What's Happening in Sanibel Island, FL, this Month?

When you think of an island getaway, you probably picture Florida's long stretches of white sand and swaying palm trees.

The state is home to countless islands with unique charms that make for an exciting trip.

Located in the Gulf of Mexico, Sanibel Island is famous for its gorgeous sunsets, historic lighthouse, and luxury hotels.

Shelling is the most popular pastime on Sanibel Island, and you can't take a single step on the beach without encountering someone engaging in the "Sanibel Stoop" to look for seashells.

But there's a lot more to do around here!

Sanibel Island in Lee County is not only picturesque, but it is also jam-packed with exciting adventures and events throughout the year.

Read on to discover what's happening in Sanibel Island, Florida, this month.

February 7-9 - Author Series Booking

Do you want to meet local authors and hear their general insights about their passions and life?

For over a decade, the Sanibel Public Library and the Sanibel Public Library Foundation have hosted intimate evenings with acclaimed authors, followed by a champagne reception, to introduce local readers to their work.

The next Author Series Booking event will take place on February 7 to 9, 2023, with the Author Series Evening on February 8 (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm) as the highlight.

February 11 (10:00 am-10:30 am) - Saturday Storytime

Storytime is a great way for families to spend time together while fostering a love of reading and learning.

During the Saturday Storytime at Sanibel Public Library, your kids will engage in some singing, reading, questioning, and physical activity.

The time allotted for reading aloud is around 20 minutes.

This event caters to young children up until about age 5.

All kids and their parents or guardians are welcome to join this fun activity.

It is free and open to the public to attend this library event.

February 18-19 – Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Arts and Crafts Fair

Sanibel-Captival Rotary Arts & Crafts Fair is a family-friendly event in Sanibel.

It began over 30 years ago when a small group of local artists got together to host a pancake breakfast, which eventually grew into one of the best-juried art exhibits in all of Southwest Florida.

Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Arts and Crafts Fair takes place over President's Day weekend and features the work of over 120 of the country's most creative artists.

In exchange for a little contribution, witness the intersection of high art, island culture, and natural beauty.

Perusing the tree-lined route through the exhibit is like strolling through a collection of museums all at once.

Although being there is an incredible experience, you will want to purchase some unique works created by outstanding artisans.

You may discover everything from an acrylic painting to hang over your couch to a glass sculpture to display on a bookshelf to a gold gemstone necklace to give as a graduation present to your loved one.

All Sundays of February (9:00 am-1:00 pm) - Sanibel Island Farmers Market

Sanibel Island Farmers Market may not be a February-only event in Sanibel Island, but it's worth catching when you're in the area on Sundays this month, from 9 am to 1 pm.

It has various offerings like fresh meat, fish, organic produce, cheese, ready-to-eat meals, honey, smoothies, and many more.

The market reopened on January 15 after the devastation of Hurricane Ian.

As of now, you may visit the market at Jerry's Foods' front parking lot since its original location, the City Hall, is currently undergoing renovations.

Events Nearby

February 11-18 - Edison Festival of Light

Is a trip to Southwest Florida in February on your travel agenda? Fort Myers throws a big party every year to honor Thomas Edison on his birthday, and this year will be no exception.

Even though he spent the majority of his life in New England, the city of Fort Myers became a much-loved winter retreat for Edison.

The city comes alive with the Edison Festival of Light from February 11 to February 18, including a Grand Parade, a road race, and a car exhibition.

Spectators from all over go to see this, and many stake out prime viewing locations weeks in advance.

Dog owners, their families, and those working in the pet industry may all find what they're looking for and more at the Mutt Strut.

Dogs and their humans dress up in costumes and show off their best jewelry during a parade where there are even doggy floats.

The Edison Festival 5-K Run has become a worldwide phenomenon throughout the years. Around 1,400 people participate, and many more watch, in this event that closes down the streets of the Downtown River District. Sign up your group for this exciting 3.1-mile race, and you may win some cash prizes.

One of the best ways to avoid crowds and secure a good viewing place for the Grand Parade is to arrive early and spend the whole day taking in the activities.

Partygoers may enjoy live music and other forms of entertainment all day long at the downtown Parade Party, which also serves as a perfect viewing location for the season's first fireworks display.

The whole family may enjoy games, refreshments, live performances, and handmade souvenirs at this Downtown River District festival.

Till the Grand Parade arrives at night, there will be plenty of fun and excitement.

The Grand Parade is a more than two-hour event that features a national celebrity as its Grand Marshal, marching bands, colorfully adorned floats, costumes, dancers, clowns, and much more.

It is consistently named the largest night parade in the Southeast.

It usually travels from downtown Fort Myers to the high school's Edison Stadium.

The non-profit Edison Festival of Light sponsors or hosts a wide variety of public activities, many of which are free. The Winter Estates of Edison and Ford are the sites of annual celebrations, including Edison's Birthday Party.

Hundreds of vintage cars and hot rods line Edwards Drive for a yearly show and cruise-in celebrating Americana and nostalgia.

Visit Fort Myers in your classic car, tour the collection, chat with the other collectors, and soak up the rays.

February 25 (10:00 pm - 12:00 pm) – Garden Class: Grow Fabulous Roses

Roses, a favorite of Mina Edison's, are the gem in the crown for many gardeners.

Forget everything you know about growing roses in the north and join the Garden Class: Grow Fabulous Roses to discover how to keep roses blooming in your South Florida garden all year.

Participants will learn rootstock and its significance, how to recognize issues, the most effective pest prevention measures, how to select plants that have shown themselves to thrive in South Florida, how to feed, amend, and prune their plants, and much more.

The class takes place at the Garden Council facility lies across the street from the Edison Ford parking lot.

Sign up in advance, and don't forget to bring a notepad, pencil, water, sunscreen, and shoes suitable for walking.

February 25 (9:00 am-1:30 pm) - Silk Scarf Painting Class with Marie Dyer

Join Silk Scarf Painting Class with Marie Dyer on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River for a much-needed break.

Make a silk scarf with a pal that you can wear or display proudly.

The registration covers the cost of all required supplies.

There is absolutely no need for prior experience.

Final Thoughts

Sanibel Island is still relatively unspoiled, yet it offers many exciting experiences.

Whether it's shell-picking or savoring the best of the island through its events, there's something in Sanibel Island, Florida, for every kind of traveler.