Events
January
Thomas Alva Edison Regional Science and Inventors
Fair
Harborside Convention Center
Usually held late January
239-334-2999
Call for additional information
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
Call for additional information
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
Call for additional information
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
Call for additional information
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
Call for additional information
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
Call for additional information
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
Call for additional information
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
Call for additional information
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
Call for additional information
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
Call for additional information
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
Call for additional information
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
Call for additional information
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
Call for additional information
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.
