3 To Do: Left Bank Art Festival happening Sunday

1. Today: Festival of Birds registration begins

Registration for the Festival of Birds begins today. This event invites you to explore the local environment through almost 40 guided field trips to 20 wildlife hot spots around Southwest Florida and lectures at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center. Field trips, including birding walks, buggy rides and boat tours, will be offered in conjunction with local partners. Field trip prices range from $20 - $140, and registration is required. The Festival of Birds is Jan. 12-14, and a special keynote presentation and fundraiser reception is planned for Jan. 13. Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar.

2. Saturday: Christmas Island Style tree lighting

Members of the Christmas Island Style committee will light the committee's new 40-foot Christmas tree on Dec. 2. The lighting ceremony and entertainment will begin at 6 p.m. at Veterans Community Park. Over the years the event has grown to well over 3,500 in attendance and has become a staple of events happening on the island during the holiday season.

“We advise those that are attending to bring a comfortable chair to enjoy the event which will have dancers, music and other entertainment,” Wanda Day Burson, co-chiar of the event, said.

Tailgating has also become a big part of the event as groups and individuals make the most of the evening with great food and refreshments while they watch the event and mingle with friends and neighbors.

3. Sunday: Left Bank Art Festival

The Left Bank Art Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Marco Island Center for the Arts,1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. This event showcases juried fine art, including paintings, jewelry, pottery, photography, glass, sculptures, wood, bronze, stone and more. Admission and parking are free. Contact info: Tyler MacDonald 239-537-5921