The Ave Rides Guide. If you’d rather arrange transportation, Book a Ride with your event location and intended pickup time in mind.