FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2025
CONTACTS: Jackie Parker, Miriam Dotson 239-338-3500

What’s New from Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods

LEE COUNTY, Florida (U.S.A.) – Southwest Florida is getting a little spooky as October arrives. Take a haunted walk through the woods. Explore a garden trail filled with wild and wacky scarecrows. Ride the Halloween Express. Tour a haunted house. Visit a pumpkin patch. Enjoy the not-so-scary Hogwarts Halloween concert and much more. It’s the perfect time for a fall getaway with cost-saving deals at accommodations and attractions.

Don’t miss this month!
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, Fort Myers
Haunted Walk: “Terror in the Woods,” Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights Oct. 3-26. This unique annual event is also a fundraiser to help take care of the nature center’s animal residents. calusanature.org

Scarecrows in the Park, Fort Myers
This family favorite runs Oct. 10-31 at Lakes Park. Don’t miss Scarecrow Trail that winds through the Children’s Garden. The theme this year: “Wild, Wacky World of Scarecrows.” Check dates and times for all events, including the Halloween Express Train Ride with dancing lights and displays and a Pumpkin Patch, hayrides and inflatables. lakespark.org

Check this out if you dare
The Haunted House at Alliance for the Arts 13 Nights of Stage Fright offers a different theme each evening Oct. 18-Nov.1. There’s something for everyone in the family with Hollywood Horrors, Rise of the Undead, Full Scream A Head and Monster Mash Dance Party and more nightly themes. Check out the frightening details at artinlee.org/experience/13-nights

For less of a scare but lots of fun, check out Halloween Community Night on Oct. 23. The evening of all treats and no tricks includes trunk or treat, scavenger hunt, Halloween games, pumpkin carving and more. tinyurl.com/artinleehalloween

Gulf Coast Symphony presents Hogwarts Halloween, Fort Myers
It’s the “not-so-spooky” Halloween concert that’s sure to be fun for the whole family. The festivities begin at 1 p.m. on Oct. 25 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. At 2 p.m., move into the theater for a concert of music and magic that will bring the Hogwarts to life. bbmannpah.com

Do the Monster Bash at Margaritaville, Fort Myers Beach
Join the Monster Bash at Lah De Dah Beach Bar on Halloween and come dressed in your best spooky, scary or creative costume. Get ready to dance the night away with electrifying music, themed cocktails and a hauntingly good time. Whether you're celebrating with friends or looking to meet new ghouls, this monster mash is the perfect way to keep the Halloween spirit alive after dark. Open to the public. Visit MargaritavilleResorts.com-Beach-Resort-Fort-Myers-Beach

Plan ahead
College basketball tournaments
We have three big college basketball tournaments to look forward to the week of Thanksgiving.

Skechers Fort Myers Tip-Off
Beach and Palm divisions
Nov. 24-27
Suncoast Credit Union Arena at FSW, Fort Myers
Schedule and tickets: fortmyerstipoff.com

Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off
Island and Shell divisions
Nov. 28-29
Suncoast Credit Union Arena at FSW, Fort Myers
Schedule and tickets: womensfortmyerstipoff.com

Coconut Hoops Men’s Tournament
Nov. 24-26
Alico Arena, FGCU
coconuthoops.com

Coconut Hoops Women’s Tournament
Nov. 28-30
Alico Arena, FGCU
coconuthoops.com

Accommodations news
Make a difference during your stay
Visit Fort Myers is proud to be the first Florida destination to partner with Kind Traveler, an acclaimed innovator in sustainable travel. Participating hotels and their nonprofit partners offer a chance for visitors to give back with a portion of their booking going to a local organization that supports sustainable travel. Check accommodations and their nonprofit partners at visitfortmyers.com/kind-traveler

Welcome back Shalimar Beach Resort, Sanibel Island
Shalimar Beach Resort has opened as the first Sanibel Island resort to be completely rebuilt, post-Hurricane Ian. The new construction, 33-room resort offers Gulf-front studios, one- and two-bedroom villas.

The first new hotel to open on Sanibel in 40 years, the property was built with hurricane resiliency in mind: impact doors, windows, walls, roof structure. Buildings are 6 feet above the base flood elevation. More than 500 concrete pilings are installed below the foundation. With a sensitivity to the natural environment, turtle lighting has been installed for protection during nesting season. shalimar.com

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Bonita Springs, renovations
A multimillion-dollar renovation of meeting and event space is underway at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. With completion this fall, the renovation complements recent updates to its rooms, waterpark and restaurants.

With ocean blues, deep lush greens and sandy beige accents, the meeting space will be updated with new carpeting, wall coverings and artwork. Lighting will feature an extravagant mesh chandelier reminiscent of a brilliant conch shell in the Estero Ballroom and lighting installations with opalescent glasswork and silver accents throughout the additional spaces. The Calusa Ballroom Terrace renovations include redesigned landscaping providing settings reminiscent of a tropical garden. hyattregencycoconutpoint.com

More reopenings
South Seas, Captiva Island
The island resort has reopened its amenities including pools, restaurants, golf, watersports and fitness. Villa-style accommodations are available and hotel plans are in the works. A new water feature is scheduled for a December opening. Check out the latest news at southseas.com

Best Western Plus Beach Resort, Fort Myers Beach
After a complete renovation, the 75-room, beachfront property has reopened. Suites, rooms, a private beach, complimentary breakfast, heated pool, watersports and pet-friendly accommodations are available. bwbeachresort.com

Jensen’s Twin Palm Resort and Marina, Captiva Island
Popular since its opening in 1977, the vacation and fishing spot with direct access to Pine Island Sound, is welcoming visitors. With 14 historic cottages decorated in nautical and seashell themes, the property includes a fueling station, boat rentals, store and everything visitors need for a vacation in this treasured spot of Captiva Island’s history. jensensmarina.com

White Pelican Villas plans to open in early 2026
Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts purchased the property formerly known as Beachview Cottages, a 22-unit condo property that was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. Plans are underway to rebrand the new build as White Pelican Villas, with 22 units in three buildings tied together with a shared, covered walkway. The resort is farther back from the beach and plans to open in early 2026. sanibelcaptivabeachresorts.com

Attractions news
Get wet at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Fort Myers
You can’t get much closer to nature than the wet walks at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. The walks run Oct. 4, 11, 15, 18, 25. Participants are allowed into parts of the Slough that are normally off-limits and experience these beautiful wetlands with trained guides along a trail that is safe and has welcomed thousands of walkers for more than 50 years. Check information, dates, pricing and make reservations at sloughpreserve.org/wet-walk-season-2025

Lovers Key State Park free programs
Take a “Walk on the Wildside” and other free programs this month at Lovers Key State Park. Check topics and signup at loverskey.eventbrite.com

Surf’s up in Cape Coral
Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral has opened Paradise Cove, a $4 million wave pool. The 12,000-square-foot pool features seven wave patterns and varying intensities. In addition, a 16-foot movie screen will be added for "dive-in movies" and other events. tinyurl.com/sunsplashwaterpark

Explore Sanibel Island's Wild Mile
Visit the area’s extraordinary natural attractions with this exclusive mobile pass, including: 

1. CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife)
2. J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
3. Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium
4. Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
5. And much more. Simply check in at each location to earn points and prizes.

Sign-ups are easy and free. Your Sanibel Wild Mile pass will be instantly delivered to your phone via text and email. Also save it on your home screen for one-tap access. Sign up now and get ready for a fascinating look at nature during your visit. visitfortmyers.com/digital-passes/sanibel-wild-mile

Explore and win prizes with Parks, Points & Perks

The Lee County VCB and Lee County Parks & Recreation have partnered to give visitors new ways to kick off summer fun and win great prizes.

Parks, Points & Perks encourages exploration of area parks, beaches, preserves, recreation centers, events and much more throughout our islands, beaches and neighborhoods. Running now through May 2026, the free pass makes it easy to visit favorite spots or discover new adventures.

Participants have a range of family-friendly locations to visit that include Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve and Lakes Park in Fort Myers; Dog Beach in Bonita Springs; Phillips Park in Bokeelia and Bowditch Point Park in Fort Myers Beach. More than 30 sites are included.

• Go to visitfortmyers.com/ParksPass and sign up.
• Pass will be instantly delivered to your phone via text and email.
• Select your location, plan a visit and start having fun.
• Visit any location in the pass and earn 20 points when you check in.
• Special monthly events give you the chance to add up even more points.
• Earn rewards like a drawstring backpack, and unlock choices for memberships, parking passes or recreation center access.
• Check in at 20 locations on the pass, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a grand prize, a two-night stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops and a Family Fun Day at Lakes Park.

Check out area webcams
We hope you will visit soon but until then, drop in with a live view of each area of our destination. visitfortmyers.com/webcams

Big fun at Big City Kids, Bonita Springs
Perfect for a break from the beach or an afternoon shower! Drop by the ultimate indoor play space where kids explore, create and dream big. A mini city full of interactive play zones and a café for the parents to relax while the kiddos are having fun. Check out this new attraction at bigcitykidsfl.com

Dining & entertainment
The Bubble Room on Captiva Island is back
Bubble Bread, model trains, holiday lights and memories are back. The iconic Bubble Room Restaurant has opened after three years of renovations following Hurricane Ian and delays from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The restored restaurant retains its vintage, nostalgic charm and famous desserts. Open for lunch and dinner. https://bubbleroomrestaurant.com

Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina opens in Cape Coral
Located at the base of the Cape Coral Bridge, the waterfront park features 10 on-site food trucks, a full-service bar, shaded seating options, 30 boat slips, a fuel dock, Ship Store and views of the Caloosahatchee River. Offering outdoor fun and entertainment, Slipaway offers daily live music and special events throughout the year. Visit slipawaycape.com

The Beach Bar on Fort Myers Beach returns
After almost three years, The Beach Bar has reopened. With a new building that is a walk-up, open-air design that will withstand future storms, this island favorite is a huge part of the Fort Myers Beach recovery story. Another reason to celebrate and visit soon. Follow for updates: www.facebook.com/FMBthebeachbar

Tap 42 Craft Kitchen and Bar opens in Fort Myers
Located in Bell Tower, this new, upscale dining experience with a casual vibe, includes a rooftop bar that is open Wednesday through Saturday with live music. Contemporary American cuisine is served against the backdrop of Versace wallpaper and plush leather booths. tap42.com/locations/fort-myers

Lazy Flamingo on Sanibel Island reopens
With its original menu of conch fritters, peel-n-eat shrimp, fish tacos and grouper, along with its favorite garlic bread, the restaurant is open. lazyflamingo.com

Luminary Hotel & Co. in downtown Fort Myers has rebranded its signature restaurant, formerly known as The Silver King Ocean Brasserie, to The Silver King Coastal Kitchen. Guests will enjoy a menu of shareable tapas-style plates, vibrant entrées crafted with fresh, local ingredients, and a five-course chef’s tasting menu. Luminary Hotel & Co.

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) news
New air service at RSW. For more information, visit flylcpa.com

Southwest Airlines
Orlando-McCoy (MC), daily
Chicago-O'Hare (ORD), weekly, starting Nov. 2
Austin (AUS), weekly, March 5-April 6, 2026

Porter Airlines
Toronto, Canada (YYZ), weekly, now year-round

Allegiant (new airline)
Allentown, Pennsylvania (ABE), starting Nov. 13
Appleton, Wisconsin (ATW), starting Nov. 21
Des Moines (DSM), starting Nov. 21

American Airlines
Phoenix (PHX), daily, limited holiday service, operating Nov. 20-Dec.3 & Dec. 19-Jan. 6, 2026

Breeze Airways
Albany, NY (ALB), weekly, starting Dec. 17
Rochester, NY (ROC), weekly, starting Jan. 8, 2026

JetBlue Airways
Islip-Long Island (ISP), weekly, starting Dec.18

Delta Airlines
Salt Lake City (SLC), daily, starting Dec. 20

Sun Country
Appleton (ATW), weekly, starting Jan. 30, 2026

United Airlines
Los Angeles (LAX), limited holiday service Dec. 6-Jan. 5, 2026
San Francisco (SFO), limited holiday service, Nov. 15-Jan. 5. 2026

In the news
Conde Nast Traveler names Bowman’s Beach to Florida’s best list
The publication named Bowman’s Beach one of the 21 best beaches in Florida: “Easily accessible off the main Sanibel-Captiva Road yet remarkably undeveloped, this family-friendly beach lacks the crowds of neighboring stretches but promises all the pastel-hued sunsets, excellent shelling, and gentle waves for which Sanibel Island is known.” cntraveler.com/galleries/the-21-best-beaches-in-florida

2025 annual festivals and events
Wet walks at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Fort Myers
Schedule runs now through Oct. 25
sloughpreserve.org/wet-walk-season-2025

Lovers Key State Park free programs
Schedule runs throughout October
loverskey.eventbrite.com

Audubon of Southwest Florida field trip
Oct. 5
Hawk Watch at Sanibel Lighthouse
audubonswfl.org/field-trips

Edison and Ford Winter Estates Fall Festival, Fort Myers
Oct. 18
edisonfordwinterestates.org

40^th Cape Coral Oktoberfest
Oct. 17-19 and 24-26
German-American Social Club
capecoraloktoberfest.com

Sanibel Island Writers Conference
Nov. 7-8
FGCU
fgcu.edu/siwc

BIG ARTS 2024 Film Festival, Sanibel Island
Nov. 14-15
bigarts.org/event/inaugural-fall-film-festival

35^th annual American Sand Sculpting Championship, Fort Myers Beach
Nov. 20-24
fmbsandsculpting.com

Edison and Ford Winter Estates Autumn Garden Festival, Fort Myers
Nov. 22-23
edisonfordwinterestates.org

Skechers Fort Myers Tip-Off
Beach and Palm divisions
Nov. 24-27
Suncoast Credit Union Arena at FSW, Fort Myers
Tickets: fortmyerstipoff.com

Coconut Hoops Men’s Tournament
Nov. 24-26
Alico Arena, FGCU
coconuthoops.com

Coconut Hoops Women’s Tournament
Nov. 28-30
Alico Arena, FGCU
coconuthoops.com

Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off
Island and Shell divisions
Nov. 28-29
Suncoast Credit Union Arena at FSW, Fort Myers
Schedule and tickets: womensfortmyerstipoff.com

Holiday Nights on the Lawn, Cape Coral
Cape Coral City Hall
Nov. 28-29
tinyurl.com/ccholidayevents

Edison and Ford Winter Estates Holiday Nights, Fort Myers
50^th anniversary
Nov. 28-Jan. 4, 2026
edisonfordwinterestates.org

40^th Sanibel Island Holiday Luminary Stroll
Dec. 5 on Sanibel Island; Dec. 6 on Captiva Island
sanibel-captiva.org

37^th Annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Dec. 6
fortmyersbeach.org

Cape Coral Holiday Boat-a-Long
Dec. 20
Bimini Basin
tinyurl.com/ccboatalong

Murder Mystery Dinner Train, “Holiday Havoc,” Fort Myers
Dec. 22-24
semgulf.com/events

Santa’s Dolphin and Wildlife and Christmas Eve Sunset Cruise
Adventures in Paradise
Dec. 24 (check times)
adventureinparadiseinc.com/cruises/holiday-cruises

2026 annual festivals and events
Fort Myers Seafood and Music Festival, downtown Fort Myers
Jan. 30-Feb. 1
paragonfestivals.com/festival/fort-myers-seafood-music-festival

41st annual Cape Coral Art Festival and Market Place
Jan. 10-11
capecoralartfestival.com

21^st annual “Ding” Darling Winter Lecture Series
Jan. 22-April 16
dingdarlingsociety.org

34^th Tour De Cape in Cape Coral
Jan. 23-25
Rotary Park
tourdecape.net

ArtFest Fort Myers, downtown Fort Myers
Feb. 6-8
artfestfortmyers.com

Southwest Florida Ag Expo
Feb. 26-March 8
“Roots ’n’ Rides: A Celebration of Tradition”
Lee County Civic Center Complex
swflagexpo.com

88th Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, Fort Myers
Feb. 21
Downtown Fort Myers
edisonfestival.org

Spring training
Boston Red Sox
February/March
mlb.com/redsox/spring-training
JetBlue Park, Fort Myers

Minnesota Twins
mlb.com/twins/spring-training
February/March
Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers

24th annual Burrowing Owl Festival, Cape Coral
Feb. 28
Rotary Park Environmental Center
ccfriendsofwildlife.org/burrowing-owl-festival-2

68^th Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival
March 7-8
fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com

27th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival, Fort Myers
March 7
Fort Myers Regional Library, downtown Fort Myers
readfest.org

CROW Taste of the Islands, Sanibel Island
March 13-21
tasteoftheislands.org

89^th annual Sanibel Shell Festival, Sanibel Island
March 5-7
Sanibel Community House
sanibelcommunityhouse.net/shell-festival

Fort Myers Beach annual Lion’s Club Shrimp Festival
March 7-8
fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com

Fort Myers Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14
fortmyersbeach.org

Fort Myers Seafood and Music Festival, downtown Fort Myers
Jan. 30-Feb. 1
paragonfestivals.com/festival/fort-myers-seafood-music-festival

ECHO Global Food and Farm Festival, North Fort Myers 
March tba
echonet.org

4^th annual SWFL Mural Fest, Fort Myers
March tba
artsembleunderground.com/swfl-muralfest

11^th annual Bonita Springs Film Festival
April tba
Prado Stadium
bonitaspringsfilmfestival.org

World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament, Boca Grande
May 13-14
bocagrandechamber.com/worlds-richest-tarpon-tournament

14^th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, Sanibel Island
May 15
dingdarlingsociety.org/tarpon-tournament

16^th annual Fort Myers Film Festival
May 14-18
fortmyersfilmfestival.com

National Seashell Day
June 20
visitfortmyers.com/national-seashell-day

30th annual MangoMania
July 11
pineislandchamber.org/chamber-events/mangomania

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest
Sept. 18-27
island-hopperfest.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.