The largest night parade in the Southeast U.S. is set to light up downtown Fort Myers on Saturday, February 15, as part of the two-week-long Edison Festival of Light that honors inventor Thomas Edison.
Related video above: Police emphasize safety at parade
The two-hour Grand Parade of Light is from 7 -1o p.m. and starts in the downtown River District.
The illuminated grand parade features an array of participants, including national and local marching bands, decorated floats, local government and law enforcement officials, and even clowns. You can even catch the Gulf Coast News team.
The parade celebrates the legacy of Thomas Edison and the vibrant spirit of Southwest Florida.
The event is part of the annual Edison Festival of Light , an iconic tradition that draws thousands of spectators each year.
Grand Parade Route
The parade begins at Fort Myers High School, proceeds along US-41, and concludes in the downtown River District. A short fireworks display is planned as the parade approaches the intersection of Main and Hendry streets.
Road Closures for 5K and Parade
Road closures begin at 5 p.m. on parade day, affecting areas along Cleveland Avenue and throughout downtown Fort Myers. It's advisable to arrive before 5 p.m. to secure parking and navigate the area more easily. Parking is available in downtown garages, such as the Main Street and Harborside garages.
Weather
The weather is shaping up to be warm, clear and dry for the Grande Parade of Light in Fort Myers Saturday evening. Temperatures will settle into the upper-70s as the parade begins, with only a gradual cool down into the mid-70s as the parade wraps up by 10 p.m. The good news is you can leave the rain gear at home. Saturday night looks dry all across the Gulf Coast.
Edison Festival of Light Events
February 1
-
Antique Car Show (9AM & 2PM)
- Classic cars on display at Edison & Ford Winter Estates
- Includes food trucks and live music
-
Thomas Alva Edison Kiwanis Science & Engineering Fair (9AM – 4:30PM)
- Regional science fair at Alico Arena for Southwest Florida students
February 4
-
Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing (1PM & 4PM)
- Annual hymn sing at First Presbyterian Church, Downtown Fort Myers
- Accepting canned goods and cash donations for The Soup Kitchen
February 8
-
STEMtastic Day of Discovery (10AM – 2PM)
- Hands-on STEM and arts event at Caloosa Sound Convention Center
-
Mutt Strutt (11AM – 3PM)
- Dog-friendly event at Centennial Park with pet parade, vendors & races
February 8 & 9
-
Edison Garden Festival (9AM – 4PM)
- Over 100 garden vendors, food trucks, and music at Edison & Ford Winter Estates
February 9
-
Junior Fun Run (12PM – 1PM)
- Kids’ race for grades five and below in Downtown River District
-
Junior Parade (1:30PM – 3:30PM)
- Florida’s largest youth parade featuring floats, bands, and performers
-
Junior Coronation & Awards (After Junior Parade)
- Crowning of Junior King & Queen at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
February 11
-
Thomas Edison’s Birthday Celebration (10AM)
- Cake and music at Edison & Ford Winter Estates (free event, no tours included)
February 15
-
5K Run (5:15PM Start)
- Downtown River District race with 1,400+ runners
-
Edison Festival of Light Parade Party (4PM – 11PM)
- Pre-parade party at Millennial Brewing with food trucks & drinks
-
Grand Parade of Light (7PM – 10PM)
- Largest night parade in the Southeast with floats, bands & performers
-
Grand Parade VIP Tent (5:30PM – End of Parade)
- Exclusive seating, gourmet food, and live DJ at Edwards & Hendry
February 15 & 16
-
Crafts on the River (10AM – 5PM)
- Art & craft festival along Edwards Drive
February 16
-
Classic Car Show (10AM – 3PM)
- Vintage car exhibition along Edwards Drive with food and crafts
For more information, visit the Edison Festival of Light website .