Ready, set, mark your calendars and plan a holiday based on some of the upcoming special events and festivals a Florida's unspoiled island sanctuary – The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel.
Among the many events is the 17th annual MangoMania, a tropical fruit fair at the German-American Social Club on Cape Coral/Pine Island from July 13 and 14.
The mango is the star attraction for two days each summer on Pine Island. Go wild for fruit as you sample locally-grown delicacies at this annual affair, an unusual celebration of all the tropical fruit grown on the island, which includes lychee, carambola, longan, papaya, and "chocolate pudding fruit". Fruit, exotic fruit trees, and fruit-related products are available for purchase. The festival also offers live music, kids activities and rides.
The 24th annual JN “Ding” Darling Days on Sanibel Island from October 20 to 26 include a week of eco-activities with free refuge tram tours, live wildlife presentations, kids activities, Federal Duck Stamp artist presentation, art day, family day and more. Birding and kayaking tours, environmental speakers, a nature photography contest, and the Junior Duck Stamp Awards will fill the week with environmental activities for all pages.
The festival celebrates the birthday of the refuge's namesake, conservationist and Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Jay N. "Ding" Darling. The event kicks off with Family Fun Day on October 20.
Hosted by the German-American Club, the huge Cape Coral Oktoberfest celebration over the last two weekends in October includes German culture, food, music and dancing. Highlights include authentic live entertainment with large musical groups from Germany, along with enough German food and beer to make anyone do the "Chicken Dance."
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida includes: Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & Outer islands, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres.
Visit www.fortmyerssanibel.com for details of many other events.
For more information about top events in Florida take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Florida.