What's Happening at the Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel

What's Happening at the Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel
80th Annual Sanibel Shell Fair & Show, Sanibel Island
March 2-4, 2017

Sanibel Community House
239-472-2155
www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net/calendar/shell-festival/

Sanibel Island, named the best shelling beach in the U.S. and one of the best in the world, hosts shelling enthusiasts who gather each year for the shell fair that draws visitors from around the

globe. One of the most unique events in the country, it began on a porch with just a few islanders and has evolved into today's fair that includes demonstrations, shell displays, crafts, prizes, food and entertainment.

7th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival

March 8-12, 2017

www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com

The Fort Myers Film Festival is an intelligent independent filmmaker's preferred event to create, unite and showcase the finest artistic cinematic works. Known for its support of local filmmakers, the event is a must-attend for cineastes who love indie film and film festivals. Check out all the details on the website.

59th Annual Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival and Parade, Fort Myers Beach
March 11-12, 2017

239-463-6986
www.fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com
Activities for the 59th annual Fort Myers Beach shrimp harvest event will include a parade, crowning of the Shrimp Queen, craft vendors, the boiled shrimp concession, and other seafood booths set up both days at Lynn Hall Memorial Park.

Spring Training 2017

The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel is the spring training home of the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins. Get up close and see your favorite baseball players. What could be better than

beautiful spring days and great baseball? The destination makes it easy for fans to take advantage of all that it has to offer along with great accommodation deals for spring training. For a complete listing of packages, special rates and information on a spring training vacation, visit www.FortMyersSanibel.com.

Boston Red Sox spring training
JetBlue Park, Fort Myers

For schedule, tickets and package information, visit www.redsox.com

Minnesota Twins spring training
Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers

For schedule, tickets and package information, visit www.twinsbaseball.com

11th Annual Fort Myers Beach Film Festival, Fort Myers Beach
April 26-30, 2017

www.fmbfilmfest.com
The Fort Myers Beach Film Festival invites independent film fans, filmmakers and distributors to spend four days to exchange ideas, make new contacts and enjoy some great films for all ages. Area accommodations offer special rates and packages to support this international celebration of independent filmmaking.

MangoMania Tropical Fruit Festival, Pine Island
July 2017

239-283-0888
www.mangomaniafl.net/
The mango is the star attraction for two days each summer on Pine Island. Go wild for fruit as you sample locally-grown delicacies at this annual affair, an unusual celebration of all the tropical fruit grown on the island, which includes lychee, carambola, longan, papaya, and “chocolate pudding fruit.” Fruit, exotic fruit trees, and fruit-related products are available for purchase. This fun, family event celebrates Pine Island's mangoes and other tropical fruits. In addition to mango food and beverages, the event features live music, art and craft vendors, food and recipe contests, activities area for kids and a chance to meet the Mango Queen.

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: plan ahead for fall and save the date!

The 4th annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest brings music back to the beach Sept. 22-Oct. 1, 2017 when the festival returns for 10 consecutive days on the area's most beautiful barrier islands with a range of star-studded performers. The event is presented by BMI, the largest music rights organization in the U.S., along with iHeartMedia. Visit www.islandhopperfest.com for more information. Once the line-up is announced, tickets will be available to special performances. Most performances are free. Follow the festival #islandhopper on Twitter.