Phone: 239.992.9100
Location: 26811 South Tamiami Trail | Bonita Springs, FL 34134
There is something about Southwest Florida and boating. The two seem to go together like two peas in a pod. That’s one of the reasons the annual Fort Myers Boat Show is so popular. The collection of boats that line the streets of downtown Fort Myers from Nov. 21-24 is one of the most complete displays of boating vessels and boating products on the Sunshine State’s West Coast. When you’re done strolling through the show and looking at the magnificent boats, you’ll find popular restaurants, bars and shops a couple of blocks away. The downtown Fort Myers boat show is Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 21-23 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 24.
The 47th Annual Fort Myers Boat Show will take over the historic riverfront. There will be displays in the water, on the streets and throughout Centennial Park at 2000 West First Street. If you’re looking for your next toy, chances are good that you’ll find it here. The Fort Myers Boat Show is the biggest display of boating products and all things marine in Southwest Florida, from Centennial Park to the Fort Myers Yacht Basin. There will be more than 130 boat lines and a large display of fishing tackle and boating accessories. Where else will you be able to look at, touch, compare and purchase everything that’s new in the boating world?

Regardless of what type of boat you’re looking for, you should be able to find it here. From fishing boats, skiffs, pontoon boats, bay boats, deck boats to luxurious yachts, to cruising and high-performance boats, there is something for everyone. When you find the perfect vessel, the gear and gadgets will be right there waiting for you. It’s like Christmas in November!
If you already own a boat and are not looking for a new one, there is an impressive display of accessories. You never know what you’ll find! There are displays of electronic equipment, boat lifts, fishing gear and equipment, motors and other accessories from manufacturers all over the globe.
Organizers said last year’s event was expected to be the largest one in over 40 years. Nearly 20,000 people were expected to attend, and more than 700 boats were featured for sale. This year’s Fort Myers Boat Show is slated to be the biggest and most complete display of water vessels in Southwest Florida.
Fort Myers Boat Show tickets can be purchased on-site at either of the show’s entrances. The main show entrance is located at First Street and Carson Street, next to Joe’s Crab Shack restaurant. The second entrance is at the City Yacht Basin at Lee Street and Edwards Drive.
The Fort Myers Boat Show is owned by the Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association, whose membership comprises virtually every marine-related company and boat dealer in Southwest Florida. The association has protected boaters’ rights and endorsed boating and the marine industry in Southwest Florida for more than four decades.

“Fishin’ Frank’s Fishin’ Village” should return this year, along with a fishing simulator that gives you a chance to catch any type of fish you want. In previous years, there have been workshops and seminars on things like marine safety, diving, sailing, fishing and more. Whether you are an amateur or you’ve been boating for years, it’s always good to brush up on these skills to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time on the water.
Last year’s seminar topics included choosing your tackle, lure or bait, fishing with low winter tides, tarpon fishing, bass in freshwater, trout fishing, and classes on snook, redfish, sea trout, grouper and cobia.
Last year, the Village included a mini fishing show, tackle displays with factory reps on hand, casting tank, local charter captains discussing inshore and offshore fishing, and the popular fishing simulator.
There will be a boat maintenance area, too. The Fort Myers Technical College will be there to answer questions about everything from motor repair, electronics, and general regular maintenance tasks. Boating safety is a top priority at the Fort Myers Boat Show. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Lee County Marine Task Force and U.S. Power Squadron will also feature displays and they’ll be happy to answer questions about boating regulations and boating safety.

If Florida had a national pastime, it would be boating, so it’s no wonder the Fort Myers Boat Show is so popular. And according to a local news article and the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), 46,354 recreational vessels were registered in Lee County in 2017. The News-Press and FWC also said Lee County had the third-highest number of recreational boat registrations for the Sunshine State in 2017, trailing Miami-Dade and Pinellas counties.
Whether you’re looking for a new boat, accessories or information about fishing, boating or boating safety, you’ll find it at the boat show in Fort Myers, FL. And where better to have it than along the shores of the mighty Caloosahatchee River and within walking distance to the historic downtown River District?
If you’re interested in attending the boat show in Fort Myers, Royal Shell has a wide variety of Fort Myers vacation rentals available. Whether you’re looking for something big or small, we’ve got you covered. If you’re interested in spending some time on the water while you’re here, we offer Southwest Florida boat rentals from Port Sanibel Marina. Fort Myers also has offshore power boat racing events. They even deliver to most waterfront homes in the area. And the best part? When you stay in a Royal Shell vacation rental, you can take 30% off boat rentals at the marina.
Let us know how long you’re staying and what type of home you’re looking for and our Vacation Planning Advisers will get started searching for the perfect rental home. We make it easy, you make it home.®
No one has time to eat out at every restaurant in the county while they’re on vacation. But at the Annual Taste of Lee Food Festival, you can sample as many Lee County restaurants as your stomach will allow.
The Sixth Annual WINK Taste of Lee features the best of restaurants from Lee County. Attendees can also look forward to a kids area, and non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, and live music. Located at Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers, the food festival is set against the ultimate backdrop of the Caloosahatchee River. Taste of Lee is a great event for the entire family, no matter how old you are.

More than 5,000 attendees come every year. Taste of Lee helps area restaurants gain exposure and introduces them to people who otherwise may not have heard of them or haven’t yet had a chance to try their food. Live music is performed on the mainstage throughout the day while kids enjoy arts and crafts, playing in the bounce house or climbing on the rock wall. What makes this event different from other area festivals like it is that the participating restaurants get to keep all of their proceeds. The average food vendor sales earned is $2,000 and top earners sell more than $3,000.

Taste of Lee is in Fort Myers, Florida. Centennial Park is located at 2000 W. First Street in the downtown Fort Myers River District. It’s situated along the beautiful and wide waters of the Caloosahatchee River and it’s a short walk to downtown Fort Myers’ boutiques, galleries and restaurants. If you have time, you won’t regret a quick walk around the block. The Spanish architecture and unique shops are charming and worth a look.
Centennial Park
This 10-acre park has room to stroll, picnic and enjoy the tropical atmosphere. There’s plenty of room for restaurants at Taste of Lee, and there are also seating options for you and your loved ones.
Caloosahatchee River
Downtown Fort Myers is bordered by the mighty Caloosahatchee River’s southern banks. The river travels through Lee, Hendry and Glades counties. This is the body of water you see when you go over the two bridges from downtown Fort Myers to North Fort Myers, and the two bridges that lead to Cape Coral from Fort Myers. Boating is a central part of life here and since the weather is favorable during most months of the year, you’ll often find boaters, kayakers and paddle boarders taking advantage of its calming beauty. If you’re looking for a boat rental while you’re in Southwest Florida, Port Sanibel Marina has a variety of options. When you stay a Royal Shell vacation rental, you’ll receive 30% off boat rentals at the marina. And if you’re staying at a waterfront property with a dock, they’ll deliver the boat to you.
Taste of Lee is one of Lee County’s most beloved annual events. There’s no better way to bring people together than with food, and it’s incredible that the public gets to try the best of Lee County restaurants in one place. Gather the entire family, recruit your friends and make a day of it. There are food options for all types of palates and you’ll be downtown, too. Explore the shops and restaurants after you get your Taste of Lee. If you’re too full after the festival, you can get drinks at The Firestone Skybar & Martini Bar, Social House or any other of the unique bars.
Let us know what you think of Taste of Lee! Contact us today and book your vacation with a Fort Myers vacation rental today!
There is no shortage of Southwest Florida Halloween events every year. Our slice of paradise may not have the typical crisp fall weather but we do have tons of Halloween spirit.
From the traditional haunted walks, fall-themed walks and pumpkin patches, to a pet costume contest, low-key events for younger kids, and adult-friendly haunts, there is something available for ghouls and goblins of all ages at Florida Halloween events. Have some family fun or come up with a more adult-themed scare. You don’t have to visit a theme park or have the traditional fall weather to get into the Halloween spirit.

Try out the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium’s Haunted Walk. It may not be for the faint of heart or those who are afraid of the dark. You’ll walk the one-third-mile Pine Loop Trail, but we won’t tell you what’s lurking on the pitch-black trails.
Frightmare on 78 is the new name for Gator Mike’s haunted walk. The former Mike Greenwell’s Haunted Hike is still just as scary as it was in previous years and the new version is worth checking out.
The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers host the Wicked Walk every year. There are a variety of times available.
Visit the Naples Botanical Garden in Oct. for the Fall Walk. The garden is beautiful during the day, but there’s something special about seeing it at night. Enjoy a stroll through the lit garden, with live music and activities throughout.
Farmer Mike’s U Pick Corn Maze and Fall Festival is every Saturday, Friday and Thursday in October. There are food and drinks available to buy, photo opportunities, a haunted maze, games, a non-haunted maze, and a hayride. Glow sticks, flashlights, lanterns and costumes are all welcomed and accepted! The haunted maze is open and ready for scares at the end of October each year.
The North Naples Church hosts a pumpkin patch until Halloween, weekdays from 3 to 7 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pumpkins come in all sizes. Gourds and corn stalks will also be available.
Pick your pumpkins at Farmer Mike’s U Pick every Saturday, Thursday and Friday in October.
Stop by Southern Fresh Farms in Fort Myers during normal business hours and pick up a pumpkin or check out their Fall Festival and get a pumpkin there! In addition to pumpkins, there will be hayrides, vendors, food trucks, shaved ice, kettle corn, a barnyard petting zoo, hatchet throwing and a feeding pond with fish, ducks and a turtle.
Whether they have paws or claws, you and your furry friend are invited to come out in your costumes and vie for the top prize. The Promenade Pet Parade & Costume Contest is a great event each year. There will be prizes for the best pet costume, best family or group costumes, and best kids’ costume. The Gulf Coast Humane Society will also benefit from the event. The Promenade will be collecting pet food, treats, blankets and more. You can even adopt a pet on-site, if you’re looking for your next furry friend.
Get kids into music at the Hogwarts Halloween concert at at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. Kids can try different orchestra instruments, participate in the Halloween costume contest and see how much candy they get while trick-or-treating.
Kids love this popular event. Boo at the Zoo is at the Naples Zoo. Children in costumes get in for free. Kids will love the trick-or-treat trail, games, learning at the education station and participating in the costume contest.
Boo Bash at the Waterside Shops in Naples. Kids can look forward to trick-or-treating, jugglers, fancy characters, live music, stilt walkers and more.
St. Monica’s Trunk-or-Treat and Fall Festival is at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church in Naples. Celebrate Halloween and trick-or-treat with your kids in a safe space. Church parishioners will give out treats from their cars’ trunks or the backs of their SUVs. There will be food trucks, games, free popcorn and more.
Attend the all-ages Halloween costume party and pirate cruise from Salty Sam’s Marina. The event is in Fort Myers Beach. Kids are welcome to go trick-or-treating on the docks before setting sail on the pirate cruise. Prizes will be given to participants based on the best costumes.
Halloween Trunk-or-Treat is at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Fort Myers. The family-friendly event includes food, activities, trick-or-treating in the church parking lot and face painting. Church members decorate their car trunks and give candy to trick-or-treaters. Hamburgers, chips, hotdogs, popcorn and bottled water will be available until supplies last.
Day of the Dead Muertos Monster Mash is in Bonita Springs. Located at Shangri-La Springs is a haunted house, corn maze, mariachi band, live entertainment, bilingual DJ and a costume contest with prizes for children and adults. Participate in an altares de los muertos. The altares under the gazebo will be decorated with traditional items and beautiful flowers. Guests may add their own photos of loved ones, too.
Mall-O-Ween is at Miromar Outlets. Join the fun with karaoke, music, a costume contest, trick or treating and more.

The Center Bar at the Promenade hosts a Halloween party. Party with live music and drink specials all night along, plus prizes and giveaways.
Watch “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the New Phoenix Theatre in Fort Myers. Watch the story of Brad and Janet as they stumble upon a spooky mansion during a storm and meet a curious cast of characters like Riff Raff, the creepy butter, or Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite alien mad scientist.
The Naples 5K Monster Dash. Show up in your best costume or come as the best group or duo. Prizes are awarded to the best female and male runners.
Get into the spirit with a Halloween cruise and masquerade ball: There is a costume contest for best men, couples’ and women’s costumes.
Go see “Psycho” with live music See the film shown with its soundtrack performed by a live orchestra. The show is at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers.
Nice Guys Pizza is having a Horror Movie Night. Seating is first come first serve and guests should bring something to sit on. The restaurant provides snacks and drinks.
We have a variety of vacation rentals available all over the area to help accommodate whatever Southwest Florida Halloween event you choose. Bonita Springs and Cape Coral are great cities to visit because they are the most centrally located of all eight municipalities.
Whether you’re bringing the entire family or a large group of friends or you’re looking for a low-key adventure with your partner, Royal Shell offers rental homes in all shapes, sizes and colors. We can find what you want. Contact us today.
The Hobie 16 worlds championship sailboat races are back in the United States. And they’re not going just anywhere—they’re coming to Captiva Island.
More than 500 sailors compete in the Hobie 16 World Championship. They come from 25 countries and six continents. The Hobie 16 Worlds will feature three world championship disciplines—pen, Youth and Women’s—along with three additional disciplines: Great Grand Masters Cup, Masters Cup, and Masters Cup. The races begin at the north end of Captiva at South Seas Island Resort, and the public and the Southwest Florida community is invited to attend.
Royal Shell has vacation rental homes available at the resort along with a variety of homes to rent on the island itself. If you’re thinking about visiting for the competition, let one of our Vacation Planning Advisors know. We’ll try and accommodate you at South Seas if you’d like to be closer to the action, or we’ll work on finding you the perfect island bungalow, large single-family home on the beach, or anything in between. At Royal Shell, we give you the treatment you expect and the treatment you deserve.
The Hobie name comes from the company, Hobie Cat, known for making catamaran sailboats. It offers stand-up paddle boards, boats for both fishing and recreation, and kayaks. In the Hobie 16 World Championship, which began in 1976 in Honolulu, contestants compete on the brand’s signature 16-foot catamarans.

The Hobie 16 is a lightweight catamaran that features asymmetrical fiberglass hulls along with a dual-trapeze rig. It transformed multi-hull sailing in 1970 when it was initially released in Southern California. It now holds a proud spot in the Sailboat Hall of Fame. Some say it’s the most popular sailboat of all time. The Hobie 16 worlds let competitors compete in identical sailboats. The company does this to make sure there is a level playing field for everyone.
There are a couple of firsts to celebrate this year. This is the first time the championship has been held on Captiva and it’s the first time Cuba will be represented.
The water is clear on Captiva and life is simple, so it’s no surprise Hobie chose the island to bring the competition back to the United States. Captiva’s residents can teach you about Island Time and help you relax, slow down and enjoy your stay in paradise. The white sand is more powdery, shells are abundant and all types of water sports are celebrated here, especially sailing. This is just one of the reasons Captiva was chosen to host the Hobie 16 World Championship.
According to Sail-World.com, Hobie Cat CEO, Doug Skidmore, said, “Captiva Island is a perfect location for the Hobie 16 World Championships and South Seas Island Resort is the perfect host. The water, white sand beaches, weather, people and location offer some of the best sailing conditions I have seen. As a company, we are proud to be a major part of these world championships.”

Sailing experts, their families and their fans will travel to Captiva Island from all over the world. Lee County tourism officials hope this will help put Captiva and Sanibel Islands on sailors’ nautical charts, as more international visitors are exposed to it during the competition. Money spent from visitors will also help bolster the economy in an otherwise slow time of the year.
Whether you’re participating in the Hobie 16 worlds championship or you’re visiting as a spectator, Royal Shell has a variety of accommodations for you to take advantage of on the island. We offer all types of rental homes. If you’re looking for something cozy and romantic for just you and your partner, or you’re bringing the entire family or a large group of friends and need a larger estate home with Gulf of Mexico or bay views, our Vacation Planning Advisors can accommodate your needs for any type of property.
After the races, you can go for walks on the picturesque beaches, collect seashells and see a magical sunset at The Mucky Duck, which many argue are some of the best in the world. Grab a bite to eat at the eclectic The Bubble Room restaurant or go just to look at the décor. Believe us, this is one of the most popular restaurants on Captiva, and it’s not just for its food and gigantic slices of cake. The interior is full of kitschy items like vintage toys and Christmas decorations. After you’ve tried the cake at The Bubble Room, you can’t leave the island without grabbing a slice of famous key lime pie from the Keylime Bistro.
The annual Stone Crab Festival in Naples, Florida is a must event.
The three-day block party in October always starts at 5:30 p.m. with the traditional cracking of the first stone crab claw of the season. The festival is one of Naples’ annual festivals that really pays homage to the city’s roots. Founded in the 1800s, Naples was only accessible by water until 1915. In its earliest beginnings, Naples was a thriving boating and fishing community. Today, Tin City and other Old Naples waterfront communities are still thriving with local shops, restaurants, events, galleries, cruise boats, and of course, fishing. The free Stone Crab Festival in Naples kicks off the beginning of stone crab season as well as tourist season. People look forward to it and come out with the entire family every year.
The stone crab claws are provided by Pinchers. They come with a mustard sauce, although, depending on whom you ask, they taste just as good without it. And if you’ve never tried stone crab, the festival is a great chance for you to do so. For many seasonal residents, the festival is their “welcome back” to Naples, the breeze from the Gulf of Mexico and the abundance of warm sunshine.
After the cracking of the crab, attendees enjoy live music.
There are always fun activities for the kids, including the M&M’s ice cream eating contest, raffle prizes, the Freedom Waters Foundation Kids Corner filled with vendor booths with local art, activities, clothing, jewelry, Florida novelties, fresh stone crab claws, and other seafood dishes and treats from more than 20 restaurants.
Event organizers always expect about 25,000 to attend and enjoy some good old-fashioned seafood.
More than 15,000 pounds of stone crab claws would be served during the annual festival weekend.
The Stone Crab Festival in Naples is a great way to meet people and get to know the community. Even if you don’t like seafood, it’s still fun to visit Tin City, Bayfront, the Port of Naples and explore other parts of historic downtown Naples. In addition to stone crab, drinks and barbeque fare will also be available.

The local newspaper explored the history of stone crab season in Southwest Florida. The paper says the earliest mention on the record of stone crab season was in 1977. They are called stone crabs for the simple reason that under the water they look like river rocks. Their claws are also so powerful, they crush things like stones. In other words, you wouldn’t want to be on a stone crab’s bad side.
If the Stone Crab Festival in Naples, Florida sounds like something you’re interested in, we have a variety of vacation rentals in Naples from which to choose. Stay in a romantic bungalow on or near the beach. Or bring the entire family and stay in a breathtaking estate with Gulf of Mexico views.
Let us know if you’ve planned a vacation around the Stone Crab Festival in Naples, or if you’ve stumbled upon it another way. Enjoy the weather, the food and the camaraderie. Don’t forget to visit the beach, too! We hope you have a fantastic time in sunny Southwest Florida. If you have any questions, any of our vacation planning advisors can help. Contact us today. We make it easy so you can focus on creating lasting memories!
The name Roy Hobbs conjures up a few different things for people. If you’re a resident of Fort Myers in Southwest Florida, the Roy Hobbs Baseball World Series is probably the first thing that comes to mind. If you are an avid baseball lover, your focus is probably on Roy Hobbs, the fictitious baseball player. You know, the one played by Robert Redford in the 1980s movie, “The Natural.”
Each year, baseball players arrive in Fort Myers with their families to play in the annual Roy Hobbs Baseball World Series, which accommodates amateur players 35 years old and older. Baseball is our national pastime and the game of baseball holds a special place in the hearts of many. Whether you’re here for the weather, tagging along with one of the players, or for the game itself, the Roy Hobbs baseball tournament is one of the most popular annual events in Southwest Florida.
The Roy Hobbs annual world series tournament also helps boost Southwest Florida’s economy. People here for the tournament tend to spend more money on restaurants, things to do and places to stay while they’re in town. In 1993, 54 teams competed in the tournament. Now five times as many teams compete. It’s safe to say the Roy Hobbs World Series won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

If you are planning on playing in the tournament, why not bring the whole family along for the ride? After all, it is the perfect reason to plan a vacation. And with so many nearby cities to explore, from downtown Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach to Sanibel and Captiva Islands, you’ll always be able to find something to do.
Those participating in the World Series tournament can sign up for a locker room instead of changing into their uniforms at the hotel and driving to games in uniforms as many did back in Little League. With the choice to change in the locker room, players can really feel and play like big-leaguers. And if you’re a Boston Red Sox fan, this will be extra special. Those participating in the tournament who opt for the locker room can suit up and prepare for the game in the same place the Boston Red Sox used not long ago. Those players will also gain access to undeniable perks including professional trainers and professional baseball veterans who know how to prevent and treat injuries. Shoes will be shined and uniforms will be laundered and placed in players’ lockers for the next day. Players who choose the locker room perk will also be treated to a continental breakfast, post-game refreshments and between-game snacks. There is also a clubhouse for players’ companions.
The 2019 Roy Hobbs World Series will be the 31st overall Roy Hobbs World Series and the 27th held in Lee County. Each year the World Series continues to bring money into Southwest Florida’s economy. In 2005, its economic impact was $8 million. In 2010, it increased to $10.5 million and $15 million five years later in 2015.
There are a lot of factors that go into the economic boost. In 2017, 809 games were played in 28 days, and more than 4,000 baseballs were used. It’s also significant that the tournament is held in the months leading up to tourist season before Southwest Florida sees the tourism boom associated with the seasonal months of January to May.
The Roy Hobbs Baseball World Series helps people from all over get to know Fort Myers. And maybe they’ll tell a friend or two or five how much they love it.

Roy Hobbs Baseball began in California in 1988. In 1993, the organization was turned over to Ellen and Tom Giffen, who moved the event to Fort Myers—where it’s been ever since.
Players get to play in impressive venues, from the historic Terry Park to JetBlue Park, also known as Fenway South, the spring training home of the Boston Red Sox. Terry Park boasts four fields and significant history. At various times throughout the years, from 1925 through 1987, the park was the spring training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals and the Philadelphia A’s. Legends such as Jimmie Foxx, Lefty Grove, George Brett, Roberto Clemente and Bob Feller once played here.
The newest venue is Fenway South, where the Red Sox has practiced since 2012. It has the same dimensions as the Sox’s Boston home, Fenway Park, and it even features a replica of the Green Monster.
Players will also get to play at the City of Palms Park in downtown Fort Myers, along with Terry Park and Fenway South. Greats like Pedro Martinez, Nomar Garciaparra, Roger Clemens and Mo Vaughn have played here. It has a bit of superstitious luck associated with it, as it was the Red Sox’s spring training home when they broke the alleged Curse of the Bambino in 2004, winning the championship for the first time in 86 years.
If a trip to Fort Myers and some good old-fashioned baseball sound like the ultimate vacation, we can help you plan and make lasting memories for years to come. Whether you know someone participating in the Roy Hobbs Baseball World Series or you just love baseball and warm weather, we invite you to check out the popular annual event and book a Fort Myers vacation rental today. You can also come to visit us during Red Sox Fort Myers spring training baseball season. If you have any questions about the tournament or about Fort Myers, our Vacation Planning Advisors can help you out. Contact Royal Shell today.
For two weekends in October, you will feel like you’ve been transported to Munich, Germany, by way of Oktoberfest in Cape Coral. The annual event, put on by the German-American Social Club of Cape Coral, happens every October. Guests can try a variety of German fare, listen to live bands play German music, dance on two dance floors and sample a mouthwatering selection of German and domestic beer. There is plenty of free parking available, and children under 12 get in free. Oktoberfest Chair Juergen Wolfgang Schmidt said as many as 30,000 people come out for the two-weekend festival. This is the type of event people talk about for months, and itt’s one of Cape Coral’s most beloved events.
Cape Coral Oktoberfest is all about bringing people together with good food, freshly poured beer, a fun atmosphere, live music on three stages, and two dance floors. Look for the vendor selling traditional German clothes if you really want to get in the spirit. The festival features German favorites like knackwurst, bratwurst, schweinshaxe, schnitzel, currywurst and sauerbraten. Guests can expect to see the same German staples at Oktoberfest Cape Coral every year. There’s also carnival food and rides for the kids to enjoy. Where else can the whole family fully embrace German culture in Southwest Florida?

Oktoberfest in Cape Coral happens every October. This year’s Oktoberfest in Cape Coral takes place over two weekends, October 20-22 & 27-29, 2023. It occurs at the German-American Social Club of Cape Coral, 2101 Southwest Pine Island Road.
There are several large tents guests can sit under to enjoy their meal, a glass of beer and live entertainment. Set in Bavarian Biergarten, there are also plenty of benches to rest on as well. Local bands perform every year.

Sit-down dinners in the von Steuben Hall include:
Vendor food menu:

The tradition of Oktoberfest in Germany started in 1810 when King Ludwig I married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Munich’s citizens attended the festivities. Horse races signaled the end of the event. They were held again the next year and quickly became an annual event, marking the beginning of the tradition of Oktoberfest. The horse races are no longer part of the tradition, but another one did survive. The first Agricultural Show was held a year later in 1811. It was designed to help boost the country’s agricultural efforts. Now, it occurs every three years.
A carousel and two swings were built in 1818, along with a few small beer stands, which were replaced by beer tents and halls in 1896. The rest of the festival site became a type of carnival. Guests will enjoy roller coasters, carousels, a concert, and special German traditions.
The German-American Social Club of Cape Coral was founded in 1964. The club’s mission is to: “Promote good fellowship with a variety of social activities, to perpetuate traditional German festivals such as Oktoberfest, Karneval, Costume Balls, Folk Dances, etc., and to stimulate interest in the German language and customs.”
The German-American Social Club also features everything from Gartenfests to formal and masquerade balls. There is dinner and dancing every Friday night, and non-members are invited, too.
Whether you’re here for Oktoberfest in Cape Coral or you’ve stumbled upon it during your vacation to Southwest Florida or The Cape, this is one of the area’s most popular events. It’s a two-weekend party the entire family can enjoy. It features authentic German music, food and beer—not to mention clothing for men and women. Come out, have a good time, create precious, fun memories with your loved ones and meet new people! While you’re here it also doesn’t hurt to stay in luxury Fort Myers vacation rentals. Contact us today to book your vacation!
The Roar Offshore powerboat racing event always make a big splash on Fort Myers Beach It was a popular race series in the mid-2000s and is bigger and better than ever.
Enjoy the beautiful town of Fort Myers Beach and watch powerboats whoosh by you at a cool 180 mph. There are events and parties celebrating the offshore powerboat races. See the boats up close, meet like-minded boat lovers and enjoy a true Southwest Florida vacation by the water.
A winner is crowned at the end of the national championship race. There are typically more than 60 racing teams.
Spectators will be able to catch a glimpse of the national race from anywhere along Fort Myers Beach, from mid-island to the pier.
Along with the Offshore Powerboat Association Nationals, the RoarOffshore Racing event on Fort Myers Beach is the last of the six-race American Power Boat Association (APBA) Offshore Championship Series.
The Roar Offshore Powerboat Race wouldn’t have been possible without Mike Shepherd, Tim Hill and his wife, Cyndee.

The organizers of the offshore powerboat racing event have been promoting it since last year. There are also a number of events you and your loved ones can enjoy a few days before the race starts on Oct. 10. Arrive a few days early and there will be plenty for you and your loved ones to do.

The race’s organizers estimate that the race will bring up to 70,000 spectators to Fort Myers Beach. Not to mention adding upwards of $6 million back into the local economy.
If you’re visiting Southwest Florida for the Roar Offshore Powerboat Races, there is no better place to stay than in Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals. You won’t be far from the action and all of the celebrations leading up to to the race, and you may even be able to catch a view of the race from your vacation rental.
When you’re not watching the race or attending an award ceremony, don’t be shy — check out the water. Try a Southwest Florida boat rental from Port Sanibel Marina, or a shelling and lunch excursion to Cayo Costa. The weather is beautiful in October. Take advantage of it when you’re not enjoying the race and let us know what adventures you find. If you need help planning a memorable vacation, our Vacation Planning Advisors are happy to help! Contact us and book a vacation today.
One of Southwest Florida’s hidden gems is the Island Hopper Songwriter Festival. The 10-day event honors songwriters and crooners with impressive talent, featuring low-key music with a country vibe.
The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is spread out over four different locations, unlike other music festivals that last longer than a few days. It’s comfortable, affordable, and rejuvenating. Explore this beautiful slice of paradise while discovering tons of new music. A vacation doesn’t get much better than this.

The annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is also the biggest festival in Southwest Florida that’s dedicated to all things songwriters. The best part? The event is mostly free, save for a few performances that require tickets.
Island Hopper began in 2014 and continues to grow each year. With venues downtown near Fort Myers vacation rentals, Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals, Captiva Island vacation rentals, and Cape Coral, the annual Island Hopper Festival gives everyone a chance to catch a variety of musical acts.
The festival, which takes place September 19-28, 2025, also helps boost the local economy. Each year, local shops and restaurants see an uptick in business during the event, and it gives Southwest Florida visitors a chance to see what this part of the Sunshine State is all about.
The festival is presented by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), iHeartMedia, and BMI. It’s meant to bring people together through music while shining a spotlight on area bars and restaurants. Attendees will be able to enjoy nearly 60 artists, most of which are free and in small, intimate venues across downtown Fort Myers, Captiva Island, Cape Coral, and Fort Myers Beach.
This year’s headliner is Chris Young, the multi-platinum country artist and Grand Ole Opry member, with 14 No. 1 singles and over nine billion global streams. Past featured artists include Scotty McCreery, Kristian Bush, Chris Janson, Gone West, Jerrod Niemann, Rodney Atkins, and Ryan Hurd. Check back every year to learn about the exciting music lineup!

Royal Shell has a variety of rental homes available on Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, and in Fort Myers. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether you’re coming with a lot of friends and family or you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a low-key retreat with close friends and family, Royal Shell can accommodate any vacation. Our Vacation Planning Advisors offer optimal customer service, can help you plan your vacation, and can answer any questions you have about the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest.
For more information, you can also download the official Island Hopper mobile app for iOS and Android devices. You can use it to purchase tickets for select performances, look up artist information, updates and alerts, and performance times and venues.
Now that Memorial Day and Independence Day are over, there’s only one summer holiday left to enjoy. With a variety of things to do in Florida for Labor Day Weekend, you should have no problem planning a fun-filled and memorable vacation. The kiddos may be back in school, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a long weekend romantic getaway or unforgettable time with friends and loved ones.
Here are 8 things to do in Florida for Labor Day Weekend:

There are a variety of events throughout Southwest Florida, so whether you’re staying in Naples to the South or Fort Myers to the North, you should have no problem finding a variety of things to do for Labor Day Weekend.
Spend the day shopping at the Promenade at Bonita Bay, located at 26795 South Bay Drive in Bonita Springs.
Get to know your history at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. The homes are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and children 12 and younger get in free for the self-guided audio tour. This is how it works: One child gets free admission per each paid adult ticket. The Edison & Ford Winter Estates are located at 3583 McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers.
Visit the Bass Pro Shops Labor Day Festival at Gulf Coast Town Center. On Sept. 1 from noon to 5 p.m. and on Sept. 2, noon to 4 p.m., the retail store hosts a Labor Day celebration. The event features face painting, family activities, an archery challenge, bait toss, duck pond, free hot dogs from noon to 2 p.m. both days, free samples of funnel cake and cotton candy from 1-4 p.m. both days, crafts and workshops for the adults.
Luckily, Southwest Florida is so diverse; there are a variety of fun things to do on Labor Day no matter where you end up staying. For a truly Florida-style Labor Day Weekend, embrace the Sunshine State and all that it has to offer.
Is it really a Florida vacation if you don’t go shelling? The types of shells you’ll find depend on the beach’s location, the tide and whether or not there was a storm the night before. You may not be able to find the same shells on the same day at the same beach, but that’s part of the magic and allure of collecting seashells. Sanibel and Captiva Island are some of the best shelling destinations in the world. This is because Sanibel and Captiva’s southern currents help a variety of shells wash up on the shore. Sanibel’s east-west torque of its eastern end also works as a spoon to scoop up shells from deeper Gulf of Mexico waters. The gentle surf then deposits them on Sanibel’s coastline for shellers to find.
Florida is known for its picturesque sunsets and they are even better when they’re experienced on the water in the company of your loved ones. Any of our Vacation Planning Advisors can tell you where to find Southwest Florida boat rentals. Go on the water for a day and end it with a sunset, explore the islands around you and take in the area’s natural surroundings and breathe a sigh of relief—because you’re on vacation! If you prefer to let someone else take the wheel, you may choose from a variety of cruises leaving the docks of area marinas. Relax while you take in the views and learn about dolphins, manatees, alligators and other denizens of the deep.
If you have younger children and teenagers with you, they’d love a day at the local waterpark. Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral, FL is a great family-friendly option if you’re looking for things to do in Florida for Labor Day Weekend. There is a gift shop, a few options for food, a lazy river, 14 acres of waterslides and a kids’ play area.
Lovers Key State Park is more than just a beach. There is a picnic area, canoe and kayak rentals, and restroom facilities. There are also three barrier islands to explore, whether you embark on a tour with a park ranger or you decide to rent a watercraft yourself. Or you can enjoy five miles of trails on your own by bicycle or on foot.

For many people, Labor Day Weekend is the last hurrah before fall begins. There are so many things to do in Florida for Labor Day weekend to keep you occupied. Book a last minute holiday getaway today with Royal Shell today. Call us today.
Visit Southwest Florida and stay in any of our breathtaking vacation rental homes. There are a variety of things to do in Florida for Labor Day Weekend, and now that you have this guide, we hope you’ll take advantage of as many Labor Day activities as you can. Our Vacation Planning Advisors can help you plan the ultimate vacation so you have the perfect time! Grab a craft beer or a glass of wine and relax. Don’t forget to enjoy the sunset, too.