In the Florida Keys, creative citizens tend to organize celebrations of art, music, theater, film and literature practically at the drop of a frangipani blossom.
For example, visual art festivals take place all around the Keys. Some even offer insights into local heritage — like the popular Pigeon Key Art Festival, where attendees can discover the history of the Over-Sea Railroad that connected the Keys and Key West to mainland Florida (for the first time!) in 1912. Held each February, the two-day show benefits the tiny island of Pigeon Key, lying beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge west of Marathon, where railroad workers once lived. And many of the renowned artists who participate find themselves inspired by Pigeon Key.
Visitors view striking original pieces at the annual Pigeon Key Art Festival.
Key West’s creative heritage centers on its literary legacy. Playwright Tennessee Williams lived on the island from 1949 until his death, and Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote there for most of the 1930s. So it’s not surprising that both are honored with annual festivals.
For Williams fans, there’s the monthlong Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration each March. Highlights for 2016 include a March 26 reception recognizing the 105th anniversary of Williams’ birth, screenings of films adapted from his plays, the “Tennessee’s Letters (Live)” stage performance, challenges for writers and artists, and the debut of a permanent Custom House Museum exhibit of Williams’ paintings.
Since 1981, Hemingway Days has taken place during the author’s birthday week each July. Its literary and “lifestyle” events include readings by authors, museum exhibits, an awards ceremony capping the internationally acclaimed Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition, and the wacky “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Competition.
But those aren’t Key West’s only major literary events. Each January the Key West Literary Seminar brings together world-famous writers to discuss their craft in front of an audience of literature fans. Past seminars have featured big-name authors including Amy Tan, Frank McCourt, Thomas McGuane, Joy Williams, Junot Diaz and Billy Collins.
In Key Largo, an island that shares its name with the title of a Humphrey Bogart classic (and was one of the film’s settings), cinema takes center stage. Scheduled each October, the Humphrey Bogart Film Festival is co-hosted by Bogart’s son Stephen Bogart. Visitors will find screenings of the late actor’s films and others, parties and gatherings, and the chance to book canal cruises on the restored African Queen — yes, the original boat from John Huston’s 1951 film starring Bogie and Katharine Hepburn.
Bay Jam draws music lovers to enjoy outdoor performances set against Florida Bay’s turquoise waters.
In addition, cinema buffs can enjoy the Key West Film Festival. Generally staged each November, it blends screenings and Q&A sessions with noted filmmakers, stars, critics and industry insiders.
But let’s not forget music festivals — which play a sizeable role in the Keys’ rich cultural tapestry. April 3 brings Islamorada’s 22nd annual Bay Jam, a music-and-art happening that stars local and visiting performers at the ICE Amphitheater at Founders Park on the shores of Florida Bay.
The 21st annual Key West Songwriter’s Festival will rock the island city May 4-8. It features a huge number of America’s top performing songwriters, with dozens of concerts staged in intimate, audience-friendly island settings. As well as hearing today’s hits sung by their writers, audiences can learn the stories BEHIND the songs.
Also scheduled each May (May 12-15 this year) is the Key Largo Original Music Festival. The event features multiple on-the-water venues, elite national and regional entertainers and local musicians — all immersed in the music, food and ambiance that characterize Key Largo.
Music, dancing and merriment highlight the annual Florida Keys Celtic Festival.
The Keys are even the site for a celebration of unique Celtic music and culture. The family-friendly Florida Keys Celtic Festival takes place in Marathon every January with music, Highland athletics, sheepdog herding, vendor booths and much more. Past musical headliners include the Scottish band Albannach, international super group Rathkeltair, The Screaming Orphans and West of Galway.
Of course, these are far from the only Florida Keys festivals and events that celebrate visual, performing and literary artists’ talent (for more, check out the calendar here). And while each one is different, they all spotlight the Keys’ vibrant history, natural richness, and that irresistible vibe that continues to inspire creative spirits.
