Southwest Florida Events This Week: September 22–27

What’s happening locally this week?

Looking for Southwest Florida events this week? The confirmed highlights include Collier County’s National Dog Week adoption promotions, September 21–27, a $5 maintenance-period admission offer at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, and several public meetings in Naples and Golden Gate.

This roundup covers September 22–27, but the available listings are concentrated in Collier County—not the whole region. There are no confirmed Ave Maria entertainment events in the supplied listings. Below, we separate scheduled events from an ongoing recreation offer so you can choose a plan without mistaking a promotion for a festival.

National Dog Week adoption promotions

When: September 21–27
Organizer: Collier County Domestic Animal Services

Collier County Domestic Animal Services is celebrating National Dog Week with adoption promotions intended to help shelter dogs find permanent homes.

If your household has been considering a dog, this is a timely reason to learn more about adoption. It’s best approached as a family decision rather than a casual outing: think through daily care, your home setup, and how a new pet would fit your routine.

The county announcement does not specify the promotional adoption fees, visiting hours, or participation requirements. Check those details directly with Domestic Animal Services before making the trip. Don’t assume that “promotion” means every adoption is free.

Sun-N-Fun Lagoon’s reduced-admission offer

Announced price: $5 per person
Offer began: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Collier County Parks & Recreation announced reduced admission at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon while scheduled maintenance is performed on the water slides and lazy river.

This is a recreation offer, not a separately scheduled event. It may be worth considering for a family outing, but the maintenance is an important part of the decision—not a footnote.

Before heading out, confirm:

• Whether the park is operating on your chosen day.
• Whether the reduced admission remains in effect.
• Which attractions are available during maintenance.
• Any entry requirements relevant to your group.

The supplied notice does not include daily operating hours or an end date for the offer. If the slides or lazy river are your main reason for going, clarify their status first.

Public meetings on the local calendar

For residents following county decisions, conservation, or transportation planning, the week also includes these scheduled meetings. They’re civic opportunities rather than entertainment outings.

Tuesday, September 22: County commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners meeting is listed for 9:00 a.m. in the BCC Chambers, third floor, Collier County Government Center, 3299 Tamiami Trail E., Naples.

The county describes it as open to the public and a hybrid remote meeting. Depending on when you’re reading, the scheduled start may already have passed; check the county’s meeting information for its status and any available materials.

Wednesday, September 23: Conservation and planning

Three meetings appear on the county calendar:

• Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee’s Ordinance, Policy & Rules Subcommittee: 1:30 p.m., Growth Management Community Development building, Conference Room 609/610, 2800 North Horseshoe Drive, Naples.
• Collier Metropolitan Planning Organization Board: 3:00 p.m., BCC Chambers at 3299 Tamiami Trail E., Naples. The notice allows in-person or remote participation.
• Rural Golden Gate Estates Restudy Advisory Committee: 6:00 p.m., Max A. Hasse Jr. Community Park, 3390 Golden Gate Boulevard W., Naples. This is listed as a hybrid remote meeting.

Thursday, September 24: Code Enforcement Board

The Code Enforcement Board is scheduled to meet at 9:00 a.m. in the BCC Chambers, third floor, at 3299 Tamiami Trail E., Naples.

For agendas, participation instructions, and updates, consult Collier County Government before attending. A hybrid designation alone does not explain how to join or submit comments.

What about Ave Maria and the surrounding area?

The supplied Town of Ave Maria page contains community news and earlier announcements, but no confirmed event listing for this week. That doesn’t mean nothing is happening; it means there isn’t enough verified information here to recommend a specific gathering.

If you’re starting from Ave Maria, choose your main destination before adding other stops. Our Naples guide can help with broader destination planning, while The Ave Rides Guide offers more local reading.

One item to save for later: Pepper Ranch Preserve’s sunflower viewing weekends are October 2–4 and October 9–11. They are not part of this week’s lineup.

Make the outing easy

AVE RIDES PRO TIP Before arranging transportation, confirm the event’s exact entrance and your likely finish time. For an outing with an uncertain end, agree on a pickup meeting point with your group before you split up.

Keep the plan simple: one confirmed activity, any reservations it requires, and a clear way home. If you’d rather leave the driving to a locally owned company, book a ride with Ave Rides once your destination and timing are settled.