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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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