Cape Coral, FL – Drivers in Cape Coral and surrounding Lee County communities should prepare for traffic delays this weekend as a major roadway shuts down for a popular annual event.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Cape Coral, Cape Coral Parkway will be fully closed between Coronado Parkway and Del Prado Boulevard beginning Friday, January 9, at 5:30 p.m. The closure will remain in effect through Sunday, January 11, reopening around 9 p.m., weather and cleanup permitting.
The closure is in place to accommodate the 2026 Cape Coral Art Festival, a large-scale event that typically draws thousands of visitors to the city’s downtown corridor. The affected stretch of Cape Coral Parkway is one of the city’s busiest east-west routes, connecting neighborhoods, businesses, and key access points near the Caloosahatchee River.
City officials urge motorists to plan extra travel time, use alternate routes, and follow posted detour signs throughout the weekend. Increased congestion is expected, particularly during evening hours and peak festival times on Saturday and Sunday.
The festival is organized by the Rotary Club of Cape Coral, with traffic management and public safety support provided by the City of Cape Coral and local law enforcement. Residents and visitors heading toward downtown Cape Coral, Del Prado Boulevard, or nearby commercial areas should anticipate slower-than-normal traffic conditions.
Drivers traveling through Lee County, including those commuting from the Fort Myers metro area, are encouraged to adjust schedules if possible and avoid the closure zone unless attending the event.
Additional festival details and event schedules are available at capecoralartfestival.com.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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