Holiday festivities in the subtropical Florida Keys include everything from lighted boat and bicycle parades to tours of decorated historic inns, plays, seasonal concerts and much more — including an Islamorada celebration where merrymakers can frolic in a 30-ton mountain of actual snow!
As chilly weather begins to invade northern realms, discover new and enhanced attractions in the sunny subtropical Florida Keys. From underwater exploration to sailing adventures to a unique "escape" experience, they're all designed to intrigue and delight visitors.
The Florida Keys are rich in "mañana mindset," irreverent humor and unexpected joys. Now is a great time to discover and connect with the island chain and the spirit that defines it — and with the special Keys experiences that will make your senses tingle and your smile spread from ear to ear.
Who were the monarchs that reigned over Key West's 2017 Fantasy Fest celebration? "King" Paul Murphy, "Queen" Destiny Montgomery, "Duke" Bucky Montgomery and "Duchess" Vicki Hodgson — a royal family that earned their titles by raising more than $129,000 for the Florida Keys' AIDS Help organization!
Thousands of Jimmy Buffett's fervent "Parrot Head" fans are gathered in Key West, widely known as the cradle of Buffett’s creativity, to celebrate his music and the “Margaritaville mindset” it inspires. This “Keys Voices” column looks back at a surprise concert Jimmy performed during the Parrot Heads' visit in 2011 — and his spontaneous comments that revealed an undiminished affection for the island city.
Some of us have heard the question, “Is Key West as gay as it used to be?” While I don’t personally own a “gay-ometer,” I’m certainly seeing a lot more LGBT visitors out and about enjoying our island’s perfect year-round temps and idyllic subtropical setting.
Key West’s renowned Fantasy Fest, scheduled Oct. 20-29, is more meaningful than ever this year. Why? Because it demonstrates Florida Keys residents’ spirit, resilience and determination to celebrate life and creativity -- even after Hurricane Irma’s unwelcome visit in early September.
The Key West Headdress Ball, the premier LGBT event of the annual Fantasy Fest extravaganza, is celebrating its 35th year of dazzling audiences. The glamorous gala takes place Thursday, Oct. 26, and will feature about 25 contestants showcasing outrageous original headdresses — including some far taller their wearers.
The Florida Keys are reopening to visitors Sunday, Oct. 1, following recovery efforts after Hurricane Irma impacted the island chain Sept. 10. Recovery is progressing well and the spirit and resilience of Keys residents is strong, despite the difficult hurricane impacts and aftermath. Many Keys special events — including Key Largo’s Oct. 18-22 Humphrey Bogart Film Festival, Key West’s Oct. 20-29 Fantasy Fest and Marathon’s Oct. 21 Stone Crab Eating Contest — are to take place as planned.
The Key West Business Guild’s LGBT visitor center will move to new and larger digs in October along with the Guild itself, acclaimed as one of America’s leading gay business associations. The new location at 808 Duval St. lies within Key West’s famed “Pink Triangle,” which includes a cluster of LGBT bars, entertainment clubs and stores.