FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 2024 CONTACTS: Ray Sarracino, Jackie Parker, Miriam Dotson 239-338-3500
What’s New from Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods Accommodations set to reopen, new dining experiences, fall festivals, Halloween fun
LEE COUNTY, Florida (U.S.A.) – Planning a fall getaway to our islands, beaches and neighborhoods? Check out the newly updated digital Visitor Guide for everything you need to assist in making vacation memories. tinyurl.com/fmvisitorguide2024
Fall has always been a favorite season in Southwest Florida. With beautiful days and a hint that cooler weather is on the way soon, October brings a chance to enjoy many of the great events that start to return at this time. Make your plans now to visit during our unique fall events and some that include lots of spooky and not-so-spooky Halloween fun.
Fall events Fort Myers Brewing Company’s 12th Annual Oktoberfest Fort Myers Brewing Company is pulling out all the stops for its 12th Annual Oktoberfest, Oct. 3-6. The four-day celebration is filled with craft beer, live music, stein-hoisting competitions, food trucks and much more. Live performances include the Ben Allen Band, Rock Republic, Chasing Denver, Gator Nate, Matt Walden & Zack Couron. Check out details and schedule at fmbrew.com/event/food-truck-rally-50-5
Lakes Park Fall Festival: Scarecrows in the Park, Fort Myers This family favorite runs Oct. 11-31. Don’t miss the Scarecrow Trail that winds through the Children’s Garden. The theme this year: “The Great Outdoors.” Check dates and times for all events, including the Halloween Express Train Ride with dancing lights and displays, a pumpkin patch, hayrides, inflatables and pumpkins for sale. lakespark.org
Celebrate at the 39th annual Cape Coral Oktoberfest Can you do the chicken dance? Every year in October, the German-American Social Club brings Munich to Cape Coral. With fun, good food, German beer, live music on several stages, laughter and dancing, the event takes place over two weekends. Plan to join the celebration Oct. 18-20 and 25-27 at 2101 SW Pine Island Road. capecoraloktoberfest.com
Halloween fun Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, Fort Myers Haunted Walk takes you on an adventure through the woods, if you dare. Proceeds from the walk help to take care of the Nature Center’s animal residents for the coming year. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, beginning Oct. 4. calusanature.org/event-details/haunted-walk-2024-10-04-19-30
Boo-Tanical weekend at Wonder Gardens, Bonita Springs Enjoy another family event Oct. 11-13, with paid admission. Bring your camera for photo ops, decorations, games, face paintings, animal enrichment activities and more. wondergardens.org/boo-tanical-weekend
High Witches Tea Bewitching gathering at Burroughs Home and Gardens, downtown Fort Myers All warlocks and witches are invited to Adeline Burrough’s High Witches Tea on Oct.19. Dress in your finest witchery attire and don’t forget your witch’s hat – you may win the grand prize. Enjoy teas, treats and a chance to mingle with other witches. Check for seating times and reservations at tinyurl.com/5yjv75wb
Not-so-spooky concert Gulf Coast Symphony presents Haunted Hall: Heroes & Villains, Fort Myers It’s the “not-so-spooky” Halloween concert that’s sure to be fun for the whole family. It takes place at 1 p.m. on Oct. 27 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. Come dressed as your favorite superhero or villain to enter the costume contest and try out the orchestra’s instruments at the Musical Discovery Zone. At 2 p.m., move into the theater for a concert featuring superhero music performed by the Gulf Coast Symphony. Reservations and tickets at bbmannpah.com/events/detail/gcs-halloween-fort-myers-bbmann-2024
Accommodations news Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel Island is accepting reservations for 2025. Visit casaybel.com
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa on Sanibel Island is currently accepting reservations for stays beginning this fall. Daycation resort passes are available for a limited time. Turtles Tiki Bar, Shima Sushi Bar and Sea Breeze Bar are open. Visit sundialresort.com/play/sundial-daycation for the latest details and check out the latest opening information.
Captiva Island Inn has reopened on Andy Rosse Lane in the heart of Captiva Village. Located close to Gulf beaches, restaurants and shopping, the inn is taking reservations for its cottages, suites and two vacation homes. captivaislandinn.com
Glamping at Koreshan State Park in Estero It’s camping that everyone can enjoy in air-conditioned tents at this state park along the Estero River. Explore the Koreshan Unity Settlement. Kayak, canoe, paddle board. And dogs are welcome. ftmyers.tlglamping.com
Captiva Island Inn has reopened on Andy Rosse Lane in the heart of Captiva Village. Located close to Gulf beaches, restaurants and shopping, the inn is taking reservations for its cottages, suites and two vacation homes. captivaislandinn.com
Dining/entertainment news The popular Pancake House on Fort Myers Beach, serving locals and visitors since 1977, has reopened with a new interior and the same ’70s vibe and beach-themed murals that its regulars have loved for years. Serving breakfast and lunch. facebook.com/TheIslandsPancakeHouse
Maggy’s House in Lehigh Acres recently opened as a modern-day coffee shop with home-cooked meals, sandwiches, wraps, wings, tacos, salads, coffee, espresso, smoothies and more. tinyurl.com/bdfkmv47
Accessible by boat: Mainstay reopens on North Captiva Island. The restaurant (formerly Barnacles) and bar, reopened with the same food full bar, music and tropical island vibe. The market-ice cream-retail-ship store is also open. facebook.com/Mainstaynorthcaptiva
Shoeless Joe’s Sports Café in Fort Myers has reopened. The sports café is located in the DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops hotel, which is set to unveil its own extensive renovations and rebranding of the former Crowne Plaza Hotel later this year. Shoeless-Joes.com
Chill out with extreme over-the-top milkshakes at the recently opened Mean Mugs Milkshake Bar, located at Miromar Outlets in Estero. It’s part of the newly opened 810 Billiards & Bowling and in addition to the milkshake bar, just inside the entrance, the 28,000-square-foot venue offers 16 lanes of bowling, five pool tables, three Krazy Dart lanes, two sport simulators (including golf, soccer and football), four ax-throwing lanes and an arcade packed with 63 games. Check out the shakes and ice cream menu at meanmugsmilkshakebar.com and everything offered at this fun venue at 810bowling.com/estero-fl.
Blossom & Brie, an 86-acre working farm located in North Fort Myers, is serving farm-fresh dining experiences for lunch, dinner and brunch. Farm-to-table menu items include Smoked Red Wattle Pulled Pork Sandwich with Uncle Bubby’s “Sweet Heat” BBQ sauce, Smash Burgers that feature grass-fed and finished ground beef, and the Florida Farm Bowl with greens grown at Blossom & Brie’s vertical, sustainable freight farm located on the property.
Visitors can stroll the property and visit Blossom, a miniature donkey and farm’s namesake, plus her two offspring, Margaret and Humphrey. Guests can also meet the Florida Cracker sheep, chickens, longhorn cattle and Red Wattle pigs that live on the farm. Details: BlossomandBrie.com
Coming soon … Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina in Cape Coral is under construction at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge. Scheduled for completion in spring 2025, the family-friendly waterfront destination will feature outdoor fun and entertainment, 10 food trucks, 30 boat slips, a fuel dock and more. The space will accommodate regular seating for 300 guests and up to 500 guests for special events. For more information and latest updates, visit SlipawayCape.com
Attractions news Wet Walks at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Fort Myers The Slough continues wet walks this month and takes visitors to areas that normally are off limits to experience the beautiful wetlands. The season runs through Oct. 26.
With more than 3,500 acres of wetland ecosystem with a boardwalk trail and Interpretive Center, the preserve is home to otters, alligators, turtles, wading birds and more year-round. Other wildlife, like migrating birds and butterflies, use the Slough as a feeding area or a winter home.
Led by trained guides, the walks follow a restricted, water-filled, sinuous trail amid thick green ferns, towering cypress, and often perhaps woodpeckers and owls. Water levels may reach chest high, depending on recent rainfall. For dates, details and registration, visit sloughpreserve.squarespace.com/wet-walk-season-2024
The National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel Island has added new exhibits and marine life to its popular Living Gallery:
Flamingo tongue: This western Atlantic mollusk has striking orange and yellow spots on its body. This is the first time flamingo tongues have been exhibited in a public aquarium.
Lion Paw: For the first time the Museum is exhibiting a group of these large bivalves whose colorful shells are among the most prized by collectors. The new exhibit of lion paws also includes thorny oysters.
Two-spot octopus: This octopus may grow up to two feet and loves to play with toys and other items provided by staff for enrichment in her aquarium.
Caribbean two-spot octopus: Also known as bumblebee octopus, Caribbean two-spot octopuses are well known for their bright colors and the two eye-like spots of vivid iridescent color.
Strawberry conch: Their large, camera-type eyes are exceptionally well-developed and have at least six cell types in their retinas that can detect objects as small as one degree within their visual field.
Check details to plan your visit at shellmuseum.org
Take a look around with area webcams: Check out what’s happening around the area with live webcam views. Zoom in to spot native butterfly species in Cape Coral. Do some birdwatching from an observation tower at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Explore botanical gardens and wildlife at Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs. Discover North Shore Park on the river’s edge in North Fort Myers and catch views of downtown Fort Myers and the Caloosahatchee Bridge. Find these and more with easy navigation instructions at visitfortmyers.com/webcams
And enjoy our recently added webcams at Fort Myers Beach Town Square, Sanibel Lighthouse Park, Lovers Key Discovery Center and Prairie Pines Preserve in North Fort Myers.
Visit six Florida state parks in Lee County. Each one is a treasure to explore.
Gasparilla Island State Park, Boca Grande The centerpiece of Gasparilla is the restored Port Boca Grande Lighthouse built in 1890. It houses a museum that is open to the public. Swimming, snorkeling, fishing and viewing nature are popular activities along with shelling beautiful beaches. Beach wheelchairs are available. Details: visitfortmyers.com/beaches/gasparilla-island-state-park
Koreshan State Park, Estero The Koreshan Unity Settlement, a nationally registered historic district, offers an opportunity to learn about these interesting and idealistic pioneers. Guided tours are available throughout the year of the landscaped grounds and 11 restored buildings. Nature trails meander along the Estero River for fishing, boating, canoeing. The campground's 60 secluded sites have water, power hook-ups. Twelve sites by the Estero River are designated tent camping. ADA campsites are available. Glamping is available in luxury safari tents. Details: visitfortmyers.com/listing/koreshan-state-park/42037
Mound Key Archaeological State Park, Estero Native Americans known as the Calusa were a non-agricultural hunting and gathering chiefdom that dominated the waters of Southwest Florida. Located in Estero Bay, the park is accessible only by boat and there are no facilities. Interpretive displays along the trail crossing the island help visitors discover the history of the island. Check details and boat launch locations: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/mound-key-archaeological-state-park
Lovers Key State Park, Fort Myers Beach Once a collection of secluded barrier islands, Lovers Key is a destination for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation. The two-mile stretch of beach is popular for shelling, picnicking, fishing, and swimming. The Welcome and Discovery Center is an educational hub for curious park goers to learn more about the ecosystems, history, and recreational opportunities available at the park. Check for times, current openings and activities: visitfortmyers.com/beaches/lovers-key-state-park
Cayo Costa State Park, Cayo Costa Accessible only by boat or kayak, this former fishing ground of the Calusa features nine miles of undeveloped, pristine shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, fishing and birdwatching. Shorebirds are numerous, and you may also spot manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles offshore. Details: visitfortmyers.com/beaches/cayo-costa-state-park
Estero Bay Preserve State Park, Estero Enjoy miles of hiking trails through the preserve and viewing the variety of wildlife and native vegetation that the park protects. The bay is home to the bald eagle, gopher tortoise and fiddler crab and more. The trails are rugged and seasonally flood in some areas. Sturdy footwear, insect repellent, sunscreen and plenty of water are recommended. The preserve is accessible from two land locations: the Winkler Point entrance at 17981 Winkler Road in Fort Myers and the Estero River Scrub entrance at 4940 Broadway Ave. W. in Estero. Details: visitfortmyers.com/listing/estero-bay-preserve-state-park/39904
Lovers Key State Park will present weekly programs on park history and wildlife this month:
- Oct. 4: Beach and estuary walk with a park ranger. Free with park admission.
- Oct. 10: Lovers Key Garden Club workday for beginner and expert gardeners. Free. Park admission is waived.
- Oct. 11: Seashell walk with a park ranger. Free with park admission.
- Oct. 18: Take a walk on the wild side with a park ranger and explore Black Island Trail. Free with park admission. Details and registration: bit.ly/FOLKS-Events
Sea turtle nesting season runs through Oct. 31 Sea turtle nesting season is underway and runs through Oct. 31. And like our visitors, who return year after year to enjoy our beautiful beaches, the loggerheads return to the same beach time after time to deposit their eggs. For more information about sea turtle nesting season and how you can help, contact the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) sccf.org/what-we-do/protect-wildlife/sea-turtle-program or Turtle Time, Inc. at turtletime.org
Neighborhood Mural Program Highlighting what makes each area of the destination special, visitors are enjoying the experience of a neighborhood mural program. The placemaking initiative by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau is done in partnership with the Fort Myers Mural Society. The project gives visitors a chance to interact with the murals’ designs by taking and sharing photos.
The locations of this latest mural project include:
- The side of Eagle’s Nest Restaurant on Pine Island
- A double mural on both sides of the entrance doors into the North Fort Myers Recreation Center
- Lakes Park in Fort Myers for a series of murals in the children’s garden
- The side of the Community Redevelopment Agency building at 1231 Lafayette St., Cape Coral
- The side of the Sanibel-Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce building on Sanibel Island
Learn more about the mural program in the Fort Myers area: visitfortmyers.com/murals
Calusa Blueway Challenge Take the Calusa Blueway Challenge and celebrate 20 years of the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail by checking in at locations along the trail for a chance to win prizes. Earn points as you paddle and check in at attractions, restaurants, parks and nature spots along the trail. Paddle on your own, experience a guided tour, shop at a local business or grab a bite to eat as you explore the 200-mile marked trail that meanders through the back-bay estuaries, rivers, and shorelines of Fort Myers Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods. Complete a certain number of check-ins on the pass to be entered to win a Body Glove iSUP Performer 11’ or a two-night stay at Tarpon Lodge. Details and sign up: visitfortmyers.com/CalusaBluewayChallenge
Sun Saver Passport: Dine, Play, Shop, Sip This popular, digital savings pass provides instant access to a variety of deals and experiences from area attractions, restaurants and more across four categories: Dine, Play, Shop and Sip. Sign up is simple and free. Passports are instantly delivered to phones via text and email. And there is an option for users to save the pass on their home screen for one-tap access. Sign up now to start saving. visitfortmyers.com/sun-saver-passport
Cape Coral Quest 2.0: Win prizes and explore Start exploring with the latest pass to earn discounts and rewards in Cape Coral. Known for its unique shopping opportunities, restaurants, and more than 400 miles of canal waterways, the area is full of vibrant culture. Each participating location has a four-digit code somewhere on the property. Answer 20 riddles to be entered to win the grand prize: a two-night stay at The Westin Cape Coral at Marina Village with daily breakfast. Enter all 30 codes and you’ll earn a 2024 Sunsplash Season Pass! Get your pass, check out details and tips at visitfortmyers.com/cape-coral-quest and start participating on any mobile device.
Plan ahead J.N. “Ding” Darling Winter Lecture Series begins Jan. 9, 2025 The popular, free series kicks off Jan. 9, with celebrity photographers Clyde and Niki Butcher: Portraits of Real Florida. The series runs through March 20, 2025. Details: dingdarlingsociety.org/lecture-series
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) news New air service at RSW Breeze Airways
- Manchester, New Hampshire (MHT) weekly, starting Oct. 2
- Islip-Long Island (ISP) weekly, starting Oct. 2
- Stewart/Newburgh, New York (SWF) weekly, starting Oct. 2
- Lansing, Michigan (LAN) weekly, starting Oct. 3
- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pennsylvania (AVP) weekly, starting Oct. 3
- Burlington, Vermont (BTV) weekly, starting Oct. 4
- Bangor, Maine (BGR) weekly, starting Oct. 5
- Portsmouth, New Hampshire (PSM) weekly, starting Oct. 10
- New Haven, Connecticut (HVN) weekly starting Dec. 10
- South Bend, Indiana (SBN), weekly, starting Feb. 5, 2025
- Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM) weekly, starting Feb. 14, 2025
American Airlines
- New York- LaGuardia (LGA) daily, starting Nov. 5
Avelo Airlines
- Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM) weekly, starting Nov. 7
JetBlue Airways
- Providence, Rhode Island (PVD) daily, starting Oct. 27
- Manchester, New Hampshire (MHT) weekly, starting Jan. 23, 2025
Porter Airlines
- Ottawa (YOW) weekly, starting Nov. 28
- Montreal (YUL) weekly, starting Nov. 29
Spirit Airlines
- Charlotte (CLT), daily, limited service from March 5-April 8, 2025
For more information, visit flyrsw.com
Annual festivals and events Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium 61st annual Haunted Walk, Fort Myers Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights, beginning Oct. 4 calusanature.org
Lakes Park Fall Festival: Scarecrows in the Park, Fort Myers Oct. 11-31 lakespark.org
Cape Coral Oktoberfest Oct. 18-20 and 25-27 capecoraloktoberfest.com
Halloween in Riverside Park, Bonita Springs Oct. 26 cityofbonitasprings.org/news/what_s_new
Gulf Coast Symphony presents Haunted Hall: Heroes & Villains Oct. 27 tinyurl.com/gcsymphony
Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) Nov. 1-8 Taste of the Islands Restaurant Week Nov. 9 Taste of the Islands event at Sanibel City Hall tasteoftheislands.org
Concerts in the Park, Cape Coral Nov. 7 Four Freedoms Park capeconcerts.com
Sanibel Island Writers Conference Nov. 8-9 Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers fgcu.edu/siwc
Big Arts 2024 Film Festival, Sanibel Island Nov. 15-16 bigarts.org/event/inaugural-fall-film-festival
34th annual American Sand Sculpting Championship, Fort Myers Beach Nov. 21-24 fmbsandsculpting.com
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Myers Nov. 17 tinyurl.com/bbmannholiday
Rocket Mortgage Fort Myers Tip-Off Nov. 25-27 Suncoast Credit Union Arena at Florida SouthWestern State College fortmyerstipoff.com
Nov. 25 11 a.m.: Miami (OH) vs. Siena (Palms Division) 1:30 p.m.: Jacksonville vs. Mercer (Palms Division) 6 p.m.: Michigan vs. Virginia Tech (Beach Division) 8:30 p.m.: South Carolina vs. Xavier (Beach Division)
Nov. 26 11 a.m.: Third-place game, Palms Division 1:30 p.m.: Championship game, Palms Division
Nov. 27 6 p.m.: Third-place game, Beach Division 8:30 p.m.: Championship game, Palms Division
Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off Nov. 28-30 Suncoast Credit Union Arena at Florida SouthWestern State College womensfortmyerstipoff.com
Nov. 28 Island Division Noon: South Carolina vs. Iowa State 3 p.m.: Purdue vs. Middle Tennessee
Nov. 29 Shell Division 2 p.m.: Michigan vs. Belmont 4:30 p.m.: Virginia Tech vs. Davidson
Nov. 30 11 a.m.: South Carolina vs. Purdue (Island Division) 1:30 p.m.: Middle Tennessee vs. Iowa State 5 p.m.: Third-place game, Shell Division 7:30 p.m.: Championship Game, Shell Division
Gulf Coast Showcase Hertz Arena gulfcoastshowcase.com
Men’s Tournament, Nov. 25-27, games TBA
Women’s Tournament, Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Nov. 29 11 a.m.: Boise State vs. Illinois State 1:30 p.m.: West Virginia vs. High Point 5 p.m.: Butler vs. Santa Clara 7:30 p.m.: Texas vs. New Mexico State
Nov. 30 Consolation games at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Semifinal games at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 1 11 a.m.: Seventh-place game 1:30 p.m.: Fifth-place game 5 p.m.: Third-place game 7:30 p.m.: Championship game
49th Annual Holiday Nights Celebration, Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers Nov. 29, Dec. 23, Dec. 26-Jan. 5, 2025 edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/48th-annual-historic-holiday-nights-celebration
Holiday House Christmas Stroll, downtown Fort Myers “Christmas Stories through the Eyes of a Child” Stroll past decorated windows of First Street begins Nov. 29 following tree lighting at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Continuing through Dec. 31 fmwcc.net/house
Tree Lighting in Sanibel Community Park Nov. 30 sanibel-captiva.org
Festival of Trees, downtown Fort Myers Dec. 5-8 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center fortmyersfestivaloftrees.com
Holiday in the Park, downtown Bonita Springs Dec. 5 cityofbonitasprings.org
Holiday Luminary Stroll Dec. 6-7 Sanibel (Dec. 6) and Captiva (Dec. 7) islands 13-month celebration of Sanibel’s 50th anniversary sanibel-captiva.org/50th-anniversary
Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade Dec. 7 Check website for viewing locations fortmyersbeach.org/events/christmas-boat-parade
Bonita Springs Christmas Boat Parade Dec. 14 Baywater Boat Club tinyurl.com/bonitaboat
Cape Coral Holiday Boat-a-Long and Christmas Movie Dec. 21 Four Freedoms Park tinyurl.com/capecoralboatalong
Fort Myers Seafood and Music Festival, downtown Fort Myers Jan. 3-5, 2025 paragonfestivals.com/festival/fort-myers-seafood-music-festival
20th annual J.N. “Ding” Darling Winter Lecture series, Sanibel Island Begins Jan. 9 with Clyde and Niki Butcher and runs through March 20, 2025 dingdarlingsociety.org/lecture-series
40th annual Cape Coral Art Festival and Market Place Jan. 11-12, 2025 capecoralartfestival.com
34th Tour De Cape in Cape Coral Jan. 17-19, 2025 Rotary Park tourdecape.net
ArtFest Fort Myers, downtown Fort Myers Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2025 artfestfortmyers.com
Bonita Springs Seafood and Music Festival Feb. 7-9, 2025 28001 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs paragonfestivals.com/festival/bonita-springs-seafood-music-festival
Babcock Ranch Seafood and Music Festival Feb. 14-16, 2025 42850 Crescent Loop in Babcock Ranch paragonfestivals.com/festival/babcock-ranch-seafood-music-festival
87th Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, Fort Myers Feb. 15, 2025 edisonfestival.org
23rd annual Burrowing Owl Festival, Cape Coral Feb. 22, 2025 Rotary Park Environmental Center Rotary Park ccfriendsofwildlife.org/burrowing-owl-festival-2
Southwest Florida Ag Expo Feb. 27-March 9, 2025 Lee County Civic Center Complex swflagexpo.com
Spring training Boston Red Sox Feb. 21-March 23, 2025 mlb.com/redsox/spring-training JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
Minnesota Twins mlb.com/twins/spring-training Feb. 22-March 25, 2025 Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers
26th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival, Fort Myers March 1, 2025 Fort Myers Regional Library, downtown Fort Myers readfest.org
Sanibel Shell Show, Fort Myers March 6-8, 2025 Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort sanibelshellclub.com/6306-2
Concerts in the Park, Cape Coral March 6 and 22, April 3, 2025 Four Freedoms Park capeconcerts.com
88th annual Sanibel Shell Festival, Sanibel Island March 7, 2025 Community House tinyurl.com/shellfest88
Fort Myers Beach annual Lion’s Club Shrimp Festival March 8-9, 2025 fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com
Fort Myers River Festival, downtown Fort Myers March 21-23, 2025 paragonfestivals.com/festival/fort-myers-river-music-festival
ECHO Global Food and Farm Festival, North Fort Myers March 2025 echonet.org/events/global-food-and-farm-festival
Florida Lighthouse Day April 6, 2025 Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum and Gasparilla Island Lighthouse bocagrandehappenings.org/events/its-florida-lighthouse-day
10th annual Bonita Springs Film Festival April 17, 2025 Prado Stadium bonitaspringsfilmfestival.org
36th annual “Ding” Darling Day Conservation Carnival, Fort Myers April 26, 2025 Lakes Park dingdarlingday.com
13th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, Sanibel Island May 9, 2025 dingdarlingsociety.org/tarpon-tournament
World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament, Boca Grande May 14-15, 2025 Facebook: bgacc
15th annual Fort Myers Film Festival May 14-18, 2025 fortmyersfilmfestival.com
Alliance for the Arts, Fringe Fort Myers May 29-June 1, 2025 artinlee.org/experience/fringe
National Seashell Day June 20, 2025 visitfortmyers.com/national-seashell-day
Juneteenth Community Celebration June 19, 2025 Roberto Clemente Park, Fort Myers leecountyblackhistorysociety.org/events
MangoMania July 2025 pineislandchamber.org/chamber-events/mangomania
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest September 2025 island-hopperfest.com
FITMIX FEST, downtown Fort Myers September 2025 fitmixfest.com
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Fort Myers - Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods includes: Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Matlacha, Boca Grande & Outer Islands, North Fort Myers, Alva, Buckingham and Lehigh Acres. For more information, go to visitfortmyers.com.
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