Fort Myers Florida Best Food and Drink Festivals 

When it comes to indulging in the finest flavors, Fort Myers and its neighboring cities in Southwest Florida stand out as a haven for foodies and connoisseurs alike. From delectable bites to exquisite sips, the region hosts a plethora of festivals celebrating the art of gastronomy.

 

Fort Myers Food Festivals

 

Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival: January

 

The bustling waterfront along the Caloosahatchee River transforms into Southwest Florida's premier seafood destination during an action-packed weekend each March. The Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival welcomes over 40,000 visitors annually to enjoy fresh catches from more than 60 local and regional vendors in downtown Fort Myers. Notable vendors like Gulf Coast Grouper & Shrimp, Island Crab Company, and Captain Pete's Fish Market serve everything from grilled lobster tails and stone crab claws to blackened mahi-mahi sandwiches and conch fritters.

 

Local craft breweries feature prominently, with Point Ybel Brewing Company and Fort Myers Brewing Company pouring their signature ales alongside fresh-squeezed cocktails and wine selections. Live music keeps the energy high throughout the weekend at Centennial Park, with bands performing blues, rock, and reggae across two stages. The festival stands out for its dedication to sustainable seafood practices, with participating vendors required to source from local waters whenever possible, while also offering free educational sessions about marine conservation.

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Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival: March

 

The longest-running Florida Gulf Coast food festival celebrates pink gold, the regional nickname for the area's famous wild-caught shrimp. The Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival, held at Lynn Hall Memorial Park, typically draws over 30,000 attendees for a weekend of fresh seafood and entertainment. More than 100 vendors line the festival grounds, including local favorites like Beach Seafood and Dixie Fish Company serving everything from classic peel-and-eat shrimp to innovative dishes like shrimp tacos and coconut shrimp.

 

The festival features a shrimp eating contest, a dedicated kids' zone with face painting and games, plus the famous Shrimp Festival Parade down Estero Boulevard led by the Beach Kids Foundation. Local rock bands and steel drum performers provide continuous live music throughout the event on the main stage, while the Lions Club serves their famous hot shrimp boils using a secret recipe that's been part of the festival since its inception. The event also includes a 5K run, crowning of the Shrimp Festival Queen, and an arts and crafts fair featuring over 70 juried artists displaying coastal-themed works.

 

Fort Myers Wine Festivals

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Southwest Florida Food & Wine Fest: January

 

One of Florida's premier culinary celebrations returns with a dual-format celebration highlighting the region's finest chefs and winemakers. The Southwest Florida Food & Wine Fest begins with intimate Chef Vintner Dinners hosted in select private venues across the region, featuring personalized menus and wine pairings. The main event, held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, attracts over 400 attendees who sample offerings from more than 20 acclaimed local restaurants and respected vintners.

 

Guests enjoy signature dishes prepared by celebrated regional chefs, complemented by premium wines from both domestic and international wineries. Live jazz musicians and acoustic performers provide an elegant backdrop throughout the resort's stunning outdoor spaces and grand ballroom. A highlight of the festival is its prestigious live auction, which has raised millions for local children's charities through the bidding of rare wines, exclusive culinary experiences, and luxury travel packages.

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USA Today Wine & Food Experience: September

 

The popular Naples food and wine gathering has become one of Southwest Florida's premier culinary events. The USA Today Wine & Food Experience, hosted at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, typically features over 30 local restaurants and beverage vendors showcasing their finest offerings. Festival attendees, typically numbering around 1,500, can sample dishes from establishments like Azure, Society, and Blanc while enjoying unlimited wine tastings from regional and national vineyards. Live cooking demonstrations are held throughout the day at the culinary stage, where local chefs share their expertise and cooking techniques with eager audiences.

 

The VIP Grand Tasting provides early access to the event, along with a separate VIP lounge area featuring premium wines and exclusive food offerings not available in the general admission area. Special features include the Meet & Greet Patch, where guests can interact with notable chefs and culinary personalities, plus themed tasting areas dedicated to specific wine regions and culinary styles.

 

Fort Myers Beer Festivals

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Bonita Brew Fest: February

 

Florida craft beer enthusiasts gathered for a sun-soaked celebration of ales, ciders, and meads at Riverside Park. The Southwest Florida Brew Crafters hosted the Bonita Brew Fest, welcoming 1,800 attendees to sample more than 200 craft beverages, featuring standout breweries like 7venth Sun, Bone Hook Brewing Co., and Cigar City Mead & Cider. Event guests explored the vast selection of craft beverages while enjoying local food truck cuisine beneath the Florida sunshine.

 

The family-friendly atmosphere included live music performances throughout the day, creating the perfect backdrop for beer sampling and socializing. Now in its ninth year, this community-focused festival continues to support the Bonita Springs Historical Society through its proceeds. The combination of unlimited tastings, waterfront park setting, and extensive brewery participation has established this event as a cornerstone of Southwest Florida's craft beer culture.

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Cape Coral Brew Fest: March

 

This annual Florida craft beer gathering continues to draw large crowds for its waterfront celebration of ales, lagers, and ciders. Over 50 regional breweries set up tasting stations at Cultural Park, offering festival-goers samples of more than 100 different brews, from traditional IPAs to experimental small-batch varieties. Some notable participating vendors include Fort Myers Brewing Company, Big Storm Brewing, and Eight-Foot Brewing, alongside food trucks serving artisanal tacos, gourmet sliders, and wood-fired pizzas.

 

Live entertainment keeps the energy high with local bands like Electric Mud and Strange Arrangement performing throughout the day on the main stage. The festival features special attractions including a home brewing demonstration area, beer and food pairing seminars, and a "People's Choice" best beer competition. Approximately 3,500 beer enthusiasts attend this rain-or-shine event each year, making it one of Southwest Florida's premier craft beer festivals.

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In Southwest Florida, these festivals are not just events, they are celebrations of the region's vibrant culinary and beverage culture. Find you a festival or two and get ready to savor the best of Fort Myers and its surroundings, one delightful bite and sip at a time.