Weekend drive · Nov 6–8, 2026
Southwest Florida parades and air show road trip 2026
Start at a county fair east of Tampa on Friday night, then head down I-75 for two very different parades on Saturday: Cape Coral's Veterans Day parade in the morning and a glowing night parade on Fort Myers Beach. On Sunday, stop at the Florida International Air Show in Punta Gorda on the way back north. November 6–8, 2026.
The four stops
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Friday night · Fair
Hillsborough County Fair
Friday, November 6 · Dover, Florida · event dates: November 5 - 15, 2026
Dover's county fair runs 11 days with a carnival midway, livestock shows and grandstand events, and this year gate admission covers the special grandstand nights. Parking is free. Friday gates are open 5 pm to 10 pm, and the carnival runs until 11 pm.
- Drive about 2 h (about 130 mi) to Cape Coral.
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Saturday daytime · Parade
Cape Coral Veterans Day Parade
Saturday, November 7 · Cape Coral, Florida · event dates: November 7, 2026
The city's Veterans Day parade starts at 11 am and heads west along the south side of Cape Coral Parkway, from Cape Coral Street to Chester Street in South Cape. Leave Dover early to find a spot on the curb.
- Drive about 40 min (about 17 mi) to Fort Myers Beach.
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Saturday evening · Lighted parade
Illuminations Parade
Saturday, November 7 · Fort Myers Beach, Florida · event dates: November 7, 2026
After dark, lit-up floats and lanterns roll down Estero Boulevard in this island parade put on by What's Up FMB. It runs 5:30 pm to 8 pm, starting from Sandy Bottoms Bar & Grill at 2301 Estero Blvd.
- Drive about 55 min (about 45 mi) to Punta Gorda.
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Sunday on the way home · Air show
Florida International Air Show
Sunday, November 8 · Punta Gorda, Florida · event dates: November 7 - 8, 2026
A volunteer-run air show at Punta Gorda Airport with military and civilian flying acts and aircraft on display, from Red Bull pilot Kevin Coleman to the Chuters jump team. Sunday is the second of its two days. Get the show's app for the day's schedule and maps.
Drive home to Dover, FL: about 1 h 40 min (about 100 mi). Gas prices near Punta Gorda
Drive times are approximate. Check your route before you leave.
At a glance
| Stop | Type | Dates | Drive from previous |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Hillsborough County Fair | Fair | Friday, November 6 (runs November 5 - 15, 2026) | Start |
| 2. Cape Coral Veterans Day Parade | Parade | Saturday, November 7 (runs November 7, 2026) | about 2 h |
| 3. Illuminations Parade | Lighted parade | Saturday, November 7 (runs November 7, 2026) | about 40 min |
| 4. Florida International Air Show | Air show | Sunday, November 8 (runs November 7 - 8, 2026) | about 55 min |
Event websites
- Hillsborough County Fair
- Cape Coral Veterans Day Parade
- Illuminations Parade
- Florida International Air Show
Dates can change, so check the event’s website before you go.
More: All weekend drives · Florida events