Festivals

Never, EVER Say “Kontch”

If you’ve spent time in the Florida Keys, you’re aware that Keys residents are generally easygoing and friendly. But unless you want to make them cringe, don’t ever say “kontch” — because the widely-used word “conch,” despite its spelling, is properly pronounced “konk.” Especially at the upcoming birthday party for the Keys’ Conch Republic.

By |2023-04-05T15:32:11-04:00April 5, 2023|

Argentina’s Flavors Highlight 2023 Key West Food & Wine Festival

A subtropical setting and a celebration of cuisine and libations await food fanciers Jan. 25-29, when the Key West Food & Wine Festival is staged in the inviting island city. Acclaimed as one of the United States’ leading wine and cuisine events, the festival salutes Argentine flavors and vintages throughout its 2023 schedule.

By |2023-01-04T12:24:28-05:00January 4, 2023|

Subtropical Snow (Yes, Snow!) to Highlight Florida Keys Holiday Fest

From Key Largo to Key West, the calendar is packed with events designed to spread seasonal cheer — including a traditional Islamorada favorite that features actual snow. Yes, despite the Keys’ typically balmy winter temperatures, grownups and kids of all ages can delight in snow Friday, Dec. 2, during Islamorada’s Florida Keys Holiday Fest.

By |2022-11-23T12:53:40-05:00November 23, 2022|

Expect “Cartoon Chaos” and World-Class Costumes at Fantasy Fest

Revelers can express their creativity by donning dazzling costumes during Key West’s Fantasy Fest, set for Oct. 21-30 and themed “Cult Classics & Cartoon Chaos.” The fabulous festival features masquerade parties, costume contests, music and theater shows, themed events — and a lavish grand parade of massive motorized floats and elaborately garbed marching groups.

By |2022-10-19T15:37:19-04:00October 19, 2022|

Girls Just Want to Have Fun … at Key West’s Womenfest

For several thousand women, Key West is the place to be in early September. It’s the place to enjoy adventures in Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico waters, entertainment and parties with like-minded people, and relaxation on an accepting subtropical island — all during the island city’s annual Womenfest celebration set for Sept. 7-11.

By |2022-08-10T19:30:52-04:00August 10, 2022|

‘Papa’ 2022 Joins Bearded Brotherhood of Hemingway Look-Alikes

There’s a new “Papa” Hemingway on the island where legendary author Ernest Hemingway lived for most of the 1930s. White-bearded Floridian Jon Auvil won the 2022 Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, the highlight of Key West's annual Hemingway Days. And Nick Henke of St. Louis earned top honors in the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition.

By |2022-07-27T13:57:36-04:00July 27, 2022|

Hemingway Days Celebrates Legendary Writer’s Key West Life

Fans of adventurous living and fine writing can celebrate the legacy of Ernest Hemingway July 19-24 in Key West, his home during the 1930s. Hemingway Days highlights include a world-renowned look-alike contest, the culmination of the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition and a marlin tournament that salutes Ernest’s passion for Florida Keys fishing.

By |2022-07-20T11:49:43-04:00July 20, 2022|

Underwater Music Festival Spotlights Coral Reef Protection

Divers and snorkelers explored part of the continental United States' only living coral barrier reef recently while rocking to a unique sub-sea concert that promoted reef protection. The Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival takes place annually at Looe Key Reef — one of the most spectacular areas of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

By |2022-07-13T16:08:11-04:00July 13, 2022|
Go to Top