Weekend Vibes, What’s Happening In Southwest Florida Feb 17-19

Here are your Weekend Vibes, what’s happening in Southwest Florida Feb 17-19. A cool front is going to help make the weather near perfect for the many outdoor festivities in the area this weekend. It's still art show season in the region. In addition, many of the food and music festivals include arts and crafts. It's a good time to do some early Christmas and birthday shopping.

If you love seafood, you are in for a treat. There are festivals celebrating Florida's bounty from the sea in both Port Charlotte and Everglades City. It's a big weekend for beer lovers as well. There are not only festivals featuring brews, there is a big party at Fort Myers Brewing. The first big craft brewery in Southwest Florida (my how things have changed) they are celebrating 10 years with special events all weekend long.

However, the biggest event in Fort Myers surrounds Thomas Edison, the city's most famous winter resident. This weekend wraps up the three week Edison Festival of Light.  Festivities culminate Saturday night with a two hour parade. Take note that U.S. 41 leading into downtown will be closed for a several hours. There is a 5k run prior to the parade as well.

Perhaps you have some weekend events to share. If so, send them to me here.

One more thing, we get it when it comes to hurricane recovery.  Many businesses in Southwest Florida are still closed and many people still without a place to live. However, more places are opening and more residents are finding relief. If you feel like getting out and about, we have a few ideas here. But then again, if you are still not feeling so great mentally that is OK. We want to offer you some resources so click here to find some that might be of benefit.

In the meantime, here are your Weekend Vibes, what’s happening in Southwest Florida Feb 17-19.

This is the largest night time parade in the Southeast and the grand finale to the historic Edison Festival of Light. It's a two hour extravaganza that winds its way from the stadium at Fort Myers High School, through downtown Fort Myers, ending at Second and Jackson Streets. Back in the day, the route was reversed. It's a fun family event that steps off at 7pm.

This small little town has a BIG annual festival, 53 years! It all surrounds the town's main source of income, seafood. Enjoy live music, vendors, carnival rides, games and more. Good for the entire family. The event kicks off Friday and goes through Sunday.

The festival opens Friday at 4pm and runs through Sunday at 6pm. It's at the Charlotte County Fair, 2333 El Jobean Road. There is a big lineup of live music, arts, crafts and lots of food. Pets are welcomed too.

Crafts on the River is part of the Edison Festival of Light activities in downtown Fort Myers. This show is Saturday from 10am to 5pm in Centennial Park and features some 100 exhibitors. You'll find both local and national artists and crafters with all kinds of unique items.

At Coconut Point shopping center both Saturday and Sunday in Estero, you'll find some 200 artists from around the country. It is a juried show that opens at 10am and runs until 5pm both days.

Sample more than 200 craft beers, ciders and even meads at this annual event in Riverside Park. There will be live music, food vendors and more, Saturday from 4-7pm

Greek Fest is a big deal every year in Fort Myers at the Greek Annunciation Church on Cypress Lake Drive. Eat gyros, drink Blue Aegean cocktails, dance, listen to live music and enjoy carnival rides. The fest is Friday and Saturday from 11am-11pm and Sunday from 11am to 7pm.

This music and food festival is Saturday from 5-10 in Ava Maria. Besides music and food, the festival has a car show, mechanical bull rides, farmer's market and more.

There is a pet food and supply drive Saturday for Naples Humane Society. The drive is at Gulf Coast International Properties office on Third Street from 9:30am-11am. Click here for a list of items that are needed.