Revelers in Key West are firing up their creative juices and their glue guns, hoping to create the winning headgear for the Headdress Ball scheduled Thursday, Oct. 24. The glamorous event is one of the highlights of the island’s 10-day Fantasy Fest celebration, offering a unique blend of lively entertainment and imaginative pageantry.
Relieved and grateful that the Florida Keys were spared impacts from Hurricane Dorian, Keys groups and businesses are organizing efforts to assist people in the northwest Bahamas who felt the brunt of the hurricane’s devastating winds and water — including citizens of tiny Green Turtle Cay, whose village of New Plymouth is Key West’s sister city.
Get ready for Key West's Womenfest, renowned as one of North America’s largest gatherings of lesbians and their friends. Taking place Sept. 4-8, the event is bursting with an abundance of entertaining revelries on both land and sea — from playful and rambunctious pool parties and picturesque sunset dinner sails to a late-night dance party.
In late 2018, Key West’s first lesbian mayor was elected. Teri Johnston, a former City Commissioner, is also the first openly gay woman elected mayor of a major Florida city. Popular and well-respected, Johnston was interviewed recently by the leading news source Towleroad — and Towleroad permitted Keys Voices to share excerpts from that interview.
Key West’s subtropical weather means summer temps in the high 80s, abundant sunshine and cooling sea breezes. But when it comes to entertainment, August is guaranteed to be a scorcher on the island with the annual Tropical Heat festivities. The sizzling action-packed event takes place Aug. 14-18, with all-male adult-themed events scheduled throughout.
Looking for a way to chill out over the July 4 weekend? Then head for Key West's famed "Pink Triangle," the heart of the LGBTQ entertainment district, for some indoor climate-controlled revelry — including the annual Firecracker Competition at Aqua Nightclub. The competition may be hot, but the venue is always pleasantly cool.
LGBTQ personalities, influences and events have played a huge role in the modern-day history of Key West, a leading gay vacation mecca for decades. With WorldPride well under way, it’s a great time to celebrate the milestones that helped shape the island that draws nearly 300,000 LGBTQ visitors per year.
A rainbow flag can now be seen on the 523-foot-long Vandenberg, the second-largest ship in the world to be sunk as an artificial reef. Lying about seven miles off Key West, the "Vandy" draws divers from around the world ... and its rainbow flag is believed to be the first one ever displayed on an artificial reef.
The Florida Keys & Key West tourism council and the Key West Business Guild will showcase the inclusive spirit of the subtropical LGBTQ visitor destination in New York City’s WorldPride March and PrideFest street festival scheduled Sunday, June 30. Stop by the street festival booth for insights into the island chain’s newest offerings and attractions.
The official start of summer is just a few weeks away, and Key West is ready with three fabulous weekend pool parties sure to make a big splash during a Florida Keys vacation. Discover how to dive into pool parties at New Orleans House, Equator Resort and Island House Resort.