Cuban Culture and Heritage Enrich Key West

Sway to the infectious rhythms of an outdoor salsa band. Savor the rush of caffeine from a shot of café cortadito sold by a smiling vendor. Cuban Culture. Pause on Duval Street to gaze at an imposing 19th-century building where history was made. And as you do, breathe a fervent “thank you” for the Cuban … Read more

Key West Fantasy Fest 2020 Cancelled – COVID-19

The organizers of Key West’s Fantasy Fest costuming and masking festival announced Thursday that the 2020 festival, originally scheduled Oct. 16-25, would be canceled to protect against the potential spread of COVID-19.The festival typically draws some 60,000 people to Key West’s Duval Street for its highlight parade, as well as several thousand for its annual … Read more

Conch Honkers to Vie for Victory in Key West March 7

Festivals and Events Conch Republic

It’s not a stringed instrument, a percussion instrument or the musical choice of virtually any “American Idol” contestant. Nonetheless, the conch shell takes center stage in Key West’s music scene each spring, when several dozen hopefuls vie for victory in the annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest. Set for noon Saturday, March 7, the 58th annual … Read more

Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration  in Key West

Tennessee Williams

For more than 30 years internationally renowned playwright Tennessee Williams lived and wrote theatrical masterpieces in Key West. Fans can celebrate his extraordinary talent and life with a series of cultural events scheduled Feb. 22 through March 30. Highlights of the Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration include performances of “Talking Tennessee” with Tandy Cronyn and Joel … Read more

Win a Florida Keys Superfan Coral Reef Restoration Eco-Adventure

Florida Keys Superfan

For travelers seeking “voluntourism” opportunities to help sustain the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef, the “Florida Keys Superfan” eco-adventure giveaway offers an enticing prize. One entrant is to win a five-night vacation that includes accommodations, eco-attractions and diving experiences to plant corals. The winner is to discover how divers can serve as … Read more

Key West Old Island Restoration Foundation 60th Anniversary

Key West’s Old Town contains one of the largest predominantly wooden historic districts in the United States — incorporating almost 3,000 structures that range from cigar-makers’ cottages to Victorian mansions. History and architecture buffs can celebrate the organization that helped preserve and protect the distinctive district during the Old Island Restoration Foundation’s 60th anniversary festivities. … Read more

Swimmers Circumnavigate Key West June 15 in 12.5-Mile Race

Swimmers, including those wearing mermaid tails, can attempt an epic swim around the island of Key West Saturday, June 15, during a 12.5-mile open-water race for individuals and relay teams. Entrants in the annual Florida Keys Community College Swim Around Key West can register as solo competitors or in teams of two to six swimmers … Read more

Key West Festival – Food – Wine – History and Fun

Creative cuisine, premium wines and unique events in a subtropical island setting await attendees Wednesday through Sunday, Jan. 23-27, at the 2019 Key West Food & Wine Festival. The 10th annual Key West Festival celebrates Key West’s rich culinary culture and historic sites. Scheduled events showcase local chefs’ artistry, indigenous Florida Keys ingredients, fine wines … Read more

Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade

Dressed-up dogs, costumed cats, bright-plumed birds and other domestic pets and their people can unleash their“animal magnetism” before more than 2,000 spectators at the wacky Pet Masquerade, a highlight of Key West’s Oct. 19-28 Fantasy Fest. Scheduled Wednesday, Oct. 24, the family-friendly costume competition is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Key West Amphitheater at … Read more

Key West Madcap Minimal Regatta May 27

Some get “that sinking feeling” before leaving the dock, while others capsize somewhere along the course. A hardy few actually manage to stay afloat — but whatever the fate of their favorites, spectators can anticipate silliness and seafaring spirit Sunday, May 27, during the 27th annual Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta. Intrepid teams in the wacky regatta … Read more