The annual Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival turns a few blocks of downtown Fort Myers, Fla. into a concert venue and food market that would make an animated Disney fish’s eyes pop out of its head. Vendors serve everything under the sea in most every way they can think of, whether that be boiled, grilled, fried, blackened or something wilder. The seafood half of this festival is fresh and locally sourced — as are many of the musicians — from Florida’s Gulf Coast and prepared by over a dozen restaurants and caterers up and down the Fort Myers promenade. The past three years of the Fort Myers Seafood and Music Festival have seen more than 20,000 Floridians and tourists, drawn mostly to the lure of the ocean and its many tasty inhabitants.
There is one main stage that houses various blues, rock, R&B, jazz, soul and tribute artists throughout the weekend. While the lineup for 2024 has yet to be announced, the festival touts its support of Caribbean sounds, reggae, R&B, jazz and rock. In the past, local bands like RJ Howson, J.P. and The Red Hots, Fleetwood Max, Albert Castiglia, Damon Fowler, Nick Schnebelen, The Freecoasters, and Memphis Lightning have played the festival. Check back for the 2024 lineup and performance times. With up to 18 food vendors in 2023, you come to this festival for free music and stay for a second lobster roll … or a third.
The Specs
- Up to 20,000 people have attended the festival in historic downtown Fort Myers in years past.
- General admission tickets are free and do not need to be reserved in advance.
- VIP tickets are also available for $75, these include access to a VIP tent and an open bar.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to Florida here.
FAQs
Where is the nearest airport?
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is the nearest airport to the festival in Fort Myers, about 16 miles away.
Are other transportation options available?
Ground transportation to and from the festival is not provided, the event is located at 1400 Hendry Street, Fort Myers, FL. Parking is widely available within walking distance of the festival.
When and where is this fest happening?
The Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival is set for January 5-7, 2024, right on the waterfront, in the River District of downtown Fort Myers, Florida.
What is the exact address?
1400 Hendry St, Fort Myers, Florida, USA
How far is Englewood, Florida from Fort Myers?
It’s 83 miles between Englewood and Fort Myers.
How far is Sarasota from Fort Myers?
Sarasota is 77 miles north.
How far is Naples from Fort Myers?
Naples is 43 miles from Fort Myers.
How far is Punta Gorda from Fort Myers?
It’s 24 miles between the two cities.
How far is downtown Fort Myers to Fort Myers Beach?
It’s 16 miles away.
How far is Cape Coral from Fort Myers?
Cape Coral is just 9 miles away.
Can I bring my kids to this festival?
Yes, the festival is family-friendly.
Who produces this festival?
The Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival is put on by Paragon Festivals which also produces many Florida festivals like the Sarasota Food Truck Festival, Siesta Beach Seafood & Music Festival, Bonita Springs Seafood Festival, Englewood Seafood & Music Festival, Babcock Seafood & Music Festival, Coquina Beach Seafood & Music Festival, and other live music and food festivals. You can visit paragonfestivals.com for their upcoming events.
Who’s playing this year?
The 2024 lineup has yet to be announced as of July 2023.