Southwest Florida is poised for a vibrant February, with a diverse array of festivals and events scheduled across the region. From art fairs and seafood festivals to historical reenactments and musical performances, the calendar offers something for residents and visitors alike.
Arts and Culture Take Center Stage
The arts will be prominently featured throughout the month. The Bonita Springs National Art Festival, a series of three annual events, kicks off its February run on and continues through , showcasing over 200 artists and benefiting Arts Bonita. Nearby, ArtFest Fort Myers, running from to , will feature approximately 200 artists, a 5K race, and a symphony performance. The Naples National Art Fair, ranked among the top fine art fairs in the United States, will also be held from to .
For those seeking performing arts, the Naples Players are presenting “Beau Jest” through , while Arts Bonita will host “Shake Baby Shake: 50s & 60s Rock & Roll” on , featuring piano phenom Lance Lipinsky and his band. Marco Island Historical Society’s World Class Entertainment Series continues with tribute performances, including shows honoring Whitney Houston and The Rat Pack later in the month.
Festivals Celebrating Food and Community
Foodies will find plenty to enjoy, with several seafood festivals planned. The Bonita Springs Seafood & Music Festival, taking place from to , promises live music and local seafood. Further south, the 56th Annual Everglades Seafood Festival is also scheduled for February, though specific dates were not provided in the available sources. The 20th Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival is also planned for February, but its location and dates were not specified.
Beyond seafood, the French Quarter Funk Fest will bring a taste of New Orleans to Immokalee on , featuring artists like Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. And The Soul Rebels. The 27th Annual South Florida Garlic Fest is also scheduled for February, though the exact dates and location were not detailed.
Historical and Outdoor Events
History buffs can explore the past at Edison and Ford Winter Estates with their annual Antique Ford Car Show on , a tribute to Henry Ford. The Marco Island Historical Museum is also hosting a farewell celebration for the Key Marco Cat before it returns to the Smithsonian in April.
Outdoor enthusiasts can participate in the Health & Wellness Fair in Lehigh Acres on , or explore the natural beauty of the region with guided kayak tours at Rookery Bay. The Big Cypress Celebration, scheduled for , offers guided hikes and camping opportunities within Big Cypress National Preserve.
Safety and Preparedness
For those enjoying the waterways, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a series of boating safety classes throughout February, covering topics such as local navigation, weather, and emergency procedures. These classes, held on Marco Island, aim to promote safe boating practices in the region.
Ongoing Events and Regional Highlights
Several ongoing events will also contribute to the February calendar. The Wonder Gardens is offering a Florida Landscaping Expert Certification Program, while Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center continues to host exhibits, classes, and guided tours. The Marco Island Farmers’ Market will continue its weekly run through April 15th.
Further afield, the Gasparilla Pirate Fest in Tampa took place on , and the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City is scheduled for to . The Kumquat Festival in Dade City was held on .
The diverse range of events planned for February underscores Southwest Florida’s appeal as a destination for arts, culture, and outdoor recreation. The region’s warm weather and vibrant community contribute to a lively atmosphere throughout the month.
