Holiday Hint: Experiences Are Better Than Geese
Instead of celebrating the lead-up to Santa’s Dec. 25 arrival by bestowing daily gifts (as suggested in “The Twelve Days of Christmas”), consider celebrating with experiences. Florida Keys experiences, to be exact — because the island chain’s December calendar is packed with creative, colorful and heartwarming events designed to spark smiles and lasting memories.
Get Your ‘Inner Pride On’ in Key West — Island Style
Key West has an incredible lineup of events planned for its 2019 Pride extravaganza. So mark your calendars for June 5-9 and get your “inner pride on” in the Florida Keys. Highlights include playful pool parties, fabulous drag competitions, pride-themed movie screenings, theatrical and vocal performances, block parties, mischievous nightlife and an over-the-top Pride Parade.
Pirates of the ‘Cowibbean’ Stage the Planet’s Only ‘Zero-K’ Race
“Athletes” in the weird and wonderful Cow Key Channel Bridge Run, the planet's only “zero-k race,” follow a 300-foot course across one of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway’s shortest bridges. Most wear wacky cow- or bull-themed costumes (some paired with tutus!) and the 2019 race is themed Pirates of the “Cowibbean.”
Connect and Protect: Explore Sustainable Travel Events in the Keys
Throughout April, throughout the year and throughout the Florida Keys, sustainable family-friendly events are offered for travelers seeking to connect with the unique Keys environment and help to protect it. Among them are Mote Marine Laboratory’s Ocean Fest and the Florida Keys Wildlife Society’s full-moon kayak excursions into the National Key Deer Refuge.
These Shoes Were Made for Sprinting: Key West’s Zany High-Heeled Drag Race
During the Great Conch Republic Drag Race, female impersonators and their “pit crew” transform part of Key West’s Duval Street into an improvised speedway. The quirky challenge features “dragsters” from across the island, sporting their highest heels and glam racing attire, sprinting down the street in an “only in Key West” event.
Join Diana Nyad For EverWalk in Key West
Become part of Diana Nyad's health-promoting EverWalk in Key West — thanks to an inspirational invitation to readers from the legendary endurance athlete, who in September 2013 became the first person to swim from Cuba to Key West without a shark cage. Diana and her Cuba Swim expedition leader Bonnie Stoll share their latest adventure with Florida Keys residents and visitors.
Key West’s Full Moon Experience Feeds the Spirit and Rocks the Beach
Key West's Full Moon Experience gatherings on Higgs Beach, beside the Atlantic Ocean, are alive with music, dancing, local performers, artistry, games and enjoyment. Discover their exuberant energy, good-spirited vibe and the chance to share an evening with some of the most creative people in the Florida Keys.