The heart of Fort Myers is alive with color, music, and creativity as ArtFest kicks off, drawing thousands to its vibrant streets.From captivating orchestra performances to stunning oil paintings, the festival offers an immersive experience for both art lovers and casual visitors. Attendees like Brent Cooley found themselves enchanted by the atmosphere."I love it. I was almost seduced by the orchestra," Cooley said, as melodies filled the air. "When we've been all of them. But this seems to be the biggest I've ever seen."For many, the real attraction lies in the visual artistry."I'm really drawn to the oil paintings displayed here and the talent everyone has," said festival visitor Jacquelyn Serak.With dozens of artists showcasing their work, the event offers a unique chance to connect with creators and even take home a piece of the festival. The weekend-long celebration is expected to bring in more than 70,000 people, according to Fort Myers City Councilmember Diana Giraldo."Not many festivals around the area can bring that amount of people," Giraldo said.Among the artists is Shah Hadjebi, who specializes in capturing the natural beauty of Sanibel through his paintings."There's nothing like doing what you love to make a living," Hadjebi said while showcasing his work.Anthony Murrill, another featured artist, emphasized the joy of meeting festivalgoers."There's been a lot of people, and it's been fun to talk to them," he said.ArtFest runs through Sunday, offering visitors plenty of time to experience the creativity, culture, and community spirit that make this event a local favorite.