As spring arrives, Sanibel Captiva welcomes the new season with several events for island natives and visitors alike. Most island getaways are content to let the pleasures of paradise delight those who come to the island. That is not the case in Sanibel Captiva. A recent travel survey shows that locations offering community activities tend to be the places people like to visit again. Sanibel Captiva offers many events that allow island residents to mix, meet and mingle with guests.
The Sanibel Music Festival is held every Tuesday and Saturday during the month of March at 8pm on both days. The event brings accomplished and award-winning musicians from around the world to the Sanibel Congregational Church at 2050 Periwinkle Way. Live performances are the highlight of the event, which also includes refreshments.
The Black Maria Film & Video Festival at Big Art is named after the world's first movie studio created by Thomas Edison and showcases a collection of contemporary award-winning films on Monday, March 21st. It Runs in the Family is a show that will run at Big Arts from March 21st through 26th and feature the farce of Ray Cooney. Admission is $30 per child, with children under 16 paying $20.
Starting on Wednesday, March 30th Estates and Captiva Cruises will be offering boat cruises from Captiva Island to Edison & Ford Winter Estates. The cruise will include a tour of the estate. Tickets are $60 for adults and $50 for children for members. Non-members pay $10 extra.
The Spring Festival will officially welcome spring to the island on Saturday, April 3rd. Children can get an early start on Easter with Easter egg hunts and other activities at Sanibel City Park. Other activities include a bounce house, pony rides and face painting. Word on the island is that the Easter Bunny will make an appearance and be available for photos. The fee is $10 with an armband allowing access to all activities. Proceeds go to the Children's Education Center, which benefits schools on the island. An Easter parade is planned for Easter Sunday on April 24th.
