Edison Festival of Light

06/11/2026

💡Why? Why is the Edison Festival of Light so special to Fort Myers, Florida?💡

Because it is more than a celebration. It is a spark that’s been lighting up our community for generations. Rooted in the legacy of Thomas Edison, whose winter home still graces our city, the festival pays tribute to innovation, ingenuity, and the spirit that helped shape Fort Myers into the vibrant place we know today.

From lively, hands-on community events like STEMtastic and the tail wagging fun of the Mutt Strutt, to the heart pumping 5K to the glow of the Grand Parade, this festival is a living story. A story that connects our past to our present.

What makes it truly special isn’t just the history, it is the people. Neighbors lining the streets, families making memories, local organizations coming together, it is a reminder of the power of community and the pride we share in calling Fort Myers home.

So, why should YOU sponsor?
Because it is your chance to be part of something bigger. Sponsoring the Edison Festival of Light means shining alongside a tradition that unites thousands, amplifying your impact while supporting the culture, connection, and community spirit that makes Fort Myers illuminate.

Find details here: https://edisonfestival.org/get-involved/be-a-sponsor/ and follow along for sponsorship and festival updates.

Partner With The Edison Festival of Light Become a part of Southwest Florida’s largest and longest running festival. This celebration of innovation, tradition and education illuminates one of the fastest growing regions in the country each February, which is part of the largest quarter in regards ...

04/02/2026

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news. We’ve been nominated for the Nonprofit of the Year award at SWFL Inc. INCredible Awards! This recognition means the world to us, and we couldn’t have done it without your support.

02/23/2026

Missed the 88th Annual Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade?

Good news!! You can still catch every float, every light, and every big moment. 🎉✨

Thanks to Gulf Coast News, the full recorded broadcast is available to stream on the Very Local app. So whether you were out of town, stuck at work, or just want to relive the magic — we’ve got you covered.

📺 Watch the replay here:
https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/watch-edison-festival-light-grand-parade-stream/70449123

Tag someone who needs to see this 👇
And tell us your favorite parade moment if you were there! 💡🎶

Fort Myers sparkled Saturday night. Rewatch the Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade on demand now in the Very Local Gulf Coast app.

02/22/2026

Last night’s 88th Annual Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade was one for the books… and now it’s time for the drumroll 🥁

After an incredible showing from all 15 Lee County high school bands, the Battle of the Bands winner has officially been decided!

✨ The Winner of the 2026 Edison Festival of Light Battle of the Bands is North Fort Myers High School! ✨

The North Fort Myers High School Red Knight Marching Band brought the energy, the sound, and the showmanship to downtown Fort Myers last night. Their performance lit up the parade route and clearly made a lasting impression on the crowd!

Congratulations to the Red Knights on an incredible performance, and a huge shoutout to every band who participated in this year’s parade. The talent across Lee County was unmatched, and we are so proud of the dedication these students put into representing their schools and our community.

We can’t wait to see what you all bring next year! 🎺🎶💡

02/22/2026

Last night’s 88th Annual Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade was absolutely incredible.

Downtown Fort Myers came alive as families, friends, and neighbors from all walks of life gathered together to celebrate the legacy of Thomas Edison and the innovation that helped shape our city. As part of the largest and longest-running festival in Southwest Florida, this beloved tradition continues to unite our community year after year in the most magical way.

With VIP and Street Seats completely sold out and the streets packed with thousands of spectators, the energy along the parade route was unforgettable. From the glowing, creatively designed floats to the incredible marching bands, local organizations, cultural groups, and businesses that participated, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The smiles, the laughter, the music, and yes… even the bubbles floating through the night air made it an evening to remember for kids and adults alike.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of so many who work tirelessly behind the scenes. A huge thank you to our volunteers, sponsors, the City of Fort Myers, Fort Myers Police Department, Fort Myers Fire Department, event staff, float builders, performers, parade participants, and every single person who showed up to support and celebrate this amazing tradition with us.

This parade is more than just a nighttime celebration, it’s a reflection of the heart of our community. And last night, it truly shined.

Thank you for lighting up Fort Myers with us! 💡✨

02/22/2026

02/22/2026

02/22/2026

The energy. The lights. The sound of the horns echoing down the street. 🎺✨

Now it’s YOUR turn to make some noise and now you get to decide who takes the crown in the Battle of the Bands!

Show your support. Back your favorite. Bragging rights are on the line. 👏

Cast your vote today at https://edisonfestival.org/battle-of-the-bands/ and help your favorite marching band shine!

Voting closes tonight at midnight!

02/21/2026

Hey everyone, we know parking for the Edison Festival of Light can be confusing and stressful, and we totally get the questions and frustration from folks trying to plan their day. We don’t manage parking or control the road closures that go into effect in downtown Fort Myers, so we can’t change how they’re set up, we just want to help you navigate them as smoothly as possible.

Because streets start shutting down well before the parade begins and garages fill up fast, arriving early is your best bet if you want a good shot at a closer parking spot before access gets limited. Once closures happen, finding a space or leaving the area can become a real challenge.

Before the Grand Parade even begins, the Edison Festival of Light 5K takes place along the parade route. In order to safely set up barricades, staging, timing equipment, and emergency access points, roads must close well in advance of both the 5K and the parade. These early closures aren’t arbitrary — they’re necessary to safely prepare for tens of thousands of participants and spectators.

We’re grateful for your patience and excited to celebrate together. A little early planning goes a long way toward making it a great night for everyone.

02/21/2026

🎉 Today’s the day! 🎉
The 88th Annual Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade lights up downtown tonight at 7PM! ✨🚒🎶

It’s going to be an unforgettable evening, so grab your friends, bring your family, and come ready to celebrate!

🚧 Plan ahead: Roads and parking garages will begin closing at 2:30PM, so arrive early to secure your spot and avoid the rush.

🏃‍♂️ The 5K kicks off at 5:15PM
⭐ VIP access opens at 5:30PM
🪑 Street Seats open at 5PM
🍻 Beer vendors will be credit card only (no cash accepted)

This is more than a parade, it’s a tradition 88 years strong. Let’s pack the streets and make it a night to remember!

Who are you bringing with you? 👇🎆