What's on
Fort Myers Events Calendar
Month by month
January
Fort Myers in January guideEdison Festival of Light season opens
Late January
Weeks of events leading to the February parade.
Sanibel Shell Show prep tides
All month
Post-front westerly winds produce the year's best shelling.
February
Fort Myers in February guideEdison Festival of Light Grand Parade
Mid-February
One of Florida's largest night parades; downtown closes.
Sanibel Shell Festival
Early March / late February
Running since 1937 — the shelling world's main event.
Spring Training
All month
Red Sox at JetBlue Park, Twins at Hammond Stadium.
Sanibel Shell Festival
Early March
Three-day show at the Sanibel Community House.
Snowbird departure
Mid-April
Traffic and restaurant waits drop noticeably after tax day.
Tarpon season peaks
May–June
Boca Grande Pass is the tarpon capital of the world.
Sea turtle nesting
May–October
Loggerheads nest on Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach; lights-out rules apply.
Fourth of July
July 4
Fireworks over the water at Fort Myers Beach and downtown.
Turtle hatchling season
August–October
Nightly nest emergences on Sanibel and Bonita.
September
Fort Myers in September guideNo major festivals — a quiet month for events.
October
Fort Myers in October guideSnowbird season begins
Late October
Seasonal restaurants and attractions reopen.
November
Fort Myers in November guideHoliday season kickoff
Late November
Downtown Fort Myers lights and holiday markets begin.
December
Fort Myers in December guideHoliday Boat Parades
Early–mid December
Lighted boat parades on the Caloosahatchee and at Fort Myers Beach.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates Holiday Nights
All month
The estates decorated in period holiday lights.
Recurring weekly and monthly events
| Event | When | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Fort Myers Art Walk | First Friday monthly | River District, downtown | Galleries open late; free to attend. |
| Downtown Music Walk | Third Friday monthly | River District, downtown | Live music across a dozen venues and street corners. |
| Fort Myers Beach Sunday Market | Sundays, Oct–Apr | Fort Myers Beach | Produce, seafood, and crafts near Times Square. |
| Sanibel Farmers Market | Sundays, Oct–May | Sanibel City Hall | One of the best markets on the Gulf Coast. |
| Times Square sunset celebration | Nightly | Fort Myers Beach pier | Informal but reliably busy; arrive 45 minutes early. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest annual event in Fort Myers?
The Edison Festival of Light in February is the largest annual event in Fort Myers, culminating in the Grand Parade through downtown — one of the biggest night parades in the southeastern United States, drawing over 200,000 people.
When is the Sanibel Shell Festival?
The Sanibel Shell Festival is held annually in early March at the Sanibel Community House and is the oldest and largest shell show in the United States, running since 1937.
Is spring training held in Fort Myers?
Yes. Fort Myers hosts two MLB spring training teams: the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park and the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium. Games run through late February and March, and tickets for Red Sox games sell out early.
Are there free events in Fort Myers?
Yes — the downtown Fort Myers Art Walk and Music Walk are free monthly evening events, the Fort Myers Beach and downtown farmers markets are free to browse, and most beach sunset gatherings cost nothing beyond parking.