Treat Your Group to the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest

Looking for something truly different to add excitement and adventure to your next meeting, corporate retreat, family reunion or other group event? Plan your gathering in the Fort Myers area during the annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest each September, Southwest Florida’s most unique and acclaimed music festival. 

BMI songwriters Madelyn Grace, Madison Morris, Cargan Murray perform at the Luminary Hotel’s pool deck in downtown Fort Myers.

A One-of-a-Kind, Inspiring Experience Your Attendees Will Love

This event brings acclaimed singer-songwriters affiliated with Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) from across the nation to our islands, beaches and neighborhoods. 2026 dates will be September 18-27. Your group can enjoy any of 60+ performances, where the talented BMI artists perform their songs and tell the stories behind them. It’s an intimate experience featuring a diverse mix of musical genres and charming settings in Captiva Island, Cape Coral, downtown Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach. Best of all, most of the performances are free, so if you’re looking for a way to stretch your budget, this is a great perk. 

The Opportunity to Plan a Special Performance Experience for Your Group

Each year, we host a variety of special ticketed performances. Many of these are at hotels and resorts that are Island Hopper venues, offering accommodation and special experiences right on site. This is extremely convenient for groups, making the experience seamless for your attendees. Our host hotels and resorts can work with you to plan a special experience for your group, including:

• The Luminary Hotel, Inc., downtown Fort Myers’ charming boutique hotel on the waterfront, can host your group for a gourmet dinner and/or wine tasting event featuring performances from BMI singer-songwriters.
• The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village can host your group on a sunset cruise performance by acclaimed BMI singer-songwriters aboard the Silver King, which seats up to 48 passengers. Captiva Cruises can also host your group for a special cruise performance.

At the 2024 festival, fans enjoyed a show with Captiva Cruises featuring BMI singer-songwriter Bobby Tomberlin, who has written songs for Faith Hill, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, to name just a few.

• The Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina hosts the festival headliner on their pool deck each year for an unforgettable performance from a top artist on the final night of the festival. Your group can join in the fun.

Multi-platinum global entertainer Chris Young was the 2025 festival headliner, performing at the Pink Shell pool deck.  

• Treat your group to a stay right on the beach on quaint Captiva Island at performance venues including Tween Waters Inn & Marina and South Seas Resort. All the performances at these venues are free, or we can arrange a special ticketed performance for your group.
• From painting parties and yoga on the beach to culinary-themed events, there are endless ways we can create a special experience for your group featuring live music by the talented Island Hopper performers. The theme can be tailored to your unique needs.

Free Entertainment, Less Crowded and Lower Rates – What’s Not to Like?

In September, most of our hotels offer lower off-season rates and special incentives for groups. Additionally, your group will enjoy a less crowded atmosphere than during the busier winter months. From miles of secluded beaches to easy reservations at top restaurants, they’re sure to enjoy a relaxing escape with the added excitement of exceptional live music.

BMI songwriters Adam Ezra and John Ellison perform at the Tween Waters Inn’s pool deck on Captiva Island. Fun fact: Ellison wrote the smash hit "Some Kind of Wonderful."

Let us help you craft the perfect group event during the Island Hopper Songwriter Festival – or any time of year. For meetings assistance and information, contact our Meetings & Groups Sales Team at 239-338-3500 or submit an RFP form. For Group Tour and Reunion assistance or information, contact Candice Cocco at ccocco@leegov.com or submit and RFP Form: Group Tour RFP or Reunion Information Request.