Florida Keys Calendar of Events for April, 2024
The juried exhibit, "Shadow & Light" celebrates the work of over 50 Keys artists who contributed works in a variety of mediums that capture the natural light of the Florida Keys. These visual expressions evoke contemplation, wonder and introspection. The exhibition runs through April 28 in the Bryan Gallery at the Custom House Museum, 281 Front Street.
Enjoy the “Flora & Fauna: Early Naturalists in Florida” exhibit through September 13 at Key West Museum of Art & History's Custom House, Museum, 281 Front Street. The exhibit includes short biographies of the principal naturalists working in the Florida Territory in the early nineteenth century alongside representations of their Florida-inspired works. Their observation of plants and animals was an art as well as a science.
With a deadline looming, a talented writer, a desperate magazine editor and a young aggressive fact checker go head-to-head in this oh-so-funny and gripping dispute over factual truth vs. the beauty of literary dishonesty. Showtime 7 p.m. 319 Duval St.
A white-knuckle thriller and riveting tug-of-war. Who do you believe - your deeply troubled spouse, or your new persuasive friend? Winner of the 1992 Olivier Award for Best New Play. Tickets $45-$60. 7 p.m. at the Armory, 600 White St.
Jimmy Buffett’s "Escape to Margaritaville" is a musical comedy featuring the most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, “Margaritaville,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Fins,” “Volcano,” and many more. This hilarious, heartwarming musical is the party you’ve been waiting for. Shows dates are April 18, 19 and 20; and 25, 26, and 27 at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee April 28. Performances at Murray Nelson Government Center, MM 102 bayside.
Fans and friends of the Florida Keys’ Conch Republic can celebrate the irreverent "nation's" 42nd birthday with activities including the World's Looooongest Parade down Duval St. Thursday, April 25 at 8 p.m.; the Naval Parade and Great Sea Battle Friday night on Key West Harbor starting at 7 p.m.; the Blue Ribbon Bed Races Saturday at 3 p.m., followed by the Brawl on Duval amateur boxing match starting at 7 p.m. and the Pirate Ball & Costume Contest at Schooner Wharf, also at 7 p.m. Saturday; and the Schooner Wharf Wrecker's Cup race series Sunday afternoon .
Neil Simon's story, set in 1942 Brooklyn, of two brothers, Jay and Arty, who must learn to live with their stern Grandma, their Aunt Bella, and their Uncle Louie, a henchman for some gangsters. Showtimes at 8 p.m. with a Saturday 2 p.m. matinee on May 4. Tickets $40 to $85. 407 Wall Street at Mallory Square.
Now in its second year, this spectacular race event from Race World Offshore offers excitement and heart-pounding action in the Gulf of Mexico, with viewing of the entire race course available from the pedestrian-friendly Old Seven Mile Bridge. The race is the kick-off event in the American Powerboat Racing Association National Series.
Jakob Dylan and his band, the Wallflowers perform at Key West Theater. Doors open 7 p.m.; show at 8 p.m. 512 Eaton St.
Enjoy a free fishing seminar filled with tips and techniques from Lower Keys fishing guides. 5 to 7 p.m. at Island Welcome Real Estate, 24437 Overseas Highway bayside. There will also be food, drinks, fish art and more.
Audiences in Islamorada can enjoy three days of multicultural music with an all-star South Florida lineup of Afro Roots artists performing live Friday through Sunday in the beer garden at Florida Keys Brewing Company, 81611 Overseas Highway in the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District. The Friday 6 p.m. show features Jean P. Jam; on Saturday, the music starts at 6 p.m. with Venozonix, followed by Miami-based Cortadito; and starting at 2 p.m. Sunday, hear Manny Swagg and Stella Fusion.
Celebrate both Earth Day and Arbor Day with an Eco-Fair at Key West Botanical Garden from on April 27. Activities include a docent-led tour of the garden at 10:30 a.m.; children's art activities from 10 a.m. to noon; a tour of the Key West Native Nursery at 11:30 a.m.; a composting demonstration at noon; a rain barrel workshop from 1 to 2 p.m.; a bicycle raffle at 1 p.m. and native plant sales from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dive into creativity at this family-friendly event featuring local artists and environmental organizations. The event aims to engage participants and show how the arts can connect everyone to science and conservation. Enjoy interactive displays, educational games and hands-on art activities. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the REEF campus in the median at 98300 Overseas Highway.
The Green Turtle's monthly comedy show features some of the best touring comedians from Florida and beyond. The show is hosted by Lando Gonzalez and features comedian Sheena Reagan with headliner Nathan Wallace. Two showtimes, at 6 and 8 p.m., with seatings at 5 and 7 p.m. Come early for dinner and drinks at The Nest, 81219 Overseas Hwy.
Leadership Monroe County will celebrate its Class 31 graduation with the Leadership Spring GradFest, a community festival and alumni reunion to be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Marathon Community Park, MM49. The family-friendly event features multiple food trucks, games, a bounce house, water slide, a classic car show, axe throwing booth, the Key West Police Mounted Patrol Unit and the Navy K-9 squad, all-day music, artists and non-profit exhibit booths, a raffle, class graduation ceremony and more. Admission $10; children 12 and under free.
The free Florida Keys Community Concert Band performance on Sat. April 27 is themed: "Sci-Fi Serenade." The program includes selections from “Music of the Spheres” along with space movie music. Come dressed to impress in your sci-fi best for an out-of-this-world costume contest. Bring chairs and blankets for seating.
Tarponian Tournament
Rules of this high-energy three-evening tournament mandate that each team fishes with a different captain each outing. Teams also rotate among the three major bridge channels in Marathon, so any potential “hot spots” are shared among all anglers. The tournament's opening and closing events take place at Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House, mile marker 48 bayside. Call 267-210-1952 for information.
Visit the family-friendly Monroe County Sheriff's Animal Farm, open the second and fourth Sundays of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. Visits are free of charge, but donations are always welcomed. Stock Island Detention Center, 5501 College Rd.
The final race of the 39th annual Wrecker's Cup Race Series to Sand Key kicks off Sunday at 1 p.m. The all-in-fun race series recalls the tradition of the wreckers from Key West in the 1800s. All sailing vessels, local sailors and visiting yachtsmen are welcome to join the regatta. Spectators can view from Schooner Wharf and the Historic Seaport. After the race, first, second and third place will be awarded in each division, with trophies, a bottle of Pusser’s rum, Schooner Wharf Bar tabs and wrecker T-shirts as prizes. Find Schooner Wharf Bar at 202 William St.
This is the last Artisan Market of the season until November and is a special salute to the Conch Republic. Shop a curated outdoor market displaying delicious culinary creations, fresh produce, fine crafts, art, jewelry and more from talented Florida Keys makers. Listen to awesome local musicians and meet talented local authors. The market offers a full bar and is open 10 a.m to 2 p.m. in Sonny McCoy Indigenous Park, 1801 White St.
Come on down! The Price is Right Live comes to Key West's Coffee Butler Amphitheater April 28. Ticket holders will have the chance to register to be a contestant and play to win valuable prizes. If you're a fan of The Price is Right on TV, you're going to love this exciting, live (non-televised) version of the show.
Emphasizing harmony with nature, the return of Art in the Garden showcases local art and sculptures with artistic expressions. Artworks are earth-friendly in the selection of materials and themes and include recycled, repurposed, and natural material. Meander over garden boardwalks and down pathways through dappled shade, colorful blossoms and winged creatures to spot many beautiful works of art. View daily through July 31. 5210 College Rd.