The River District's Downtown NYE Celebration runs 6 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. Dec. 31 at First and Hendry, with five stages, fireworks and a midnight ball drop.

Last checked Oct. 8, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Sources: the Fort Myers River District’s Downtown NYE Celebration listing the City of Fort Myers’ parking page, Lee County’s holiday schedule, LeeTran and the Edison and Ford Winter Estates 2026-27 events calendar (PDF). River District: 239-313-5129.

New Year’s Eve falls on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026. Fort Myers rings in 2027 on the brick streets of the River District: the Downtown NYE Celebration runs from 6 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. around First and Hendry streets, with five stages of bands, dancing in the street, and fireworks and a ball drop at midnight, according to the River District listing.

At a glance

  • When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, to 12:15 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1
  • Where: First and Hendry streets, downtown Fort Myers
  • Midnight: fireworks and ball drop
  • Parking: downtown street parking is free after 5 p.m. on weekdays; three city garages
  • Emergency: 911. Fort Myers Police Department: 239-321-7700

The downtown celebration

The River District bills its party as the largest in Southwest Florida. It covers the closed streets of the historic downtown around First Street and Hendry Street, the same blocks used for the monthly Art Walk and Music Walk. Bands play on five stages from 6 p.m., and the night ends with the ball drop and fireworks at midnight. The listing does not mention an admission charge; check the River District closer to the date for the band lineup and street closures.

Parking and getting home

The City of Fort Myers’ parking page says on-street parking downtown is free after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all weekend, so street spaces are free for the evening of Thursday, Dec. 31. The city runs three downtown garages; the two busiest are the City of Palms Garage and the Main Street Garage. Garage parking is paid, and the city says its free two-hour parking at the Centennial Park lot does not apply during special events. More options are on our getting around Fort Myers guide.

  • LeeTran does not run on New Year’s Day, according to its holiday list. Plan a ride home that does not depend on the bus after midnight.
  • Fort Myers Police Department non-emergency line: 239-321-7700.

Other ways to spend the night

  • Holiday Nights at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., is open on New Year’s Eve: the light display runs nightly from 5:30 to 9 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 3, closed only Dec. 24 and 25, according to the estates’ events calendar. See holiday lights and Christmas events.
  • Restaurants: New Year’s Eve dinners will be added here as downtown restaurants announce them on their own websites. Our date night in Fort Myers guide lists the restaurants and bars to watch.

New Year’s Day: what is open and closed

  • Lee County government offices: closed Thursday, Dec. 31, and Friday, Jan. 1, under the county’s 2027 holiday schedule.
  • LeeTran: no service on New Year’s Day.
  • City trash pickup: the City of Fort Myers had not yet posted its New Year’s 2027 schedule when we checked. On New Year’s Day 2026, a Thursday, city collections for that day moved to Friday. The city’s holiday collection page will carry the 2027 change; see our trash and recycling guide.

Fireworks at home

Florida law (section 791.08 of the Florida Statutes) allows consumer fireworks on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day as well as the Fourth of July. Check for any burn ban before lighting anything. Our Fourth of July fireworks page has the local rules and who to call.

Related: holiday lights and Christmas events, things to do this month and live music and nightlife.

Frequently asked questions

Are there fireworks in Fort Myers on New Year’s Eve?

Yes. The River District’s Downtown NYE Celebration ends with fireworks and a ball drop at midnight at First and Hendry streets downtown.

What time does the downtown Fort Myers New Year’s Eve party start?

The Downtown NYE Celebration runs from 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026, to 12:15 a.m. on New Year’s Day, with five stages of live music.

Where do you park for New Year’s Eve in downtown Fort Myers?

The City of Fort Myers says on-street parking downtown is free after 5 p.m. on weekdays, so it is free on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 31. The city also runs three downtown garages, including the City of Palms Garage and the Main Street Garage.

Is LeeTran running on New Year’s Day?

No. LeeTran lists New Year’s Day among the holidays with no bus service.