Southwest Florida is a vibrant region, not just known for its beautiful beaches and upscale shopping and dining but also for a variety of annual festivals and events that appeal to both residents and visitors. From seafood festivals to art shows and county fairs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a list of some of the top events to look forward to, so be sure to mark your calendar.
ISLAND HOPPER SONGWRITER FEST - SEPTEMBER 20 TO SEPTEMBER 29, 2024
This unique 10-day festival brings together talented BMI singer-songwriters from Nashville and across the country. The festival is broken up into four locations with the first weekend kicking off on Captiva Island, then moving to Cape Coral and downtown Fort Myers during the week, and ending with a weekend on Fort Myers Beach. Headliners include Scotty McCreery, Jeffrey Steele, Catrina Cain, and Kassi Ashton. The majority of the shows are free and ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available.
NAPLES STONE CRAB FESTIVAL - OCTOBER 25 TO OCTOBER 27, 2024
The 14th annual Stone Crab Festival will be held at historic Tin City, featuring delicious seafood, live entertainment, boat tours, arts and crafts vendors, and much more. You can also explore an eclectic mix of novelty shops, restaurants and activities in and around the beautiful Naples waterfront area. This Naples tradition celebrates the opening of the stone crab harvest season, which begins October 15th. The event kicks off with the the traditional cracking of the first Stone Claw on Friday, October 25th at 5:00pm.
FORT MYERS SEAFOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL - JANUARY 3 TO JANUARY 5, 2025
The 4th Annual Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival will be held on the waterfront in historic downtown Fort Myers offering meat, vegetarian, and local seafood (cooked fresh onsite) with a variety of side dishes and desserts! While enjoying your favorite foods, listen to live musical performances from a variety of genres, including R&B, jazz, rock, and Reggae and Caribbean sounds. In between performances, attendees can shop a diverse marketplace featuring an exciting array of items such as arts, crafts, select food items, and specialty products.
FORT MYERS ARTFEST ~ JANUARY 31 TO FEBRUARY 2, 2025
Held on the waterfront in Fort Myers’ downtown district, this art extravaganza will be celebrating its 25th year. The event hosts 200 meticulously chosen artists from all over the world, and features live entertainment, culinary delights, immersive children's art activities, and live art demonstrations. Art forms include paintings, sculptures, glasswork, ceramics, and more. Opening night kicks off with Symphony on the Sound, a free pops concert highlighting talented musicians from Southwest Florida.
EVERGLADES SEAFOOD FESTIVAL - FEBRUARY 7 to FEBRUARY 9, 2025
Celebrating its 55th year, this iconic event features three days of live country music, carnival rides, creative works from local artists, crafts, carnival rides, and mouth-watering seafood. Held in Everglades City, the Stone Crab Capital of the World, the festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors globally and supports contributions toward post-Ian community reconstruction and enhanced opportunities for youth and children. The fun starts on Friday morning, February 7th and continues throughout the weekend.
BONITA SPRINGS SEAFOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL - FEBRUARY 7 TO FEBRUARY 9, 2025
Enjoy a relaxing and fun weekend of great food while taking in live musical performances and shopping the marketplace filled with a diverse blend of arts, crafts, and unique products. Scheduled to begin at 3:00 on Friday, February 7th, this event will be held on the grass field next to The Poker Room (the old Dog Track) located at 28001 Old 41 Road. The exciting lineup of performers will be announced as the festival date approaches, so save the date, bring your friends, and be a part of the celebration.
NATIONAL ART FAIR (NAPLES) ~ FEBRUARY 21 to FEBRUARY 23, 2025
Consistently voted among the top art shows in the nation, the annual National Art Fair is a fine art and craft show boasting artists' work in 17 different categories, including painting, jewelry, watercolor, ceramics, metal, sculpture, and wood. This competitive juried event is presented by the Naples Art Institute and draws over 20,000 residents and visitors each year. Attendees have the opportunity to view high-quality art and engage with the artists while strolling through peaceful Cambier Park in downtown Naples.
COLLIER COUNTY FAIR 2025 - MARCH 20 TO MARCH 30, 2025
This fun-filled annual event is loaded with a variety of entertainment and activities for the whole family. Listen to live music while enjoying dozens of diverse events, including livestock shows, racing, agricultural exhibits, and much more. There is a carnival with games and rides, space adventures, circus shows, a petting zoo, a demolition derby, and the Naples Cinderella Pageant. This exciting event will be held at Collier County Fair Grounds and runs for ten days.
CAPE CORAL CULTURE FEST - APRIL 26, 2025
The 3rd Annual Culture Fest in Cape Coral is a great opportunity to celebrate diversity and enjoy the rich mix of cultures in the Southwest Florida area. With live music performances, international food, and activities for all ages, there is plenty to explore and enjoy. The event features international food from a variety of vendors, including food and snack trucks, interactive dance lessons, and an opportunity for a grand prize. Connect with your community while exploring sights, sounds, and flavors from around the world.