Experience the history, culture, and natural beauty of Sanibel Island at the 81st annual Sanibel Shell Festival. Hosted at the historic and newly renovated Sanibel Community House from Friday, March 2 through Sunday, March 4, 2018.
Join Sanibel Island locals, visitors, shell enthusiast and artists from as far away as Canada, the Caribbean and beyond at one of Sanibel Island’s most cherished annual traditions. Spend the day browsing hundreds of exhibits by local painters, crafters, local vendors, wildlife experts, local eateries and more! Make sure to stop at the “Shell Tent” where shells can be bought for as little as 25 cents.
The Sanibel Shell Show is an integral part of the Shell Festival. This judged competition is the longest running and most prestigious shell show in North America. The competition between shell collectors and shell artists is open to everyone from the United States and around the world.
At the Sanibel Shell Show, you will be in awe of the art created by these international artists. Be amazed at the floral arrangements, sailor’s valentines and other magnificent works of art entered in the Shell Show.
Admission and parking is free to all attendees but for just a $5.00 donation to the local Sanibel Community Association and the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club, attendees will be granted access to all areas of the exhibit hall as well as one free admission to The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, an $11 value.
The Annual Shell Festival is the major fundraising event of the year for both the Sanibel Community Association and the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club.
All the funds raised by the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club are given in the form of grants to several local marine education and conservation organizations and for scholarship funds to the University of South Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University Departments of Marine & Ecological Science.
The funds raised by the sale of shells and shell art outdoors on the Festival grounds support the Sanibel Community House.
The Sanibel Community House is located at 2173 Periwinkle Way only an 8-minute drive or 15-minute bike ride from our property at Gulf Breeze Cottages.
Our pro tip? Ride your bike to the festival and skip the hassle of parking and traffic along Periwinkle Way.
