Explore Fort Myers
Edison Festival of Light
Type: Art & Culture, Uniquely Here
10Best Says
One of Fort Myers' most popular annual events, the Edison Festival of Light is a three-week spectacle that honors the area's most famous winter resident around his birthday, Thomas Edison. The... Read More
One of Fort Myers' most popular annual events, the Edison Festival of Light is a three-week spectacle that honors the area's most famous winter resident around his birthday, Thomas Edison. The festival has grown from its inception in 1938 to include block parties, coronation balls, car shows, craft shows and a Science and Inventor's Fair, the majority of which are free. Festivities kick-off at the end of January and culminate the second weekend in February with the Festival of Light Grand Parade, the largest nighttime parade in the Southeast, and a 5K race. Weeks prior to the parade, residents use chalk and duct tape to reserve sections of sidewalks along the parade route. Some even tie old lawn chairs to lamp posts to save their spots and amazingly, most spectators respect the unofficial booking.
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Hours:
- Event Dates and Times Vary
- Contact for Specific Dates and Times
Admissions:
- Stadium & Fireworks Show Adult $15; Child (4-12) $7.50; Child (3 and under) Free
Parade Street Seats $8.50
Friends of the Festival Package $80
EXPERT TIPS BY:
Gina Birch
Fort Myers Local Expert
- Free Things to Do: "Pick a spot on the Grand Parade route early, set up your chair, pack your cooler and people watch."
- Best for Free Things to Do Because: This three-week festival honors the area's most well-known winter resident, Thomas Edison, with music, art and science events along with a famous parade.
