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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2026
CONTACTS: Jackie Parker, Miriam Dotson 239-338-3500
What’s New in August from Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods
LEE COUNTY, Florida (U.S.A.) – It’s a busy month with exciting headliners announced for Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, Wet Walks begin at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Beachview Villas has opened on Sanibel Island and the Summer Nature Navigators Pass continues this month.
Start planning!
Headliners announced for Island Hopper Songwriter Fest
Now entering its 12th year, the festival returns Sept. 18-27, bringing more than 60 BMI award-winning and emerging singer-songwriters to Captiva Island, Cape Coral, downtown Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach. With more than 80 performances over 10 days, it's easy to see why readers recently voted Island Hopper one of the Top 5 music festivals in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.
From downtown hotspots in Fort Myers' historic River District to tiki bars along the beaches and islands, it’s a rare chance to enjoy intimate shows where the talented performers not only share their songs, but also the stories behind them. Catch live performances at four locations around the Fort Myers area: Captiva Island, Sept. 18-20; Cape Coral, Sept. 21-22; Downtown Fort Myers, Sept. 23-24; Fort Myers Beach, Sept. 25-27.
Fans will be happy to know that this year’s acclaimed lineup includes platinum-selling duo and BMI singer-songwriters LOCASH. They will headline Island Hopper Songwriter Fest in the “Stars on the River” concert on Sept. 23, at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in downtown Fort Myers.
The popular duo will bring their signature style to the Island Hopper stage with BMI singer-songwriter Alexandra Kay as the opening performance.
Blending country energy with beach vibes, LOCASH is riding high from their summer anthem, “Let the Country Music Play.” Released as a collaboration with Parmalee, the song is a country reimagining of Rupert Holmes’ 1970 classic, “Escape (The Pina Colada Song).”
Island Hopper also welcomes Michael Ray to headline the closing pool party performance on Sept. 27, at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach.
From the small stages of Florida’s rural communities, Ray has four No. 1 songs including, “Think a Little Less” and “Whiskey and Rain.” He is known for blending traditional country with modern radio appeal. His 2018 album, “Amos,” named after his grandfather, produced hits like “Her World or Mine” and “One That Got Away.”
LOCASH and Michael Ray add to an already exciting lineup including Edwin McCain, who will be headlining Island Hopper’s “Westin Unplugged” Monday, Sept. 21, at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village.
While most shows are free, the LOCASH, Michael Ray and Edwin McCain performances, along with a few other experiences, will be ticketed. These include the ACMA Showcase at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers, sunset cruises on Fort Myers Beach and Cape Coral, and dinner experiences at Gather in Cape Coral and Luminary Hotel & Co. in downtown Fort Myers.
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is presented by BMI, iHeart Radio’s Cat Country 107.1, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods. Visit IslandHopperFest.com. Follow the festival hashtag #islandhopperfest as well as Instagram and Facebook.
Everything you need to plan your vacation
Dreaming about a Fort Myers vacation? Find your inspiration in our new, digital Visitor Guide that takes vacation planning to a new level with interactive maps, hidden gems, quick answers to questions, information on experiences you will not want to miss and more. There is even a guided meditation video until you can get here in person. Check it out at visitfortmyers.us.foleon.com/officialdigitalguide/dream/wellness
The magazine-like experience is accessible on your desktop or smartphone. Start planning at visitfortmyers.us.foleon.com/officialdigitalguide/welcome
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 begin Aug. 15 and run through Oct. 31. 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 has welcomed thousands of walkers for more than 50 years.
This season’s schedule has a total of 14 regular wet walks and four themed wet walks that include: Mindfulness, Meditation, Frogs: the Voices of the Wetland and a photography themed walk. The minimum age for wet walks is 12. Reservations are required and may be made at sloughpreserve.org
Family Fun: Become Nature Navigators this summer
Spend summer enjoying our sandy beaches, shady trails, wildlife surprises, and hands-on activities that turn a family getaway into stories that become treasured memories. The Summer Nature Navigators Pass lets you chose your adventure from educational beach walks to wildlife cruises. The free digital pass is filled with exciting eco-adventures. Check in at each location to earn points and redeem for great prizes, including a grand prize of day passes to Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina and more.
Start planning with a visit to visitfortmyers.com/summer-nature-navigators for details and receive your digital pass.
Explore Sanibel Island's Wild Mile Pass 2.0
Now that season has wrapped up, take a day trip and visit some of the area’s popular, natural attractions. Earn points and prizes through April 1, 2027, with this mobile-exclusive pass that includes:
Download the pass and immerse yourself in the island’s legendary conservation story. Here you can take a deep dive into its reputation as a Seashell Capital of the World, hike miles of island forest and wetlands, visit an animal hospital to learn about the island’s diverse wildlife or explore one of the nation’s most fascinating national wildlife refuges.
How it works:
- Visit any location in the pass and earn points when you check in.
- Special monthly events give you the chance to accumulate even more points.
- Redeem points for prizes.
- Check in to 14 locations and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a grand prize that includes giveaways from your favorite Sanibel Island stores and restaurants.
Sign-up is easy and free. Check details at visitfortmyers.com/digital-passes/sanibel-wild-mile
Lovers Key State Park free programs this month
Enjoy shell walks and more this month at Lovers Key State Park. Check topics and signup at loverskey.eventbrite.com
Walks with CREW in August
Check out the walks and programs coming up this month at CREW (Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed Land & Water Trust). Each year, more than 100,000 people visit CREW Trust’s four trail systems to explore more than 40 miles of marked hiking, biking and equestrian trails, as well as outdoor pavilions, primitive campsites, elevated boardwalks and observation platforms. Upcoming programs and registration: crewtrust.eventbrite.com
Explore and win prizes with Parks, Points & Perks
Discover some of the top parks, beaches, preserves and recreation centers, all while earning points for exciting rewards. This free pass gives you the chance to explore new spots you might never have visited before, plus enjoy popular locations across our islands, beaches and neighborhoods. Check out new ways to kick off summer fun and win great prizes through April 24, 2027.
Go to visitfortmyers.com/ParksPass to check out locations and to sign up. The pass will be delivered to your phone via text and email and you are ready to participate.
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 will 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.
Accommodations news
Beachview Villas on Sanibel Island are open
Beachview Villas on Sanibel Island have opened with 22 Gulf-view villas. Situated on the site of the former Beachview Cottages, which were destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022, the property has been reimagined into a new concept with a variety of accommodation offerings, including 10 350-square-foot guest villas; 11 600-square-foot one-bedroom villas and one 2,100-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-bathroom deluxe villa with a full kitchen.
Amenities include a pool, event lawn, boardwalk to the beach and everything guests need for shelling, bicycling or relaxing at their own pace. Turtle-friendly, all glazing is designed to meet light reflectance levels in accordance with turtle code requirements. Exterior lighting features amber, turtle-friendly fixtures approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). For reservations and more information: beachview-villas.com
HomeTowne Suites by Red Roof opens in Fort Myers
Recently opened, with 124 studio-style rooms with kitchenettes and amenities for extended stays. redroof.com/extendedstay/hometownestudios/property/fl/fort-myers
Under construction
- Captiva Island Inn, opening late 2026
- HomeTowne Suites by Red Roof, Fort Myers, 2026
- Lake Shadroe Resort & Marina, Cape Coral, early 2027
- Hampton Inn at Bell Tower, Fort Myers, early 2027
- Cambria Hotels, Fort Myers, late 2027
Visit Fort Myers partners with Kind Traveler
Visit Fort Myers is proud to be the first Florida destination to partner with Kind Traveler, an acclaimed innovator in sustainable travel. Participating hotels, adventure operators and experience providers, 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
Dining & entertainment
Classes for aspiring chocolatiers and chocolate lovers
Norman Love Confections is bringing back one of its most requested experiences as chocolate-making classes return with new sessions scheduled through October, offering guests a behind-the-scenes opportunity to learn the craftsmanship behind the company's signature handcrafted chocolates.
The hands-on classes provide an immersive introduction to the artistry, precision and techniques behind Norman Love Confections' award-winning chocolates. Participants will work alongside the company's chocolate masters, creating their own chocolates while learning the methods used to craft the jewel-like confections that customers have come to know and enjoy.
Classes are open to guests ages 18 and older and will be held Aug. 15 and 29, Sept. 12 and 26, and Oct. 10 at Norman Love Confections' chocolate factory in Fort Myers. Each three-hour class begins at 2 p.m. and costs $125 per guest. Class sizes are limited and advance registration is required at Norman normanloveConfections.com/pages/Cooking-Classes
Three area restaurants included in Michelin Guide Florida
The Fort Myers-area culinary scene has earned statewide recognition with three local restaurants included in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Florida.
The MICHELIN Guide is considered one of the world's most respected restaurant rating systems and serves as a trusted resource for travelers seeking exceptional dining experiences. The recognition further elevates the destination’s appeal for both visitors and residents exploring the area's diverse culinary offerings.
Check them out on your next visit:
- Liberty, Fort Myers
- The Bohemian, Bonita Springs
- Canary Club, Bonita Springs (also awarded a Bib Gourmand distinction for good quality, good value cooking)
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) news
New and upcoming air service at RSW:
Avelo Airlines • Concord, NC (USA) • McKinney, Texas (DTX)
Breeze Airways • Dayton, Ohio (DAY)
Delta Air Lines • Austin, Texas (AUS)
Sun Country Airlines • Duluth, Minnesota (DLH)
For more information, visit flylcpa.com
Festivals and events
Beat the Heat beach walks
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium
Dates scheduled through October
shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/field-education
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest
Sept. 18-27
island-hopperfest.com
“Scarecrows in the Park” at Lakes Park Fall Festival, Fort Myers
Oct. 9-31
www.lakespark.org
41st Cape Coral Oktoberfest
Oct. 17-19 & 24-26
German-American Social Club
capecoraloktoberfest.com
Art in the Wild
Oct. 20-22
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
dingdarlingsociety.org/art-in-the-wild
Edison and Ford Winter Estates Fall Festival
Oct. 31
edisonfordwinterestates.org
REVIVE! Trash to Fashion Couture Collection Show
Nov. 4
Sundial Beach Resort and Spa, Sanibel Island
dingdarlingsociety.org/revive
36th annual American Sand Sculpting Championship, Fort Myers Beach
Nov. 19-23
fmbsandsculpting.com
Edison and Ford Winter Estates Garden Festival
Nov. 21
edisonfordwinterestates.org
Fort Myers Tip-Off
Nov. 24 & 26
Florida SouthWestern State College, Fort Myers
fortmyerstipoff.com
Elevance Health Women’s Fort MyersTip-Off
Island and Shell Divisions
Nov. 27-28
Suncoast Credit Union Arena
Florida SouthWestern State College, Fort Myers
womensfortmyerstipoff.com
Holiday events
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Fort Myers
broadwaypalm.com
"Irving Berlin’s White Christmas," Main Theatre
Nov. 20-Dec. 30
"The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical," Off-Broadway Palm Theatre
Nov. 26-Dec. 30
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," Children’s Theatre
Dec. 1-24
Florida Repertory Theatre, downtown Fort Myers
"Plaid Tidings"
Dec.1- Jan. 3, 2027
Artstage Studio Theatre
floridarep.org
38th Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Dec. 5
fortmyersbeach.org
Cape Coral Holiday Boat-a-Long and Christmas Movie
Dec. 19
Four Freedoms Park
tinyurl.com/capecoralboatalong
Adventures in Paradise Santa’s Dolphin and Wildlife Cruises and Christmas Eve Sunset Cruise
Dec. 24 (check times)
adventureinparadiseinc.com/cruises/holiday-cruises
2027 Festivals and Events
42nd annual Cape Coral Art Festival and Market Place
January tba
capecoralartfestival.com
36thth Tour De Cape in Cape Coral
January tba
Rotary Park
tourdecape.net
ArtFest Fort Myers, downtown Fort Myers
Feb. 5-7
artfestfortmyers.com
89th Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, Fort Myers
February tba
Downtown Fort Myers
edisonfestival.org
25th annual Burrowing Owl Festival, Cape Coral
February tba
Rotary Park Environmental Center
ccfriendsofwildlife.org/burrowing-owl-festival-2
Southwest Florida Ag Expo
Feb. 25-March 7
Mike Greenwell Regional Park
swflagexpo.com
Spring training
Boston Red Sox
February-March tba
mlb.com/redsox/spring-training
JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
Minnesota Twins
mlb.com/twins/spring-training
February-March tba
Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers
90th annual Sanibel Shell Festival, Sanibel Island
March tba
Sanibel Community House
sanibelcommunityhouse.net/shell-festival
28th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival, Fort Myers
March 6
Fort Myers Regional Library, downtown Fort Myers
readfest.org
Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival
March 13-14
fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com
Taste of the Islands, Sanibel Island
March tba
Sanibel City Hall
tasteoftheislands.org
12th annual Bonita Springs Short Film Festival
April tba
Prado Stadium
bonitaspringsfilmfestival.org
15th Annual “Ding” Darling and Doc Fords Tarpon Tournament
May 7
dingdarlingsociety.org/tarpon-tournament
National Seashell Day
June 21
visitfortmyers.com/national-seashell-day
MangoMania
July tba
pineislandchamber.org/chamber-events/mangomania
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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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