Fort Myers Art Walk Pulls in Thousands, Gets $288,500 in City Money for 2026

City officials supported a $288,500 funding package on Oct. 6, 2025, for the River District Alliance's upcoming events. The monthly Art Walk, which drew massive crowds downtown on Oct. 3, 2025, stands as the group's main attraction.

Each month's first Friday transforms the River District into a buzzing arts scene from 5 to 9 p.m. The latest gathering filled First Street and Hendry Street's main square with 70 street performers, craft makers, and musicians.

President and CEO Lisa Sbuttoni works with Event Coordinator Lauri Langone to make it happen. "The entire city benefits, as we hear many people tell us that our monthly events are a big reason they moved to this area," Langone wrote in an email, according to Gulfshore Business.

A 2023 study showed Fort Myers arts groups generated $98.7 million in 2022. This cash flow created 1,932 jobs and brought in $17.4 million in taxes.

The monthly tradition started small in 2008. Andy Howl, Jamie Kuser, Claudia Goode, David Acevedo and Terry Tincher wanted to keep visitors coming during street work. Their simple idea grew into something big.

Only major disruptions have stopped the shows, like the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020 and a few storm cancellations.