Edison & Ford Winter Estates
Tour historic winter homes, botanical gardens, the museum and Edison’s laboratory along McGregor Boulevard.
Visitor information ↗ARTS, HISTORY & ENTERTAINMENT
Cape Coral and Lee County cultural attractions
Plan museum visits, live theater, concerts, gallery outings and family experiences across Cape Coral, Fort Myers and the islands—with direct links to official schedules and visitor information.
Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery
See a local Cape Coral distillery and learn about its small-batch Florida rum production during an official tour.
Tours and details ↗
IMAG History & Science Center
Interactive science, live-animal and regional-history experiences make this a practical family attraction.
Official visitor information ↗MAJOR LIVE-PERFORMANCE DESTINATIONS
Broadway touring productions and dinner theater
BARBARA B. MANN AT FSW
Touring Broadway, concerts, comedy and more
The 1,874-seat Fort Myers hall presents national touring productions and year-round entertainment. The venue lists free general parking, with paid valet options; confirm event-specific details before departure.
BROADWAY PALM
Dinner and a professional stage production
Broadway Palm pairs musicals, concerts and smaller Off Broadway productions with dining options. Its official FAQ lists free on-site parking; menus, meal formats and show schedules vary.
IN CAPE CORAL
Local history, theater and creative arts
Cape Coral Museum of History
544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape CoralCape Coral’s development, Native American history, the former Cape Coral Gardens, military exhibits and historic structures.
Official information & schedule ↗Cultural Park Theatre
528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape CoralCommunity theater with main-stage productions, concerts, original works, educational programs and special events.
Official information & schedule ↗Cape Coral Art League
516 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape CoralExhibitions, workshops and year-round art instruction for adults and youth.
Official information & schedule ↗Cape Coral Art Center
4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape CoralCity-operated visual-arts facility offering classes, workshops, galleries and creative programs.
Official information & schedule ↗Cultural Park campus
Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape CoralA convenient cluster containing the history museum, theater and art league, with public park space nearby.
Official information & schedule ↗Cape Coral special events
Multiple Cape Coral locationsCity events include concerts, Culture Fest, Music & Arts Fusion Walk, movies in the park and seasonal celebrations.
Official information & schedule ↗Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery
131 SW 3rd Place, Cape CoralFamily-run Cape Coral distillery producing small-batch spirits from Florida sugar cane. Reserve an official tour and tasting; age restrictions apply.
Official information & schedule ↗SIGNATURE CAPE CORAL EVENTS
Fireworks, holiday traditions and the boat parade
Red, White & BOOM
Free Independence Day celebration near the Cape Coral Bridge with major entertainment, family activities and fireworks over the Caloosahatchee.
Official event updates ↗Holiday Nights on the Lawn
City holiday celebration with lighting ceremonies, food, vendors, family activities and scheduled entertainment.
Official event updates ↗Holiday Boat-a-Long
Cape Coral’s holiday boat parade with shoreside entertainment and family activities. Parade route, registration and viewing details change by year.
Official event updates ↗
A FORT MYERS LANDMARK9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.Current daily hours listed by the Estates 4:30 p.m.Current last-admission time 2350 McGregor Blvd.Fort Myers · on-site visitor parking
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
The 20-acre riverfront site brings together Thomas Edison’s and Henry Ford’s winter homes, historic gardens, Edison’s botanical research laboratory and a museum filled with inventions, automobiles and regional history.
Events throughout the year
The official calendar includes changing exhibitions, garden talks and tours, music programs, antique and specialty car shows, adult education, children’s STEAM camps, member events and seasonal traditions such as Holiday Nights. Dates and ticket requirements change, so use the live calendar.
Hours, programs and admission can change. Confirm directly before visiting.THE RIVER DISTRICTArt WalkMonthly gallery and street activity; verify the current event calendar. Music WalkLive music at participating venues and public spaces on scheduled evenings. Historic architectureExplore First Street, the downtown historic district and landmark civic buildings. Waterfront & diningCaloosahatchee views, Centennial Park, restaurants and event venues.
Downtown Fort Myers
Brick-lined streets connect early-20th-century architecture with restaurants, galleries, boutiques, performance spaces, waterfront parks and public art. The district is easy to combine with the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, IMAG or an evening performance.
FORT MYERS & THE ISLANDS
Museums, major stages and memorable attractions
Edison & Ford Winter Estates
2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort MyersHistoric winter homes, botanical gardens, museum and laboratory associated with Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.
Official information & tickets ↗IMAG History & Science Center
2000 Cranford Ave, Fort MyersInteractive science and regional-history exhibits with family programming and live-animal experiences.
Official information & tickets ↗Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort MyersSouthwest Florida’s large performing-arts hall for touring Broadway, concerts, comedy and symphonic programming.
Official information & tickets ↗Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort MyersProfessional musicals and entertainment paired with buffet-style dining; schedules and ticket packages vary.
Official information & tickets ↗Alliance for the Arts
10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort MyersVisual and performing arts campus with exhibitions, theater, classes, workshops and community events.
Official information & tickets ↗Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
2301 First St, Fort MyersHistoric River District venue presenting exhibitions, concerts, performances and cultural events.
Official information & tickets ↗Caloosa Sound Amphitheater
2000 W First St, Fort MyersRiverfront outdoor venue hosting concerts and community events; event access and seating rules vary.
Official information & tickets ↗Mound House
451 Connecticut St, Fort Myers BeachHistoric home and museum interpreting the Calusa, archaeology and the cultural history of Estero Island.
Official information & tickets ↗Railroad Museum of South Florida
7330 Gladiolus Dr, Fort MyersRailroad exhibits and a miniature train experience at Lakes Regional Park; confirm operating days before visiting.
Official information & tickets ↗Manatee Park
10901 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort MyersNon-captive warm-water refuge with viewing areas and educational programming. Sightings are most likely when Gulf water is cold—typically late December through March—and are never guaranteed.
Official information & tickets ↗FARMERS MARKETS
Shop local around Cape Coral and Lee County
Market schedules are seasonal and weather-sensitive. Use the linked organizer page for the date you plan to attend.
Cape Coral Farmers Market
Club Square at SE 47th Terrace & SE 10th PlaceProduce, prepared foods, local products, crafts and seasonal live music. The organizer lists free market and side-street parking, including accessible spaces.
Verify current market schedule ↗Sanibel Island Farmers Market
Sanibel City Hall · 800 Dunlop RoadSeasonal island market featuring local food, agricultural products and handcrafted goods. Confirm island travel and parking conditions before departure.
Verify current market schedule ↗Captiva Island Farmers Market
Near the entrance to South SeasSeasonal market with produce, food and artisan vendors. Dates, access and parking are especially important to verify before an island trip.
Verify current market schedule ↗Lakes Park Farmers Market
Lakes Regional Park · Fort MyersA seasonal park market with produce, specialty foods, crafts and live music on selected dates. County park parking rules apply.
Verify current market schedule ↗Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market
First Street & Broadway · River DistrictMarket vendors along the historic downtown streets. The 2026 program is evolving, so verify dates and its current footprint.
Verify current market schedule ↗Alliance for the Arts GreenMarket
10091 McGregor Boulevard · Fort MyersA community market pairing local growers and makers with the Alliance’s arts campus and event programming.
Verify current market schedule ↗MEET PEOPLE & LEARN THE CAPE$60Individual membership listed for 2026 $120Couples membership listed for 2026 1st ThursdayGeneral meeting schedule listed for 2026
New Resident Club of Cape Coral
The club helps full-time and part-time Cape Coral residents build friendships through new-member groups, socials, activities, monthly meetings and local-interest speakers. Members are placed with others joining at about the same time, creating a ready-made social group within the larger club.
Membership prices, meeting locations and schedules can change. The club’s official site says membership is lifelong, with voting and board eligibility during the first three years.
MAKE A DAY OF IT
Pair culture with the waterfront lifestyle
Combine a matinee or museum visit with the River District, Cape Harbour, Tarpon Point or a nearby park. The site’s restaurant and parks maps can help complete the day.
Verify before visiting
Schedules, exhibitions, ticket prices, parking, accessibility, age restrictions and operating status can change. Use each venue’s official link for current details. Inclusion is informational and is not a ranking or endorsement.
PERSONAL WATERFRONT HELP
Want to live near the cultural and waterfront destinations you enjoy?
Steve can help compare Cape Coral and Lee County neighborhoods by lifestyle, drive time, boating access and real estate priorities.