There’s time to hear one last song. Check for tickets and head for Fort Myers Beach later today as Country star Michael Ray closes out 10 days of music with a pool-party performance at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina. Shown: 2024 closing concert.
Provided by Lee County Visitor &
USA TODAY Network, Reuters
There’s time to hear one last song and to catch one last bit of Island Hopper fun on Fort Myers Beach as our 12th annual festival wraps up today.
Country star Michael Ray closes out 10 days of music with a pool-party performance at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina. So, check for details and tickets, head to the beach and help us give Island Hopper a proper sendoff.
More at island-hopperfest.visitfortmyers.com/tickets.
And just like that, fall is here
It arrived quietly a few days ago, although those of us who call Southwest Florida home know it may be another month or so before we wake up to that first cool morning breeze. The kind that makes us think about reaching for a light jacket.
But there are other signs.
Our sunsets seem to take on deeper shades of red and orange. Pumpkin lots begin popping up. We start spotting more out-of-state license plates as our seasonal residents return. And our calendars begin filling up with festivals and special events.
I love this time of year.
These events bring visitors to our communities, of course, but they’re just as much a part of life for those of us who live here. They get us outside, bring us together and give us another reason to enjoy the places we’re fortunate enough to call home.
There is plenty coming up over the next few months. Here are a few events to look forward to this fall:
“Scarecrows in the Park” takes over the Children’s Garden during the Lakes Park Fall Festival in Fort Myers Oct. 9-31. More: lakespark.orgThe 41st Cape Coral Oktoberfest brings two full weekends (Oct. 16-18 and Oct. 23-25) of German food, live music and festivities to the German-American Social Club in October. More: gasc-capecoral.com/oktoberfestOn Sanibel Island, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge celebrates the 150th birthday of Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling during the annual Art in the Wild event Oct. 20-22. More: dingdarlingsociety.org/art-in-the-wildAnd Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers will welcome craft vendors, food, music and more for its Fall Festival Oct. 31. More: edisonfordwinterestates.org
The change of season brings some quieter pleasures, too. Farmers markets return. Local accommodations and attractions offer deals that make a staycation tempting. And after a long summer in Southwest Florida, the promise of cooler weather is finally getting closer.
Fall is our time
The crowds are smaller and the days invite us to slow down a little. Take a kayak through the mangroves. Ride one of our bike trails. Walk through a park. Spend an evening at a local brewery or restaurant. Pack a picnic for the beach or book a sunset cruise.
Those are things we encourage visitors to experience, but sometimes those of us who live here need a reminder to enjoy them, too.
And when we do, we’re supporting the same local businesses, attractions and people that make tourism such an important part of our community. Tourism isn’t simply about bringing people here. It helps sustain the experiences and places that contribute to the quality of life we enjoy year-round.
Sanibel gets some well-deserved attention
Sanibel recently received some impressive recognition.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Sanibel the “Best Relaxing Vacation Destination,” praising its white-sand beaches and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge as places where travelers can slow down and reconnect with nature.
Expedia placed Sanibel at No. 8 on its “Island Hot List 2026” and it was the only island in the continental U.S. to make the top 10. Expedia named Sanibel “Best For Family Escapes,” pointing to its easy beach days, family-friendly appeal and relaxed pace.
And in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, AFAR selected the most charming small town in every state. Florida’s choice? Sanibel. The article highlighted Bowman’s Beach, Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Tarpon Bay Explorers, Over Easy Café, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and Shalimar Beach Resort.
Recognition like this is wonderful for tourism, particularly as our islands continue to move forward. But it also gives those of us who live here a reason to feel proud.
There’s something special about this place. And fall is a pretty wonderful time to get out and rediscover it for ourselves.
Pamela Johnson is the executive director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, a Lee County Government department and the lead marketing agency charged with bringing worldwide visitors to Lee County. Historically, more than 3 million visitors spend more than $3 billion annually. The VCB is funded exclusively by a 5% tourist tax and works to preserve and protect area beaches and the environment.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Fall brings events, festivals; Sanibel praised; Island Hopper ends today
Reporting by Executive Director, Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Sanibel Island has been in the news with recognition that includes U.S. News & World Report naming it the “Best Relaxing Vacation Destination,” praising its white-sand beaches and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge as places where travelers can slow down and reconnect with nature. Photo by Chelle Koster Walton/Pr USA TODAY Network, Reuters
Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published September 27, 2026 at 5:08 AM.