Your vacation home is waiting!

We have just the place for you.

Can’t-Miss Annual Events in Fort Myers: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Happenings

Renowned for its idyllic beaches, lush parks, and vibrant culture, Fort Myers, located along the stunning shores of Southwest Florida, is one of the most beloved destinations in the Sunshine State. Year-round, this Florida gem is a hotspot for outdoor activities, fresh seafood, unique entertainment, and amazing annual events that will infuse any visit with culture and fun.

We highly recommend timing your visit with one of the city’s annual events—that’s the best way to experience the strong sense of community, local culture, and, as a bonus, add extra fun to your holiday.

Are you wondering how to join the party? In this blog, we’ve curated a list of some of the best annual events in Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach.

Before we start, here’s a little about Us

At Sun Palace Vacations, we offer stunning vacation homes in Fort Myers Beach. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront escape or a cozy retreat, we have the perfect place for you. We consider ourselves Fort Myers Beach experts, and from the best shopping spots and top-notch restaurants to a comprehensive guide on fishing and hunting in the area, we’ve got you covered in our blog.

Now, let’s dive into the fun!

TLDR

Here’s a sneak peek of the can’t-miss annual festivities just for you!

Edison Festival of Light — February parade celebrating Thomas Edison, plus arts & crafts, a car show, and a 5K race.
ArtFest Fort Myers — First week of February, featuring 200+ artists, live performances, interactive art activities, and food trucks by the river.
Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival — March festival with shrimp dinners, a shrimp-eating contest, parade, and an arts & crafts market.
River District Music Festival — March event with diverse music genres, craft beer, and live performances in historic downtown Fort Myers.
American Sand Sculpting Championship — November competition showcasing intricate sand sculptures on Fort Myers Beach, with demos and kids’ activities.
Why Local Events Matter — Local events and festivals go beyond just food, music, and activities—they offer an authentic glimpse into the heart of a destination.

Edison Festival of Light

You will find: a colourful parade, a crafts show, and a fun run.

For a few days every February, the Edison Festival of Light’s main attraction is a huge parade that brings the entire Southwest Florida community together to celebrate the life and achievements of Thomas Edison.

The Grand Parade is a two-hour extravaganza featuring local marching bands, colorful floats, clowns, and many other stunning and fun sights, including locals in imaginative costumes. A spectacular fireworks show is one of the festival’s highlights. But that’s not all!

The event also includes arts and crafts shows, a car show, and even a 5K race, where thousands of participants take over the streets of the Downtown River District. This is one of the must-attend annual events in Fort Myers — a complete package of fun, incredible sights, activities, and experiences.

ArtFest Fort Myers

You will find: art by the river, music, and delicious treats.

Every first week of February, ArtFest Fort Myers transforms the city’s waterfront into a vibrant stage filled with live music, interactive activities, and, of course, plenty of art.

Over 200 artists, including local and international talents, showcase their amazing work, ranging from paintings and sculptures to glasswork, ceramics, photography, metalwork, and much more. This is a great opportunity to personally engage with the artists, learn about their craft, and experience art demos, where you can watch creative minds in action and see their work come to life. With pieces available for sale — some at very affordable prices — you can also take home original artwork.

One of the event’s highlights is the hands-on art activities, where attendees can try their hand at various types of art, such as painting or sculpting, and engage in fun, creative experiences. Adding to the excitement, live performances from local musicians, bands, and dance groups create a lively, festive atmosphere, while food trucks and vendors offer mouthwatering treats.

Needless to say, the scenic location, with beautiful views of the Caloosahatchee River, makes ArtFest Fort Myers even more appealing.

Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival

You will find: a shrimp contest, seafood treats, arts & crafts.

Organized by the Fort Myers Beach Lions Club, the Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival is a beloved annual event celebrating the region’s rich shrimping industry and coastal culture. Held every March, the festival attracts both locals and visitors for a few days of fun-filled activities, including a vibrant parade, shrimp dinners, a shrimp-eating contest, and an arts and crafts market.

The festival kicks off with a colorful parade down Estero Boulevard, featuring floats, local organizations, businesses, and marching bands, bringing locals and visitors together for a big celebration. The shrimp dinners are one of the highlights of the event — featuring delicacies like fresh Gulf pink shrimp caught by local fishermen. These dinners are prepared and served by the Fort Myers Beach Lions Club to raise money for local causes.

If you’re up for a challenge (or just want to watch others face one), the shrimp-eating contest is one of the most anticipated attractions of the festival. Contestants compete to eat the most shrimp in a set amount of time — a rather delightful challenge, wouldn’t you agree?

What’s more, the shrimp extravaganza includes a variety of other food vendors offering snacks and delicious dishes, live music performances, a large arts and crafts fair, and the Shrimp Festival Queen Pageant, where local young women compete for the title of Shrimp Festival Queen, a tradition that has been a part of the event for many years.

River District Music Festival

You will find: great and diverse music, craft beer, and gorgeous settings.

This is a must for every Fort Myers bucket list if you’re a music lover. The lively River District Music Festival brings the heart of downtown to life with three days of music in March. Held in the River District, the festival showcases a diverse lineup of local and regional musicians, performing genres like rock, blues, jazz, and country.

Attendees can enjoy live performances across multiple stages, making it a fantastic opportunity to explore the historic downtown area while listening to great music. Along with the music, the festival often features food vendors, local craft beer, and family-friendly activities. The event is free and open to everyone looking for good music, friendly people, and beautiful surroundings.

American Sand Sculpting Championship

You will find: massive sand sculptures, workshops, and sea views.

The American Sand Sculpting Championship in Fort Myers is one of the largest and most prestigious sand sculpting events in the United States. Held annually on Fort Myers Beach in November, this event draws master sand sculptors from around the world to compete in creating intricate, large-scale sculptures out of sand.

Beyond the sand sculpting competitions, where world-class sculptors compete both individually and in teams, crafting massive and detailed sand creations, the event also organizes an amateur competition where local and amateur sand artists can showcase their skills alongside professionals.

It’s hard not to be amazed by the creations you’ll see along the shores of Fort Myers Beach — the stunning location alone is worth the visit. Visitors can also participate in interactive demos and workshops to learn sand sculpting, while kids will enjoy a dedicated zone filled with activities like sandcastle building contests, face painting, and more.

Why Local Events Matter?

There are several reasons why experiencing a local event or festival enhances your vacation. It’s not just about the amazing food, music, and activities; it’s also about experiencing the local culture, meeting like-minded people, and immersing yourself in the unique charm of a specific destination.

Here’s a list of reasons why you should always seek out local events while on the road:

Cultural Immersion: Festivals offer a deep dive into local traditions, customs, and history, allowing you to experience a destination’s culture authentically.

Unique Experiences: Local events often provide one-of-a-kind experiences that you can’t find anywhere else, adding something special to your trip.

Meet Locals: Festivals create opportunities to engage with locals, giving you a better understanding of their way of life and making your trip more personal.

Support the Local Economy: By attending local events, you help support small businesses, artisans, and vendors, contributing to the local economy.

Try Regional Food: Many festivals highlight local cuisine, offering a chance to taste authentic dishes and flavors that are unique to the area.

Memorable Moments: Participating in local events creates lasting memories and provides stories to share about your travel experiences.

See the Destination in a New Light: Local festivals can show a different, more lively side of a destination that you might not experience otherwise.

Deepen Your Connection: Experiencing a place through its festivals can foster a deeper connection to the destination, making your trip more meaningful.

Celebrate with the Community: Being part of local celebrations offers an opportunity to experience the sense of community and belonging that comes with local traditions.

Are You Wondering Where to Stay in Fort Myers?

To experience the highest quality in amenities, decor, and cleanliness, book your stay with Sun Palace Vacations. We guarantee you’ll have the most authentic, enjoyable, and relaxing time ever.