Looking for things to do on Sanibel and Captiva Islands in 2026 and 2027? This local events calendar makes planning easy. Use the alphabetical guide below to quickly find favorite events, or scroll to the monthly calendar to see what is happening during your visit. From beloved traditions like the Sanibel Luminary Stroll, Beer in the Bushes, and Peek at the Unique Home Tour to art festivals, live music, community fundraisers, and conservation events, there is always something happening across the islands. Whether you are planning a vacation, exploring a move to Southwest Florida, or spending the weekend, bookmark this page and check back often as dates and details are updated regularly.

Many island organizations release official winter season dates in late fall. This page includes confirmed dates plus annual recurring events to help visitors and future residents plan ahead.

SANIBEL & CAPTIVA ISLAND EVENTS: 

Find Events by Name (A–Z)

  • Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium Events:

    • Free Zoom Shell Lectures June - September 2026

    • Live Mollusk Count - May 14th 2026

    • Museum Member Holiday Shell-A-Bration - Early December 2026

    • Museum Member Gallery Reception - Early January 2027

    • 2026 Field Education: June 9 & 25, July 7 & 23, Aug 4 & 20, Sept 8 & 24, Oct 6 & 22

    • Under the Sea Gala - Early February 2027

    • Third Thursdays Evening Hours - Will Return Jan, Feb & March 2027

    • Annual Members Meeting - Usually Late February 2027

    • Prosecco & Pearls - Expected March 2027

    • Fall & Winter Classes 2026 & 2027 - Stay Tuned

  • Beach Parking Permit Renewal Early November, 2026

  • BIG ARTS Major Events:

    • Art Vibe June 13th, 2026 - Open to the Public and Free

    • 2026 Film Series, May 4, 11 and 18th

    • Summer Youth Camps June 22 - 26th 2026 (Glass Mosaics or Pottery Camp)

    • Summer Youth Camp July 13 - 22nd 2026 Art Explorers

    • BIG ARTS Film Festival - Expected Mid-November 2026

    • Holiday Open House - Early December, 2026

    • Free Event - Holiday Family Film Night - Late December, 2026

    • Annual Benefit Early March 2027

    • 2027 Performing Artist Series - Dates TBD

    • 2027 Speaker Series - Winter/Spring Dates TBD

    • Adult Art Classes from Pottery to Glass Fusing - Year Around Opportunites

  • Captiva Civic Association aka CCA Events:

    • ABC Gala- Late February 2027

    • 2026 & 2027 Art Opening Receptions: November 2026 - March 2027

    • Porch & Patio Series 2026/2027 Dates: December 10, January 29, March 11, April 15, 2026

    • Halloween Party Oct. 31, 2026

    • 2027 Perfectly Paired Wine Tastings - Once a month Jan - April 2027

  • Easter Sunrise Service - Every Easter Sunday on the Causeway Island

  • Farmers Market - Every Sunday, Oct - April, 8 am-1 pm Dunlop Road at City Hall

  • Friends in Service Here aka F.I.S.H. Events:

    • Jog & Jam - November 7, 2026

    • Angel FISH Luncheon - November 10, 2025

    • Community Thanksgiving - November 24, 2026

    • JOG N JAM Concert - December 5, 2026

    • Gala Fundraiser - Mid-March 2027

  • Fourth of July Events:

  • Evenings at the Bailey Homestead - TBD 2026 Contact SCCF 

  • Island's Night, May 8th 2026 at the Lee Health Sports Complex

  • Kiwanis Club meets every Tuesday for breakfast - Sanibel Community House

  • Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner Late February, 2026

  • Luminary Strolls

    • Sanibel Luminary - The 1st Friday in December Every Year

    • Captiva Luminary - The 1st Saturday in December Every Year

  • MOAA Golf Tournament aka Bob Janes Memorial Golf Tournament - April 2027 - TBD

  • National Seashell Day - June 20th, Every Year.

  • Pfeifer Realty Group's Open House Parade - January, February, March, April TBD 2027

  • Pine Island Sounds- SCCF - Nov. & Dec, 2026, January & February 2027 Dates TBD

  • Play for PINK - Annual Sanibel Golf Tournament to benefit Breast Cancer Research - March 2027 TBD

  • Project Refuge Annual Trash Fashion Show for Ding Darling Wildlife Society - Early April, 2027

  • Rotary Club meets every Friday morning at the Sanibel Community House

  • Rotary Club Annual Arts & Crafts Fair Mid-February 15th & 16th 2027

  • Rotary Golf Tournament - March 2027 TBD

  • Sam Galloway, Jr. and Friends Soup Kitchen benefitting Community Cooperative - March TBD 2027

  • Sanibel Historic Village Events:

    • Sanibel Cracker Christmas - December 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026

    • Luminary Open House - December 5th, 2026

    • Olde Sanibel Cracker Fest - Late January, 2027

    • Annual Membership Meeting - Early March 2027

    • Twilight Talks - Oct 2026 - May 2027 Dates TBD

  • Sanctuary Charity Classic - Mid-January 2027

  • Sanibel Captiva Cares - Early March 2027

  • Sanibel Hearts Club - Every Friday from 12-3pm at the Community House

  • Sanibel Luminary Festival - Always the 1st Friday Evening in December

  • Sanibel Music Festival - Tuesdays and Saturdays in March Every Year

  • Sanibel Shell Fair, Shell Show and Festival - March 4, 5 & 6, 2027

  • Sanibel Sea School

    • Winter Break Youth Camp - Dec. 30 - Jan. 3, 2027

    • Summer Weekly Youth Camps Ages 4 - 17, June July & August

    • Spring Day Courses Ages 6 - 14, April May & June

    • Weekly Beachcombing Walks: Island Inn on Wednesdays, Sanibel Moorings on Fridays

  • Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation aka SCCF Events:

    • Wines in the Wild by SCCF - November 13, 2026

    • Benefactors Cocktail Party - January 20, 2027

    • SCCF's  Coastal Watch Party - TBD

    • SCCF Annual Meeting - December 8, 2026

    • Cause on the Causeway Benefit - February 27, 2027

    • Paul McCarthy Memorial Lecture Series - February 5, 2027

    • Nature Art Exhibit Bailey Homestead - February thru March, 2027

    • SCCF's Volunteer Recognition Party - Mid-March 2027

    • SCCF's Pine Island Sounds Sunset Concert Series - Nov. 2026 - Feb. 2027

    • Beer in the Bushes - March 27, 2027

  • Sanibel Community House aka SCA Events:

    • Shellcrafters meet every Monday from 10am - 1pm at the Community House

    • Sanibel Shell Fair, Shell Show and Festival - March 4th - 6th 2027

    • Fall Festival October 30, 2026

    • Art After Dark Happy Hour - May 22, 2026

    • Sanibel Fishing Club Meetings - Second Tuesday of the Month at 5:30

    • Tennis Tournament - November 14 & 15, 2026

    • Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair - Mid-November. 2026

    • Art Opening Reception - Early January, 2027

    • Community House 100th Anniversary Gala - January 23, 2027

  • Sanibel Public Library Events:

    • Author Series: Evening with the Author - Mid December 2026 - March 2027

  • Spring Training at Jet Blue Stadium with the Boston Red Sox Always Starts in March

  • Spring Training at Century Link Stadium with the Minnesota Twins Starts in March

  • State of the Islands Update - Sanibel Harbor Resort Mid-January, 2027 TBD

  • Tween' Waters Christmas Tree Lighting - Always the Friday after Thanksgiving

  • Young Professionals of Sanibel & Captiva Swap Shop - May 14th 2026

  • Zonta's Peek at the Unique Tour of Island Homes Mid-March 2027

Events by Month


Exact dates will be updated in November 2026 when the high season calendar is finalized

MAY 2026:

  • 4th National Bird Day

  • 1st Art as Therapy Exhibit Opening Reception - BIG ARTS

  • 2nd Sanctuary Golf and Gala benefitting the Sanibel School Fund

  • 4th National Bird Day

  • 8th Island's Night Lee Health Sports Complex

  • 14th Young Professionals of Sanibel & Captiva Swap Shop

  • Memorial Day - Last Monday in May

  • National Flip Flop Day - Wednesday after Memorial Day

JUNE 2026:

  • CROW Wildlife Conservation Summer Camp all month

  • 1st Worldwide Coral Reef Awareness Day

  • 8th Worldwide Ocean's Day

  • 14th National Flag Day

  • 16th, Worldwide Sea Turtle Day Learn More About How to Adopt a Sea Turtle Nest at SCCF

  • 18th National Go Fishing Day

  • 20th National Seashell Day Occurs on the First Day of Summer

  • 22 - 26th BIG ARTS Youth Camps: Glass Mosaics or Pottery Camp

JULY 2026:

  • CROW Wildlife Conservation Summer Camp all month

  • 3rd International Plastic Bag Free Day

  • 4th Fourth of July Parade

  • 4th Fourth of July Road Rally - Friends of Randy - Timbers Restaurant

  • 13 - 22nd BIG ARTS Youth Camp: Art Explorers

AUGUST 2026:

  • National Sand Castle Day First Saturday in August

  • 7th National Lighthouse Day

  • 11th National Play in the Sand Day

  • 30th National Beach Day - Occurs on the same day each year.

SEPTEMBER 2026:

  • Labor Day always the first Monday in September

  • 15th National Greenpeace Day

  • 21st National Clean Up the Beach Day - Celebrated on the Third Saturday in September

  • 28th A Day to Remember and be Grateful

  • National Public Lands Day always the 4th Saturday in September

OCTOBER 2026:

  • 30th Fall Festival Sanibel Community House

  • 31st Halloween

NOVEMBER 2026:

  • 1st Sanibel Beach Parking Permits for Residents

  • 7th FISH Jog and Jam

  • 13th SCCF's Wines in the Wild

  • 14th & 15th Community House Tennis Tournament

  • 17th National Take a Hike Day - Always Celebrated on this day

  • 24th FISH Community Thanksgiving Dinner

  • Thanksgiving Day - Always the 4th Thursday in November

  • 27th Tree Lighting at 'Tween Waters Resort Captiva

  • 28th Tree Lighting After Party - Community House

  • Community House Arts and Crafts Fair - Mid-November TBD

  • SCCF's Pine Island Sounds Begins - TBD

  • FISH Angel Fish Luncheon - Mid-November

  • BIG ARTS Film Festival - Early November

  • Captiva Civic Association Art Receptions Begin

  • CFI Generosity Breakfast - Mid-November TBD

  • CHR's Festival of Trees - Mid-November TBD

  • Ding Darling's Trash to Couture Fashion Show TBD

DECEMBER 2026:

  • 1st - 31st Sanibel Cracker Christmas - Sanibel Historical Village and Museum

  • 4th Wildlife Conservation Day

  • 5th FISH Jog and Jam

  • 8th SCCF Annual Meeting

  • Sanibel Public Library Author Series Begins Mid-December 2026 - March 2027

  • Sanibel Luminary - Always the First Friday in December

  • Historical Village Luminary Open House - First Friday in December

  • Captiva Luminary - Always the First Saturday in December

  • CFI's Holiday Reception - Early December TBD

  • Museum Member Holiday Shell-A-Bration - Early December TBD

  • BIG ARTS Holiday Open House - Early December TBD

  • BIG ARTS Free Event - Holiday Family Film Night - Late December TBD

  • CCA Porch & Patio Parties Begin - Mid-December TBD

  • Captiva Historical Society Film Series Begins - Mid-December TBD

  • 14th National Dolphin Day

  • 22nd Earth Day

  • 24th Christmas Eve Service at Lighthouse Beach

  • 26th, National Audubon Day

JANUARY 2026:

  • 1st National Polar Bear Plunge Day

  • 5th National Bird Day

  • 5th Art Opening Reception - Captiva Civic Association

  • 5th Mitigating the Impacts of Future Storm Surge Events - Community House

  • 7th Art Opening Reception - Community House

  • 8th Museum Member Gallery Reception - Shell Museum & Aquarium

  • 10th Wild about CROW - The Forest Country Club

  • 10th National Save the Eagles Day

  • 14th Creativity and the Art of History - Captiva Civic Association

  • 15th The 2026 State of the Islands Update at Sanibel Harbor Resort

  • 15th Trivia Night- The Sanctuary Golf Club

  • 17th Cause on the Causeway

  • 18th Charity Classic Foundation Golf Tournament- The Sanctuary Golf Club

  • 19th Author Series: Evening with the Author

  • 22nd Camp Riverside Retreat - LaBelle

  • 20th Perfectly Paired Wine Tasting - Captiva Civic Association

  • 15th State of the Islands Breakfast SanCap Chamber

  • 22nd Author Tony Lapi, “Memories of ‘Tween Waters Inn” based on his book Tales of an Island Innkeeper

  • 22nd Third Thursdays Evening Hours - Shell Museum & Aquarium

  • 23rd Community House Gala - Community House

  • 25th United Way Golf Tournament` - Dunes Golf Club

  • 27th Community Social

  • 28th Golf Cart Walking Tour of Captiva (CIHS)

  • 28th Volunteer Expo - Sanibel Community House

  • 28th Mixed Member Guest Golf Tournament - The Sanctuary Golf Club

  • 29th Porch & Patio - Captiva Civic Association

  • 29th Wine Dinner - Community House

  • 29th & 30th Author, Photographer, and Conservationist Kirsten Hines, Birds of Florida at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

  • 30th Annual Sanibel Historical Village & Museum Benefit – Olde Sanibel Cracker Fest Benefit at the Sanibel Community House

  • 31st SSF Pickleball Tournament at the Sundial

FEBRUARY 2026:

  • 4th Go Wild for "Ding" - The Legacy at the Community House

  • 5th Art Opening Reception - Captiva Civic Association

  • 5th Happy Trails Bingo - St. Michael Church

  • 6th Paul McCarthy Memorial Lecture Series - Sanibel Community House

  • 7th Annual Gala to benefit the Sanibel Community House

  • 9th Perfectly Paired Wine Tasting - Captiva Civic Association

  • 10th 100+ Women Who Care Sanibel-Captiva at the SanCap Realtors Association

  • 11th Passion and Courage: The Esperanza Woodring Story (Documentary) - BIG ARTS

  • 13th Tenative Event TBD - CCA

  • 15th Rotary Arts and Crafts Festival - Sanibel Community House

  • 17th Author Series: Evening with the Author TBD

  • 19th Art Opening Reception - Captiva Civic Association

  • 19th & 20th Wildlife Ambassador and Photographer, Ron Magill, “Animals Have Emotions” based on his book The Pride of a Lion: What the Animal Kingdom Can Teach Us About Survival, Fear and Family (A True Animal Survival StoryJ.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

  • 19th Third Thursday Evening Houses - Shell Museum & Aquarium

  • 20th Art Opening Reception - Community House

  • 23rd Camp Riverside Retreat - LaBelle

  • 25th Annual Members' Meeting - Shell Museum & Aquarium

  • 26th CCA ABC Gala - Captiva Civic Association

  • 28th Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner - Community House

MARCH 2026:

  • 4th SanCap Cares Dinner at Cielo - Cielo Restaurant

  • 7th Annual Shell Festival - Community House

  • 7th BIG ARTS Annual Benefit - BIG ARTS

  • 10th 100+ Women Who Care Sanibel-Captiva - SanCap Realtors Association

  • 11th Porch & Patio - Captiva Civic Association

  • 13th SCCF Volunteer Recognition Party - Bailey Homestead Preserve

  • 14th Zonta Peek of the Unique - Community House

  • 16th Guardian of History Award Dinner (Honoring Tony Lapi) - Sanibel Community House

  • 15th FISH OF SANCAP Gala

  • 19th Art Opening Reception - Captiva Civic Association

  • 19th Third Thursdays Evening Hours - Shell Museum & Aquarium

  • 21st Taste of the Islands - Sanibel City Hall

  • 23rd Perfectly Paired Wine Tasting - Captiva Civic Association

  • 25th BIG ARTS Community Chorus & Concert Band Performance - BIG ARTS

  • 26th Paint & Sip w Sissi Janku - Captiva Civic Association

  • 26th Prosecco & Pearls - Shell Museum & Aquarium

  • 30th Golf Tournament - Shell Point Golf Club

  • 24th Author Series: Evening with the Author TBD

  • 31st Volunteer Appreciation Dinner - Shell Museum & Aquarium

  • 31st Al, Bix, Ding and Kent: Captiva’s Awesome Foursome - Captiva Civic Association (CCA)

APRIL 2026:

  • 4th Beer in the Bushes - SCCF Head Quarters

  • 6th Perfectly Paired Wine Tasting - Captiva Civic Association

  • 7th 100+ Women Who Care Sanibel-Captiva - SanCap Realtors Association

  • 11th Free Event - Friends & Family Day with Steve Trash Show - BIG ARTS

  • 12th Shipwrecked Yacht Rock Party - McCarthy's Marina

  • 15th Porch & Patio - Captiva Civic Association

  • 18th I Am Special Camper Reunion TBD

  • 27th Summer Wine Preview- Captiva Civic Association

  • Arbor Day - Last Friday in April Every Year

Why Visitors Love Island Event Season

Winter and spring event season is one of the best times to experience Sanibel and Captiva. Cooler weather, lively outdoor gatherings, local traditions, art shows, charity events, and community markets create an energy that visitors remember long after vacation ends. Many people first discover the island lifestyle during event season, then return year after year—or eventually decide to own a home or condo here.

Planning a Trip or Move?

Many people first discover Sanibel and Captiva while planning a vacation, then return again and again for the beaches, wildlife, boating, and welcoming island lifestyle. Exploring local events is one of the best ways to experience the community beyond the shoreline. If your visit has you imagining a more permanent stay, browse current Sanibel homes for sale, Sanibel condos for sale, and Captiva real estate opportunities to see what island living can look like year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sanibel & Captiva Events

When is the busiest event season on Sanibel and Captiva?

The busiest event season is typically January through April, when winter visitors and seasonal residents return to Southwest Florida. This is when many festivals, art shows, races, markets, and community gatherings are held.

Are there events on Sanibel and Captiva year-round?

Yes. While winter and spring are the busiest months, the islands host events throughout the year including summer family activities, fall fundraisers, and holiday celebrations.

When are next season’s event dates announced?

Many organizations release official schedules in late fall ahead of winter season. This page is updated as dates become available.

What kinds of events happen on Sanibel and Captiva?

Popular events include shell festivals, live music, farmers markets, wildlife and conservation programs, holiday traditions, road races, art fairs, and charity fundraisers.

Is winter a good time to visit Sanibel Island?

Yes. Winter is one of the most popular times to visit thanks to mild weather, active social calendars, beaches, wildlife viewing, and seasonal events.

Why do so many people choose to live on Sanibel or Captiva?

Many visitors fall in love with the island lifestyle—walkable beaches, boating, nature, community events, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere that is hard to replicate elsewhere.