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Live music is back in a big way. The Island Hopper Songwriter Festival in Fort Myers brings big names to Southwest Florida each fall. No matter whether you want to dance downtown or sit back with great music on the beach, this music festival promises a great time.
Musicians from Nashville and beyond come to the Island Hopper Songwriter Festival in Fort Myers. From headline favorites to undiscovered up-and-comers, this 10-day event promises a great time. You’ll see great musicians perform in Cape Coral, Downtown Fort Myers, and Fort Myers Beach. You can even cross the causeway to hear great music on Captiva Island during the festival.
The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest can really make your Southwest Florida vacation sing. Get the information you need to plan a great trip with live music and much more.
What Makes the Island Hopper Songwriter Festival in Fort Myers Special?
Music lovers from all over the country come to the annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. Why? It’s a whole vibe on its own. While you might not know the names of some of the festival’s performers, you’ll definitely know their music. Many performers at the annual event are premier singer-songwriters from Nashville and other music hot spots.
Great Artists With Their Own Voice
What makes the Island Hopper Songwriter Festival in Fort Myers special? You’ll hear the writers of song’s made famous by country music’s biggest names belt out songs in their own voice.
This means you will likely hear songs recorded by artists like Willie Nelson, Barbara Streisand, George Strait, Kenny Rogers, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Kellie Pickler, and others. While these great artists put their heart and soul into their performances, there’s nothing like hearing great songs performed by writers who put their emotions into the music and lyrics.
Award-Winning Fun
The Island Hopper Songwriter Festival promises a great time, and it has won the awards to prove it. This annual music fest has been designated a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society. Additionally, the festival has won multiple Sunsational Awards from the Florida Festival & Events Association.
Many Shows are Free
Another terrific thing about the Island Hopper Fest? Paid tickets are only required for a handful of shows, making most events and concerts completely free.
How is such a renowned festival free? It was great sponsors. Sponsors for the 2023 festival include the Lee County Tourist Development Council, BMI, and iHeartMedia.
All of this means that the Island Hopper Festival is a great time and makes for a can’t-miss event.
Where is the Island Hopper Songwriter Festival in Fort Myers?
Each year, the Island Hopper Songwriter Festival takes place over many venues in 4 distinct areas. The festival usually starts at venues on Captiva Island, then crosses the causeway with dates in Downtown Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach.
The 2023 Island Hopper Festival will occur from September 22 – October 1. Dates and locations are:
- Captiva Island: Sept 22 – Sept 24, 2023
- Cape Coral: Sept 25 – Sept 26, 2023
- Downtown Fort Myers: Sept 27 – Sept 28, 2023
- Fort Myers Beach: Sept 29 – Oct 1, 2023
Music venues in Downtown Fort Myers include:
- City Tavern
- Luminary Hotel
- Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
- Social House
- The Banyan Hotel
Music venues on Captiva Island include:
- ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa
- Captiva Cruises
- The Mucky Duck
- RC Otter’s
- The Green Flash
Music venues in Cape Coral include:
- Gather
- High Tide Social House
- Nauti Mermaid Dockside Bar & Grill
Music venues at Fort Myers Beach include:
- Bayside Park
- Cabañas Beach Bar & Grille
- Lighthouse Tiki Bar & Grill
- Matanzas on the Bay
- Mound House
- Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina
When Can I Check Out the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest?
The annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is held each autumn in Southwest Florida. The 2023 festival will take place from Sept. 22 – Oct. 1, with daytime and evening shows.
If you can’t wait until September to check out the music, there’s an easy fix. Consider checking out Songs from the Sofa on Facebook. This page, run by festival organizers, features weekly live-stream broadcasts from Island Hopper artists and other talented folks.
What Else Is There to Do in Fort Myers?
You’ll find so much to do in Fort Myers! Fort Myers and the rest of Southwest Florida are well known for their rich nature and history. You’ll find miles of beautiful beaches for shelling and sunshine just over the causeway on Sanibel and Captiva Islands.
Some top things to do in Fort Myers include:
- Step back in time at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates
- Exploring the area by water with a Fort Myers boat rental
- Take a stroll down the Pier at Fort Myers Beach
- Grab a bite at a fine restaurant in the Fort Myers District
- Explore art studios and galleries downtown
- Find a new favorite beer on a Fort Myers brewery tour
No matter how you want to enjoy Southwest Florida, you’ll find it in Fort Myers. With so much to do and explore, you’ll find that the Island Hopper Songwriter Festival is just part of a great experience in and around Fort Myers.
Make the Day Special with Port Sanibel Marina and Royal Shell
Are you ready to make the Island Hopper Songwriter Festival in Fort Myers part of your Southwest Florida vacation? You’ll need the perfect home base to enjoy the music and more. Consider booking a fully furnished condo or other vacation homes through Royal Shell Vacation Rentals.
Looking for a more inclusive Southwest Florida experience? Consider Sundial Beach Resort and Spa on Sanibel Island. No matter how you want to relax and enjoy, you’ll find it here. Fine dining, lavish amenities, endless opportunities for recreation, and flawless white sand beaches await!
Regardless of where you stay, make Port Sanibel Marina part of your adventure. You’ll find the marina is the perfect place to enjoy the region’s blue-green Gulf waters. This “Old Florida” style marina features a lush landscape, marble bathrooms with showers to rejuvenate after a day on the water, laundry, dining, and more. Contact Port Sanibel Marina today and get ready to enjoy everything Southwest Florida has to offer. From great live music to a lively art scene to great fishing, you’ll find what you need to make a lifetime of memories here in paradise.
