Edison Festival of Lights 2025 in Florida

The Edison Festival of Light is an annual event that honors Thomas Edison, a winter resident of Fort Myers. It celebrates innovation, community spirit, and cultural history. The festival features multiple activities, including the Grand Parade of Light and various other events to commemorate Edison’s achievements.

Schedule of Events

The Edison Festival of Light is Southwest Florida’s largest and longest-running festival. It features a variety of events, including STEMtastic Day of Discovery, Mutt Strutt, Craft Beer Festival, Food Truck Festival, Junior Parade, Junior Fun Run, Craft Show, 5K Race, and the Grand Parade. The Edison Garden Festival, held at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, showcases numerous garden vendors, along with music, food, and activities for children. Additionally, the Thomas Alva Edison Kiwanis Science & Engineering Fair encourages thousands of students from across Southwest Florida to engage in independent research projects beyond their classroom studies.

STEMtastic Day of Discovery & Mutt Strutt (February 8, 2025)

STEMtastic Day of Discovery, held from 10 am to 2 pm at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center, is an award-winning event where children and families can experience Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and the Arts in an engaging atmosphere. Mutt Strutt, also from 10 am to 2 pm, takes place at Centennial Park & Hendry Street. This event brings together dog lovers, families, vendors, and pet agencies for a day of fun, featuring wiener dog races, a Pet Parade, and dogs and owners dressed in costumes or festive bling.

Junior Parade & Fun Run (February 9, 2025)

The Junior Parade, from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm in the Downtown River District, is Florida’s largest youth parade, showcasing the talents of hundreds of Southwest Florida children and their families. Over 100 units, including floats, marching bands, street performers, clowns, and dignitaries, participate in the parade. Following the parade, participants and their families gather at the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center for awards and the crowning of the Junior King and Queen. Before the parade, the Junior Fun Run takes place from 12 pm to 1 pm on First Street in the Downtown River District. This event invites children in grades five and below to demonstrate their determination and pride.

Grand Parade of Light (February 15, 2025)

The Grand Parade, held from 7 pm to 10 pm on Edwards Drive in the Downtown River District, is the largest night parade in the Southeast. This two-hour extravaganza features national participants, local marching bands, floats, government and law enforcement officials, clowns, and more. Additionally, on February 15, the 5K Run starts at 5:15 pm.

Crafts on the River & Car Show (February 15-16, 2025)

Crafts on the River, held at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, turns Downtown Fort Myers into a craft lover’s paradise during the three-day Edison Festival event. Exhibitors showcase a wide range of hand-crafted items. On February 16, the Classic Car Show takes place in the Downtown River District. Hundreds of classic vehicles line Edwards Drive, offering a day of nostalgia and pride. Visitors can cruise in with their classic cars, browse others, meet owners, and enjoy food, beverages, and the Crafts on the River event.

History of Edison Festival of Lights

In 1885, Thomas Edison built a winter home in Fort Myers, Florida, where he supported local charities until his death in 1931. The Edison Pageant of Light began in 1938 to honor him with a ball, parade, and concert. It grew from a three-day event to two weeks. In 1989, the Edison Festival of Light, Inc. was created to manage the expanding celebrations and engage the Fort Myers community.