Numerous festivals and events take place throughout the year in Southwest Florida. If you happen to be staying here during one of these, be sure to check them out! All Festivals and Events times may be subject to change due to Hurricane Ian recovery.
Putt & Pub Crawl – January
A team putt putt event and fundraiser in Downtown Ft. Myers Beach. Teams putt putt their way through 10 goofy holes of golf each sponsored by a local restaurant and non-profit. Costumes are encouraged!
Edison Festival of Light – February
Largest festival in Southwest Florida commemorating Edison and his numerous achievements. Offers a variety of family-friendly events including a huge parade, a Science & Inventors Fair, Crafts on the River, a 5k Race, Classic Car Show, Junior Runa and Junior Parade.
Everglades Seafood Festival – February
www.evergladesseafoodfestival.org
All the fun of a county fair, with live music, arts and crafts, a fun fair and
fresh seafood in Historic Everglades City!
Annual Sanibel Shell Festival – March
www. sites.google.com/site/sanibelshellfestival
Shell enthusiasts across the country gather for this annual festival featuring magnificent works of art entered into the Shell Show, live seashell observation, shell crafting demonstrations, collections of shells from around the world and purchase shells to take home.
Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival – Mid March
www.fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com
Events include a parade, exhibition, Queens Pageant, “Pink Gold” shrimp dinners and a shrimp-eating contest!
Taste of the Beach – May
Various Fort Myers Beach restaurants prepare small dishes to compete in different categories for the best food on the beach. There are also vendors and entertainment setup in Downtown Fort Myers.
4th of July Parade – July 4th
Join the fun as the parade winds its way down Estero Boulevard, from the Bay Oaks Community Complex to Times Square.
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest – September
www.island-hopper.fortmyers-sanibel.com
Annual music festival filling the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel with music and fun at numerous tropical venues. It provides the opportunity for fans to hear popular songs heard on the radio performed by the actual songwriters.
Annual American SandSculpting Championship – Mid November
World Class Master Sand Sculptors, as well as amateurs compete in the largest sand sculpting competition in the U.S. Other highlights of the event include Quick Sand Speed Sculpting, Sand Sculpting Demonstrations, a kid’s activity area, music and a vendor village.
Annual Christmas Boat Parade – First Saturday in December
Join in the fun and get into the holiday spirit with this lively boat parade. Make a reservation at one of the restaurants along the parade route or simply watch from the banks, bridge or piers.
Town of Ft. Myers Beach Birthday Party & New Year’s Eve Fireworks –
December 31
Enjoy celebrating the Town’s birthday with cupcakes and music on Times Square during the day, festival events at Bay Oaks Recreation Center during the afternoon and finish the year with Fireworks at midnight based at Times Square. Fireworks are visible beachside, along the entire 7 mile stretch of the island.
