Last Updated on January 4, 2023
As the Ft. Myers hurricane recovery continues following Ian, 65% of the county’s guest rooms have opened as of January 1, 2023, with more coming online every week. This milestone of 9,302 rooms opening throughout Lee County is an important step in the right direction. For information about the accommodations and attractions that are currently open for your Ft. Myers visit check out: visitfortmyers.com/open. Please check with the individual businesses on their status as availability, hours and amenities may still be unsettled.
What to do in Ft. Myers
Don’t miss the 38th Annual Cape Coral Festival of the Arts in Cape Coral January 14-15. The event was named 5th best art festival in the country by Sunshine Artists and a must-see if your Ft. Myers visit coincides with these dates.
Downtown Fort Myers monthly events
Art Walk on January 6, 6-10 p.m.
Support local and regional artists as they sell and display one-of-a-kind pieces.
Music Walk on January 20, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
Downtown Fort Myers comes alive on the third Friday of each month as regional musicians line the streets with everything from jazz and blues to rock and roll. Free.
Spring Training 2023 tickets go on sale this month. Check for details:
Boston Red Sox
February 24 through March 28; JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
Minnesota Twins
February 25 through March 27; Lee County Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers
ECHO Global Farm Tours, North Fort Myers
Experience farming and gardening at its most creative on your Ft. Myers visit with unique demonstrations, plants and techniques being used to help farming families around the world. ECHO is also home to one of the largest collections of tropical food plants in the U.S. Guided walking tours are 90 minutes, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
Butterfly House tours, Monday, Friday and Saturday, Cape Coral
The Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House is home to many native Florida butterfly species, including the zebra longwing, the state butterfly. Guides explain the different butterflies, their caterpillars and host plants. Donations are accepted. 10:30 a.m. Monday, Friday and Saturday.
True Tours, River District History Tours, Fort Myers
This Fort Myers walking tour educates and entertains with narratives of local history and stories about the colorful personalities of the founders of Fort Myers. Tour at 10:30 a.m. each first and third Saturday of the month. True Tours, 2200 First St., Fort Myers, 239-945-0405.
Fort Myers Airport news
New air service at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW):
- Sun Country Airlines has new nonstop service to Eau Claire, Wisconsin (EAU) twice weekly.
- Avelo Airlines Raleigh-Durham (RDU) beginning Feb. 16, 2023, Wilmington, Delaware, (ILG) weekly, beginning Feb. 3.
For the latest RSW information visit flyrsw.com.
Keep in touch with “Shellcast”
Visit Fort Myers latest episode of “Shellcast” was recorded during the holiday Lighting of the Lighthouse at Port Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island. Hear from the locals about how this island community is recovering from Hurricane Ian with interviews with Sharon McKenzie, executive director, Barrier Island Parks Society; Gary Cross, president of Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce; Sue Herbert, resident of Fremont, Ohio, and Englewood, Florida; Andrew and Brittany Madison, residents of Englewood; Paul Townsend, lighthouse docent.
Catching up on the podcast is a great way to get excited and prepare for your next Ft. Myers visit.
Annual Fort Myers festivals and events 2023
ArtFest Fort Myers, downtown River District (February 3-5)
21st annual Burrowing Owl Festival, Cape Coral (February 25, Rotary Park)
Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, Fort Myers (February 18)
24th Annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival, Fort Myers (March 4)
13th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival(May 17-21)
Captiva Pride Weekend (June 2-4)
National Seashell Day(June 21)
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest (September 22-October 1)
Sanibel Island Writers Conference (November TBD)
