Fort Myers, Florida – a city where the sun shines bright and the community thrives with an incredible calendar of events! Beyond its stunning beaches and vibrant downtown, Fort Myers truly comes alive throughout the year with a diverse array of annual festivities.
Whether you're a long-time resident or considering making this beautiful Gulf Coast city your home, you're in for a treat. From lively music festivals and delicious food showcases to spirited art walks and family-friendly holiday celebrations, there are countless opportunities to connect, celebrate, and experience the unique charm of Fort Myers.
Get ready to mark your calendars as we unveil the 11 best annual events that make living in Fort Myers an unforgettable experience!
1. Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival: January
Photo Credit: fortmyers.gov
The Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival is a celebration of rich Celtic traditions that transport you straight to the heart of Ireland and Scotland. Held in January at the picturesque Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, the festival encourages attendees to don traditional attire like kilts, making it a vibrant and colorful event. Enjoy traditional live music performances that fill the air with authentic Celtic tunes, and explore vendors selling unique Celtic crafts and foods, adding to the experience.
One of the delightful aspects of the festival is its family-friendly nature. Children aged 12 and under can attend for free, ensuring an enjoyable experience for the entire family without breaking the bank. So, gather your loved ones and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Celtic heritage right here in Fort Myers.
2. Edison Festival of Light: February
The Edison Festival of Light is an iconic event that lights up Fort Myers with a series of exciting shows. This February festival honors the legacy of Thomas Edison, who once lived part-time in Fort Myers, and brings the community together in a truly spectacular fashion. The highlight of the festival is the Grand Parade, featuring dazzling floats and lively performances.
The Junior Parade also offers a charming display of creativity and enthusiasm, showcasing the talent and spirit of Fort Myers’ youth. However, these exciting events are just the start--other happenings include an Antique Car Show, a Science and Engineering Fair, and a celebration of Edison's birthday.
3. Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival: March
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The Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival is one of the biggest Fort Myers Beach events of the year, organized by the local Lions Club. This beloved festival draws crowds every March with its mouth-watering shrimp dishes and a variety of activities that make it a must-attend event.
With a vibrant parade, exciting exhibitions, the glamorous Queens Pageant, and a shrimp-eating contest, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The festival isn’t just about indulgence; it’s also a charitable event, with funds raised supporting less fortunate community members. So, come for the shrimp, and stay for the community spirit that defines this cherished event.
4. Sanibel Shell Show: March
The Sanibel Shell Show is a unique event in March that captivates nature enthusiasts and shell collectors alike. Organized by the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club, the show aims to promote knowledge in conchology and malacology, enhance public education, and support conservation efforts.
This event is more than just a display of beautiful shells; it’s a celebration of the natural world and a commitment to preserving it. Explore intricate shell displays, learn about marine life, and contribute to vital conservation research.
5. Fort Myers River Fest: March
The Fort Myers River Fest is a vibrant musical celebration held every March in the heart of downtown Fort Myers, Florida. This festival offers free admission, making it an accessible and enjoyable event for everyone. Enjoy live music performances across various genres, including R&B, jazz, rock, reggae, and Caribbean music, ensuring there’s something for every taste.
The festival also features a bustling marketplace with arts, crafts, and specialty products. Whether you’re looking to enjoy delicious food, discover unique items, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere, the Fort Myers River Fest has something for everyone.
6. “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament: May
The “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament is a prestigious event held at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge every May. This location is historically significant as it is where the first tarpon was caught using a rod and reel.
The tournament provides a competitive and rewarding experience for anglers, with all entry fees returned as prizes. Usually around 60 teams participate. Earnings from the tournament (sponsors, donations) are used to support the wildlife refuge's water quality research and conservation.
7. Fort Myers Film Festival: May
Photo Credit: Nicoleta Ionescu
The Fort Myers Film Festival takes place every May and is a cinematic extravaganza that showcases a diverse range of films in unique settings. Screenings are held at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, among others, providing a blend of cultural and natural backdrops for film enthusiasts.
Besides film screenings, the festival offers workshops and networking opportunities, making it a valuable platform for both emerging and established filmmakers. The festival’s commitment to diversity is evident in its selection of films, which includes documentaries and immersive experiences.
8. Fourth of July: July
Photo Credit: Miha Creative
Fourth of July celebrations in Fort Myers are a grand spectacle that brings the community together in patriotic fervor. The festivities kick off with a parade, starting from The Beach School and ending in Times Square. Other exciting events to mark the holiday include live music performances and food trucks with eats everyone can enjoy. As the day winds down, the sky comes alive with fireworks, offering a breathtaking display of colors.
9. Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: September
The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is a musical delight that has earned national recognition, being ranked as one of the best music festivals in the U.S. in 2024 by USA Today. This September festival features over 60 free performances by top singer-songwriters, offering a unique opportunity to enjoy live music in intimate settings.
The festival takes place across four different locations in Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers and the nearby towns of Cape Coral and Captiva Island. So, you can enjoy the live music experience in a variety of different venues.
10. Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade: December
Photo Credit: Matt A. Claiborne
The Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a festive event that brings holiday cheer to the waters of Fort Myers Beach every December. Spectators can enjoy the parade from various locations along the bayfront, including restaurants in the back bay area. For those who can’t make it in person, the event will be available for download and broadcast live on Beach Talk Radio’s YouTube Channel.
Boat parade participants can enter for free, while spectators are charged a modest entry fee.
11. New Year’s Eve: December
New Year’s Eve in Fort Myers Beach is a celebration like no other, combining the excitement of the new year with the town’s birthday festivities. Many restaurants remain open, offering food and drinks to revelers. The celebrations feature free live music performances in Bayside Park, creating a festive atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. As the clock strikes midnight, fireworks light up the sky offshore of Times Square, following the traditional ball drop.
To accommodate the influx of visitors, extended transportation services are offered, and various paid parking lots are available near Times Square. However, note that the Matanzas Pass Bridge will not allow incoming traffic during the late hours.
Experience Excitement Year Round In Fort Myers
Fort Myers is a hub of cultural and community events that offer something for everyone. From the traditional charms of the Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival and the historical significance of the Edison Festival of Light to the musical delights of the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest and the cinematic wonders of the Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival, there’s a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored.
These events not only bring joy and entertainment but also foster a sense of community and support for local causes. It's a great chance to learn more about Fort Myers and decide whether you want to make this special place your home. Reach out to NV Realty for help purchasing your dream home in Fort Myers.