Annual Events in Fort Myers

Looking for the best Fort Myers annual events? From shrimp festivals to music fests, Fort Myers is your destination for year-round fun. Stay steps from the excitement at Pink Shell Beach Resort, your ideal beachfront escape for a memorable Florida vacation.

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 get your fill of Irish music and dancing near the scenic Fort Myers waterfront.

Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival

Every January, the Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival warms up the Fort Myers waterfront with live performances by regional bands, mouthwatering fresh food straight from the Florida coast, local vendors and more fun that gives summer vibes.
 

February

Edison Festival of Light

Embrace your inner inventor at the Edison Festival of Light. Honoring Thomas Edison, this festival features a grand parade, 5k run, food trucks, crafts, a car show, and more—all celebrating Fort Myers’ rich history.

Fort Myers ArtFest

Culture, here we come! Fort Myers ArtFest fills downtown with color and feeling every February. Get inspired at Florida’s premier artist festival and enjoy chalk murals, live concerts and wonderful work by over 200 artists from around the world.

Spring Training

America’s favorite pastime comes to Fort Myers this time each year as major league teams warm up for the season. Catch games throughout late February and March.

March

Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival

Shrimp cocktail, shrimp scampi, coconut shrimp—yum! The Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival is a feast of Gulf shrimp dishes. Celebrate with a shrimp parade, pageant, eating contests, and more.

Tip: Can’t make it? Enjoy fresh Gulf shrimp at Rae’s Real Italian.

Sanibel Shell Show

Held by the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club, the Sanibel Shell Show showcases breathtaking shell art and coastal creations. A must-visit for collectors and beach lovers, it’s one of the world’s top shell festivals.

Fort Myers River Fest

Located downtown along the Caloosahatchee River, Fort Myers River Fest is a free-admission event with Florida seafood, live R&B, jazz, rock and reggae music, and a local arts market.

April

Bonita Springs Short Film Festival 

The Bonita Springs Short Film Festival highlights creative, local filmmaking talent. Enjoy short films, live entertainment, and discussions at Prado Stadium 12 Theaters.

May

Taste of the Beach

Come hungry to the Taste of the Beach in Fort Myers, where the best local restaurants compete for culinary glory. Sample signature dishes and savor the flavor of the coast.

“Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament

Join anglers for the exciting, conservation-focused “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament. Compete for prizes while supporting local ecosystems.

Arriving by boat? Check out Pink Shell Marina’s fishing charter services.

Fort Myers Film Festival

The Fort Myers Film Festival celebrates independent cinema with documentaries, shorts, and feature films, along with industry panels and discussions.

June

National Go Fishing Day

Celebrate National Go Fishing Day on June 18 by heading out on the water from Pink Shell’s full-service marina. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or casting for fun, enjoy a fishing charter or a day of leisurely casting along the coast—no better way to honor the day.

National Seashell Day

Mark your calendar for June 20 and celebrate National Seashell Day! Fort Myers Beach is famous for shelling, and there’s no better time to explore the shoreline or visit the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island. Search for coastal treasures and make memories, one shell at a time.

July

Fourth of July

Spend Independence Day on Fort Myers Beach’s Times Square. After a day of sunbathing on our secluded Pink Shell Beach, watch the Fourth of July parade and Gulf fireworks.

August

National Beach Day

August 30 is THE day for beach lovers all over the US. Whether visiting Fort Myers Beach for a vacation or grabbing a Day Pass, Pink Shell is a perfect place celebrate your favorite stretch of shore.

September

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest

Music lovers unite at the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. National songwriters perform intimate concerts around the islands. Bonus: Pink Shell hosts one of the festival’s hottest pool parties!

October

Cape Coral Oktoberfest

This event is where Bavarian tradition meets the beach. The annual Cape Coral Oktoberfest brings the whole community together with German food, live music, dancing, and fun for all ages.

November

Sand Sculpting Championship

Fort Myers Beach is the stage, sand is the medium, and imagination is the star at the annual Sand Sculpting Championships. This can’t miss tradition draws over 15,000 guests for food, music, live demonstrations, and of course, truly impressive sand sculptures. A stay at Pink Shell gets you close to all the artistry. After a day of exploring masterpieces, relax with a dip in the pool or hot tub, grab a drink at the beach bar, or dine seaside.  

December

Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Celebrate the season at the Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Watch brilliantly decorated boats cruise Matanzas Pass with festive music and a magical atmosphere.

New Year’s Eve & Fort Myers Beach’s Birthday

Double the fun on New Year’s Eve! Celebrate the New Year and the birthday of Fort Myers Beach (founded in 1995) with live music, free cupcakes, and Gulf-side fireworks.