Wait a second, is summer really almost over? Did I hear someone say it’s nearly the end of August? Are you asking yourself, “Can I please just have one more weekend of summer fun before I head back to work and deal with the reality of another long cold winter?”
Entertainment, music and parties await singles, couples and groups of women at the lively Womenfest celebration. (Photo courtesy of Womenfest)
Well, if you’re one of the thousands of women who flock to the subtropical island of Key West during the annual Womenfest celebration, then our answer is, “Yes, you can!”
The festival, renowned as one of North America’s largest gatherings of lesbians and their friends, will be held Sept. 4-8.
The event is bursting with an abundance of entertaining revelries on both land and sea. They range from playful and rambunctious pool parties and picturesque sunset dinner sails to a late-night dance party.
The popular festival features a warm and welcoming vibe designed to foster the camaraderie of like-minded women — while also showcasing the attractions of our internationally acclaimed lesbian and gay vacation destination.
The entertainment-packed Womenfest schedule launches with an evening gala from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, at its host hotel Alexander’s Guesthouse, 1118 Fleming St. The property, which is usually an all-welcome, 21-plus guesthouse, accommodates only female guests during the festivities. FYI, room reservations can’t be made online, so please contact the property directly for availability.
Subsequent highlights include a “Poker for a Cause” tournament benefiting our local SPCA and held at the Silver Palms Inn at 830 Truman Ave., a fundraising contest and show titled “Real Women Do Drag,” women’s flag football clinics and scrimmage, a women-only sunset tea dance and dinner cruise with musical favorites Sister Funk, the outrageously funny Drunken Drag Brunch and the White Party with headliner DJ Citizen Jane.
Rude Girl (right) and Molly Blue guide the music and merriment at Tea Dance every Sunday.
New to this year’s lineup is a Brushes N Booze activity presented by Effusion Gallery/Key West and held at Mangoes Restaurant, 700 Duval St. The female-only party will feature nationally esteemed artist Chris Hotham displaying her original work, “Pride Sunset.”
Admission to this creative get-together is only $30 per person and includes two drinks, select appetizers and a painted canvas of your own work to take home (how cool is that?). Seating is limited, so I recommend making a reservation ASAP.
If by any remote chance you’re still looking for something to do during the festival, you can always get out and experience Key West’s fascinating museums and historic attractions, lovely gardens and tours, galleries, fishing, diving and other watersports excursions.
The celebrations may come to a close on Sunday, Sept. 8, but there’s still one more chance to enjoy the camaraderie of friends — old and new alike. The final dance party of all dance parties, the legendary Key West Tea Dance, awaits your arrival at 4 p.m. at La Te Da, 1125 Duval St. The high-energy poolside soiree has stellar dance music spun by our fabulous local radio host and resident DJ Rude Girl.
Immediately following the dance, Christopher’s restaurant at La Te Da opens and serves some of the island’s finest libations and gastronomic offerings. It’s the perfect place to wine and dine while enjoying your fond end-of-summer memories — and planning for another incredible Womenfest next September.
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