November brings some of Southwest Florida’s biggest annual events, from the Florida International Air Show and American Sand Sculpting Championship to Veterans Day observances, Thanksgiving races and the start of the holiday season. This guide highlights events across Marco Island, Naples, Sanibel, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers Beach and Fort Myers.
November 2026 Events at a Glance
Date | Featured event | Area |
|---|---|---|
November 1 | Salute to Service and Sacrifice | Cape Coral |
November 7 | Veterans Day Parade and Illuminations Parade | Cape Coral / Fort Myers Beach |
November 7–8 | Florida International Air Show | Punta Gorda |
November 11 | Veterans Day Ceremony and Memorial Dedication | Marco Island |
November 14 | Rookery Bay Classic Car Show | Naples |
November 14–15 | Mega Asian Food & Music Festival | Bonita Springs |
November 19–21 | BIG ARTS Documentary Film Festival | Sanibel |
November 19–23 | American Sand Sculpting Championship | Fort Myers Beach |
November 21–22 | Coconut Point Art Festival | Estero |
November 23 | Christmas on Third Tree Lighting | Naples |
November 26 | Thanksgiving Day 5Ks | Naples, Estero and Fort Myers |
November 28 | Festival of Misfit Toys and Classic Car Fest | Fort Myers / Cape Coral |
Marco Island
Veterans Day Ceremony & Vietnam Veterans Memorial Dedication
When: Wednesday, November 11, 11 a.m.
Where: Veterans Community Park, 901 Park Avenue, Marco Island
Admission: Free
American Legion Post 404 will dedicate Marco Island’s new Vietnam Veterans Memorial during a public Veterans Day ceremony. The program is expected to include flyovers and remarks from Gen. Tim McVey. View event details.
Sanibel
BIG ARTS Documentary Film Festival
When: Thursday–Saturday, November 19–21; opening reception Thursday at 6 p.m.
Where: BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
Admission: Ticketed
The three-day festival features five documentary screenings, receptions and filmmaker question-and-answer sessions with Justin Schein and Eden Wurmfeld. View the festival schedule and tickets.
Naples
Rookery Bay Classic Car Show
When: Saturday, November 14, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Florida SouthWestern State College, 7505 Grand Lely Drive, Naples
Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for ages 4–12; free for ages 3 and younger
More than 100 antique, classic, muscle, exotic and high-performance vehicles will be joined by vendors, entertainment and family-friendly activities. Admission includes same-day entry to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center at 300 Tower Road. Dogs are welcome at the car show. View official event details.
Christmas on Third Street South: Tree Lighting
When: Monday, November 23, 6–9 p.m.
Where: Third Street South, Old Naples
Admission: Free
The 49th annual Christmas on Third celebration begins with Santa’s arrival, the tree lighting, holiday music and Naples-style snowfall. Seasonal music and nightly snowfall continue Tuesday through Saturday during Thanksgiving week, with no programming on Thanksgiving Day. View event details.
Thanksgiving Day 5Ks
When: Thursday, November 26, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Where: Village Shops on Venetian Bay or downtown Naples near Cambier Park
Admission: Registration required
Naples runners can choose between two Thanksgiving traditions: the 25th annual Gobble Gobble 5K along Gulf Shore Boulevard or the Gulf Coast Runners Thanksgiving race through downtown Naples. The GCR event also includes a one-mile walk and free children’s races. Gobble Gobble 5K details | GCR race details.
Bonita Springs & Estero
Mega Asian Food & Music Festival
When: Saturday and Sunday, November 14–15, noon–9 p.m.
Where: 28001 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs
Admission: Free admission and parking
Explore a large Asian street-food market featuring regional dishes, cultural performances, dance and live entertainment. View event details.
Coconut Point Art Festival
When: Saturday and Sunday, November 21–22, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Coconut Point, Estero
Admission: Free
The 16th annual juried outdoor show brings artists from across the country to Estero with sculpture, painting, photography, jewelry, ceramics and other original work. View official festival details.
Thanksgiving Day 5K at Hertz Arena
When: Thursday, November 26, 7–9 a.m.
Where: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero
Admission: Registration required
The 12th annual chip-timed Thanksgiving Day run and walk offers Estero and Bonita Springs residents a convenient way to begin the holiday. View event details.
Fort Myers Beach
Illuminations Parade
When: Saturday, November 7, 5:30–8 p.m.
Where: Begins near Sandy Bottoms, 2301 Estero Boulevard, and travels north toward Bayside Park
Admission: Free for spectators
Glowing costumes, lanterns and illuminated displays move down Estero Boulevard in this family-friendly walking parade celebrating island creativity and community. View official event details.
36th Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship
When: Thursday–Monday, November 19–23, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
Where: DiamondHead Beach Resort, Fort Myers Beach
Admission: Thursday is free; ticketed November 20–23; children 3 and younger are free daily
Master and advanced amateur sculptors transform the beach for “Stars, Stripes & Sand: Sculpting the American Story.” The five-day championship also includes demonstrations, entertainment, food vendors and a children’s sand-play area. View official event details and tickets.
Fort Myers
47th Annual Turkey Trot
When: Thursday, November 26, 7:30 a.m.
Where: Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers
Admission: $40 for the 5K; $10 for the Tot Trot; advance registration required
One of Southwest Florida’s longest-running Thanksgiving traditions returns with a course that begins on McGregor Boulevard and finishes at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Race-day registration will not be available. View official race details.
Festival of Misfit Toys
When: Saturday, November 28, noon–10 p.m.
Where: Bay Street Yard, 2136 Bay Street, downtown Fort Myers
Admission: Free; new toy donations encouraged
This all-ages holiday festival combines live entertainment with a community toy drive. Bring a new toy to help support local children during the holidays. View event details.
Frequently Asked Questions About November Events in Southwest Florida
What are the biggest Southwest Florida events in November 2026?
Major November events include the Florida International Air Show in Punta Gorda, the American Sand Sculpting Championship on Fort Myers Beach, the Coconut Point Art Festival in Estero and Christmas on Third in Naples.
What free November events are happening in Southwest Florida?
Free options include Cape Coral’s Veterans Day events, the Fort Myers Beach Illuminations Parade, the Mega Asian Food & Music Festival, Coconut Point Art Festival, Christmas on Third tree lighting and Festival of Misfit Toys. Purchases, donations or paid add-ons may still be available.
Where are the Thanksgiving turkey trots in Southwest Florida?
Thanksgiving Day races are scheduled in Naples, Estero and Fort Myers on Thursday, November 26. Advance registration is recommended and may be required.
Are there family-friendly November events in Southwest Florida?
Yes. Families can attend the air show, sand-sculpting championship, art festival, holiday tree lighting, parades, car shows and children’s races. Check each organizer’s rules, ticket requirements and weather policies before attending.
Experience the Southwest Florida Lifestyle
November is one of the best times to explore Southwest Florida’s communities, outdoor spaces and seasonal traditions. If spending time here has you thinking about a move, explore homes and neighborhoods with Gabriele Vretta at John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate.
Schedules, performers, admission prices and availability can change. Confirm current details with the event organizer before attending.
