Key West to Host 10 Days of Outrageous Conch Republic Independence Celebration April 18–27

Pack your pirate hat, your cow costume, and maybe some Cuban bread (stale preferred). The Conch Republic is throwing itself a birthday bash April 18–27, and you’re invited to the world’s wackiest sovereignty party in Key West.

This annual nonsense-fueled fiesta marks the 43rd anniversary of the Conch Republic’s brave (and deeply unserious) secession from the United States,  a 1982 stunt sparked by a pesky Border Patrol checkpoint and fueled by Keys-style defiance. The “war” was declared, bread was thrown, the surrender was instant, and a tongue-in-cheek plea for $1 billion in foreign aid was made. Spoiler: the check’s still in the mail.

These days, the Conch Republic is less of a rogue nation and more of a roguish one, with a motto of “We Seceded Where Others Failed,” and a festival schedule that’s basically a 10-day variety show of absurdity, freedom, and festivity.

What’s On Deck?

Friday, April 18: The Republic rises again at Mallory Square (4:30 p.m.) with an opening ceremony and flag-raising. Expect conchs, costumes, and cocktails. Stick around for the Schooner Wharf Bar’s gala kickoff party where the revolution will be accessorized.

Saturday, April 19: Heels will break. Dignity will be optional. The legendary Conch Republic Drag Races take over Duval Street at 2 p.m. Gorgeous queens in precarious footwear race, dodge obstacles, and make RuPaul look like an amateur.

Sunday, April 20: Moo or hop your way across the Cow Key Bridge in the utterly unathletic Bovines & Bunnies Zero K, a charity “race” where the only real competition is for best costume.

Wednesday, April 23: At 4:30 p.m., the Prime Minister Emeritus Dennis Wardlow and Speaker of the House Paul Menta host a nostalgic nod to the Great Secession. Then it’s over to the Sunset Pier for a salty, teary-eyed farewell to Capt. Finbar Gittelman, pirate, captain, and Conch Republic legend, who’s surely now sailing the celestial seas.

Thursday, April 24: The World’s Loooooongest Parade struts from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of America. Yes, we parade the entire island. Yes, it’s ridiculous. No, we won’t shorten it.

Friday, April 25: The Great Sea Battle of the Conch Republic returns! Witness schooners, sea dogs, and cannon smoke in an epic marine melee against “evil federal forces.” Spoiler alert: the Conch Republic wins every year.

Saturday, April 26: We strap wheels to beds and race them down Duval Street in the gloriously unhinged Blue Ribbon Bed Races. Later, join the Schooner Wharf Pirate Ball, where everyone’s a wench, a rogue, or very confused.

Throughout the week, you’ll also find:

  • Sultry salsa at Hot Havana Nights
  • Sunset sails and blue-water adventures
  • Beach cleanups (even pirates like clean sand)
  • Naval parades and open-air jazz
  • Artisan markets and good vibes galore

The party wraps up Sunday, April 27, with a market, music, and a final regatta. All proof that, while we may have seceded, we never surrendered our right to throw an unforgettable bash.

Full schedule and festival info
Key West travel info

#WeSeceded #ConchRepublic #OnlyInTheKeys