Mermaid Fest March 27-28, 2027

Overview

Mermaid Fest returns to Fort Myers Beach at Times Square, an upgrade from the previous location at Lover's Key, which was damaged by hurricanes. This boutique festival will feature no more than 50 artists with limited booth spaces, creating opportunities to connect with shoppers. The focus is on handmade and artist-designed items, craft, unique gifts, and creative work. There is no music, alcohol, or food—focus is solely on art, craft, and unique gifts.

Event Details

• Dates: Saturday & Sunday, March 27-28, 2027
• Hours: 10am to 5pm
• Location: Times Square, Fort Myers Beach, Florida (downtown, North side of island)
• Setup: Saturday 6:30am to 9am; all vehicles must be off festival footprint by 9am
• Booth spaces: Approximately 10' wide by 10' deep with at least 2 feet between booths; booth-and-a-half and double booths available on limited basis
• Only 81 booth spaces available

Eligibility & Categories

Open to emerging artists of all levels. Artists may apply in up to 2 categories. Each event is juried separately; participation in one event does not guarantee acceptance to others. Categories are capped with no more than 25% jewelry.

Accepted Work Types

• Artist—made by my hands
• Artist—production/studio work with no more than 2 assistants
• Artist—studio work with more than 2 assistants
• Craft—made by my own hands
• Craft—production/studio work with no more than 2 assistants
• Inventor—created an innovative concept put into production
• Designer—creates all designs and images utilized in final creation
• Other (describe)—includes fair trade and anything not made by your hands
• Sponsor—service businesses (limited to 4-6 spaces; starting $600)

Application Requirements

Minimum 4 images required. Artists are selected through jury review by a panel of experts. Booth display must reflect the pictures submitted for jurying; if display changes, updated photos must be sent. Booth checks conducted Friday morning.

Fees

• Early Bird Application Jury Fee: $15 if paid before January 27, 2027
• Application Jury Fee: $25 if paid after January 27, 2027

Booth & Display Requirements

• All artist exhibitor tents must be white (exception: branded sponsor booths)
• No cheap camping tents; pop-up tents not recommended due to wind/rain risk
• If using EZ UP or umbrella-type pop-up tent, minimum 40 pounds per leg (160 pounds total) required
• Displays must be professional and pleasing to the eye; no handmade signs
• Booth space should reflect your creativity
• No chairs or displays in walkways or obstructing neighbors without show director approval

Load In & Amenities

• Designated reserved unloading area
• Staff support on location throughout event
• Participating artists listed on Facebook event page
• Marketing & advertising: social media ads, posters, rack cards, local tourism websites, area signs, and print ads

Additional Event Dates

• Holly Jolly Market: December 19-20, 2026
• Fort Myers Festival of the Arts: January 23-24, 2027
• Mermaid Fest: March 27-28, 2027