Every season has something to celebrate in Southwest Florida. Winter, spring, summer or fall, plan a trip around these unique events and cultural festivals, and keep coming back to find your next great adventure.  (For each event’s exact dates and details, click on the links below where supplied, or visit our event calendar closer to the event date.)

Winter

Holiday Festivals, Multiple Locations

Light up the season with joyful festivals and dazzling displays throughout Southwest Florida.

The Bonita Springs Holiday Stroll lasts a whole month in Riverside Park, with festivities including concerts, a tree-lighting, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and more.

The Bell Tower shopping center in Fort Myers lights up in early December with a day of events, and the Cape Coral Holiday Nights on the Lawn is a three-day event featuring the lighting of a tree and menorah.

The Sanibel and Captiva Luminary Holiday Stroll illuminates the islands’ commercial districts with treats, entertainment and a visit from Santa.

The lighting of the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museum puts a spotlight on this coastal icon, along with a night of live music and holiday festivities.

The Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club has shifted its holiday event from a historic home onto Fort Myers’ First Street. It kicks off with a tree-lighting ceremony at Sidney & Berne Davis ArtCenter followed by a monthlong celebration of local businesses decked out for the holidays.

In a four-day fundraiser, the Festival of Trees at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center showcases beautifully decorated trees along with a Santa block party and tree raffle.

Join the locals for a dramatic display at the Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Boats are bedazzled in decor as they float from Salty Sam’s Marina through Matanzas Harbor.

For more than 40 years, the Cape Coral Holiday Boat-a-long ushers in the holidays with a boat parade, live entertainment and a visit from Santa to round out the fun.  

Shout “Happy New Year!” in Fort Myers at the New Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown. The evening comes alive with performances and dancing followed by a midnight ball drop and fireworks.

Bonita Springs National Art Festivals, Bonita Springs, January–March

Over the course of three weekends, this prestigious event showcases the works of hundreds of artists and artisan crafters in downtown Bonita Springs Riverside Park.

Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival, Fort Myers, January

Spend a whole weekend feasting on fresh seafood and dancing to reggae, rock, jazz, and R&B. In between performances, browse around a marketplace with arts, crafts and specialty food.

Cape Coral Art Festival & Marketplace, Cape Coral, January

Head to the Cape Art Festival & Marketplace for a weekend filled with arts and crafts from around the world, as well as entertainment and food.  

Tour De Cape, Cape Coral, January

Cyclists of all ages and skill levels can participate in this weekend event. Look for a 5K, a Mini Kids Ride, and 15-, 30-, 62-, and 100-mile bike tours in the northwest and southwest regions of Cape Coral.

ArtFest Fort Myers, Fort Myers, February

At Southwest Florida’s premier art festival on the waterfront, ArtFest, more than 200 handpicked artists arrive from around the world to showcase their talents. See visual art in every medium, enjoy live music and get young ones inspired with their own art workshops. 

Edison Festival of Light, Fort Myers, February

In celebration of the remarkable achievements of Thomas Edison, this annual festival brings locals and visitors for a full day of fun. Admire antique cars and run races for all ages before kicking off the Edison Festival of Light Parade Party.

Burrowing Owl Festival, Cape Coral, February

This whole day is devoted to these tiny and fascinating creatures that have made their home in Cape Coral. Enjoy live animal exhibits, guided wildlife tours, dining, and activities to benefit Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife.

Restaurant Week & Taste of the Islands, Sanibel Island, February

Help raise funds for the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) by participating in prix fixe Restaurant Week meals and a special day of culinary activities, competitions and music. 

 
Southwest Florida Ag Expo, North Fort Myers, February–March
Over the course of 10 days, celebrate agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, and lots of carnival rides and entertainment at this popular event.

Spring

Spring Training, February–March, Multiple Locations

If it’s springtime, it means the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins are in town. Get all the information you need about planning a trip for spring training in Fort Myers.

Sanibel Shell Festival, Sanibel Island, March

In the “Seashell Capital of the World,” join with other seashell lovers, collectors, artists, and competitors for three days.  

Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival & Parade, Fort Myers Beach, March

For over 60 years, the Fort Myers Beach Lions Club has been boiling and serving over a thousand pounds of “pink gold” Gulf shrimp. Enjoy the festive shrimp boil, meet the Shrimp Queen and watch a boat parade.  

Pride Cape Coral, Cape Coral, March

This family-friendly LGBTQ+ Pride celebration brings together members of the community and allies for a colorful parade and special events.

ECHO Global Food and Farm Festival, North Fort Myers, March

Learn about sustainable food growing techniques through workshops, educational demonstrations and tastings — all a part of ECHO’s mission to fight world hunger through innovative farming and “food-scaping” practices.

 “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival, Fort Myers, April

In honor of J.N. "Ding" Darling and Earth Day, join the fun and help make a difference. All ages can get involved with bird walks, a bike tour, conservation education, and family-friendly games.

Artsemble MuralFest, Fort Myers, April

Colorful works of art are on display, created by Artsemble Underground and showcasing the winning works from the Battle of the Arts challenges.

Tarpon Tournaments, Multiple Locations, May

Catch and release the highly prized silver kings in legendary waters. The South Seas Tarpon Tournament benefits Folds of Honor. The World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament, known for its hefty entrance fee and big prize, honors families of fallen and disabled service members.  The “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament benefits local water quality and conservation. 

Fort Myers Film Festival, Multiple Locations, May

Plan your trip around Southwest Florida’s premier film festival. Screenings and special gatherings take place all around the region, including at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, IMAG, Alliance for the Arts, Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, and Babcock Ranch. 

Bonita Springs Short Film Festival, Bonita Springs, May

All genres of film are welcome to compete in this annual festival, from Westerns to documentaries, and the competition is open to filmmakers of all ages.

Summer

Fourth of July Festivities, Multiple Locations

Everyone looks forward to the fireworks and festivities of July 4 in Southwest Florida.  

The Downtown July 4th Celebration in Fort Myers begins with a patriotic music celebration followed by spectacular fireworks over the Caloosahatchee River at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater.

At the Independence Day Parade on Sanibel Island, a march down Periwinkle Way kicks off local parties and the community Road Rally scavenger hunt on wheels.  

Cape Coral bursts forth with Red, White & Boom, a big event of live entertainment, family-friendly activities and fireworks over the river.

Bonita Springs lights up at Star-Spangled Bonita with laser lights, a drone show, and plenty of music and food at Riverside Park.  

Fringe Fort Myers, Fort Myers, May–June

In an unjuried weekend event hosted by the Alliance for the Arts and Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, independent artists are chosen by lottery to showcase their best works through boundary-pushing theater and other live performances.

MangoMania, Pine Island, July

It’s all about this sweet, juicy fruit at MangoMania, with workshops, seminars and tastings (naturally!).  

Fall

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, Multiple Locations, September

A flagship event for all of Southwest Florida each September, Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is  celebration of music. Enjoy more than 60 free performances in intimate island venues, plus ticketed headlining acts, featuring BMI's best singer-songwriters.

Cape Coral Oktoberfest, Cape Coral

Don your dirndl or lederhosen, clink your steins and shout “Prost” in honor of Oktoberfest, one of the biggest parties in Cape Coral. There’s plenty of German beer, food and dancing to keep everyone entertained over two weekends in October.

American Sand Sculpting Championship, Fort Myers Beach, November

A treasured tradition is back! Join thousands of spectators at this sand sculpting competition on Fort Myers Beach where artists create incredible sand sculptures. Also enjoy interactive art projects, a sand play area, and lots of food and entertainment for this special weekend in November.

For Basketball Fans, Multiple Locations, November

College basketball enthusiasts are eager for Thanksgiving week’s Fort Myers Tip-Off, a two-day tournament featuring top contenders. The Gulf Coast Showcase is the other big event, taking place at Hertz Arena in Estero.

Year-Round

 

Music Walk, Fort Myers, third Friday of every month

Every month from 6–10 p.m., local and regional musicians perform jazz, blues, rock, and more along the streets and venues of downtown Fort Myers’ River District.

Art Walk, Fort Myers, first Friday of every month

Take a stroll through the historic River District for a monthly celebration of local and regional art. This event features more than a dozen galleries, live entertainment, art demonstrations, and special receptions.

Bayside Park Concert Series, Fort Myers Beach, every Sunday

Dance along to an outdoor concert series at Bayside Park on Fort Myers Beach. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy top local bands in a free series that takes place every Sunday from 4 PM to 7 PM.\

No matter what the season, when you’re ready to plan your trip, shop for accommodations from cozy cottages to luxury resorts and spacious vacation rentals.