A Safety First Approach

The safety, comfort, and well-being of our artists, attendees, volunteers and staff is our top priority.

For the past several months, our team has been hard at work integrating new protocols across all aspects of the art festival to ensure we can deliver our traditional experiences to you as safely as possible. We have worked in conjunction with national and state health guidelines; festival & event trade associations; medical professionals and local government to create a comprehensive safety plan that is intended to mitigate risks as much as possible so we may gather and enjoy the art festival.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have learned a great deal about how transmission occurs and we have adapted our plans accordingly. We believe strongly that the arts should be there for those who wish to enjoy them and so we are doing everything in our power to make it so. With that being said, we recognize that each of us has a different level of safety with regards to engaging in activities. We encourage you to read through this page to determine your own level of comfort as we are aware this is a deeply personal topic with many mitigating factors.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please email us at Support@ArtFestFortMyers.com. Thank you for your continued support and patience as we navigate this new challenging time together.

A New Attendee Experience

We are implementing new protocols to help make your experience as smooth and as safe as possible. Some things may look a little different – but no worries! The artists and activities are still great.

Masks Required

Masks are required for everyone while on the art festival site starting at the entry gates. And on the ArtFest trollies if you chose to use them to and from parking areas. Artsy mask or plain mask, just be sure to cover your mouth & your nose when on the art festival site.

We’d love to see you BUT please stay home if

• You have any of the COVID-19 symptoms such as difficulty breathing, fever (over 100°F), chills, muscle aches or pain, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell, or
• You have tested positive within 14 days of the art festival, or
• You have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive within 14 days of the art festival.

If you feel any COVID-19 symptoms while you are at the art festival, please leave, get tested, and isolate to prevent spread.

Limited Crowd Size

If you have been to ArtFest in past years, you know it can be really crowded. Well, not in 2021! We are creating a smaller gathering for everyone's safety.

Access will be limited to create social distance – the festival will have a barricaded perimeter and there will be five entrance gates to control crowd flow.

You’ll need a timed ticket to enter the festival. We suggest you get it in advance to avoid creating lines at the gates. Here’s the good news: once you are at the festival, you can stay as long as you want.

Artist booths will be spread out, with a minimum of 6 feet between all tents for everyone’s enjoyment.

Tickets & Arrival

Please purchase your ticket in advance to avoid creating lines at the gates and get the best deal! There are only 1,250 tickets available for each half-hour entrance time. When they are sold out you will need to select a different entry time.

Early bird savings! Tickets are $5 until January 25, then they go up to $7.50 until February 5, then they are $10 online on Feb. 6 & 7 but $12.50 at the gate.

To control the crowd flow, there will be five entrance gates — all along Bay St. or at Lee St. & Edwards Dr. All entrance gates are handicap accessible.

Tickets will be scanned for a touchless experience. We ask that you socially distance in gate areas for everyone’s comfort.

Touchless & Cashless

Be sure to bring your charge or debit card since most of the art festival is cashless and touchless. Entry gates, beverage locations, and poster & T-shirt sales are all cashless & touchless. Most artists are also cashless & touchless.

Social Distance

Social distance as you enjoy the artists — there is plenty of space and time for everyone.

Please respect the artists’ requests for hand sanitizing and limited touching of their artwork.

When eating food, please be seated in our food areas — no walking and eating (that would mean your mask was off!). And to stay hydrated, take a drink with your mask adjusted and then put your mask back in place over your mouth & nose.

Sanitization & Cleaning Procedures

Hand sanitizing stations are abundant throughout the festival. Please use them upon arrival and often throughout the day.

All common area touchpoints, such as restroom trailers and food areas, will be sanitized between attendee use. Professional companies are providing this service.

All volunteers and artists are required to temperature check each day and attest to their lack of any COVID symptoms.

NEW THIS YEAR: ArtFest@Home

If you prefer stay away from large gatherings, then we have the perfect idea for you!

Attend ArtFest@Home, the online virtual version of the art festival. All the artists and activities are there for you to enjoy. And the shopping is easy & secure, with your purchases delivered right to your home!