ArtFest Fort Myers is underway from February 6–8, 2026, bringing art, food and live entertainment to downtown Fort Myers along the riverfront.
Summary: ArtFest Fort Myers runs February 6–8, 2026 in downtown Fort Myers. The 26th edition features more than 200 artists, live entertainment, food vendors and family-friendly activities along the riverfront and yacht basin.
ArtFest Fort Myers, the region’s flagship outdoor arts festival, is taking place February 6–8, 2026 in downtown Fort Myers. Now in its 26th year, the event transforms the riverfront and yacht basin into a lively showcase of visual art, performance and community activity, drawing thousands of visitors over the three days.
Dates and event overview
ArtFest Fort Myers runs from February 6 through February 8, 2026, marking the festival’s 26th consecutive year. Organisers say the programme features more than 200 artists selected from a national applicant pool, with only one in five applicants accepted to ensure a high standard of work on display.
A scenic riverside showcase
Set along Fort Myers’ picturesque riverfront and yacht basin, the festival converts public promenades into a bustling arts marketplace. Visitors can expect a broad mix of media — from paintings and sculpture to contemporary mixed-media pieces and photography — displayed across dozens of booths that line the waterfront.
Live entertainment and local eats
Beyond gallery-quality art, ArtFest offers continuous live entertainment including musicians, street performers and other acts. A wide selection of food vendors provides local and international flavours, giving attendees plenty of options for snacks and full meals throughout the festival footprint.
Family-friendly programming
Organisers emphasise ArtFest’s appeal to families, with interactive and educational activities geared toward children. On-site art-making workshops and hands-on exhibits give younger visitors opportunities to experiment with creative media while adults browse the artist booths.
Community impact and tradition
For residents of Southwest Florida, ArtFest Fort Myers has become a well-established tradition that highlights local culture and supports the regional arts scene. The festival not only showcases national and local talent but also helps sustain downtown activity and tourism during the winter season.
- More than 200 artists exhibiting a range of media
- Festival dates: February 6–8, 2026
- Location: Downtown Fort Myers riverfront and yacht basin
- Family activities: workshops and hands-on exhibits
- Food vendors and live performance throughout the event
See more of Fort Myers while you’re in town
ArtFest also offers a convenient reason for visitors to explore Fort Myers’ other attractions. The city’s historic downtown, nearby beaches and local museums complement the festival experience, making the area an appealing short-break destination for art lovers and families alike.
Whether you are a collector searching for unique pieces, a family looking for a creative day out, or a visitor hoping to soak up local culture, ArtFest Fort Myers offers something for a wide range of interests and ages.
Why this matters: ArtFest Fort Myers reinforces Fort Myers’ role as a cultural hub in Southwest Florida, supports artists and small businesses, and provides visitors with an accessible way to engage with the region’s creative community. For travellers, the festival is an opportunity to combine cultural experiences with nearby beaches and historic sites—making it a worthwhile stop on a Florida itinerary.
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