Events

January

Thomas Alva Edison Regional Science and Inventors Fair

Harborside Convention Center

Usually held late January

239-334-2999

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Showcases over 750 student finalists from elementary, middle and high schools in the surrounding four counties.   Some of the previous invention and science projects included the waistband threader, mosquito trapper, wet awake, sleep safe couch belt, ants-b-gone dog dish and manatee locator.  Children get the opportunity to be creative and to work through problems and resolve them.  Exhibits range from botany, computers, math, engineering, zoology, earth and space sciences, environmental sciences, medicine, health and physics.

February

City of Palms Block Party

Edwards Drive, Downtown Fort Myers

Usually held early February

239-334-2999

Admission Charged, children 12 and under free

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The opening ceremonies to the Edison Festival of Light are in honor of Thomas Alva Edison's birthday with continuous musical entertainment on three stages. An expanded kids area offers rides, games and fun for all ages.  Various food and beverages help round out this fun evening under the stars.  

Edison Festival of Light Crafts on the River

Centennial Park

Edwards Drive

Usually held mid-February

239-334-2999

Admission Free

Call for additional information Centennial Park is transformed into a craft lovers dream with over 100 exhibitors displaying their goods during the three-day event.  Exhibitors come from throughout Southwest Florida and the entire country for an opportunity to sell their wares.  Items range from jewelry, quilts, handmade crafts, paintings, ceramics, pottery and more.  

Edison Festival of Lights Fireworks and Stadium Show

Edison Stadium

Fort Myers High School

Usually held mid-February

239-334-2999

Admission Charged for reserved seating

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This event features big band music, fireworks and a parade with floats and marching bands.

March

Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival

Usually held early March

239-463-9738

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Festivities include a traditional shrimp boil, parade, and the 5K Treasure Run

April

Fort Myers Beach Film Festival

Usually held end of April

239-765-0202

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The four-day festival provides film buffs the opportunity to see quality independent films and  participate in events designed to cultivate the spirit of creativity and promote the talents of local and upcoming filmmakers. The schedule includes filmmaker panel discussions, student filmmaking workshops, and an elegant celebrity gala in addition to the film screenings at Beach Theater.

July

Fort Myers Beach Fireworks

Held on July 4th

239-454-7500

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One of the region’s most spectacular fireworks shows begins at dusk, accompanied by music and activity in the Times Square area.

October

Fort Myers Beach Air Show

Usually held mid-October

239-477-1820

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Enjoy two afternoons of stunning aerobatics and military demonstrations from one of the area’s liveliest beaches.

November

Buckler Craft Fair

Usually held early November

239-543-8368

Admission Charged, children 12 and younger free

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Over 200 professional, award-winning craftspeople from across the country exhibit and sell items including Country, Victorian, folk art, primitive, and wood items; furniture, miniatures, toys, dolls, bears, gourmet delights, homemade fudge, Christmas items, and more.

Taste of the Town

Usually held early November

239-277-1197

Admission Charged, children 9 and younger free

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The Annual Taste of the Town features samplings from more than 40 local restaurants. One of the largest food and entertainment festivals in Southwest Florida, it also features live music and children’s entertainment.

Fort Myers Beach Sandsculpting Festival

Usually held mid-November

239-454-7500

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Join artists from around the world as they create amazing works of art on Fort Myers Beach. This annual Gulf-front competition draws thousands of spectators to Fort Myers Beach each year.

Fiesta Latino

Usually held mid-November

239-418-1441

Admission Free

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Party Latino style with local salsa, meringue, and other Latin bands. Enjoy Latino food, a talent show, and children’s activities.

December

Holiday House

Usually held early December through the end of the month

239-334-7419

Admission Charged, children 5 and younger are free

More than 90,000 lights celebrate Thomas Edison’s contribution to modern life and the festivity of the season enjoyed by more than 35,000 visitors each year. Besides the miles and miles of lights, decorated trees and artistic holiday scenes decorate the former winter homes of neighbors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.

Fort Myers Beach Boat Parade

Fort Myers Beach

Usually held mid-December

239-454-7500

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Boats decked out in holiday array depart from Pink Shell Beach Resort and parade beneath the high bridge and through the canals of Siesta Isles.

Winter Wonderland

Usually held the last 2 weeks of December

239-432-2034

Admission Free

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Join in every evening for a children’s carnival, holiday music, craft-making, food and beverages, and pictures with Santa. Carriage rides and a village train travel through the magically decorated park.

Performing Arts

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

8099 College Pkwy, SW Fort Myers, FL. 33919

489-3033

Admission Charged

Call for performance schedule

Past productions have included performances of Riverdance, Phantom of the Opera and Evita as well as musical shows with stars such as Wynonna Judd, Paul Anka and Neil Sedaka, just to name a few.

Florida Repertory Theatre

2267 First St. (Arcade Theatre) Fort Myers, FL. 33901

239-332-4665

Admission Charged

Call for schedule

Florida Repertory Theatre has a year-round season, and many education and outreach programs which benefit both the theatre and the community.

Southwest Florida Symphony and Chorus Association

4560 Via Royale Suite 2 Fort Myers, FL. 33919

239-418-1500

Admission Charged

Call for additional information

The season includes both classical and pops concerts performed in the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, located on the Edison Community College Campus in Fort Myers. The Symphony on Sanibel Chamber Orchestra Series performs at BIG Arts (Schein Hall) on Sanibel Island and the Stained Glass Choral Series are held at area churches. Overall, there are 26 performances to choose from. The organization boasts a force of over 200 strong, with 75 professional musicians, a 100-voice Adult Chorus, the Children’s Chorus and the area’s premier Youth Orchestra.