The Cape Coral Arts & Music Festival has established itself as one of Southwest Florida's most significant cultural events, drawing over 140,000 visitors annually to celebrate visual arts, crafts, and live music in a festival setting that spans two days each January. Organized by the Rotary Club of Cape Coral, the event showcases the work of more than 200 juried artists and artisans selected from across the country, representing disciplines including ceramic arts, digital media, drawings, fiber arts, glass, jewelry, metalworks, mixed media, paintings, photography, sculpture, wearables, and woodcraft.

The 41st edition of the festival takes place January 10-11, 2026, along Cape Coral Parkway, with Saturday hours from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday hours from 10 AM to 4 PM. The festival's layout features artist booths, a Business Showcase, ArtWay on the Parkway (dedicated to student artwork), and a variety of food vendors alongside the main artistic programming. The combination of professional and emerging artists creates a diverse marketplace where visitors can discover original work at all price points and skill levels.

Beyond the visual arts, the festival incorporates live music performances throughout the weekend, featuring genres that range from rock and roll to gospel. This integration of music with fine arts reflects the festival's commitment to presenting a comprehensive cultural experience. The event has gained recognition beyond Southwest Florida, being voted Best Outdoor Event by Gulfshore Life Magazine and ranked as the 5th best art festival in the nation, according to the festival's awards and accolades.

The festival extends its reach through a virtual component that continues through the end of January, allowing those unable to attend in person to explore and purchase artwork online. This hybrid approach has helped the Cape Coral Arts & Music Festival become accessible to a broader audience while maintaining the energy and community connection that define its in-person experience. Food vendors, craft beverages, and non-profit booths add layers of community engagement, making it as much a social gathering as an artistic marketplace.