Fort Myers Beach has a packed calendar of events year-round. From sand sculpting championships to shrimp festivals, holiday boat parades to sunset concerts — there is always something happening on the island. Here is your guide to the best events and activities near “Do We” Beach House.
🎪 Signature Annual Festivals
- American Sand Sculpting Championship (November): The island’s signature event. World-class sculptors turn the beach into an outdoor art gallery for a week. Live music, food vendors, and family activities. Free to watch.
- Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival (March): A local tradition with a parade, shrimp-eating contests, arts & crafts vendors, live music, and fireworks over the Gulf.
- Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade (December): Dozens of decorated boats cruise the shoreline with holiday lights, music, and Santa. Best viewed from Times Square or any waterfront restaurant.
- New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop (December 31): Times Square’s iconic beach ball drop at midnight — live music, fireworks, and a festive crowd on the sand.
- Fourth of July Fireworks & Celebration (July 4): Fireworks over the Gulf, live music at Times Square, and family-friendly activities all day.
- Fort Myers Beach Art & Craft Festival (Spring & Fall): Juried outdoor art show with 100+ vendors, live music, and food along the beachfront.
- Ribeye & Craft Beer Festival (Spring): Barbecue competition, craft beer tastings, and live entertainment at Bay Oaks Park.
🎵 Live Music & Nightlife
- Times Square: Live music most nights at multiple venues — beachfront bars, open-air stages, and casual spots. Check the Times Square events board for weekly schedules.
- Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille: Live music on the outdoor deck overlooking Estero Bay. Local and touring acts, usually Thursday through Sunday.
- Matanzas on the Bay: Waterfront tiki bar with live music, sunset views, and a lively social scene.
- Bandsintown Fort Myers Beach: Always check Bandsintown for the latest concert and live music listings in the area.
- Sunset Celebration at Lovers Key: Seasonal weekly gathering at Lovers Key State Park with live music and sunset viewing.
🎄 Holiday & Seasonal Events
- Spring Break (March–April): Family-friendly energy, packed beaches, more live music and events. Book well ahead.
- Easter Beach Service & Egg Hunt (March/April): Sunrise service on the beach followed by an egg hunt for kids at Lynn Hall Memorial Park.
- Halloween on the Beach (October 31): Costume parades, trick-or-treating at Times Square shops, and family-friendly festivities.
- Thanksgiving Week: Many restaurants offer special Thanksgiving meals. Quiet beach walks and sunny 70° weather make it a popular travel week.
- Holiday Lights at Times Square (December): The beachfront lights up for the season. Walkable from the house, great for evening strolls.
- New Year’s Run / Walk (January 1): Start the year with a beach run or walk organized by local running clubs.
🐚 Ongoing Activities & Weekly Events
- Farmers Markets (Seasonal): Fresh produce, local honey, arts & crafts — check Fort Myers Beach Chamber calendar for current market schedule.
- Sunset Cruises (Year-round, weather permitting): Dolphin tours, shelling trips, and private sunset charters. Multiple operators at nearby marinas.
- Sea Turtle Nesting Season (May–October): Nesting and hatching along the beach. Guided turtle walks through Mound House. A truly special experience for families.
- Fishing Tournaments (Spring through Fall): Tarpon, snook, and redfish tournaments at local marinas — spectator-friendly with weigh-ins and awards.
- Yoga on the Beach (Seasonal): Sunrise or sunset yoga sessions along the beachfront. Check local studios for seasonal schedules.
- Birding at Matanzas Pass Preserve & Lovers Key: Year-round. Great blue herons, roseate spoonbills, osprey, and occasional bald eagles.
📅 How to Stay Updated
Event schedules change year to year. Always confirm dates and times before planning your trip:
- Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar — the most comprehensive local listing
- Fort Myers Beach Talk — hyperlocal news with event coverage
- Town of FMB Special Events — official town events calendar
- What’s Up FMB — curated events guide
- Bandsintown — live music and concerts
📩 Never miss an event
Book your stay at “Do We” Beach House and you will be right in the middle of the action — a short walk or drive from everything going on in Fort Myers Beach.