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.
In 1982, the Florida Keys & Key West seceded from the United States (for a very good reason) and formed the independent Conch Republic. Come to find out, the irreverent and gutsy spirit that inspired the Keys' secession also sparked the founding of a "country" on the other side of the world: the colorful “Republic of Whangamomona.”
Each spring, the Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration honors the openly gay playwright who lived in Key West from 1949 to 1983. The 2019 commemoration includes film showings, curator-led tours of Key West's Tennessee Williams Museum, competitions for writers and painters, theatrical presentations, a birthday reception and even an intriguing Williams-themed cocktail tasting.
Marathon may be the midpoint of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, but it’s certainly not “middle of the road” when it comes to special events. Upcoming celebrations blend sun, smiles and a heaping helping of creativity in the Keys’ balmy “winter” climate. Among the best are the Florida Keys Celtic Festival and the Pigeon Key Art Festival.
Want to get 2019 off to a tasty start? Then plan to savor sunshine, fabulous food and wonderful wines at five Florida Keys celebrations of cuisine and spirits that take place in January. Each is unique, but they all spotlight local chefs’ creativity and indigenous Keys ingredients like fresh-off-the-boat fish and seafood.
Larry Blackburn is a prominent Florida Keys photographer, a fervent supporter of the Keys' "One Human Family" community and a constant presence at special events and fundraisers. Plus he will reign all year as the king of Key West's Fantasy Fest celebration after earning his crown by raising money for a local nonprofit. "Meet" Larry, whose heart is as notable as his height, by reading on.
Key West's exotic Fantasy Fest is internationally recognized for its elaborate costume competitions, street fairs, masquerade balls and lavish grand parade. Fantasy Fest 2018 takes place Oct. 19-28 — and it’s an unprecedented display of Key West’s creativity, individuality and flamboyant spirit. The 10-day gala offers revelers a world-class chance to leave the "real world" behind and immerse themselves in fantasy.
All over the Florida Keys, people are constructing costumes for their cats, dogs, parrots, potbellied pigs, rabbits and other domestic species. What’s behind this strange phenomenon? A wacky annual costume competition for critters, known as the Pet Masquerade, that’s a highlight of Key West’s 10-day Fantasy Fest celebration each October.
Thousands of costumed revelers will promenade through Key West's historic Old Town Oct. 26 during the offbeat Masquerade March, a highlight of the annual Fantasy Fest costuming and masking festival. Famed as “the locals’ parade,” the march typically draws spirited bands and merrymakers wearing everything from lavish feathered and sequined creations to quirky ensembles inspired by the festival theme.
The over-the-top Headdress Ball brings unmatched creativity and spectacular entries to the new Key West Amphitheater at Truman Waterfront Park. Featuring high-quality entertainment and glamorous flair, the gala is the leading LGBTQ event during the island’s fabulous Fantasy Fest masking and costuming festival — and it’s a can’t-miss treat.