Annual Events in Fort Myers
It’s time to party! Fort Myers has more than its fair share of noteworthy annual festivals, so you’re sure to stay entertained during your visit. Whether you’re hoping to celebrate Celtic culture, American independence or tasty Gulf shrimp, Fort Myers has an exciting annual festival for each of these and many more. Don’t see an event that lines up with your travel plans? Check out our daily events and activities on property at Pink Shell. Arts and crafts, nature tours and live music await!
January
Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival
Want to listen to more live Celtic music than you could ever dream of? The Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival is the place to go. With half a dozen Celtic performers, you’ll definitely get your fill of Irish music and dancing.
February
Edison Festival of Light
Embrace your inner inventor at the Edison Festival of Light. As the name implies, this event is put on in honor of Thomas Edison, the inventor of the lightbulb and part-time Fort Myers resident. Today, this festival includes a parade, crafts, a 5k, food trucks, a car show and more!
March
Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival
Shrimp cocktail, shrimp scampi and coconut shrimp—yum! These dishes are just the start of all of the mouthwatering shrimp plates served at the Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival. But there’s more to this quirky, yet beloved annual event than meets the eye. You’ll also get to celebrate tasty pink Gulf shrimp with a shrimp parade, shrimp pageant, shrimp eating contest and so much more. Can’t make it to the Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival? Get a taste of the area’s fresh, local shrimp right here at Rae’s Real Italian!
Sanibel Shell Show
For over 85 years, the Sanibel Shell Show has celebrated the natural beauty of the Gulf with one of the world’s most impressive shell displays. Held every March by the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club, this beloved event showcases intricate shell art, unique handcrafted creations and educational exhibits highlighting Sanibel’s rich coastal treasures. Whether you're an avid shell collector or simply appreciate seaside beauty, this festival is a must-see tradition on Florida’s shell-strewn shores.
Fort Myers River Fest
Set along the scenic Caloosahatchee River in historic downtown Fort Myers, Fort Myers River Fest is a vibrant celebration of food, music and community. Hosted annually in partnership with the Fort Myers River District Alliance, this free-admission festival brings together fresh Florida seafood, diverse culinary offerings and an eclectic lineup of live music, from R&B and jazz to rock and reggae. Visitors can browse a curated marketplace featuring local arts, crafts and specialty goods while soaking in the lively waterfront atmosphere. Whether you're a foodie, music lover or just looking to enjoy a perfect weekend by the water, River Fest is a can’t-miss Fort Myers tradition!!
April
Bonita Springs Short Film Festival
Celebrate creativity and storytelling at the Bonita Springs Short Film Festival, an annual showcase of local talent and cinematic artistry. This inspiring event highlights short films crafted by emerging and seasoned filmmakers, each offering a unique perspective on Southwest Florida’s culture, beauty and community. Enjoy an evening of film screenings, live entertainment and lively discussions, all set in a vibrant atmosphere at Prado Stadium 12 Theaters.
May
Taste of the Beach
Come hungry and leave happy. During the annual Taste of the Beach event in May, all of the best restaurants in Fort Myers come together. Each eatery serves up its signature dish for a chance to win an award—and some coveted bragging rights! Are you ready to be the judge?
“Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament
Join anglers from near and far for one of Southwest Florida’s most exciting fishing competitions. Held each May, this premier catch-and-release tournament benefits local conservation efforts while offering a thrilling challenge for tarpon enthusiasts. With impressive prizes, camaraderie and the chance to reel in the silver king, "Ding" Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament is a can’t-miss event for fishing fanatics. Arriving to the fun by boat? Explore rates and services available at Pink Shell Marina!
Fort Myers Film Festival
A celebration of independent cinema, the Fort Myers Film Festival brings thought-provoking films, engaging discussions and exciting industry events to the heart of Southwest Florida each spring. Featuring a dynamic lineup of documentaries, shorts and features, this festival is a must for film lovers and creatives alike.
July
Fourth of July
Fort Myers Beach’s Times Square is the place to be on the Fourth of July. After a day of playing and lounging on Pink Shell’s picturesque secluded beach, make your way downtown in your chosen mode of transportation. From there, you can watch the incredible Fourth of July parade, enjoy special holiday happy hours at local restaurants, and watch the fantastic fireworks show over the Gulf of Mexico.
September
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest
Calling all music lovers! Each September, the best songwriters in the country come together to participate in the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. This event is filled with fantastic songwriting, incredible performances and all around good vibes. To make things even cooler, Pink Shell hosts one of the events during its annual pool party!
December
Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Christmas parades are one thing, but Christmas boat parades are another. Each December, Fort Myers Beach puts on an incredible Christmas boat parade—just one of the many reasons to plan a Fort Myers Beach holiday vacation. This favorite Fort Myers event includes fabulous Christmas music, a fun atmosphere and dozens of brilliantly decorated boats sailing through Matanzas Pass.
New Year’s Eve & Fort Myers Beach’s Birthday
Enjoy double the fun when celebrating New Year’s Eve in Fort Myers Beach! Not only do you get to commemorate the start of a new year, you’ll also get to celebrate the birth of Fort Myers Beach, which was officially founded on New Year’s Eve in 1995. So to celebrate the town’s incredible birthday, you can eat free cupcakes, listen to live music and watch dazzling fireworks light up the sky. Happy birthday, Fort Myers Beach!
Everyone was so friendly from check in to check out. Clean rooms, beach and pool!! Great amenities-paddle boats, kayaks, bikes and activities for the kids!
The Pink Shell is and remains the absolute best on FMB. Great property only exceeded by the fantastic staff that are always pleasant, professional, polite and go out of their way to be helpful. We look forward to our next stay.
This resort gets an "A" for effort! And views! And staff! And food! Fort Myers is recovering from the hurricane last year. I don't know how the Pink She'll has pulled it off but they did. They are up and running and doing an excellent job. Thank you for a phenomenal vacay, Pink Shell!
Tons of amenities, great location. Marina is rebuilt and ready to use! Location is awesome because getting there and getting off the island is super easy.
The Pink Shell Resort is a beautiful unique hotel overlooking a calm gorgeous beach with a family friendly vibe. Our suite was immaculate with all new features. The most important aspect to me was the service.
The Pink Shell is a great place for a family vacation. They are on a beautiful spot on the beach, a short walk from Bowditch Point Park and close to Times Square,, with everything you need for a great trip. We stayed in one of the one bedroom villas and it was fantastic to have a full kitchen and laundry machine right in our room. The staff were friendly and helpful too. We'd totally go back.
