Discover the Best Food Festivals in Fort Myers: Indulge in Southwest Florida’s Culinary Treasures
Fort Myers is not just a paradise for sunseekers and beach lovers—it’s also a culinary haven for food enthusiasts. With a lineup of food festivals celebrating everything from seafood to BBQ and international cuisines, Fort Myers offers something for every palate. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting Southwest Florida, these festivals are a must-attend for their vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and cultural experiences.
Top Food Festivals in Fort Myers
Here’s a curated list of the best food festivals in Fort Myers, complete with event details, locations, and what to expect:
1. Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival
Dates: January 3-5, 2025
Location: Downtown Fort Myers River District
Overview: Kick off the year with this highly anticipated festival that combines fresh seafood with live music. Enjoy dishes prepared on-site by local chefs, offering options like lobster, crab cakes, and fried fish. Pair your meal with craft beers and wines while enjoying live performances in genres such as R&B, reggae, and rock.
More Info: Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival
2. Taste of the Town
Date: February 25, 2025
Location: JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
Overview: Organized by the Junior League of Fort Myers, this event brings together local restaurants to showcase their signature dishes. Sample a wide variety of flavors while enjoying live music and family-friendly activities. Proceeds from the festival support local community projects.
More Info: Taste of the Town
3. Fort Myers Greek Festival
Dates: February 21-23, 2025
Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Fort Myers
Overview: Immerse yourself in Greek culture with authentic dishes like gyros, moussaka, and baklava. Enjoy traditional Greek music, dancing, and cultural exhibits. The event also features a marketplace with imported Greek products.
More Info: Fort Myers Greek Festival
4. India Fest
Date: March 2025 (Exact Date TBA)
Location: Lee County Civic Center, Fort Myers
Overview: Celebrate Indian culture with a day of traditional food, vibrant music, dance performances, and cultural exhibits. Try flavorful dishes like biryani, samosas, and butter chicken while exploring vendor booths offering crafts and traditional clothing.
More Info: India Fest
5. BBQ, Bands & Brew
Date: April 2025 (Exact Date TBA)
Location: Centennial Park, Downtown Fort Myers
Overview: This family-friendly festival features some of the best BBQ in Southwest Florida. Local bands provide live entertainment while you sample ribs, pulled pork, and more. Proceeds benefit Builders Care, which helps repair homes for elderly and disabled residents.
More Info: BBQ, Bands & Brew
6. Fort Myers Craft Beer & Music Festival
Date: November 2025 (Exact Date TBA)
Location: Fort Myers Brewing Company
Overview: Beer lovers, this one’s for you! Sample craft beers from local and regional breweries while enjoying live music and food trucks. The event also includes brewery tours and games, making it a fun outing for all.
More Info: Fort Myers Brewing Company
7. 3rd Annual Taste of Latino Festival: Empanada Smackdown
Date: March 1, 2025
Location: Centennial Park, Fort Myers
Overview: Celebrate Hispanic heritage at this vibrant festival featuring the Empanada Smackdown contest, where local chefs compete for the title of best empanada. Enjoy a variety of Latin American cuisines, live music, dance performances, and cultural exhibits. This family-friendly event offers a rich cultural experience for all attendees.
More Info: Taste of Latino Festival
8. Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival
Dates: March 9-10, 2025
Location: Lynn Hall Memorial Park, Fort Myers Beach
Overview: A beloved local tradition, this festival celebrates the area’s shrimping heritage with a parade, shrimp dinners, and live entertainment. Don’t miss the craft booths and kids’ activities.
More Info: Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival
Other Food Festivals in Southwest Florida
If you’re venturing beyond Fort Myers, these nearby festivals are worth exploring:
- Punta Gorda Seafood and Music Festival (January 17-19, 2025): Enjoy fresh seafood, live music, and a vibrant marketplace at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda.
- Naples Wine Festival (January 26-28, 2025): An upscale event featuring fine wines and gourmet cuisine, with proceeds benefiting local children’s charities.
- Bonita Springs Seafood and Music Festival (February 7-9, 2025): Set in Riverside Park, this festival combines fresh seafood, live music, and a lively marketplace showcasing local artisans and vendors. Explore the Festival
- Bonita Brew Fest (February 10, 2025): A craft beer lover’s dream, featuring unlimited beer samples from local and regional breweries, food vendors, and live entertainment in Riverside Park. Visit Website.
- Babcock Ranch Seafood and Music Festival (February 14-16, 2025): Held in Florida’s first solar-powered town, this festival offers an eco-friendly celebration of fresh seafood, live music, and sustainability. Enjoy a unique mix of food, entertainment, and educational exhibits about conservation. Learn More
- Sanibel Shell Festival (March 7-9, 2025): While not solely a food festival, this event offers local delicacies alongside its famous shell displays.
- Naples Seafood and Music Festival (March 14-16, 2025): Enjoy an eclectic mix of seafood dishes, vibrant live music, and craft vendors at this popular Naples event. Set against the backdrop of Cambier Park, it’s a perfect family outing. Visit the Festival Page
- BaconFest Naples (March 2025, exact date TBA): Celebrate all things bacon at this fun-filled event featuring creative dishes, live music, and family-friendly activities. More Details
- Restaurant Week (May and November 2025, dates TBA): Experience the best of Southwest Florida’s culinary scene with prix-fixe menus at participating restaurants across the region. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore fine dining and casual eateries at discounted prices. Discover Restaurant Week
- Naples Stone Crab Festival (October 2025, exact date TBA): Celebrate Florida’s stone crab season with fresh seafood, live music, and arts and crafts vendors. This festival offers a family-friendly atmosphere and highlights the local maritime heritage.
- Cape Coral Oktoberfest (October 2025, dates TBD): Traditionally held over two weekends in October, this festival celebrates German culture with authentic food, beer, live music, and family-friendly activities.
- Bonita Springs Taste of Bonita (November 2025, exact date TBA): Sample dishes from local restaurants while enjoying live music in a scenic outdoor setting.
Other Food-Related Activities in Fort Myers
Extend your culinary adventure in Fort Myers with these food-related activities, perfect for exploring the area’s diverse flavors and culinary craftsmanship:
Brews and Bites TourJoin the Brews and Bites Tour by Driven Foodie Tours for a unique journey through Fort Myers’ vibrant craft beer and food scene. Enjoy tastings at local breweries and savor delicious bites at top culinary spots. Learn More and Book Here: Brews and Bites Tour
Rum Distillery Tours
Discover how premium rum is crafted at the Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery. This family-owned distillery offers guided tours, tastings, and insights into their award-winning creations.
- Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery Tour: Visit Wicked Dolphin Rum
Farmers Markets
Experience the best of Fort Myers’ local produce and handmade goods at its farmers markets. A must-visit for fresh, delicious options:
-
- Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market: Learn More
Cooking Classes in Fort Myers
Enhance your culinary skills with hands-on cooking classes led by expert chefs. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, these classes promise an enriching experience:
-
- Kitchen Social Cooking Classes: Learn everything from international cuisines to local favorites in an interactive, fun environment. Explore Classes
- Norman Love Confections Chocolate Classes: Indulge your sweet tooth with expert-led chocolate-making classes at this world-renowned chocolatier. Book a Class
Wine Tasting and Pairings
Enjoy an elegant wine-tasting experience at Azaleas on the Corner, where expert sommeliers guide you through perfect pairings of wines and small plates.
-
- Visit Azaleas on the Corner: Learn More
Plan Your Culinary Adventure in Fort Myers
From fresh seafood to international delicacies, the food festivals in Fort Myers offer an unforgettable taste of Southwest Florida’s culinary scene. Whether you’re attending the Fort Myers Seafood Festival or the Taste of the Town, each event showcases the flavors and culture that make this region so unique.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for these delicious events and start planning your foodie itinerary today!
