Guide to the 2026 Sanibel Shell Show & Festival

The 89th Annual Sanibel Shell Show & Festival is returning to Sanibel March 5-7. This year’s show promises to be a master class in natural beauty and human creativity. To get the inside scoop, we spoke with two of the powerhouses behind the scenes: Debi McBroom, the Scientific Chair, and Linda Friedrich, the Publicity and Artistic Chair.

Artistry Beyond the Shoreline

While the beach provides the raw materials, the artists at this show turn them into literal masterpieces. This year features a staggering 168 Artistic entries arriving from across the globe, including the Virgin Islands and Japan.

Linda Friedrich, who manages these entries, highlights one specific tradition that steals the show every year: the Sailor’s Valentine. These are intricate, symmetrical mosaics made entirely of tiny sea shells, traditionally housed in octagonal wooden boxes.

“My favorite Artistic entries are the Sailors’ Valentines. The intricate and creative ways that artists demonstrate their clever ideas never cease to amaze me… One of last year’s Shell Show attendees was so taken by the Sailors’ Valentines, that she came to last year’s show every day, bought lots of craft shells, and went home and designed and created her very own Sailors’ Valentine. I can’t wait to see it in person.” — Linda Friedrich

The Science of the Sea

There is also serious science happening here! The show’s scientific categories offer a deep dive into the biodiversity of our oceans. Debi McBroom, a Shell Ambassador with the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Aquarium and this year’s Scientific Chair, especially enjoys the local specimens.

“I have been an exhibitor and volunteer with the Sanibel Shell Show & Festival for many years, but this is my first year in the role of Scientific Chair… My favorite specimens in the scientific category are the local shells like the Sanibel-Captiva shells and the Florida-Caribbean shells. I enjoy seeing shells that I can relate to.” — Debi McBroom

Expert Picks: The “Underdogs” of the Shell World

We asked our experts to name the shells that deserve more love from the public. If you’re heading to the beach after the show, keep your eyes peeled for these:

Pitted Murex (Favartia cellulosa)

“It’s a beautiful shell, but it’s small, so it’s easily overlooked,” Debi McBroom.

Lion’s Paw Scallop (Nodipecten nodosus)

“Their variety of colors, sizes and perfection are beautiful… Just gorgeous!” Linda Friedrich.

Pro-Tips for First-Time Visitors

If you’ve never been to the festival before, the sheer volume of exhibits can be overwhelming. Here is how the experts suggest you navigate the day:

• Meet the Residents: Both experts agree that the live mollusk tanks from the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum are a “must-see.” It’s a rare chance to see the actual animals that build these incredible structures.
• Follow Your Heart: Linda suggests doing a quick lap of the entire show first, then circling back to what grabbed your attention.
• Ask Questions: Don’t be shy! Talk to the artists about where they get their inspiration or where they find their shells.
• Get Hands-On: As Linda puts it, “Buy some shells and go home and unleash your own creativity!”

“I have loved shells since I was a little girl even though we didn’t live near the ocean. I still have the first candy cane snail shell that my grade school teacher gave me… [Now] my husband Barry and I have a scientific shell collection, so I record the location and date when we find important specimens.” — Debi McBroom

The Sanibel Shell Show & Festival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of the slice of paradise that is Sanibel Island. Whether you’re there for the rigorous scientific data or the breathtaking art, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the treasures hidden in the sand.

For more information on attending the festival, please visit SanibelCommunityHouse.net.