🦐 68th Annual Fort Myers Beach Lions Shrimp Festival Returns March 7–8, 2026
Fort Myers Beach’s Longest-Running Event Celebrates Community, “Pink Gold” Heritage, and Island Tradition
The 68th Annual Fort Myers Beach Lions Shrimp Festival—the island’s longest-running, most beloved tradition—returns March 7–8, 2026 along Old San Carlos Boulevard between 1st & 3rd Street. Every year, thousands flock to this iconic waterfront celebration to honor the island’s historic shrimping industry, savor Gulf “Pink Gold,” and support an event that gives back in a big way. Hosted by the Fort Myers Beach Lions, this festival is more than a party by the sea—it’s a major community fundraiser that supports scholarships, local youth, vision services, hunger relief, disaster needs, and environmental efforts right here on Fort Myers Beach.
🌊 At-A-Glance: Key Dates
Pre-Festival Merch Events (Official Shrimp Festival Merchandise Available Exclusively at These Appearances & Online)
📻 Sept 27 — Beach Talk Radio
🏖️ Nov 20–24 — Sand Sculpting Championship
🎄 Dec 12–13 — Christmas Tree Festival
🍻 Jan 17 — Put n’ Pub
📻 Feb 14 — Beach Talk Radio
Lead-Up Festival Events
🍤 Feb 19 — Kick-Off Gala at DiamondHead (Private Event, 6 PM)
👟 Feb 28 — Kids Run @ 8:30 AM (Check-In 7 AM — Merchandise Available)
Festival Weekend
🦐 March 7–8 — 68th Annual Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival Weekend
🎉 Festival Weekend Highlights
🦐 Shrimp Festival Parade & Shrimp Festival 5K
The celebration kicks off Saturday morning with cheering crowds, decorated floats, Princess court appearances, and the spirit of Fort Myers Beach on full display.
🏆 Shrimp Festival Pageant
Princesses compete throughout the week leading up to the crowning of the 2026 Shrimp Festival Queen, honoring decades of tradition and poise.
🎨 Arts & Crafts Expo
Shop local and handmade goods from talented artisans from across the region at our renowned Expo—just steps from the San Carlos Bay waterfront.
🍽️ Shrimp Boil & Beer Bash
Savor fresh Gulf shrimp at festival favorites, then wash it down with ice cold beer from our FIRST EVER beer booth.
🌊 Family Fun, Music & More
From firt-timers to lifelong islanders, the festival offers something for everyone.
💙 A Festival That Gives Back
When you support or attend the Shrimp Festival, you directly support Fort Myers Beach. Funds raised through the event allow the Lions to deliver services and relief programs across the Beach all year long.
This festival honors our shrimping captains, crews, processors, and families who built Fort Myers Beach’s economy and identity. “Pink Gold” isn’t just seafood—it’s our story.
🛍️ Official Shrimp Festival Merchandise
Official merchandise is sold exclusively:
✅ At select pre-festival appearances listed above
✅ During festival weekend
✅ On our website (limited releases)
No third-party merch is authorized.
🤝 Become a Sponsor
Sponsors are the backbone of this event. By partnering with the Shrimp Festival, your business joins a circle of top community leaders who help keep this historic celebration alive. Sponsorship supports local programs and puts your brand in front of thousands.
🛍️ Vendors & Expo Applications
Local, handmade, coastal, and shrimp-inspired vendors are encouraged to apply.
👉 Apply for the Arts & Crafts Expo
📣 Media & Press Inquiries
We welcome media coverage and community storytelling opportunities.
🌴 Join Us for the 68th Annual Shrimp Festival
March 7–8, 2026 — Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Sunshine, shrimp, music, heritage, and community—there’s nothing like Shrimp Festival weekend on Fort Myers Beach.