The Fort Myers area is preparing for the fall season with a range of events, festivals, and new attractions. Among the highlights is the return of the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, which will take place from September 19 to 28 across Captiva Island, Cape Coral, downtown Fort Myers, and Fort Myers Beach. The festival will feature over 60 singer-songwriters performing more than 80 shows at various venues.
A preview party for the festival is scheduled for September 4 at Swamp Cat Brewing Co. in Fort Myers. Local artist Sheena Brook and Angie K will host and perform at this event. Festival headliner Chris Young is set to close out the festivities on September 28 with a pool-party performance at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach.
Unique performances during the festival include Frank Myers with Cut the Chord String Quartet and Jimmy Nichols on Captiva Island (September 20), a Songwriter Sunset Cruise hosted by Captiva Cruises (September 21), LOCASH in Cape Coral (September 22), and other ticketed experiences throughout the week.
Accommodation options in Lee County are expanding as several resorts reopen or complete renovations following hurricane recovery efforts. The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation expected to finish this fall. Shalimar Beach Resort on Sanibel Island plans to open on September 28 as the first fully rebuilt resort since Hurricane Ian, featuring updated construction designed for hurricane resiliency.
Other properties reopening include South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, Best Western Plus Beach Resort in Fort Myers Beach after full renovations, Jensen’s Twin Palm Resort and Marina on Captiva Island, and White Pelican Villas—which plans to open in early 2026.
Local attractions have also introduced new offerings. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve continues its wet walk program through October 25, providing guided access to wetlands areas typically off-limits to visitors. Lovers Key State Park offers free educational programs throughout September. Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral has opened Paradise Cove—a $4 million wave pool—and Causeway Islands Park has reopened its beach park after being used by FDOT during critical rebuilding of the Sanibel Causeway.
Sea turtle nesting season runs through October; local officials encourage residents and visitors to protect wildlife by reducing beachfront lighting and removing litter that could harm turtles.
New digital passes such as Sanibel Wild Mile allow users to explore nature attractions while earning points toward prizes via mobile check-ins. Parks, Points & Perks—an initiative between Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau and Lee County Parks & Recreation—encourages exploration of over thirty parks with rewards for frequent visits.
Dining establishments affected by recent hurricanes are reopening as well: The Bubble Room Restaurant on Captiva Island returns after three years of repairs; The Beach Bar reopens on Fort Myers Beach; Lazy Flamingo resumes operations on Sanibel Island; Sweet Melissa’s relocates from Sanibel to south Fort Myers; Key Lime Bistro welcomes back guests; Tap 42 Craft Kitchen opens at Bell Tower; Slipaway Food Truck Park launches in Cape Coral offering food trucks, live music, boat slips, and river views.
Southwest Florida International Airport has announced expanded air service including new routes from Frontier Airlines (Atlanta), Southwest Airlines (Orlando-McCoy starting daily service), Porter Airlines (Toronto now year-round), Allegiant (several U.S. cities beginning November), American Airlines (Phoenix holiday service), Delta Air Lines (Salt Lake City starting December), and Sun Country (Appleton starting January).
Upcoming annual events include wet walks at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve through October 25, Lovers Key State Park free programs throughout September, Audubon field trips in late September/early October, Edison and Ford Winter Estates Fall Festival on October 18th along with additional autumn festivals such as Oktoberfest celebrations in Cape Coral mid-to-late October.
Southern Living recently featured Bonita Springs as a destination for nature lovers highlighting local beaches and parks (southernliving.com).
For further details about accommodations or event schedules visit official tourism websites or contact organizers directly.
