Fort Myers Events and Festivals
(Fort Myers, Florida - FL, USA)
The Fort Myers calendar of events takes in a wide variety of occasions, many of them unusual or unique, and visitors might be hard pushed to find such an eclectic mix elsewhere in the USA. The Shrimp Festival in March celebrates the city's love of seafood, while August's ugly dog competition is a unique chance to see some of Fort Myers' most gruesome canines. With films, fishing and music related events on offer, visitors are never short of annual attractions to attend in Fort Myers.
Fort Myers' helpful tourist information centers provide a useful source for current events in Fort Myers. Many of the festivals in Fort Myers attract large crowds of both participants and spectators. There are always plenty of things to see and do in Fort Myers.
National Public Holidays
- 1st January - New Year's Day
- Third Monday in January - Martin Luther King Day
- 12th February - Lincoln's Birthday
- Third Monday in February - Washington's Birthday
- Last Monday in May - Memorial Day
- 4th July - Independence Day
- First Monday in September - Labor Day
- Second Monday in October - Columbus Day
- 11th November - Veterans Day
- 4th Thursday in November - Thanksgiving
- 25th December - Christmas Day
Fort Myers Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015
January
- Medieval Faire - all manner of attractions based on British medieval history, with rides for the kids and a genuine jousting competition for older visitors
February
- Edison Festival of Light - this three week festival celebrates the life and work of Thomas Edison and includes science and invention fairs, orchid shows, block parties and a sailing regatta
March
- Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival - lovers of seafood will enjoy this fun packed family weekend that includes a queen's ball, parade, shrimp festival exhibits and the blessing of the fleet
April
- Fort Myers Beach Film Festival - a four-day affair that provides visitors with the chance to see reputable independent movies and to take part in movie related discussions. There is also a celebrity gala and student film making workshops
May
- Fort Myers Beach Offshore Grand Prix - a week long charity event that culminates in two days of serious racing. Things to look out for during the event include a block party, motorcycle poker run, concert and parade
June
- Caloosa Catch and Release Fishing Tournament - mid-June, this exciting fishing tournament provides anglers of all abilities a chance to compete for a variety of prizes. As the title suggests, all fish caught during the competition are released back into the water
July
- Centennial Park Independence Day Festival - traditional 4th of July celebrations at one of Downtown's best nature spots. Fireworks and typical festivities are on the agenda
August
- Ugly Dog Contest - every year owners of pugs, bulldogs, mongrels and so on, bring their prized specimens to compete for the auspicious title of 'Ugliest Dog in Fort Myers'. Expect many unattractive canines!
September
- POLO Club Big Wheel Rally - an annual charity event in which members of this local community group along with other willing volunteers pursue a Downtown pub crawl using unusual modified forms of transport to get from one venue to the next
October
- Southwest Florida Folk and Blues Festival - this annual festival features a variety of live performances from local and visiting folk and blues musicians
November
- Fort Myers Beach Sand Sculpting Festival - early November, tens of thousands congregate every year to try their hands at or observe others engaged in the art of sand sculpture. There are lessons in sandcastle construction, a sandcastle competition and live music to accompany the events
December
- The Downtown Countdown - mid-December, downtown Fort Myers sees in the new year with a variety of festivities. Expect music, fireworks and much frivolity
- Caloosahatchee Cracker Festival / Civil War Reenactment - held at the Caloosahatchee Regional Park