Calendar of Events
Current Key West Events
- Jan. 1, 2019 - Aug. 31, 2019 Location: Key West Category: Fishing
- Key West Fishing Tournament
- Doris Harris 305-923-5934 Email Website
- Anglers of all ages and abilities can target more than 40 species of fish in the Key West Fishing Tournament, a free-entry multidivision challenge that takes place Jan. 1 to Aug. 31, 2019. The tournament features divisions for men, women, junior anglers ages 10 to 15 and Pee Wees under 10 years old — making it ideal for extended families and multigenerational groups who want to share the angling experience.
- Feb. 22, 2019 - Apr. 30, 2019 Location: Key West Category: Arts & Culture
- Artist Paul Arsenault Exhibit at Custom House Museum
- 305-295-6616 x112 Email Website
- Presented by Key West Art & Historical Society, the work of artist Paul Arsenault is to be featured at a special opening reception on February 22 from 6–7PM in the Bumpus Gallery at the Custom House Museum, 281 Front St. “Coastal Trade: Bounty, Booty, and Boats of the Gulf and Glades from Naples to Key West” is an exhibit of over 30 of Arsenault’s paintings that are a window into the pioneering days of southwest Florida’s maritime trading networks, presented along with artifacts from Arsenault’s personal collection and the Society’s archives. Exhibit runs through April 30.
- Mar. 19, 2019 - Apr. 26, 2019 Location: Key West Category: Arts & Culture
- 'Visions of Cuba' Cuban Art Exhibit at the Gato Building
- 305-295-4369 Email
- This collective exhibition of contemporary Cuban Art, curated by Alaen Ledesma Fernandez, represents the artwork of more than 50 prominent Cuban artists who now live in cities throughout the world, many of whom attended the ISA, Institud Superior of Art in Havana, and have participated in the Havana Biennial. The Gato Building itself is steeped in Cuban Heritage, originally a Cuban Cigar Factory. “Visions of Cuba” showcases a variety of community artists, ranging from students to professionals, and promotes the significant cultural connection between Cuba, Key West, the Gato and artists. View the exhibit inside the Gato Building, open daily Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
- Apr. 6, 2019 - Apr. 27, 2019 Location: Key West Category: Arts & Culture
- Key West Burlesque presents: A Tribute to Prince
- Website
- Key west burlesque pulls back the purple Vail in an epic tribute to one of the greatest recording artists of all times! Erotic City: a burlesque tribute to the Artist Prince is a celebration of the life and music of this amazing musician. Tatah Dujour and the Key West Burlesque dancers take to the stage to perform to all his greatest hits in the Backroom of Sidebar, 504 Angela St., April 6, 13, 20 & 27. They are joined by a weekly rotating cast of favorites including Aurora Natrix, Moana Amour, Trixie Moon, and R Dynamite.
- Apr. 9, 2019 - May. 3, 2019 Location: Key West Category: Arts & Culture
- Arts Council Presents the Connections Project 2019 TOUR
- Website
- The Florida Keys Council of the Arts' seventh annual Connections Project Keyswide road show features a vibrant 24-foot mosaic mural created by local artists and art lovers. Currently at Royal Furniture in Key West, it moves May 3 to the Gato Building in Key West. Receptions with wine and hors d'oeuvres are open to the public. After connecting with the art, patrons can also collect art by making a $50 donation for one canvas or a $125 donation for three at any reception or online. Once the road show has ended, donors receive a randomly selected piece of the mosaic in the mail. Each work includes an artist statement providing insight into the origin of the work and the artist’s thoughts and inspiration. Proceeds from the Connections Project directly benefit Keys artists and arts organizations.
- Apr. 18, 2019 - Apr. 20, 2019 Location: Key West Category: Arts & Culture
- 21st Annual Afro Roots World Music Festival Celebrates Women in World Music
- Website
- For more than 20 years, the Afro Roots Fest has celebrated the evolution of African culture in our communities. To kick off the festival’s third decade, organizers are showcasing some of the premier female artists in world music today. The festival travels down U.S. 1 to Key West for a special celebration of Cuba. On the 18th with Miami Latin-funk band Electric Piquete’s debut at The Green Parrot (601 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040) at 9 p.m. On Friday, April 19, a screening of the documentary Eliades Ochoa: from Cuba to the World at The Studios of Key West (533 Eaton Street, Key West, FL 33040) will take place beginning at 6 p.m. Finally, Cuban folk act Cortadito celebrates Cuba with a performance also at TSKW on Saturday, 8 p.m., and then the Spam Allstars perform at the official closing party at the Green Parrot beginning at 10 p.m.
- Apr. 19, 2019 - Apr. 28, 2019 Location: Key West Category: Arts & Culture
- 37th Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration
- 305-296-0213 Email Website
- With activities such as a lighthearted sea battle featuring tall ships, the Conch Republic's 10-day birthday party showcases the independent and eccentric spirit that characterizes the Florida Keys.
- Apr. 20, 2019 Location: Key West
- Discovery Saturday Educational Series: Soaring on Wings – Birds of the Keys
- 305-809-4750 Email Website
- Kids in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to join the free, fun-filled Discovery Saturday at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center (35 East Quay Road, Key West) from 10-11 a.m. Children can learn about birds of the Florida Keys. The Soaring on Wings program is hosted by Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and the Key West Wildlife Center. Free admission, free parking. Discovery Saturday is held the third Saturday of every month. Pre-registration is recommended. The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is located at 35 East Quay Road on the Truman Annex waterfront in Key West.
- Apr. 20, 2019 Location: Key West
- Gospel Jazz Night
- Rev. Rochelle Pearson 305-517-6611 o
- Founded in 1864 by free black community leader Sandy Cornish, the Cornish Memorial AME Zion Church is today a landmark in Key West. The Cornish Chapel was established for the island's African-American citizens and was designed to be a schoolhouse and a safe gathering place as well as a church. Intriguing architectural details include a distinctive double staircase leading to the main door. This special evening features Mr. Terance Young, recording artist, and is dedicated as a fundraiser to repair the large stained glass window in the sanctuary. Doors open 5:30PM, starts 6PM, Cornish Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 702 Whitehead St. Tickets $25
- Apr. 20, 2019 Location: Key West
- Arbor Day/Earth Day Celebration at the Key West Tropical Forest!
- 305-296-1504 Website
- A full day of events! The Nursery at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden will be offering native trees, shrubs and vines for sale from 9am to noon. Beginning at 1PM in the Toppino Nature Chapel, Key West Urban Forester, Karen DeMaria will be speaking on “The City of Key West Tree Ordinance-Fact vs Fiction.” Karen will explain the City’s tree ordinance and will also answer questions. Admission for the speaker is free for members, $5 for non-members. All proceeds directly benefit the Garden’s conservation program. Additional events and exhibits for the day will continue until 4PM including the Earth Day planting of trees and shrubs by the City with Master Gardner, Michelle Leonard-Mularz, explaining proper planting procedures in the Florida Keys; Bee-keeping Presentation & Honey Tasting; Home Brew Club; Key West Sea Turtle Club Booth & Activity and other Local Environmental Groups, Booths & Activities.
- Apr. 22, 2019 Location: Key West
- Earth Day Jam with That Hippie Band
- Website
- Join the global celebration of the 49th Earth Day with Gary Hempsey and That Hippie Band. This Ralph De Palma Production, sponsored by the Schooner Wharf Bar, is at the Key West Theater, 512 Eaton St. Doors open at 7pm, music begins at 8pm. Bring your good vibes, harmony and understanding, sympathy and trust abounding, and peace will guide the planets, and love will steer the stars. It will be like Woodstock without the mud!
