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
Shrimp, spiny lobster, stone crab claws and fish, all “fishermen-to-fork fresh,” are to headline the attractions for attendees at the Original Marathon Seafood Festival scheduled Saturday and Sunday, March 14-15, in Marathon. For over 40 years, the taste bud–tempting outdoor feast has drawn seafood lovers and Keys families to gather at the Marathon Community Park, mile marker 49 oceanside. Commercial fisheries and markets catch, clean and cook the nearly 15,000-pound spread of fresh Florida Keys seafood, bushels of oysters from the west coast of Florida and tasty smoked … Read more
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
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
The freshly reinvented, iconic, 14-acre Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina, located oceanfront in Islamorada, Fla., proudly welcomes travelers with a Winter Ciao Down offer. The resort is extending special rates for a foodie getaway and events-filled energy to escape February weather. With rates starting at $246 per night for stays in February, Postcard Inn … Read more
Santa Claus has decided he is tired of the cold weather and the elves’ moodiness and is heading south in December to Key West. Santa will be appearing at the Shops at Mallory Square (Building 1), 291 Front Street on the following dates and times: Sunday, December 15, 11 am to 3 pm Wednesday, December 18, 11 … Read more
Runners of all ages are attracted to a unique scenic bridge race above the Upper Florida Keys and the eastern edges of the Florida Everglades. The annual First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run is scheduled Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. The 2019 event features a half-marathon and a 4-mile run/walk. The USA Track & Field–certified course is to start at the access road at Gilbert’s Resort, mile marker … Read more
While the Florida Keys stone crab harvest runs from Oct. 15 to May 15, November’s annual Stone Crab Eating Contest is an undisputed highlight of the seven-month season. The much-anticipated munch-a-thon is to draw amateur eaters and their fans Saturday, Nov. 9. Staged at Keys Fisheries Market and Marina, located at 35th Street gulfside in Marathon, … Read more
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
This October 6th, a group of scuba divers submerged in the Atlantic Ocean at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to compete in the Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest. The annual contest is held every October near a shallow coral reef off Key Largo. Divers of all ages used their carving skills to transform the pumpkin … Read more
The Alligator Lighthouse Challenge event, on Saturday, 14 September 2019, was created to raise awareness for the nearly 150-year-old Alligator Reef Lighthouse, as well as the five other aging lighthouses that sit off Florida’s Keys. Nearly 500 swimmers from around the world participated in the Swim for Alligator Lighthouse challenge off the Florida Keys on … Read more
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
Santa might wear shorts in the subtropical Lower Florida Keys, and palm trees might outnumber Christmas trees, but holiday lovers can find plenty of seasonal spirit amid the area’s balmy breezes and warm temperatures. Visitors and Keys residents are invited to welcome the festive season and celebrate the creative arts at the free-admission Big Pine & … Read more
Hundreds of foot racers are to experience the panorama above the Upper Keys and the eastern edges of the Florida Everglades in the annual First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run set for Saturday, Nov. 10. Runners of all ages can enjoy the scenic race that for 2018 is to be a revamped 10k and … Read more
Every day is an adventure in the Florida Keys, where the subtropical climate and scenic natural setting create an ideal backdrop for high-energy activities no matter what the time of year. Visitors easily enjoy watersports and energetic eco-adventures, unparalleled offshore diving and organized sporting challenges for endurance-sports enthusiasts, but also enjoy a little wackiness while … Read more
Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges’ Outdoor Fest – March 10-17, 2017 – is a celebration of the unique plant and animal species and rare habitats that are found only in the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges. Guided walks, bike rides, kayak excursions, photography workshops, ‘Nature Therapy’, plus an interesting lecture series, and more let you see the refuges … Read more
New Orleans might have its jazz and Memphis its blues, but Key West is home to a musical art form all its own: conch shell blowing. Everyone from novices to “pucker pros” can attempt to prove their prowess at the offbeat skill during the island city’s 56th annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest, scheduled at noon Saturday, March … Read more
Winter visitors flock to the Florida Keys seeking warm climes and distance runners are likely to encounter them Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 3-4, during Islamorada’s third annual Half Marathon, 10k and Beach N’ Beer Mile. Whether bucket-list runners or newbies, participants of all ages and skill levels are invited to register for the subtropical footrace. An optional pre-weekend … Read more
An underwater concert is set to promote reef protection and entertain divers and snorkelers Saturday, July 8, during the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival. The annual event takes place at Looe Key Reef, an area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary approximately 6 miles south of Big Pine Key. The sanctuary protects the waters … Read more
Hardly a weekend goes by in the Florida Keys & Key West without a special event or festival taking place. Providing entertainment and enjoyment for visitors virtually throughout the year, the Festivals and Events celebrate everything from the Keys’ colorful history, artistic culture and quirky ambiance to underwater wonders, outdoor adventure and tasty cuisine. While … Read more