Edison Fest 2026 events: Ultimate guide to parades, car shows and more

The 88th-annual Edison Festival of Light in Fort Myers offers almost three weeks of fun, including car shows, a garden festival, a sing-along concert, a 5K race and a pet parade.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 4:31am

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The Edison Fest parades pack downtown Fort Myers with smiling spectators. But there's more to the festival than just floats and marching bands. The 88th-annual event — which starts Feb. 3 and continues through Feb. 22 —offers almost three weeks of fun, including car shows, a garden festival, a sing-along concert, a 5K race and a pet parade.

Why it matters

The Edison Festival of Light is Fort Myers' biggest annual event, honoring the city's most famous winter resident, legendary inventor Thomas Edison. The festival celebrates Edison's legacy and connection to the city, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

The details

The Edison Fest Junior Parade and the Edison Fest Grand Parade are the main attractions, but the festival also includes a variety of other events such as a car show on Henry Ford's former lawn, a garden festival, a STEM showcase, a pet parade, a 5K race, and a craft fair. Many of the events take place at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, where Edison and his friend Henry Ford once lived.

  • The 88th-annual Edison Festival of Light runs from February 3 to February 22, 2026.
  • The Mina Edison Sing-Along Concert takes place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
  • The Edison Car Show is on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
  • Thomas Edison's birthday party is on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The Edison Garden Festival is on Saturday and Sunday, February 14-15, 2026.

The players

Thomas Edison

A legendary inventor who was a part-time resident of Fort Myers and is the namesake of the annual Edison Festival of Light.

Henry Ford

An automobile manufacturer who was a friend of Thomas Edison and also had a winter home in Fort Myers, located next door to Edison's.

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates

A popular Fort Myers tourist attraction that includes the former homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.

Sam Sirianni Jr.

The grand marshal of the 2026 Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, who recently retired as the longtime football coach for Fort Myers High School.

Tiara Brown

The honorary grand marshal of the 2026 Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, who is a Fort Myers native and world champion boxer.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.