About GulfSider
Your answer to anyone who ever said this place was boring.
What we're about
A love letter to Southwest Florida.
A lot of people misunderstand Southwest Florida. They see it as a place of sleepy sunsets, bingo halls, and soulless strip malls. But really, it's home to countless people with diverse passions, creative hobbies, and meaningful businesses.
We created GulfSider to help you find that version of Florida — the best things to do, places to eat, and local events that really make this coast special.
Our mission is to celebrate what makes Southwest Florida special — not just the obvious spots and events, but the hidden gems.
Proudly covering the Gulf Coast
Origin Story
"The idea for GulfSider came after I kept hearing about great events only after they'd already happened — usually from a last-minute Instagram story or a flyer taped up at a coffee shop.
It made me realize just how much was happening across Southwest Florida, and how easy it was to miss it. So I built GulfSider to make discovering local events, places, and hidden gems a little easier.
Whether you're here for a week or a lifetime, I hope GulfSider helps you find something new — and keeps you from ever saying, 'I wish I'd known about that.'"
JM
Founder of GulfSider
Support GulfSider
We need your help.
Building this has cost quite a bit of money and time, and it's all come out of one pocket. But with your help, we can keep GulfSider going.
What your help means:
- 💡 Keep the lights on and the site live
- 📍 Add new places and events across SWFL
- 🛠️ Spend time developing new features
- 📣 Promote GulfSider to others around the area
We use 'Buy Me a Coffee'
Your support helps keep GulfSider free, local, and up to date.
Buy Me a Coffee!Good to know
About GulfSider — FAQ
What is GulfSider?
GulfSider is a local events guide for Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast, curating concerts, festivals, markets, and things to do for locals and visitors in one place.
Which areas does GulfSider cover?
GulfSider covers Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast, including Boca Grande, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Estero, Everglades City, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Marco Island, Naples, North Fort Myers, Ochopee, Sanibel & Captiva, and more.
How does GulfSider find events?
GulfSider curates events from local venues, organizers, and community hosts across the Gulf Coast, and anyone can submit their own event to be listed.
How do I list my event on GulfSider?
Anyone can submit an event to GulfSider for free. Create a host profile and add your event details to reach the local community.
Does it cost anything to use GulfSider?
No — browsing events and things to do on GulfSider is completely free.