Key West Festivals
The Year at a Glance…
Festivals, festivals, festivals…If you live in Key West, it seems as if there is always something “going on”. Below are a few of the major events throughout the year. There is no excuse for boredom!
January Events in Key West
Mile Zero Fest
Red Dirt meets sandy beach once again at this year’s second annual Mile 0 Fest, and you’ll want to join us for four awesome days of non-stop Red Dirt and Americana music, set against the stunningly beautiful backdrop of Key West, Florida.
Cuda Bowl Fishing Tournament
Shallow water flats anglers and guides are invited to hook-up and fight their barracuda rivals.
February Events in Key West
Key West Food Truck Festival
Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets and enjoy delicious food from mobile-vendor faves along with hours of open-air music. It’s a family-friendly event with games and a bounce house. Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome, too.
Key West Artisan Market
The Key West Artisan Market is a vibrant venue organized to facilitate the exchange of unique merchandise and creativity! An open air bazaar filled with artists, authors, chef-made cuisine, craftspeople, performers and fresh produce representing the diversity of creativity, ingenuity and locally made products of Key West. Higgs beach across from the Fort and in between the dog park and the playground. Parking on White and Atlantic.
March Events in Key West
Conch Shell Blowing Contest
This annual Contest celebrates the historic importance of the conch in the Keys, where the far-reaching sounds from conch shells were used by the Calusa Indians for communication, by sailors as fog horns, and by early Key West citizens to signal salvagers that a sinking ship was spotted offshore. The conch itself, a sturdy sea mollusk, is deeply entwined in the Key West’s heritage and tradition. As well as savoring conch meat in fritters and chowder, native-born islanders proudly call themselves Conchs (pronounced “Konk”). Their island home is known as the Conch Republic.
April Events in Key West
Old Island Days Art Festival
The Old Island Days Art Festival is a two day juried outdoor fine art festival. This nationally recognized show brings over 100 fine artists to this beautiful historic area of Key West. Exhibitors will set up along Whitehead Street from Greene Street to Eaton, and on Caroline Street through the famous Presidential Gates into the beautiful Truman Annex.
May Events in Key West
Key West Songwriters Festival
A great opportunity to see some of America’s best songwriters perform in small, personal settings.
June Events in Key West
Pridefest Key West
Celebrate PRIDE on a tropical island that is legendary for its laid-back style and its open and accepting atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to party with friends, travel with family, or get lost in the magic of our tropical island, rediscover Key West and discover how one island’s One Human Family philosophy has created one of the most integrated and unique communities in the world. Show us your pride, we will show you our Key West Pride
July Events in Key West
Hemingway Days Festival
A fun event honoring the legendary American writer. Events include a short story competition, fishing tournament, arm-wrestling competition, “running of the bulls” and look-alike contest.
Key West Mermaid Festival
This fin-tastic three-day event will unite the Key West locals and tourists, our neighboring Keys, visiting mermaid communities, and mermaid enthusiasts from around the world, on our magical little island. Family friendly, with fun for all, join us as we raise awareness for our beautiful oceans and educate all humans to swim safely in mermaid tails.
August Events in Key West
Lobsterfest Key West – Lower Duval St
If you’ve never tried Florida spiny lobster – you are in for a treat. Stroll lower Duval Street and sample a variety of lobster dishes prepared by local restaurants. Have a cold beverage and enjoy some live music.
September Events in Key West
Key West Brew Fest
The Southernmost Beach Resort has teamed up with the Key West Sunrise Rotary of the Conch Republic to host Key West BrewFest. All proceeds to benefit the Rotary Club and their charitable efforts. Events from beer dinners, beer brunches, happy hour parties, pool parties, late-night parties, seminars and the Signature Tasting Festival Event are some of the great activities we have on tap for you! And, try tasting close to 200 beers in one weekend!
October Events in Key West
Goombay Festival
A weekend street fair that takes place in historic Bahama Village. This official kick-off to Fantasy Fest is one of the favorite festivals of Key West locals.
Fantasy Fest
What began many years ago as a small festival has now grown to a celebration known throughout the world. On Saturday night there is an amazing parade of creative costumes and incredible floats. Warning: Not for the week hearted!
November Events in Key West
Parrot Heads in Paradise
“Meeting of the Minds”
Key West is taken over by Jimmy Buffet fans who want to experience Margaritaville “up close and personal”. Jimmy himself will often makes an appearance.
Key West Offshore World Championships
High-speed powerboats roar through the Key West harbor and offshore, along the coral reef.
Key West Film Festival
The mission of the Key West Film Festival is to showcase films that capture Key West’s essence: Creativity, Diversity, Sustainability, and Beauty. Key West enjoys a rich tradition of inspiring residents and visitors alike to approach everything they do with a free and unbridled spirit. We celebrate all things creative as the highest expression of the human soul.
December Events in Key West
New Year’s Eve
Ring in the New Year by watching a wench drop at Schooner Wharf, a conch shell drop at Sloppy Joe’s Bar or drag queen Sushi drop in a life size red high heel. How will you choose?
For more info on Key West Festivals, go to:
