Estero fest returns saturday with free family fun, food trucks and live music

ESTERO, Fla. — A full day of food, music, and family fun is returning to Southwest Florida as Estero Fest kicks off this weekend.

Leaders with the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce stopped by WINK News during a recent WINK Listens event in Estero, sharing a preview of what the community can expect at this year’s festival — and why it continues to grow.

Estero Fest is happening Saturday, March 21, with festivities starting at 1 p.m. Organizers say the event is designed to bring the community together while showcasing local businesses and organizations.

The day begins with a business expo from 1 to 5 p.m., giving residents a chance to connect with vendors from across the greater Estero area. Throughout the afternoon, families can enjoy activities like bounce houses, face painting, and interactive experiences for kids, along with a variety of food trucks.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office will also be on site, bringing its mounted patrol horses for the community to see up close.

Organizers say the event has something for everyone — and that’s exactly the goal.

“We have food trucks, we have bounce houses, face painting — you name it, we’ll probably have it at this event,” said Cliff Brand, President of the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce. “And we just make it a fun-filled day for our community, bring everybody together and just make it an enjoyable time.”

The festival continues into the evening with live entertainment, including a concert after 5 p.m. from local artist Ben Allen, who gained national attention as a Top 10 finalist on The Voice.

Another major draw for attendees: the event is completely free.

“everybody’s welcome to come out and enjoy, see all the businesses, and just enjoy some good music later in the day,” Brand said.

Organizers say Estero Fest has become a staple in the community, offering a chance for residents to connect, support local businesses, and spend time together in a fun, family-friendly environment.