Edison Parade 2026: What You Need to Know About the Fort Myers Event

The annual Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade returns to downtown Fort Myers on February 21, 2026.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, one of the biggest night parades in the Southeastern United States, is set to return to downtown Fort Myers on February 21, 2026. The parade will feature around 150-160 units, including 15 high-school marching bands, 60 floats, and the popular Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Motorcycle Drill Team leading the procession. The Mexican dance group Bailes Folkloricos y Danzas de México will also make a comeback after skipping last year's event.

Why it matters

The Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade is a long-standing tradition in Fort Myers, attracting thousands of spectators to the downtown area every year. The parade celebrates the legacy of Thomas Edison, the famous inventor who spent his winters in Fort Myers, and serves as a major community event that brings the city together.

The details

The parade will start at 7 p.m. on February 21, 2026, and travel from Fort Myers High School to Cleveland Avenue, then move north along Cleveland and through the streets of downtown Fort Myers. The parade is expected to last two to three hours. Highlights include the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Motorcycle Drill Team leading the parade, the return of the Mexican dance group Bailes Folkloricos y Danzas de México, and a 10-minute fireworks show near the intersection of Main and Hendry streets.

  • The parade starts at 7 p.m. on February 21, 2026.
  • The parade is expected to last two to three hours.
  • Fireworks will light up the sky near the intersection of Main and Hendry streets, lasting about 10 minutes.

The players

John Taylor

Co-chair of the Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade.

Frank Sherkus

Co-chair of the Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade.

Sam Sirianni Jr.

Retired Fort Myers High football coach and this year's grand marshal.

Tiara Brown

World champion boxer and this year's honorary grand marshal.

Bailes Folkloricos y Danzas de México

A Mexican dance group that is returning to the parade after skipping last year's event.

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What they’re saying

“We're feeling really good about it.”

— John Taylor, Co-chair of the Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade (news-press.com)

“We're actually putting them in the front of the parade and they're going to kick it off... I don't think they've ever been the very first unit, but they've been close.”

— John Taylor, Co-chair of the Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade (news-press.com)

“We're thrilled to have them back. They are a fun group that people really enjoy.”

— John Taylor, Co-chair of the Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade (news-press.com)

“The Edison Festival of Light is a staple that we can't take for granted. We must pass it from generation to generation. It encapsulates the traditions and history that give Fort Myers its identity.”

— Sam Sirianni Jr., Retired Fort Myers High football coach and grand marshal (news-press.com)

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

The Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade is a beloved community event in Fort Myers that celebrates the city's history and traditions. Despite changes over the years, the parade remains a cherished tradition that brings thousands of spectators to the downtown area each February.