CVB Launches 5th Season of ¡ARTE VIVA!
Published on September 30, 2026
Florida’s Paradise Coast will come alive with the heritage, rhythms, dances, and visual arts of the Hispanic community.
NAPLES, Fla., Oct. 1, 2026 – Get ready to embark on a journey into the vibrant heart of Hispanic arts and culture as Florida's Paradise Coast gears up for another exhilarating celebration ¡ARTE VIVA! , presented by the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), is a yearlong extravaganza that promises to be an unforgettable tribute to the rich cultural tapestry of the Hispanic community, which makes up nearly 30% of the region’s population.
¡ARTE VIVA! recently was recognized by the Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA), earning four 2026 SunSational Awards. The festival won two Silver Awards for the 2025-2026 Commemorative Poster and the Social Media Campaign and two Bronze Awards for the Website and Magazine Advertisement.
"Our CVB partners are thrilled to participate and bring exciting programs to our destination,” said John Melleky, arts and culture manager for the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB, “¡ARTE VIVA! provides a tremendous platform to promote Collier County’s cultural assets because we know that Collier County is the place to feel the cultural pulse of Paradise."
The 2026-2027 season of ¡ARTE VIVA! will introduce extraordinary new programs, family activities, and returning favorites:
- Families take the stage with many activities for everyone, which include:
- The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples celebrates with ¡VIVA Mexico!, a colorful interactive journey into the culture, history and traditions of Mexico;
- A grass wall installation for Día de los Muertos at the Marco Island Center for the Arts;
- Children’s activities take center stage with Día de los Muertos at the Marco Island Historical Museum;
- COCO Gallery begins its Young Creators series by celebrating five years of ¡ARTE VIVA!.
- Día de los Muertos is celebrated with returning events. Originating in Mexico, this vibrant holiday invites the community to come together, share cherished memories of loved ones, and celebrate the bonds that unite us. There are a variety of events and activities, which include:
- The free Artis—Naples Día de los Muertos Celebration event is part of the monthly Art After Hours on October 28. Dance performances, family-friendly activities, art exhibitions, including Florida Contemporary 2026-27 and live art demonstration by Naples artist Nicario Jiménez-Quispe can be found at this free event;
- The annual Día de los Muertos Celebration at Naples Botanical Garden on October 31 and November 1. They will have their eight-foot Calaveras sculptures created by Ricardo Soltero, children’s activities, ofrendas, music by Sudamerican Latin Groove, Mariachi Sol Azteca, and Orquesta Tropical Sound; and dance performances by Ballet Folklorica Jaliscience and Danza Azteca Guadalupana.
- Visual arts take center stage with multiple exhibitions and installations.
- Currently on display, the Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch showcases the experiences of the Immokalee community through Self-Documented: Community Memory and Lived Experience;
- Now through December 23, 2026, the Naples Depot Museum displays the origins of the Railroad Braceros Project through The Untold Stories of the Mexican Railroad Braceros of World War II;
- Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum presents The Surrealist International: Fifty Years of Dreams, showcasing the trajectory and broad reach of surrealism through a texture of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and objects, drawn from the collection of Tate, United Kingdom from October 17, 2026 - February 14, 2027;
- Naples Art Institute will bring the work of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso for the exhibition Picasso: Back to the Origins from February 6, 2027 to May 2, 2027;
- In March, the Naples Art District will celebrate its 20th anniversary through an exhibition that showcases nature’s endurance, resilience, and transformation of Wings of Wonder: The Miraculous Migration of the Monarch Butterfly to Central Mexico;
- The Face of Immokalee is a captivating public art installation at Lipman Farms in Immokalee. Photographer Michelle Tricca honors the resilient Immokalee community through a striking series of black-and-white portraits of its children.
¡ARTE VIVA! will be filled with the rhythm and melodies of talented Hispanic artists.
- The Marco Island Center for the Arts' Musical Interludes series will introduce a variety of musical talents, including Brazilian guitarist Everton Azevedo; Latin Grammy winner Leslie Cartaya; and the best of Brazilian music with Brazilian Voices;
- Opera Naples Festival Under the Stars runs over two months and will include Hispanic artists and productions created by Artistic and Music Director Ramón Tebar, who himself hails from Valencia, Spain.
This year’s lineup will also include the Farmers Market at Third Street South with local Hispanic vendors, the South American Exhibit at Naples Zoo, a medley of outdoor art festivals, and much more. ¡ARTE VIVA! is set to offer residents and visitors an unrivaled assortment of events and performances throughout the year, spread across multiple locations throughout Florida's Paradise Coast. It's a heartfelt tribute to Hispanic culture's beauty, vibrancy, and unique contributions.
¡ARTE VIVA! is also proud to announce the 2026-2027 Season Poster Artist, Carolina Albrizzio-López, a Venezuelan-born artist in Naples who has been passionately working with watercolors for several years. Her creativity has been evident since childhood as she grew up immersed in art, theater, and music. Her journey as a watercolorist began unexpectedly when she turned to painting to help pass the time after Hurricane Irma. She enjoys the transparency and fluidity of the medium and finds those assets truly inspiring. Her paintings are vibrant and full of tropical and Mediterranean colors. “In those parts of the world, the flowers, skies, and water are brighter. They make me happy,” said Albrizzio-López. She is a member of the Southwest Florida Watercolor Society.
“Making Memories”, the 2026-2027 Poster, is a vibrant, dreamlike scene that explores how Hispanic culture is passed from one generation to the next in Southwest Florida. It depicts family togetherness, nature, and imagination in a lush tropical setting” said Albrizzio-López. “The poster is framed by a giant green alligator that blends with family life and elements of magical realism.
¡ARTE VIVA! celebrates culture as a living experience—a time for generations to gather and share stories, food, traditions, and creativity. The 2026–2027 poster brings this spirit to life through playful imagery, handmade textiles, ceramics, and even a piñata, creating a vibrant visual reflection of the festival’s purpose.
As Albrizzio-Lopez explains, the poster invites viewers into a “world where folk art, imagination, and daily life coexist as one playful visual story, shaping identity, and nurturing future creativity.” Through this imaginative blend of everyday life and folk art, the poster captures ARTE VIVA!’s celebration of cultural connection, creativity, and the traditions that continue to shape future generations.
COCO Gallery in Coastland Mall will host a Meet and Greet with Albrizzio-López on October 14, 2026 from 5 pm - 7 pm, as part of an exhibition celebrating the five years of ¡ARTE VIVA!
For a comprehensive list of upcoming events and to immerse yourself in the ¡ARTE VIVA! experience, please visit the ¡ARTE VIVA! website at www.arte-viva.com.
Full Event Schedule (as of September 30, 2026)
Now – 10/24/2026 Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch
Self-Documented: Community Memory and Lived Experience
A community exhibition centered on storytelling, memory, and lived experiences within Immokalee's immigrant community and neighboring communities. Free Admission
Now – 12/23/2026 Naples Depot Museum
The Untold Stories of the Mexican Railroad Braceros of World War II
Discover the lasting contributions of the little-known chapter in American and Mexican history that helped sustain the United States Transportation network during World War II through the origins of the Railroad Braceros Project. Free Admission
Now – 01/03/2027 Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
¡VIVA Mexico!
A colorful and exciting journey south of the border. This vibrant hands-on exhibit immerses visitors in the rich culture, history, and traditions of Mexico, while exploring what life is like for children in Mexico today. Ticket Information
Now – 08/30/2027 Immokalee Lipman Family Farms
The Face of Immokalee
The public art installation The Face of Immokalee by Michelle Tricca aims to champion the Immokalee community through a series of boldly displayed black and white photographic portraits. This first-of-its-kind art exhibition in Collier County is presented on two 50-foot walls and two 53-foot semi-truck-trailers owned by Immokalee-based Lipman Family Farms. Free Admission
Now – 08/30/2027 Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
South American Trail
Visit Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens to discover the South American Trail, featuring many new species, including the Baird’s Tapir, Capybaras, Toco Toucan, and Southern Screamers. Ticket Information
10/01/2026 - 10/31/2026 COCO Art Gallery Naples
¡ARTE VIVA! Exhibition
Celebrate the fifth season of ¡ARTE VIVA! through a showcase of current and past events shown through this art exhibition, including the 2026-2027 Poster. Free Admission
10/10/2026 COCO Art Gallery Naples
¡ARTE VIVA! Young Creators
Artist and educator Micah Goguen will lead young artists to explore the exciting world of watercolor, learning techniques, experimenting with colors, and discovering how their own creativity can tell a story. Ticket Information
10/10/2026 Marco Island Historical Museum
Día de los Muertos
Discover the tradition of honoring one’s ancestors of this holiday and learn how to decorate calaveras (skulls) and create ofrendas (altars). Free Admission
10/12/2026 - 11/13/2026 Marco Island Center for the Arts
Día de los Muertos Grass Wall - Outdoor Art Installation
Visit the installation of the multidimensional Grass Walls that will be decorated with crafts that celebrate the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) made by the students from Marco Island Charter Middle School under the guidance of teacher Gigi Garrity. Free Admission
10/14/2026 COCO Art Gallery Naples
¡ARTE VIVA! Celebration - Meet the Poster Artist
Celebrate the ¡ARTE VIVA! festival through an exhibition connecting arts organizations, cultural partners, and the hospitality community as it enters its fifth year. Meet the 2026-2027 poster artist, Carolina Albrizzio-López. Free Admission
10/17/2026 - 02/14/2027 Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum
The Surrealist International: Fifty Years of Dreams
Explore the long trajectory and broad reach of surrealism as a state of mind through a rich texture of paintings, photographs, sculptures, and objects drawn from the remarkable collection of Tate, United Kingdom. Ticket Information
10/17/2026 - 06/27/2027 Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum
Florida Contemporary 2026-27
This annual exhibition presents notable artists practicing in Florida. Highlighting the breadth of artistic approaches to personal, local, and global themes, this year’s series includes Nicario Jiménez-Quispe of Naples. Ticket Information
10/22/2026 Marco Island Center for the Arts
Musical Interludes with Everton Azevedo
South American Artist Everton Vidal Azevedo is a Brazilian guitarist and composer with deep roots in the Amazon rainforest and a passion for the rich musical traditions of South America. His style is a vibrant fusion of Brazilian music, Latin American folk, instrumental rock, and contemporary pop. His solo work blends lyrical melodies, folkloric roots, and modern sensibility. Ticket Information
10/28/2026 Artis—Naples
Art After Hours: Día de los Muertos - The Art of Remembering
Artis—Naples invites the entire community to the Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus to honor and remember those who have passed away with joy and respect through dance, family-friendly activities and a live art demonstration by Nicario Jiménez-Quispe. Free Admission
10/31/2026 - 11/01/2026 Naples Botanical Garden
Día de Los Muertos Celebration
Join Naples Botanical Garden for a joyous Día de los Muertos Celebration! With origins in Mexico, this colorful holiday is a time for our community to share memories of loved ones and celebrate our families and friends together. Discover the significance of this holiday and its rich culture through special displays, tours, and more. Immerse yourself in live music, dance performances, and delicious dishes. Bring the whole family for an adventure in color, aroma, and flavor. Ticket Information
10/31/2026 – 04/24/2027 Third Street South
Third Street South Farmers Market
There is no better way to experience the heart of a culture than through its food. As part of the larger city-wide celebration, the Third Street South Annual Farmers Market will feature a focus on the culinary delights of many Hispanic and Latin cuisines, with many of our favorite vendors returning and exciting new vendors joining the lineup. The Third Street South Farmers Market was first established in 1994 and today reflects the participation of nearly 60 vendors, the majority of whom are local agriculturally based businesses. Free Admission
11/03/2026 - 12/11/2026 COCO Art Gallery Naples
The Americas - The Exhibition
Explore contemporary life, national identity, migration and heritage through the eyes of artists. See inspirations that include landscapes, traditions, and cultural heritage of North, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean. Naples Art District showcases its Monarch Butterfly - Wings of Wonder exhibition through sculpture, photos, and paintings that showcase the monarch butterfly’s migration to Central Mexico. Free Admission
11/08/2026 - 11/08/2026 Inn on Fifth
F1 Brazil Watch Party and Brunch
Join Fellow Formula 1 enthusiasts for a stylish race-day experience featuring a chef-crafted brunch buffet with seasonal ingredients and indulgent morning favorites. Watch the Brazil Grand Prix live from the elegant ballroom lunch or on the poolside terrace. Ticket Information
11/12/2026 Marco Island Center for the Arts
Musical Interludes with Leslie Cartaya
Caribbean, Afro-American, Afro-Latin, and Latin American musical rhythms create a harmonious fusion in Leslie Cartaya's music. Cartaya is a Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and producer. Born and raised in Cuba, Cartaya has a wide range of repertoire going from the most dance-able and hot Latin rhythms to more soothing and romantic sounds that incorporate Salsa, Son, Rumba, Funk, Pop, and Reggae. Ticket Information
11/14/2026 Gulfshore Opera
Madama Butterfly at Artis—Naples
Puccini’s classic grand opera of love, loss and devotion comes to Artis--Naples and will be led by Argentine-born conductor Jorge Parodi, Gulfshore Opera’s Music Director and a leading voice in Hispanic opera. Maestro Parodi also serves as General and Artistic Director of Opera Hispánica, the premier U.S. company dedicated to Hispanic vocal repertoire and presenting opera through a Latin perspective. His leadership will be complemented by a distinguished roster of Hispanic artists performing with Gulfshore Opera this season, bringing exceptional artistry and diverse cultural perspectives to the stage. Ticket Information
12/05/2026 Naples Art District
Holiday Piñata Workshop
Join Mercedes Perez to learn the art of creating piñatas to celebrate the holidays. Ticket Information
01/02/2027 – 01/03/2027 Naples Art Institute
Naples New Year’s Art Fair
Kick off the new year with a weekend of art and creativity with approximately 250 artists at the Naples New Year’s Art Fair in Cambier Park. Free Admission
01/23/2027 - 01/24/2027 Naples Picasso Events
4th Annual Mercato Art Celebration
Discover an impressive selection of original artwork from talented artists showcasing painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, mixed media and more while also enjoying Mercato’s restaurants and shops. Free Admission
01/30/2027 – 03/25/2027 Opera Naples
Festival Under the Stars
Celebrate opera as an art form, interpreted by Artistic and Music Director Ramón Tebar, during this two-month-long festival with stages at the Wang Opera Center, First Presbyterian Church, Moorings Presbyterian Church, and Baker Park. Festival Under the Stars is the only outdoor winter opera performed in the United States. Ticket Information
02/06/2027 – 05/02/2027 Naples Art Institute
Picasso: Back to the Origins
Explore how the most famous and influential of modern artists, Pablo Picasso, drew upon his cultural roots and personal experiences to transform art. This exhibition highlights Picasso’s relentless spirit of experimentation across a wide range of disciplines, showcasing the evolving creativity of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Ticket Information
02/19/2027 – 02/21/2027 Naples Art Institute
Naples National Art Fair
Naples Art Institute presents the 47th Annual National Art Fair in Cambier Park. A competitive juried event that is one of Southwest Florida’s leading outdoor fine arts events, the National Art Fair is a fine art and craft show showcasing artists' work in 17 different categories, including painting, jewelry, watercolor, ceramics, metal, sculpture, and wood. Ticket Information
03/15/2027 Artis—Naples
Tango After Dark
Direct from Argentina, German Cornejo's Tango After Dark ignites the stage with electrifying dance, live music and the sultry spirit of Piazzolla's Nuevo Tango. Passionate, intimate and unforgettable, this is tango as you've never experienced it before. Ticket Information
03/21/2027 - 03/22/2027 Naples Art Institute
Naples Downtown Art Fair
The Naples Downtown Art Fair is a highly anticipated annual event that brings together artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts from all over the world. Hosted in Cambier Park, this two-day festival showcases a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. Ticket Information
04/07/2027 Marco Island Center for the Arts
Musical Interludes with Brazilian Voices
Brazilian Voices singers share a passion for singing and showcasing the best of Brazilian culture through vocal excellence. Ticket Information
05/01/2027 - 06/30/2027 Marco Island Center for the Arts
Walkers: Memoria from the Columbia-Venezuelan Border
Photographer Rodrigo Sandoval Cárdenas documents the lives, transit, and memory of migration across one of Latin America’s most contested borders. Free Admission
05/03/2027 – 07/30/2027 United Arts Collier
¡ARTE VIVA! Inner Worlds: Places We Carry
Ponder the space we inhabit and the worlds we carry with us through consideration of the people, landscapes, and experiences of artists. Free Admission
06/26/2027 – 06/27/2027 Naples Botanical Garden
Tasting the Tropics
Enjoy the Garden’s most fruitful season with this tasty festival! Many of the world’s favorite fruits have
subtropical or tropical origins. Sample tropical fruits from around the world, discover fruiting plants grown in the Garden, watch live demonstrations, and take a fruit-themed tour. Ticket Information
For more information about participating in ¡ARTE VIVA, please contact John Melleky, Arts and Culture Manager, for the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB at john.melleky@collier.gov.
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About Florida’s Paradise Coast
The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the official source for travel and tourism information about Florida's Paradise Coast. Located in Southwest Florida, this premier vacation and meeting destination offers leisure, group, and business travelers a variety of exceptional year-round options – the sophistication of Naples, the charm of Marco Island and the authentic, rural beauty of Everglades City. Boasting a 30-mile coastline along the Gulf ribboned with soft, white-sand beaches, visitors enjoy a refined yet relaxed atmosphere and a variety of accommodations from luxurious beachfront resorts to upscale boutique hotels and welcoming family-friendly lodging. The destination is renowned for its thriving arts and culture scene, exceptional restaurants, art galleries, designer boutiques and eclectic shopping experiences. A mecca for sports enthusiasts, it is home to over 90 public and private golf courses and is the host destination to three major PGA and LPGA championship tournaments, as well as the Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships. The Paradise Coast Sports Complex is home to the United Soccer League’s FC Naples team and hosts national and regional sports tournaments year-round. Water activities abound, ranging from world-class fishing and sailing charters to kayaking, paddleboarding and airboat rides. Outdoor adventure activities include exploring the world-famous Everglades – the only sub-tropical mangrove wilderness in the U.S. that features endangered and rare wildlife species in their natural habitat, including the elusive Florida panther, alligators, bobcats, Florida black bear, and over 350 species of birds.
Florida’s Paradise Coast is truly where the high life meets the wildlife. Accolades include being named the No. 1 “Best Place to Live in the U.S.,” the No. 1 “Healthiest and Happiest City in America” and “One of the Best Small Cities in the U.S.” Located just two hours from Miami, three hours from Tampa, and four hours from Orlando, Florida’s Paradise Coast is easily accessible by Interstate highway. Travelers outside of the Sunshine State can fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), Punta Gorda (PGD), Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Miami (MIA). For more information about Florida’s Paradise Coast, call 800-688-3600, visit ParadiseCoast.com, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube.
About ¡ARTE VIVA!
¡ARTE VIVA! is an award-winning collaborative initiative that brings together the arts and culture organizations and hospitality partners of Florida’s Paradise Coast to communally celebrate the artistic contributions of the Hispanic community. The year-long celebration features local events, exhibitions, performances, and educational opportunities throughout the destination. Presented by the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB and supported by the Collier County Board of County Commissioners, ¡ARTE VIVA! will enhance the visitor experience as well as offer residents community-wide educational and entertainment experiences throughout the year. For the most recent information about the event schedule, please visit Arte-Viva.com. For information about participating in this project, contact John Melleky at john.melleky@collier.gov.