Sanibel has always been more than a beautiful island. It is a community built on connection, resilience, small businesses, nonprofits, neighbors, volunteers, and the people who keep showing up for one another.

That spirit is at the heart of Love Sanibel Back 2026, a community-wide initiative led by St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church that invites residents, visitors, businesses, and nonprofits to come together in support of the island we all love.

The idea is simple but meaningful: buy local, spread joy, and give back.

Throughout the summer, Love Sanibel Back will feature weekly themes, special events, community gatherings, and simple ways for everyone to participate. Whether you live on the island, visit every year, own a local business, volunteer with a nonprofit, or just want to support Sanibel in a positive way, this is an easy and fun way to get involved.

You can find the full schedule on the official Love Sanibel Back page from St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. There is also an at-a-glance version available through Love Sanibel Back on Linktree.

What is Love Sanibel Back?

Love Sanibel Back is a summer-long community initiative designed to encourage people to support local businesses, reconnect with neighbors, celebrate the island’s nonprofits, and participate in small acts of kindness that make a big difference.

Each week from May 31 through August 9, participants are encouraged to take part in a simple “Spread Joy” action. These range from sharing a favorite Sanibel sunrise or sunset photo, visiting a local business, leaving a positive review, inviting a neighbor to lunch, writing a thank-you note to a local worker, picking up litter at the beach, or supporting one of Sanibel’s wildlife organizations.

The initiative continues into the fall with a larger community celebration on Sunday, November 1, at the Sanibel Recreation Center.

Love Sanibel Back 2026 Kickoff and Community Events

Love Sanibel Back 2026 includes several in-person events throughout the summer and fall. Here are the major dates to know:

Sunday, May 31: Love Sanibel Back Kickoff at the Sanibel Farmers Market

Love Sanibel Back begins on Sunday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sanibel Farmers Market.

Stop by the Love Sanibel Back table to pick up 2026 swag, schedules, and information about how to participate throughout the summer. It is also a great opportunity to support local vendors and thank the small business owners who help bring fresh food, products, and community energy to the island.

Thursday, June 4: Sunset Happy Hour at Shalimar Resort

On Thursday, June 4, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Love Sanibel Back will host a Sunset Happy Hour on the rooftop of Shalimar Resort.

The evening will feature wine tasting from A Bit of Bailey’s, light bites from Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, and a beautiful Sanibel sunset. A rain date is scheduled for Monday, June 8. RSVP is required due to limited space.

Thursday, June 25: Sip, Surprise & Create

On Thursday, June 25, from 9 to 11 a.m., Love Sanibel Back invites the community to Sip, Surprise & Create at the Heart of the Island Shops.

Guests can enjoy a free “blind date with a book” from Macintosh Books + Paper and Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop, along with a coffee bar, pastries, and an exclusive bookmark designed by Rachel Pierce to color.

This event is a fun way to support local shops, discover a new read, and connect with neighbors in a relaxed, creative setting.

Tuesday, July 7: Christmas in July

On Tuesday, July 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop will celebrate Christmas in July.

Expect Christmas items, holiday music, and homemade Christmas cookies. Other island businesses will also join the early holiday spirit, making this a fun excuse to shop local and get a head start on holiday finds.

Monday, July 13: Shell Stroll

On Monday, July 13, from noon to 4 p.m., the Love Sanibel Back Shell Stroll begins at Bubbly Latitude.

Participants can pick up a free passport and travel the island collecting painted and natural shells. The stroll ends at St. Michael’s, where there will be shell painting, ice cream donated by The Shack of Sanibel, seashell cookies from Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream, and prizes for completed passports.

It is a very Sanibel way to explore the island, support local businesses, and enjoy one of the things Sanibel is most famous for: shells.

Sunday, November 1: Love Sanibel Community Gathering

The season culminates on Sunday, November 1, from noon to 2:30 p.m. with the Love Sanibel Community Gathering at the Sanibel Recreation Center.

The event will include free food, music, activities, prizes, and more. It is a chance for the community to come together, celebrate the season, and reflect on all the ways Sanibel continues to support and strengthen itself.

Love Sanibel Back 2026 Weekly Themes

In addition to the larger community gatherings, Love Sanibel Back 2026 features weekly themes from June 1 through August 9. Each week offers a simple way to support Sanibel, connect with neighbors, celebrate local businesses, and spread a little island joy.

Participants are encouraged to share photos and updates throughout the summer using #lovesanibelback.

Week 1: June 1–7 — Sanibel Sunsets

Love Sanibel Back begins with a celebration of one of Sanibel’s most beautiful gifts: the sunset.

The kickoff week includes the Sunset Happy Hour on the rooftop of Shalimar Resort on Thursday, June 4, with a rain date of Monday, June 8. Event registration is now closed.

Even if you are not attending the event, you can still join in the theme by sharing your favorite Sanibel sunset photo on social media using #lovesanibelback.

Week 2: June 8–14 — Welcome to Summer

This week is all about welcoming summer by supporting the local places that make Sanibel special.

Visit a local spot you love and bring a friend along. While you are there, take a photo, share it with #lovesanibelback, and leave a positive review on Google, TripAdvisor, and/or Yelp.

Positive reviews can make a real difference for local businesses, especially small businesses that rely on word of mouth and community support.

Week 3: June 15–21 — Eat Local

During Eat Local Week, enjoy a “local favorite” menu item, treat, or meal from one of Sanibel and Captiva’s participating restaurants and food spots.

Take a photo, share it using #lovesanibelback, and be sure to leave a positive review on Google, TripAdvisor, and/or Yelp.

Participating restaurants include:

  • A Bit of Bailey’s
  • Blue Giraffe
  • Captain’s Catch at Sundial
  • Cheeburger Cheeburger
  • Dante’s Italian Kitchen
  • Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
  • Jerry’s Foods
  • Keylime Bistro
  • Lighthouse Café of Sanibel
  • Magic Bus Ice Cream
  • MudBugs Cajun Kitchen
  • Over Easy Café
  • Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream
  • Rosalita’s Cantina
  • Sanibel Café
  • Sanibel Deli
  • Scooters Pizza
  • The Bubble Room
  • The Sanibel Sprout
  • The Shack of Sanibel
  • Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen
  • Tween Waters Resort
  • Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant

Week 4: June 22–28 — Neighbors Connect

Neighbors Connect Week is a reminder that supporting Sanibel is also about strengthening relationships.

Invite a neighbor, friend, or island newcomer to join you at a local business. Enjoy a little shopping, visit an attraction, grab a bite to eat, and share a photo using #lovesanibelback.

This week also includes Sip, Surprise & Create on Thursday, June 25, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Heart of the Island Shops.

Macintosh Books + Paper will be giving away 100 “blind date with a book” selections. Each book will be wrapped in brown kraft paper with a short description, so you can let the book choose you—or choose one yourself. After reading it, participants are encouraged to pass it along at one of Sanibel’s free libraries.

Rachel Pierce will also host a coffee and beverage bar with pastries and an exclusive bookmark designed by her that guests can color. Additional bookmark designs will be available throughout the summer at her three stores: Rachel Pierce Art Gallery, Home by Rachel Pierce, and Pierce’s Paw Paradise.

Week 5: June 29–July 5 — Gratitude Week

Gratitude Week is a chance to say thank you to the people who keep Sanibel going.

Write a thank-you note to a local worker, employee, business, nonprofit staff member, first responder, server, clerk, or anyone else who helps make the island special. Deliver it in person if you can.

Use #lovesanibelback to share your gratitude and encourage others to do the same.

Week 6: July 6–12 — Christmas in July Week

Christmas in July Week encourages everyone to start holiday shopping early while supporting small local businesses.

Shop local, tag your favorite store, and use #lovesanibelback to share where you found something special.

Noah’s Ark Thrift Shop, located on the campus of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, will host a Christmas in July event on Tuesday, July 7. Shoppers can browse unique Christmas items while enjoying festive holiday music.

Week 7: July 13–19 — Beach Kindness Week

Beach Kindness Week focuses on caring for one of Sanibel’s most treasured places: the beach.

Pick up at least 10 pieces of litter at one of our local beaches, or bring a friend and collect 20 or more. Share a photo of your favorite beach or cleanup effort using #lovesanibelback.

This week also includes the July 13 Shell Stroll, where participants can pick up a passport at Bubbly Latitude, travel the island collecting painted and natural shells, and end at St. Michael’s for shell painting, ice cream, seashell cookies, and prizes.

For those who want to learn more about Sanibel’s shoreline and natural environment, SCCF offers guided beach walks throughout the summer. You can learn more at sccf.org/calendar.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium also offers Beat the Heat Beach Walks led by expert educators. These early morning walks take place at Gulfside City Park and give participants a chance to learn about local shells and mollusks while avoiding the hottest part of the day. More information and registration details are available at shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/field-education.

Week 8: July 20–26 — Wild Mile Week

Wild Mile Week invites participants to explore the Sanibel Wild Mile, learn a wildlife fact, and support one of the island’s wildlife organizations.

Visit, volunteer with, or donate to organizations such as CROW, Ding Darling Wildlife Society, SCCF, Tarpon Bay Explorers, or the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium.

Participants are encouraged to post a photo from their favorite wildlife organization using #lovesanibelback.

Special activities are planned throughout the week:

Wild Mile Week will also include a mobile-exclusive Wild Mile Pass. Participants can check in at each location to earn points and prizes after signing up.

The Sanibel Recreation Center will also take part in Wild Mile Week with several special wildlife-themed activities, including some that are free and open to the public.

Week 9: July 27–August 2 — Give Back Week

Give Back Week helps wind down the summer by supporting neighbors in need.

Love Sanibel Back will collect items to help restock the FISH food pantry and provide items for residents in CHR (Community Housing & Resources) housing.

Contact FISH for a full list of requested items.

Week 10: August 3–9 — Celebrate Local Love

The final weekly theme of the summer is Celebrate Local Love.

Return to your favorite island businesses and show them some support. Make a purchase, tag them on social media using #lovesanibelback, and leave positive reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, and/or Yelp.

It is a simple way to end the summer by reminding local businesses and nonprofits that their work matters—and that the community is behind them.

“Spread Joy” Ideas

A big part of Love Sanibel Back 2026 is the weekly “Spread Joy” challenge. These simple actions are designed so anyone can participate.

Here are some of the ways you can get involved:

  • Share a favorite Sanibel sunrise or sunset photo using #lovesanibelback.
  • Visit a local business you love and leave a positive review on Google, TripAdvisor, or Yelp.
  • Try a “local favorite” menu item at a participating restaurant.
  • Invite a neighbor, friend, or island newcomer to join you for lunch, shopping, or a local outing.
  • Write a thank-you note to a local worker, first responder, nonprofit employee, server, clerk, or business owner.
  • Shop local during Christmas in July.
  • Pick up litter at the beach during Beach Kindness Week.
  • Learn a wildlife fact and support an island wildlife organization.
  • Return to your favorite island businesses and nonprofits to continue showing support.

These may seem like small gestures, but together they help create momentum, encouragement, and connection during the summer months.

Why Love Sanibel Back Matters

Sanibel’s recovery, resilience, and future are shaped by the people who continue to support the island—residents, visitors, workers, businesses, nonprofits, churches, volunteers, and community organizations.

Love Sanibel Back gives everyone a simple way to take part.

You do not have to do everything. You can start small. Buy lunch from a local restaurant. Pick up a few pieces of litter on the beach. Thank someone working behind the counter. Visit a nonprofit. Bring a friend to an island business. Leave a review. Share a photo. Show up.

Every small action helps.

Love Sanibel Back 2026 Sponsors and Partners

Love Sanibel Back 2026 is made possible through the generous support of community sponsors and partners, including premier sponsor Charitable Foundation of the Islands, community champion sponsor Florida Trust Wealth Management, and island supporter sponsors Bank of the Islands, Breakaway Vacation Properties, and Periwinkle Park.

The initiative is also supported through a partnership with the City of Sanibel and the Sanibel & Captiva Chamber of Commerce.

How to Learn More

To see the full calendar, weekly themes, updates, and event details, visit the official Love Sanibel Back 2026 page.

You can also view everything at a glance here: Love Sanibel Back Linktree.

Whether you are a longtime resident, seasonal visitor, local business owner, nonprofit volunteer, or someone who simply loves Sanibel, this summer is a chance to show it. QR Code for the Love Sanibel Back 2026 campaign

Buy local. Spread joy. Give back. Love Sanibel Back.

  • Nick & Lori

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