Vacation Guide to Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida 2021-2022 Art Festivals & Craft Fairs

The Southwest Florida art season has arrived with great anticipation! Over forty art festivals and fairs are scheduled to treat art lovers to the best year ever in their search for artworks and craft items. See below for a complete guide of all the shows and festivals for the 2021-2022 season.

Art Fest Naples at Fleischmann Park

Fleischmann Park 1600 Fleischmann Boulevard, Naples, FL 34102 This is the twenty-fifth year of Art Fest Naples where artists display their original hand-crafted pieces. Locals and out-of-staters alike love visiting this festival where you can talk to the creative individuals who produce the wares for sale. A portion of the profits from this festival goes towards charities local to Naples. Located in the 15-acre Fleishmann Park, the festival takes place along the sidewalks that connect the tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic pavilion, and baseball fields. Here you’ll find photography, turned wood pieces, drawings, paintings, fiber art, ceramics, hand-crafted fine jewelry, and so much more. The artists that participate in this festival are selected by a jury of art professionals and will be eligible to win awards in a variety of categories. It’s free to attend this event, though they encourage making a small $5 donation to the organization Additional Needs, Inc. As an added benefit, the parking here is free and there’s plenty of it. To learn more about Art Fest, check out the festival website here.

Event Dates: 

Jan. 15-16, 2022

Art League of Marco Island Craft Show

Marco Island's Center for the Arts 1010 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145 Marco Island is a barrier island with plenty of resort hotels, marinas, golf courses, and beaches. Connected to the mainland by a series of bridges just south of Naples, interspersed within the island is a network of inland waterways. This is the largest of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands and is located on the Gulf of Mexico. Often described by visitors as a truly magical spot, Marco Island has all of the ingredients for the perfect vacation. While you’re on Marco Island, you can walk the gorgeous white sand beaches, watch dolphins frolicking in the water, and let go in a casual and laidback beach atmosphere. If you’re visiting between January and March, you might just be able to catch the special art show put on by the Art League of Marco Island. The Art League of Marco Island Craft Show is located right around the corner from Marco Beach Ocean Resort. Here you’ll be able to watch free live entertainment and peruse the offerings of countless juried arts and crafts exhibitors. Whether you’re looking for clothing, paintings, photographs, or jewelry, you’ll find many incredible pieces on display at this show. To learn more about this event, check out the fair’s website.

Event Dates: 

Jan. 29-30, 2022
Feb. 26-27, 2022
Mar. 26-27, 2022

ArtFest Fort Myers

Downtown Fort Myers 1300 Hendry Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 This is a free, non-gated art festival that takes place in downtown Fort Myers. With art from more than 200 select artists, delicious food, live entertainment, and fun art activities for kids, ArtFest Fort Myers is a great event for the whole family. During this weekend, the waterfront is filled to the brim with incredible artwork and cultural activities. You can find artwork for sale to fit any budget, whether you’re looking for a grand painting to hang in your dining room or a small trinket to gift to you a friend. If you’re centering your trip around attending this art festival, you might consider upgrading to VIP. While attendance is free, you can join ArtFest’s VIP Club which gives you access to the VIP Club Terrace, reserved weekend parking, coffee and treats (and mimosas!) in the morning, as well as beverages and lunches for the whole weekend. You can purchase VIP Club tickets for the whole weekend or just for one day. You’ll also know that you’re working to help support ArtFest Fort Myers, which has faced an uphill battle due to the constraints the coronavirus has put on holding in-person events. To learn more about ArtFest Fort Myers, check out their site here.

Event Dates: 

Feb. 4-6, 2022

Boca Grande Arts

The Boca Grande Resort 5800 Gasparilla Road, Boca Grande, FL 33921 Boca Grande is located on Gasparilla Island and offers a remote, small-town feel that is in contrast to other highly developed parts of Southwest Florida. This village is best known for its premier tarpon fishing, its beautiful sugar sand beaches, and its historic and charming downtown. This is a great place to rent a bike (or a golf cart), visit historic landmarks, or simply relax on the beach. This march, the gorgeous grounds of the Boca Grande Hotel (previously known as the Boca Grande Resort) will be transformed into a mecca of fine art and fine wines. The artists who display their work at the Boca Grande Masters Art Festival are carefully selected and hail from across the United States. Displayed in an open-air venue, visitors can enjoy high-quality artwork and interact with some of the best artists in the nation. You can learn more about this event on the festival’s website.

Event Dates: 

Mar. 5-6, 2022

Bonita Springs Art Walk

The Promenade at Bonita Bay 26811 S Bay Dr, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 This unique outdoor Art Walk allows you to stroll the sidewalks and pathways of the Promenade while immersing yourself in some of the finest art in the area. The walkways are lined with artists and craftsmen displaying their wares in a wide and open space. Whether you’re shopping for a painting to hang in your living room or a piece of jewelry to give as a gift, you can find one-of-a-kind pieces that will grab your attention and interest. At the Promenade at Bonita Bay, you can find unique boutiques, retail stores, delicious restaurants, and high-end salons. It’s also home to one of the finest Italian markets in all of Florida, Deromas Market. Adjacent to the art festival, a lovely farmers market is held every Saturday between 8 am and noon. You can learn more about the festival here.

Event Dates: 

Jan. 15-16, 2022

Bonita Springs Invitational at the Promenade

The Promenade at Bonita Bay 26795 South Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 At the Bonita Springs Invitational Art Festival, you can find a wide array of vendors both displaying and selling their art. With everything from ceramics and jewelry to sculptures and digital art, this is a curated show that displays the handcraft and artistry of 39 regional artists right in the wonderful area of the Promenade.

Event Dates: 

Nov. 20-21, 2021

Bonita Springs National Art Festivals

Riverside Park, Downtown Bonita Springs 10450 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Every year, there are three art and craft fairs put on by the Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs. It is considered to be one of the top Fine Art Festivals in the entire country. With 200 national and international artists that are selected by a panel of experts, you’ll find that this is one of the biggest art festivals in the region. The Bonita Springs National Art Festival takes place in historic downtown Bonita Springs in Riverside Park. In the past, this festival graced the grounds of The Promenade at Bonita Bay, which is an upscale retail, restaurant, and office center that is positioned between Naples and Fort Napels to the east of Sanibel Island and Captiva. Last year, the three winter Bonita Springs National Art Festivals drew artists from 32 different states, 260 different cities, and three foreign countries. More than 20,000 festival-goers attend these events in order to see the works of some of the finest artists nationally and internationally.

Event Dates: 

Jan. 15-16, 2022
Feb. 12-13, 2022
Mar. 5-6, 2022

Cape Coral Arts & Music Festival

Cape Coral Parkway Cape Coral Parkway at Del Prado Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33904 Each year, the Cape Coral Festival of the Arts is a family event bringing art, culture and fun to Lee County. Held the second weekend of January, this Festival brings hundreds of artists and over 120,000 people to Cape Coral Parkway to participate in Cape Coral’s most successful and long running annual events, featuring paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, fine crafts and mixed media. The Festival also includes a children's play area and activity center and food from a variety of vendors and local restaurants.

Event Dates: 

Jan. 8-9, 2022

Coconut Point Art Festival

Coconut Point Mall 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero, FL 33928 While there is another Coconut Point Art Festival held in November, this February show is the “big one.” Coconut Point is already an incredibly popular destination, and during the weekend of February 12th and 13th the area is transformed into an artists’ paradise. With more than 200 exhibitors displaying their artwork and wares on both Saturday and Sunday, you’ll be able to stroll among incredible paintings, life-sized sculptures, ceramics, photography, and so much more. This year, the Coconut Point Art Festival is celebrating its sixteenth year presenting the works of artists while surrounded by lovely boardwalks and several acres of lakes. This stunning community is the perfect place to dine and shop on any day of the year, but the transformation of the space into this art festival takes it to an entirely different level. You can learn more at the festival website here.

Event Dates: 

Feb. 12-13, 2022

Coconut Point Art Festival with Craft

Coconut Point Mall 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero, FL 33928 Currently this show is on hiatus. We hope it will return soon!

Event Dates: 

TBD

Edison Festival of Light Crafts on the River

Edwards Drive Fort Myers, FL 239-334-2999 During the two-day Edison Festival of Light event, downtown Fort Myers is transformed into every craft lover’s dream. At Crafts on the River, you can see exhibitors displaying their hand-made wares at this non-juried event that is open to artisans and crafters locally and nationally. The atmosphere here is informal and casual, allowing visitors to talk with artists about their work, their inspiration, and their process. In some instances, you might even get to see the artists in action. There is a lot of variety in terms of the mediums on display here. Everything from paintings, sculptures, jewelry, crafts, and even edible art will be showcased during this family-friendly festival. In addition to the Crafts on the River event, the Edison Festival of Light has a Grand Parade, a 5k run, a junior parade, a classic car show, and more. While you’re there, you’ll definitely want to check out some of the many foods and craft beer trucks set up in the downtown river district. This festival is also a great educational opportunity for the whole family. It is held in honor of Thomas Alva Edison, who built a winter home in Fort Myers in 1885. He spent winters in this home for fifty years and during this time he dedicated himself to supporting local projects and charities. In 1938, seven years after Edison’s death, the Edison Pageant of Light was held with a parade, a memorial service, a band concert, and a coronation ball. The event has changed greatly since its first iteration, but the original intent of celebrating the work and life of Thomas Edison remains intact.

Event Dates: 

Feb. 19-20, 2022

Naples Art in the Park

The von Liebig Art Center 585 Park Street, Naples, FL 34102 This community outdoor art show has been held in Naples since 1957. A Southwest Florida tradition, Art in the Park is believed to be the first outdoor art fair ever held in the city. Here you’ll be able to browse the works of a wide variety of artists and craftsmen. Whether you’re just window shopping or you’re hoping to take a piece home with you, you’ll have a lot of options at this peak season monthly show. You’ll find photographs, paintings, wearables, jewelry, unique decor, and a whole lot more. Held on the first Saturday of every month between November and April, you’ll want to try and fit this show into your trip itinerary when you’re in town. This show is located in Cambier Park, which is a 12+ acre space right in the heart of downtown Naples. You’ll find it just south of the famous 5th Avenue South, making it a convenient stop if you’re already spending the weekend shopping at Naple’s upscale retailers and dining at exquisite restaurants. You can learn more about this outdoor fair at the festival website here.

Event Dates: 

Feb. 5, 2022
Mar. 5, 2022
Apr. 2, 2022

Naples Artcrafters Fine Art & Craft Show

Cambier Park 755 8th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102 The February Naples Artcrafters Fine Art & Craft Show is held in Cambier Park along 8th Street South. Located only a block and a half from the prestigious Fifth Avenue South, attending this art fair puts you within walking distance from sidewalk cafes, trendy European boutiques, and iconic art galleries. There are a number of state-of-the-art facilities located in Cambier Park, including the Norris Community Center and the Arthur L. Allen Tennis Center. You can also find a covered pavilion, a unique community-built playground, and plenty of open green space. The Naples Art Association is also located in the park and is a mainstay of the Naples community. They have rotating exhibitions as well as art lectures, classes, and workshops throughout the year. When you attend Naples Artcrafters Fine Art & Craft Show, you can browse the works of talented artists in a beautiful setting. You can find works created in just about every medium, including stained glass, painting, woodturning and carving, basket weaving, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and more. You can learn more about this art and craft fair here.

Event Dates: 

Jan. 8, 2022

Feb. 5, 2022

Mar. 5, 2022

Apr. 2, 2022

Naples Downtown Art Show

Downtown Naples 491 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102 33rd Annual Naples Downtown Art Show -- Naples’ thriving arts and culture district expands nationally at the last major winter art show of the season. This 2-day event features jury selected artists from across the country showcasing their work from 17 artistic mediums. Find just the piece of fine art or fine craft you’ve been seeking while leisurely strolling scenic downtown Naples on prestigious 5th Avenue South with its upscale shops and restaurants.

Event Dates: 

Mar. 19-20, 2022

Naples National Art Show

Cambier Park 755 8th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102 The Naples National Art Show is consistently voted among the top 200 art shows in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine. In addition, it was named one of Art Fair SourceBook Blue Chip 100 Fine Art Events and one of ArtFairCalendar.com’s America’s Best Art Fairs for 2019. The Naples National Art Show is counted by the local community as among its premiere, must–see events, thanks to the high quality of art, the engaging personalities of the artists and the festive atmosphere. The show is held in scenic Cambier Park and along 8th Street South, one block from downtown Naples’ premier shopping and dining district.

Event Dates: 

Feb. 19-20, 2022

Naples New Year's Art Show

Downtown Naples 491 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102 Coming back for its 26th year, this fine art show showcases professional artists from around the United States. Sunshine Art Magazine has ranked this as one of the top 200 art shows of the past decade and if you stop by this winter you’ll see why. Held right in the heart of downtown Naples on 5th Avenue South, Naples New Year’s Art Show runs from 9th Street South to 3rd Street South. You can find art produced in a wide variety of mediums, including metal, fiber, ceramics, painting, sculpture, wood, mixed media, jewelry, and much more. Last year, more than 15,000 visitors perused this outdoor art bazaar located in vibrant downtown Naples. You’ll be able to wander the oak- and palm-shaded streets in an area surrounded by Mediterranean-style buildings. In 2021, there were 250 artists, both local and national, that displayed their works that collectively are worth nearly $15 million. If you manage to get bored wandering around this visually stunning fair, there will be plenty to keep you busy in the incredible area around 5th South Street.

Event Dates: 

Jan. 8-9, 2022

Peace River National Art Festival

Laishley Park 100 Nesbit Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Held on the waterfront of Punta Gorda, this is the premier outdoor juried fine arts show in Charlotte County. The Peace River National Art Festival is held twice a year, once in March and once in December. More than 8,000 visitors come to see the works of nearly 100 nationally recognized artists. Here you’ll be able to peruse fiber arts, glass, jewelry, metalwork, leather goods, photography, stone sculptures, and every other type of art and craft you can imagine. You’ll also be able to listen to live music, taste a wide array of food and drinks, and witness art demonstrations.

Event Dates: 

Dec. 5-6, 2021

Pine Island Art Show

Matlacha Park 4577 Pine Island Road N.W., Matlacha, FL 33993 Pine Island is a quaint getaway located west of Fort Myers. With lush tropical greenery and opportunities for many peaceful outdoor activities, this is a lovely spot for a lowkey vacation. The largest island off Florida’s Gulf Coast, Pine Island offers the vibe of a small town while surrounded by acres of tropical plants, palms, fruit groves, and mangroves. The Pine Island Art Show showcases the works of more than 100 local artists. One of the wonderful things about this art fair is that you can witness artists at all levels of the creative journey, from amateur to professional. Some of the artists you see are still students, while others have gallery representations and substantial followings. Almost all of the artists who display their work are members of the Pine Island Art Association. The subject matter of much of the artwork is inspired by the laid-back paradise that is Pine Island. At this show, cash prizes are awarded to the first-place winners in a number of categories as well as Best in Show. One of the things that really stands out about this art fair is that artists are encouraged to bring a vast selection of original “mini” paintings to the festival. This is a way to let visitors with a limited budget or limited wall space still purchase artworks that work for their lifestyle. These minis all come double matted and measure just 3.5 inches by 4.5 inches. To purchase a mini artwork it costs just $10 including the tax. This festival has become the largest event on all of Greater Pine Island. Thousands of people are drawn from all over Southwest Florida to attend. Despite the flock of visitors, this art show still has a genuine small-town feel with members greeting you at the door. If you’re looking for a taste of the way Florida used to be before the rapid development of the coastlines, check out the Pine Island Art Show. To learn more, check out the PIAA website here.

Event Dates: 

Feb. 12-13, 2022

Sanibel Captiva Lions Club Arts & Crafts Event

Sanibel Community House 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, FL 33957 Now in its 38th year, the Sanibel-Captiva Lions Club Annual Arts and Crafts Fair takes place at the Sanibel Community House. With more than one hundred artists and craftsmen from around the country, this fair is particularly notable for having more than one hundred silent auction items as well as items that will be raffled off. The money that is raised through this event goes towards a number of different Sanibel Island Charities, local scholarships, and vision and hearing-based charities. If you’re visiting Sanibel Island while this art fair is occurring, it’ll be hard to miss it. Periwinkle Way is the main drag of the Island, so it’s conveniently located no matter what your plans are for the weekend.

Event Dates: 

Mar. 11-12, 2022

Sanibel Masters Art Festival

Sanibel Community House 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, FL 33957 The Sanibel Masters Art Festival has been a Thanksgiving weekend tradition on Sanibel Island for more than a quarter-century. You’ll be able to browse a wide variety of types of art, including paintings, photography, sculpture, woodworking, glass, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, and much more. At this festival there are 30 indoor spaces and 70 outdoor booths for a selection of 100 artists local to the area and from around the country. This intimate show allows you to have time to interact with the artists and learn about their process, inspiration, and craft. While you’re here, you’ll want to experience the live entertainment and gourmet food booths that the Sanibel Masters Art Festival is famous for.

Event Dates: 

Nov. 26-27, 2021

Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club Arts & Crafts Festival

Sanibel Community House 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, FL 33957 More than 30 years ago, the Sanibel-Captiva Arts & Crafts Festival began as a humble pancake breakfast that featured a handful of local artists. These days, it is one of the premier juried art shows in Southwest Florida. Put on by the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club, this arts and crafts festival is held over President’s Day weekend. With more than 85 of the most talented artists in the country, this is a fair where you can witness the intersection of fine art, nature, and island history. The show takes place on tree-lined paths and gives you the opportunity to basically attend dozens of art galleries at the same time. You can happily spend a day viewing the works of these talented artists, but you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces to bring home with you. One of the things you won’t want to miss at this festival is the enormous silent auction. Here you will find hundreds of incredible items up for bid. There is something for everyone here, whether you’re interested in a rare bottle of wine, a family ski vacation in Vermont, or gift certificates to some of the best eateries on Sanibel Island and Captiva. While you’re here, you can grab cold beverages, ice cream, and light snacks from one of the vendors at the fair. All of the proceeds from this festival are used to help fund college scholarships as well as philanthropic projects at the local, regional, and international levels. You can learn more about the Sanibel-Captiva Arts & Crafts Festival here.

Event Dates: 

Feb. 19-20, 2022

The Art Festival at Mercato

This smaller, more intimate event features no more than 40 artists and craftsmen. The Art Festival at Mercato is located on the lawn in the center of Mercato, which is a shopping center that features 20 upscale retailers, 12 noteworthy restaurants, and luxury condos in addition to a Whole Foods Market, Nordstrom Rack, and a cinema. At this curated festival, you’ll be able to wander the lawn while interacting with artists and perusing their wares. Since the festival is being held in the middle of an up-scale shopping center, it’s the perfect activity to incorporate into a day of Naples shopping. To learn more about this event, check out the festival’s website.

Event Dates: 

Jan. 29-30, 2022

Sanibel Invitational Art Fest

Held on Main Street in Sanibel, the Sanibel Invitational Art Fest event that is limited to 70 vendors. Residents and visitors alike can walk the streets and explore the artworks and crafts of some of the finest artists in the area. Sanibel Island is a unique barrier island that is located only 25 miles south of Fort Myers, Sanibel is a premier vacation destination. The east-west orientation of the island creates an environment with gorgeous sandy beaches and an abundance of rare, beautiful shells. Because of the plentiful seashells that wash up on the shore, the beaches of Sanibel have been awarded spots as the best beaches in Florida and the best shelling beaches in the world. If you’re not interested in the party atmosphere of Fort Myers Beach, consider visiting Sanibel Island for a different change of pace. Attending one of the art shows put on by the Sanibel Community House is a great addition to your Sanibel Island itinerary.

Event Dates: 

Jan. 21-22, 2022