1. Art Walks
Downtown Fort Myers River District
On the first Friday of every month, the River District hosts a free art walk for all ages between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Eleven galleries and shops participate, and visitors embark on a self-guided tour during which they can meet local artists, enjoy live demonstrations, and see some of the most stunning artwork created in the Fort Myers area.
2. 4th of July on the Beach
Fort Myers Beach
If you're looking for a fun, festive way to celebrate Independence Day, head down to Fort Myers Beach where you can enjoy a full day of celebration. Breakfast is served in the morning, and at 10 a.m., a parade passes along Estero Boulevard featuring vintage cars, floats, and decorated boats. When the sun sets, you can pick a viewing spot on the beach and enjoy beautiful fireworks lit off of the pier.
3. Green Market
Lee County Alliance for the Arts
10091 McGregor Blvd
Every Saturday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., the Alliance for the Arts hosts a farmer's market where you can sample and purchase locally grown produce and seasonal crops. There is also live music, along with gardening classes and cooking lessons taught by local chefs. During Green Market, free yoga lessons are taught by registered yoga teacher Anna Withrow between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome, and all you need to bring is a yoga mat, sunscreen, and water.
4. Lee County Manatee Park
10901 State Rd 80
Lee County Manatee Park is a non-captive water refuge for Florida manatees. You can see manatees in the shallows when water temperatures are cool, and there is also an extensive butterfly garden on-site. Spend a day in the park enjoying a picnic beneath a pavilion, fishing off the Orange River pier, and bird watching along the park's many trails. There are even engaging activities for kids, such as manatee bingo.
5. Sanibel Lighthouse
Sanibel Island
Located on the east side of Periwinkle Way on the very tip of Sanibel Island, the Sanibel Island Lighthouse is more than 120 years old. Though the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, the surrounding beach area is, so you can tour the grounds and read about the lighthouse's history. The lighthouse is still functional, and you can see its beam from Fort Myers beach.
Do you know of a free event or activity we forgot to mention? Please share it with us in the comments below!