Calendar of Events

December 2017: Florida Keys Events

Image for Big Pine & Lower Keys Nautical Expo Image for Big Pine & Lower Keys Nautical Expo Image for Big Pine & Lower Keys Nautical Expo Image for Big Pine & Lower Keys Nautical Expo
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Image for Key West Half Marathon & Runfest Image for Key West Half Marathon & Runfest Image for Key West Half Marathon & Runfest Image for Key West Half Marathon & Runfest
Image for COAST presents: The Coast is Clear
  • Nov 30, 2017 - Dec 1, 2017 The Lower Keys Arts & Culture
  • COAST presents: The Coast is Clear
  • E-mail Website
  • The crew at COAST — the Stock Island based artist and craftsman collective — has organized a two-day benefit concert festival, aptly named "Coast Is Clear", with the goal of raising money and spirits for the Florida Keys community in the wake of hurricane Irma. To date, the lineup includes national touring artists G. Love, Langhorne Slim, Rayland Baxter and Rorey Carroll. In addition, local favorites Patrick and The Swayzees and The Skank — among others — will add local flavor to the stages over the two-day event. Thursday (11/30) performances are to take place in the Bahama Village neighborhood with events shifting between Blue Heaven, Green Parrot and The COAST Outpost (803 Whitehead Street). Friday (12/1) shows will take place on Stock Island at Hogfish and COAST — both located on Front Street.
  • Dec 1, 2017 Key West Arts & Culture
  • SALT Gallery presents: Karen Luknis’ “Mystical Entities” Opening Reception
  • 305.517.6088 Website
  • For the month of December, SALT Gallery, located at 830 Fleming St., will feature "Mystical Entities", a new collection of unique mixed media sculptures by local artist and Captain Karen Luknis. To celebrate the opening of the show, SALT will be hosting an opening reception at the gallery from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Karen is a self-taught artist who has lived in Key West since 1990. SALT Gallery features an eclectic collection of local art, local sea salts, jewelry, pottery, wine, and Florida Keys honey. Gallery owners Maria Sharpe and Laura Richardson feature a new artist each month at SALT.
Image for The Key West Art Center presents: Celebrate the Season
  • Dec 3, 2017 Key West Arts & Culture
  • The Key West Art Center presents: Celebrate the Season
  • Juniper Deja (305) 294-1241 E-mail
  • The Key West Art Center is pleased to host its annual opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Step inside the Art Center to view new work by Florida Keys Artist Members, enjoy festive treats and indulge in a glass of wine alongside talented local artists. This show features new works by over 40 well known local artists such as Martha dePoo, Elizabeth Chamberlain, and Susan O'Neil, just to name a few. Also on exhibit will be the work of three new Artist Members: Gabrielle Wilson, Donna Nadeau, and David Klein. The Key West Art Center is a non-profit community art center dedicated to promoting visual arts and to the advancement of local artists. The gallery is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. Remember local art makes a beautiful gift your friends and loved ones are sure to treasure. Key West Art Center is located at 301 Front Street.
Image for Key West Theater presents: Rickie Lee Jones
  • Dec 7, 2017 Key West Arts & Culture
  • Key West Theater presents: Rickie Lee Jones
  • Website
  • Two-time Grammy winner Rickie Lee Jones exploded onto the pop scene in 1978 and has made a career of fearlessly experimenting with her sound and persona over 15 critically acclaimed albums. A cultural phenomenon, Rolling Stone magazine put her on its cover twice in two years, and Saturday Night Live gave her an unprecedented three songs for her second appearance. Rickie is both a character in the songs and the songwriter singing, defying convention with her sometimes brazen sexuality and the mixed bag of jazz, rock and what has come to be known as 'confessional' songwriter performances. Doors open 7 p.m., show starts 8 p.m. at Key West Theater, 512 Eaton St.
Image for Inaugural Southernmost Spirits Festival
  • Dec 8, 2017 - Dec 10, 2017 Key West
  • Inaugural Southernmost Spirits Festival
  • Website
  • Enjoy what organizers expect to be the cocktail, culinary and cultural extravaganza celebrated annually each fall in Key West Florida. Appealing to  industry insiders, consumer cocktail and culinary lovers alike, the event is to encompass product innovation, education, and of course, a good time filled with entertainment camaraderie and just good fun.  Tastings, celebrity bartender competitions and more. Visit website for details.
Image for Key West Theater presents: JJ Gray
  • Dec 8, 2017 Key West Arts & Culture
  • Key West Theater presents: JJ Gray
  • 305-985-0433 Website
  • Over the course of six albums and a decade of touring, JJ Grey's grimy blend of front porch soul and down-home storytelling has taken him around the world and back again. Beating the streets on nearly every continent, he and his band Mofro have sewn a continuous thread of laying-it-on-the-line shows that move folks to dance and at times to tears. Show starts 8 p.m.
Image for Inaugural Key West Grand Prix of the Sea
  • Dec 8, 2017 - Dec 10, 2017 Key West
  • Inaugural Key West Grand Prix of the Sea
  • (407) 985-1938 Website
  • Experience non-stop racing action as Sea-Doo, Yamaha, and Kawasaki personal watercraft racers take to the water averaging 75 mph. This race is the final round in 2017 and serves as the overall championship for the PRO Enduro and International Amatuer Championship. Jetcross Jet Ski stand up races will also be a part of this family friendly event free to the public.
Image for Key Largo Lighted Bike Ride
  • Dec 9, 2017 Key Largo
  • Key Largo Lighted Bike Ride
  • Claire Hiller at 305-809-5000 E-mail Website
  • The Lighted Bike Ride helps to gather the needed toys for the struggling, working families of Key Largo for the holidays. At the Holiday Helpers Store, eligible parents walk through the store, empowered by the ability to pick free, new toys their children will want instead of just allocating non-specific toys to parents. The ride is a family event beginning with a registration/checkin at 6 p.m. with the Lighted Bike Ride beginning at 7 p.m. Families and individuals with lighted and decorated bikes ride through the streets for the community to see. Registration for the ride is one unwrapped toy for the Key Largo Holiday Store. Register online.
Image for Studios of Key West presents: Erin McKeown
Image for Studios of Key West's Holiday Artisan Market
  • Dec 9, 2017 Key West
  • Studios of Key West's Holiday Artisan Market
  • 305-296-0458 Website
  • Make holiday shopping fun! Enjoy cookies and coffee as you stroll through a friendly, festive indoor market. Over 20 artisans present unique and locally produced gifts: jewelry, textiles, home accessories and quality crafts. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 533 Eaton Street.
Image for The Studios of Key West presents: Kumbaya on the Island of Stock
  • Dec 10, 2017 The Lower Keys
  • The Studios of Key West presents: Kumbaya on the Island of Stock
  • Website
  • Remember singing Kumbaya? S'mores over a real campfire. Delicious BBQ from Charlie Mac's Smokehouse and Seafood. Guitars, banjoes, ukuleles, aerialists, circus performers, open artist studios and general chaos. From 5-7 p.m. The 1920's spiritual "Come By Here" became the beloved Kumbaya and was originally a simple appeal to come and help those in need. Let's celebrate what the Keys have accomplished! If you have an instrument, please feel free to join the troupe. Limited tickets available online. Event will be held on Stock Island, directions will be provided to ticket holders upon purchase.
  • Dec 11, 2017 The Lower Keys Arts & Culture
  • Lower Keys Choir and Orchestra to present “Festival of Lessons and Carols”
  • Lower Keys Community Choir and Keys Chamber Orchestra invite you to attend their annual Christmas concert at Big Pine Methodist Church, 280 Key Deer Blvd, Big Pine Key. A Festival of Lessons and Carols will be featured this year.  It uses the English tradition of a service that alternates between the singing of familiar Christmas carols and the readings from scripture that are appropriate for Christmas.  The audience will be provided with all the words and will be invited to join in singing the Christmas carols with the choir and orchestra.  There will also be several pieces performed by the choir and orchestra. The service will also include  "Christmas Benediction" by John Purifoy, with  the familiar carol "Silent Night", which will be sung by all by candlelight. The choir and orchestra are comprised of local volunteers who live from Marathon to Key West.  They represent over a dozen churches in the area, and have been offering Christmas and Easter concerts in the Lower Keys for over 25 years.  They are directed by Wayne Hulting, and the accompanist is Jim Fogle. Performance at 7:30 p.m.  There is no admission cost to attend, but a free-will offering will be taken which will be distributed to local hurricane relief agencies.
  • Dec 13, 2017 The Lower Keys Arts & Culture
  • Lower Keys Choir and Orchestra to present “Festival of Lessons and Carols”
  • Lower Keys Community Choir and Keys Chamber Orchestra invite you to attend their annual Christmas concert at at Venture Out Pavilion, 701 Spanish Main Drive, Cudjoe Key. A Festival of Lessons and Carols will be featured this year.  It uses the English tradition of a service that alternates between the singing of familiar Christmas carols and the readings from scripture that are appropriate for Christmas.  The audience will be provided with all the words and will be invited to join in singing the Christmas carols with the choir and orchestra.  There will also be several pieces performed by the choir and orchestra. The service will also include  "Christmas Benediction" by John Purifoy, with  the familiar carol "Silent Night", which will be sung by all by candlelight. The choir and orchestra are comprised of local volunteers who live from Marathon to Key West.  They represent over a dozen churches in the area, and have been offering Christmas and Easter concerts in the Lower Keys for over 25 years.  They are directed by Wayne Hulting, and the accompanist is Jim Fogle. Performance at 7:30 p.m.  There is no admission cost to attend, but a free-will offering will be taken which will be distributed to local hurricane relief agencies.
Image for South Florida Symphony presents a Soiree at Hemingway House
  • Dec 14, 2017 Key West Arts & Culture
  • South Florida Symphony presents a Soiree at Hemingway House
  • Website
  • Join the Symphony to commemorate its 20th season at the historical and beautiful Hemingway House. Immerse yourself in the writings of Hemingway as the Symphony brings to life four of his beloved stories in the four movements of the Tales of Hemingway concerto. From 6-8 p.m., at 907 Whitehead Street. Meet Grammy Award winners cellist Zuill Bailey and composer Michael Daugherty and the lead dancers of the Siudy Flamenco Dance Theater. Tickets $100 pp. Purchase tickets online.
Image for Sugar Rum Cherry: A Burlesque Nutcracker
  • Dec 14, 2017 - Dec 16, 2017 Key West Arts & Culture
  • Sugar Rum Cherry: A Burlesque Nutcracker
  • Christa Hunt 305.619.2862 Website
  • Put on your stockings and pull out your sugarplums for Key West Burlesque's "Sugar Rum Cherry: A Burlesque Nutcracker." This naughty holiday 2-act reverie features your favorite local performers, international burlesque superstars, and amazing aerial acrobats as they visit the land of libations. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8:00 p.m. Performance at Key West Theatre, 512 Eaton Street.
  • Dec 15, 2017 Key Largo
  • Reef Environmental Education Foundation presents: Lionfish Jewelry Workshop
  • Website
  • Want to learn abut lionfish while making jewelry? Enjoy a 7 p.m. lecture from REEF about the background of the invasion, biology/ecology of lion fish, its impacts, current research findings, collecting tools and techniques and more. Jewelry created at the workshop will be ready to take home that evening. Fee is $30 per person, includes materials, food/beverages.
Image for South Florida Symphony presents: Mozart Meets Hemingway & Siudy Flamenco Concert
  • Dec 16, 2017 Key West Arts & Culture
  • South Florida Symphony presents: Mozart Meets Hemingway & Siudy Flamenco Concert
  • 305-295-7676 Website
  • Zuill Bailey, cellist extraordinaire, returns to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the South Florida Symphony Orchestra led by Founder|Music Director Sebrina Maria Alfonso. Bailey's rare combination of celebrated artistry, technical wizardry, and engaging personality has secured his place as one of the most sought after and active cellists today. Bailey performs the wondrous Tales of Hemingway concerto for cello and orchestra for which he won the Best Classical Instrument Solo Grammy Award in 2017. Pre-concert chat 7 p.m., performance at 7:30 p.m., Key West High School Auditorium, 2100 Flagler Avenue. Tickets available online.
Image for Monthly Artisan Market, A Holiday “Shop Local” Edition
Image for Santa Claus & His Carolers Come to Town!
  • Dec 17, 2017 Islamorada
  • Santa Claus & His Carolers Come to Town!
  • From 5:30 p.m. to 9:19 p.m., Santa is en route with Season's Greetings between Lower Matecumbe and Plantation Shores! Bring new unwrapped toys to the parade for a donation to Toys for Tots.
  • Dec 17, 2017 Key West Arts & Culture
  • Keys Love Festival
  • Elmira Leto 305-434-6564 E-mail Website
  • Featuring a wide variety of talented local favorites on the City of Key West Amphitheater stage, at the Truman Waterfront from 12 noon-6pm, an all-star lineup of local musical icons includes Howard Livingston, Caffeine Carl & the Buzz, Clayton Lopez, Coffee Butler and many other well-known musicians takes the stage to make this a special day and an authentic Florida Keys event. Laid back, relaxed and in true island style, you're asked to bring your lawn chairs and blankets for seating on the lawn. Soak up the sun for the afternoon, with final performances taking the stage under our glorious Key West sunset. Admission is free with donations of any amount greatly appreciated upon entrance, being made to support the children, families and individuals of the Florida Keys through KeysStrong.org. The funds raised will provide much needed aide and support to individuals throughout Monroe County who have been affected by Hurricane Irma.The concert will be broadcast live on Facebook Live at KeysStrong.org's official Facebook page.
  • Dec 21, 2017 Key West Arts & Culture
  • Second Annual Holiday Concert & Bazaar at Custom House Museum
  • 305-295-6616 Website
  • Key West Art & Historical Society is to host this second annual event, from 5-9 p.m. at the historic Custom House Museum, to feature Key West's finest artisans, musicians and choirs, along with a spectacular holiday light show. Highlights of the evening gathering are to include performances by musicians and choirs, local artisans showcasing their wares, a light show and "selfies" with Santa. Open and free to the public.
Image for Fringe Theater presents: An Evening with Lillian Baxter- ALL NEW!
  • Dec 21, 2017 - Dec 31, 2017 Key West Arts & Culture
  • Fringe Theater presents: An Evening with Lillian Baxter- ALL NEW!
  • 305-731-0581 Website
  • Who is Lillian Baxter? She's is a fictional character created by John Vessels. She was (almost) huge in the 1970s, the era in which the show takes place. And what a show it is! An Evening with Lillian Baxter traces the steps (and sometimes the beds) that Lillian made in her long trek to obscurity. The show explores her early days at MGM to her television career (on The Thrifty Vittles Happy-Time Song Hour). But no set-back is big enough to stop Lillian Baxter from living, loving, and singing her heart out! Doors open at 6 p.m. Show begins at 7 p.m. Little Room Jazz Club. 821 Duval Street. Shows 12/21-24, 12/26-31 at Little Room Jazz Club. 821 Duval Street.
Image for New Year's Eve with Eddie Money
  • Dec 31, 2017 Key West
  • New Year's Eve with Eddie Money
  • Website
  • Eddie Money is coming to ring in 2018 in the southernmost city, at the new Truman Waterfront Park Amphitheater, 21 Quay Rd. Gates open 3:30 p.m., live music with The Andy Westcott Band, Caffeine Carl and the Buzz leads up to the main Money event at 7:15 p.m. Beer, wine and local foods to be available. Tickets available now online.
Image for New Year's Eve Anchor Drop
  • Dec 31, 2017 Marathon
  • New Year's Eve Anchor Drop
  • Reservations 305-434-9039
  • Enjoy a New Year's Celebration at Lighthouse Grill, Faro Blanco Resort, with dinner served from 5-10 p.m. Midnight champagne toast and party favors, DJ and dancing until midnight! Watch as the anchor drops from the historic lighthouse to ring in 2018.
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