Sanibel, Captiva and Fort Myers Events
A winter and spring calendar of shells, art, ballgames and holiday lights.
Island events cluster in the high season from December to April. The biggest is the Sanibel Shell Show and Festival in March, when collectors and artists from around the world gather at the Community House. In December, the Luminary stroll lines Periwinkle Way and Captiva's streets with candlelit bags, open houses and music.
On the mainland, Fort Myers celebrates Thomas Edison with a month of events and a big night parade each February, and spring training games draw crowds through February and March. Summer is quiet, with Fourth of July fireworks and turtle nesting season on the beaches.
Annual Festivals and Events
A month of events honoring Thomas Edison, ending with a large illuminated night parade downtown.
A juried outdoor art show along the riverfront with artists from across the country.
Grapefruit League games at the Red Sox's spring home.
Grapefruit League games at the Minnesota Twins' spring complex.
Juried shell collections and shell art, plus a shell crafters' fair.
A Lions Club festival with a parade, shrimp dishes, crafts and music.
A free family conservation celebration hosted by the refuge's friends group.
Paths lit with luminaries, music and open houses at island businesses.
Dates move from year to year — confirm on the organizer’s site before you plan around an event.
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Get free trip quotes »Sanibel and Captiva Events — FAQ
When is the Sanibel Shell Festival?
Usually over a weekend in early March at the Sanibel Community House on Periwinkle Way.
When is sea turtle nesting season on Sanibel?
Roughly April through October. Keep beaches dark at night, fill in holes and remove beach gear so hatchlings can reach the water.