Big Parades in Small Towns

From generation to generation, traditions are passed down with some getting lost or forgotten. But, some stay and we are so happy about that. One of our favorite Southwest Florida traditions is the small-town parade.

Lawn chairs line the sidewalk walk along the parade route as spectators of all ages get ready for a procession of colorful floats, music, choreographed dances, and so much more. In small towns all across America, family and friends, residents and visitors, get together to celebrate annual events and holidays in this fun and creative spectacle.

Parades are a great way to learn more about any town. The participants and themes reflect the culture of the community. With businesses, schools, non-profits, and community organizations involved in these annual events, parade-goers get to see all of the various groups that make up their towns and neighborhoods.

Southwest Florida has a full schedule of annual parades that bring out the best in the towns along Florida’s Gulf Coast. They are all fun-filled community-building events and make for one-of-a-kind experiences for visitors.

We have listed parades taking place in and near Naples in 2019. Plan your vacation around one of these great small town events.

*We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARADES
March through December 2019

PARADISE COAST

Marco Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Hooley
Sunday, March 3, 2019 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Veterans Park 901 Park Avenue, Marco Island, FL
https://www.cityofmarcoisland.com/parksrec/page/st-patricks-day-parade-and-hooley

The parade begins at 1:00 p.m. with activities and festivities to follow afterward.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Fifth
Saturday, March 16, 2019 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Fifth Avenue South 701 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, FL
http://naplesparade.com/

One of the largest in Florida, this parade draws thousands of people to downtown Naples each year to celebrate Irish heritage and Irish culture in America.

Everglades City Independence Day Celebration
2019 Date TBD
208 South Copeland Avenue, Everglades City, FL
http://www.evergladeshistorical.org/

This fun event for the whole family kicks off the 4th of July celebrations on the Paradise Coast. Watch the parade then enjoy a variety of games, arts and crafts, music, food, raffles, and more.

photo credit: Luca Martinez

Naples July 4th Parade
July 4, 2019 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Downtown Naples
https://www.naplesgov.com/

Bring the family and enjoy the annual Naples 4th of July parade. Floats start their parade route on Broad Avenue South and make their way down 5th Avenue South and 8th Street South near Cambier Park.

Swamp Buggy Parade
November 2019 – Exact Date TBD
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Between Fleischmann Blvd and Third Ave. S., Naples, FL
https://www.facebook.com/OriginalSwampBuggyRacingUSA/

This annual Southwest Florida tradition – which has featured local celebrities and dignitaries, marching and string bands, pageant winners, dance troupes, floats, antique cars, cartoon characters and of course our famous Racing Swamp Buggies – kicks off the tourist vacation season for Southwest Florida and is a great community-building event in the City of Naples.

Holiday Boat Parade at The Village Shops at Venetian Way
2019 Parade Date TBD
Village Shops on Venetian Bay 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples, FL
http://venetianvillage.com/events/category/the-village/

Join us for a Village tradition for a procession of boats making their way down Venetian Bay.

Enjoy live entertainment and fun for the whole family, including: face painting, balloon art, holiday carolers, stories with Mrs. Claus and a special appearance by Santa Claus.

Naples Christmas Parade
2019 Parade Date TBD
Fifth Avenue South Downtown Naples, 701 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, FL
https://www.naplesgov.com

This annual event features floats, fire engines, school groups, school bands, dance troupes, scout troops, civic groups, and so much more bring this annual tradition to life! And, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Marco Island Christmas Island Style Boat Parade
2019 Parade Date TBD
The Esplanade 760 N. Collier Blvd. Marco Island, FL
http://www.christmasislandstyle.com/

Enjoy a wonderful festive family evening. Watch the boats sail by, decked out with festive holiday lights and decorations!

Isles of Capri Christmas Eve Golf Cart Parade
2019 Parade Date TBD
6:15 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
https://www.paradisecoast.com/event/isles-capri-christmas-eve-golf-cart-parade/4657

This Southwest Florida must-see event and an Isles of Capri tradition. Join the fun as spectators line the streets to see dozens of brightly lit golf carts parade by. The parade route encompasses the entire Isles of Capri neighborhood so every resident and guest will have a chance to view this spectacular and festive event.

NORTH OF THE NAPLES AREA

Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival Parade
Saturday, March 9, 2019 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
2755 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL
https://fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com/event/parade/

This 2-mile long parade runs the Fort Myers’ main boulevard, Estero Blvd, with a router from the beach school to Lynn Hall Memorial Park and Festival Grounds on the beach. Parade goers can watch from the sides of the parade route and catch prizes from the floats that are thrown.

Fort Myers Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 16, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Santini Marina Plaza Shops 7205 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL
https://www.fortmyersbeach.org/events/st-patricks-day-parade/

Celebrate Irish Heritage at this annual event beginning at 10:00 a.m. The route will be from Santini Marina Plaza North on Estero Blvd. to the Church of the Ascension.

PRIDE Cape Coral Parade
April 6, 2019 5:30 p.m.
Cape Coral Entertainment District 919-901 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL
https://www.facebook.com/events/1977974605832641/

Cape Coral’s inaugural PRIDE celebration takes place on Saturday and Sunday, April 6-7, 2019. PRIDE Cape Coral kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Saturday with the PRIDE Parade, followed by live entertainment on the big stage. The evening features a wide range of talent from local and national performers. This event is hosted by South Cape Hospitality & Entertainment Associations, in conjunction with PRIDE Southwest Florida.

Star Spangled Bonita
July, 4, 2019, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Riverside Park 10450 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs, FL
http://www.cityofbonitasprings.org/events/

The City of Bonita Springs will celebrate Independence Day during the “Star Spangled Bonita” celebration, which will take place July 4th. There will be a children’s amusement area which will include a giant water slide, bounce house, amusement rides, slip-n-slide, water tag, train rides, face painting, and more.

4th of July Parade on Fort Myers Beach
July 4, 2019 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL
https://www.fortmyersbeach.org/events/

Celebrate our great nation and town pride as the Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July parade makes it way down Estero Blvd. with its colorful floats and costumed participants!

Annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade
December 7, 2019, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
North Matanzas Pass Matanzas Pass, Fort Myers Beach, FL
https://www.fortmyersbeach.org/events/christmas-boat-parade/

Over 30 decorated boats participated in last year’s parade, and this year promises to be even more exciting. The parade passes by many notable Fort Myers Beach establishments, so check out the route by following the link to determine where you can enjoy the fun.

Mark your calendars for the first parade in Naples for 2020:

12th Annual Pets on Third Parade and Pet Fest
January 19, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. with the parade taking place at 12:00 p.m.
http://thirdstreetsouth.com/pets-on-third/

Pets on Third fills the area with pets of many sorts as well as boutiques and services that relate to their health and well-being. Themed Parade with prizes and other activities make for a joyous time.