What is the biggest event on Fort Myers Beach?

The Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival in early spring is the island's signature event — a parade, the Blessing of the Fleet, and a weekend celebration of the shrimping heritage the town was built on.

When do Fort Myers Beach events happen?

The island runs events year-round, clustered around the Shrimp Festival in spring, Independence Day in summer, Island Hopper and Sand Sculpting in fall, and the Christmas Boat Parade in winter. Exact dates shift each year — check the official calendars linked on this page for the current schedule.

Are events back to normal after Hurricane Ian?

The island's events have largely returned, but some venues are still being rebuilt and a few details move year to year. Rather than guess, we link you straight to the Town, Chamber, and county tourism calendars so you always get the current, official information.

The island calendar

Fort Myers Beach events & festivals

The island keeps a full calendar — festivals rooted in its shrimping history, songwriters, sand sculptors, boat parades. Here are the signature recurring events by season, and — because we don't fake a live feed — the official calendars where you'll always find the current dates.

Early spring

Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival

The island's signature event, born from its shrimping heritage — a parade, the Blessing of the Fleet, a Shrimp Queen, and a weekend that fills Estero Boulevard. If you go to one Fort Myers Beach festival, it's this one.

Early fall

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest

Nashville-caliber songwriters play intimate island venues over a long weekend — part of a larger Southwest Florida festival that dedicates a stretch specifically to Fort Myers Beach.

Late fall

American Sand Sculpting Championship

Master sculptors from around the world build astonishing sand art over several days — one of the largest sand-sculpting competitions in the country, and a genuine off-season draw.

December

Christmas Boat Parade

Decorated, lit-up boats parade through Matanzas Pass and the back bay — a beloved island tradition you watch from the waterfront or a boat of your own.

July 4

Independence Day fireworks

Fireworks over the Gulf, one of the biggest beach days of the year on the island.

Find what's happening now

Dates change year to year, so rather than publish a date that might be wrong, we send you straight to the official sources:

Town of Fort Myers Beach — Special Events — The town's own listing — permits, road closures, and civic events.
Fort Myers Beach Chamber — Events — The Chamber's calendar and its list of the island's major annual events.
Visit Fort Myers — Events — The county tourism bureau's area-wide event calendar.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest event on Fort Myers Beach?: The Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival in early spring is the island's signature event — a parade, the Blessing of the Fleet, and a weekend celebration of the shrimping heritage the town was built on.
When do Fort Myers Beach events happen?: The island runs events year-round, clustered around the Shrimp Festival in spring, Independence Day in summer, Island Hopper and Sand Sculpting in fall, and the Christmas Boat Parade in winter. Exact dates shift each year — check the official calendars linked on this page for the current schedule.
Are events back to normal after Hurricane Ian?: The island's events have largely returned, but some venues are still being rebuilt and a few details move year to year. Rather than guess, we link you straight to the Town, Chamber, and county tourism calendars so you always get the current, official information.

New to the island's story? Meet the people who shaped Fort Myers Beach and read its full history, or see what's happening on the island right now.