Edison Festival of Light – Light Parade & Family Festival in Fort Myers

Man waving on a brightly lit vehicle at the Edison Festival of Light in Fort Myers. He is accompanied by a group of musicians and fireworks at night.

Fort Myers Celebrates Thomas Edison with Light, Music, and Community

The Edison Festival of Light is the largest nighttime light festival in the Southeast USA, held annually in Fort Myers every February. It honors the legacy of Thomas Alva Edison, who had his winter home here. The festival offers two weeks of family-friendly events, including parades, science and garden fairs, a 5K run, and more.

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Festival Highlights

  • Grand Parade of Light (10:00 PM): Repeatedly recognized as the largest night parade in the Southeast, this two-hour extravaganza features national participants and local marching bands, floats, government and law enforcement units, clowns, and much more. The entire Southwest Florida community comes together to celebrate the life and achievements of our local winter resident, Thomas Edison. Spectators come from near and far to enjoy the event and often begin reserving their viewing spots weeks in advance!

    While the event is free for spectators, there are two ticketing options available. The first is “Street Seats,” organized by local nonprofits through the festival, offering reserved seating. The second option is VIP tickets, sold online and at the Edison Festival of Light office, which include food and beverages.
  • 5K Run: A run through the festively lit Downtown Fort Myers with over 1,400 participants.
  • Junior Parade: Florida's largest youth parade with over 100 groups, including school bands and creative floats.
  • Crafts on the River: Art and craft market along Edwards Drive featuring local exhibitors.
  • Classic Car Show: Exhibition of vintage cars along Edwards Drive.

Visitor Information

Photos & Impressions

Man waving on a brightly lit vehicle at the Edison Festival of Light in Fort Myers. He is accompanied by a group of musicians and fireworks at night.
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The image shows the Edison Festival of Lights 2019 with a house decorated with string lights and a festive inscription, symbolizing innovation and community.
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A decorated carnival float in the dark, adorned with lights and designed as a boat on a street.
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An illuminated American Red Cross parade float adorned with lights and a large red cross moves through the streets in a nighttime parade.
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Night parade featuring an illuminated yellow vehicle on a float, accompanied by pedestrians.
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An illuminated float with a large dragonfly figure during a night parade.
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Festively lit carnival float driving down a street at night, decorated with colorful lights and paper lanterns, accompanied by costumed individuals.
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Image of a colorful carnival parade at night with a decorated float and participants in costumes.
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A purple convertible is displayed on a festively decorated float at a parade. The float is adorned with lights and glitter, while spectators sit by the roadside.
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Street scene at night with a marching band in uniforms playing drums and other instruments.
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Small vehicle with flags driving past spectators at night.
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A red vintage convertible car drives along the street during a nighttime parade, with spectators on the sidewalk.
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A lit-up red car with blue wheel lights drives past a crowd at night.
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Night parade with decorated miniature cars and spectators.
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A nighttime parade with people in blue outfits marching on a lit sidewalk.
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A red Jeep, decorated with lights, drives on a street at night. Buildings and blurred people are visible in the background.
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Nighttime photo of a festive parade with brightly lit vehicles and trailers in vibrant colors.
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A festively decorated truck with string lights participates in a nighttime street parade, with people lining the street.
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Fire trucks at night parade on illuminated street, people watching.
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A fire truck with the text 'Supporting Women Racing Awareness' drives through a city at night with illuminated buildings in the background. People are wearing lights and costumes.
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A group of people in uniform carry various flags during a parade on a nighttime street.
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A decorated float with bright lights and American flags during a night parade.
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Night scene of a parade with a large, illuminated vehicle carrying people driving on the street, while spectators sit at the roadside.
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Night scene of a busy street with decorative lights, illuminated trucks, and signs indicating a parade.
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Illuminated float with flames and a cabin, promoting wildfire prevention.
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A red pickup truck driving on a street at night, surrounded by spectators.
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A nighttime parade with a large illuminated truck, followed by a festively decorated trailer, moving through a city street. People are walking alongside the truck.
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An illuminated parade float at night featuring a stage where a band is performing. American flags and colorful smoke clouds enhance the scene.
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A group of people marching at a nighttime parade in a city on a lit street.
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A large fireworks display lights up the night sky over a city, with clear white and golden trails impressively appearing above the buildings.
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Nighttime fireworks over a harbor with boats and illuminated trees in the background.
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Nighttime fireworks over a marina with a dark sky and reflecting water.
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