EVENTS
Top events not to miss
Top events not to miss
There’s always something happening on Captiva and Sanibel. Here’s a list of seasonal events and activities you’re sure to enjoy.
ARTFEST FORT MYERS in February attracts thousands of visitors and some 200 high-end artists from around the world. The outdoor festival is held in Fort Myers’ downtown River District. artfestfortmyers.com
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR is a two-day event on Presidents Day weekend in February. Vendors and visitors pack the Sanibel Community House. sanibelartfair.com
SANIBEL SHELL SHOW AND FESTIVAL in March is one of the best in the world, featuring works of amateur and professional shellcrafters and collectors in scientific and artistic divisions. Visit exhibits and demo tents, and shop for shell art at the Sanibel Community House. sanibelcommunityhouse.net
SANIBEL MUSIC FESTIVAL in March presents classical music performances— piano, string quartet, opera and others—at the Sanibel Congregational Church. sanibelmusicfestival.org
SANIBEL CAPTIVA LIONS CLUB ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR in March attracts locals and visitors to the Sanibel Community House, where 100 artists and crafters display their work. sanibelcaptivalions.org
GULF SEA TURTLE counting and nest management happens from March to October—often at South Seas Island Resort. To volunteer contact the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. sccf.org
MEMORIAL DAY GRILLIN’ AND CHILLIN’ weekend in May kicks off summer at South Seas with live music, family activities, a volleyball tournament, pool party, pig roast, seafood boil and lots of grilling.
SAM BAILEY’S ISLANDS NIGHT in June combines a community celebration and a Fort Myers Miracle baseball game at Hammond Stadium in the CenturyLink Sports Complex. baileys-sanibel.com
INDEPENDENCE DAY on Captiva at South Seas Island Resort begins with a parade and culminates with fireworks. Gulf trips with Captiva Cruises offers front-row seating from the water for the pyrotechnic show. southseas.com
YACHT ROCK WEEKEND, held over Labor Day at South Seas, is a three-day family-friendly festival featuring fun, food and live music.
THE ISLAND HOPPER SONGWRITER FEST in September brings performers who create songs for the stars of country and popular music to the stage at South Seas. Performances are also held on Fort Myers Beach and in downtown Fort Myers. islandhopperfest.com
GREAT CALUSA BLUEWAY, a paddling trail with a winding sequence of bays, rivers, backwaters and shorelines in and around the Gulf of Mexico, is enjoyed year-round. fortmyers-sanibel.com
BAILEYFEST in October is a fall celebration at the Bailey’s General Store on Sanibel; it features games, entertainment and family activities. baileys-sanibel.com
“DING” DARLING DAYS in October is a weeklong celebration at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel. Expect free family activities, narrated tours, wildlife presentations, biking/birding tours and other activities for outdoor enthusiasts. dingdarlingsociety.org
LUMINARY FESTIVAL in December is a holiday event on Captiva and Sanibel with entertainment, fun activities and a visit from Santa.
CAPTIVA HOLIDAY STROLL festivities in December at South Seas Island Resort include tree lightings; boat and street parades; a holiday stroll; caroling; fireworks and entertainment. captivaholidayvillage.com
Visit the websites for more information.