Where to Find Superb Southwest Florida Art Festivals
From laid-back beaches to posh luxury resorts, there is something for everyone in Florida. We've told you why the sunshine state is a great destination for all things fairs and festivals and now we're breaking down why southwest Florida specifically is a hot spot for fine art events.
The southwest coast of Florida is known for its abundant sunshine and vibrant tourist economy. Depending on the time of year, a trip to the area should include a plan to experience one of several fabulous art fairs. Starting in Fort Myers and traveling south, the coastline is home to some of the best fine art festivals in the country. All of the fairs we're featuring are consistently high on the list among the top 200 fairs as ranked by Sunshine Artist Magazine.
Fantastic Fairs in Fort Myers
About 75 miles south of Sarasota is Fort Myers where each year for one weekend in early February, locals and visitors seek out the "small-town favorite" art fair, also known as Art Fest Fort Myers.
Perhaps the only thing that could make an art fair event better is one with a waterfront view. Situated along the riverfront in downtown Fort Myers, the Art Fest brings together 200 artists displaying a variety of works. About 95,000 people attend the event which includes entertainment and culinary options. A community-supported endeavor, area hotels offer Art Fest vacation packages for out-of-town visitors, making your trip planning all the more achievable.
Exceptional Events in Estero
Also held in February, the annual Coconut Point Art Festival, a Howard Alan event, is named for the popular shopping district where it takes place in the lovely Florida village of Estero.
Lakes and boardwalks set the stage for the annual festival, which features over 200 exhibits by highly esteemed artists, including larger-than-life sculptures, original paintings, and unique jewelry. The festival also offers engaging opportunities to interact with artists and view art demonstrations.
Annual Coconut Point Art Festival | ArtFestival.com
Muy Bonita Art in Bonita Springs
Bonita Springs Florida has wonderful beaches and parks, with access to amazing sea life and exhilarating outdoor activities. It also boasts access to great visual arts opportunities, including iconic art galleries and art festivals.
The Bonita Springs National Art Festivals take place three times annually in the first few months of the year. The festivals showcase 16 categories of artworks by approximately 200 national and international artists. The outdoor art fair takes place in a lovely park setting and proceeds benefit local arts programs in the area.
Art Festival - Center for the Arts Bonita Springs (artcenterbonita.org)
Not-to-be Missed Naples Festivals
As we traverse south from Bonita Springs, art lovers will appreciate Naples, Florida as a city that is committed to the furtherance of the arts, supporting local creatives and access to arts and culture in all forms.
Naples National Art Festival
Naples is home to numerous art festivals, many of which are produced by the Naples Art Association, otherwise known as Naples Art.
Naples Art hosts the Naples National Art Festival every year in February. The fine art and fine craft show is a juried competitive event, for which artists are represented in 17 different categories, including jewelry, paintings, and wearable fiber art.
NAPLES NATIONAL ART SHOW – Naples Art
Downtown Naples Festival of the Arts
Similar in format, the downtown Naples Festival of the Arts, also a Naples Art event, takes place annually in March. The gathering showcases a variety of art as well as culinary and entertainment opportunities. The festival features some of the finest artists in the business, and includes works in the realm of digital art, precious jewelry, and photography.
NAPLES DOWNTOWN ART SHOW – Naples Art
Ready for your trip to southwest Florida? We hope these tips and recommendations have been helpful. You can also check out original art on the UGallery website, with new works updated weekly.
