Key West to Sizzle With Tropical Heat Revelries Aug. 7-11

KEY WEST, Fla. — The LGBTQ-friendly island of Key West is known for its year-round subtropical weather, but temperatures are predicted to increase dramatically Wednesday through Sunday, Aug. 7-11. The cause is the annual Tropical Heat celebration, an adventurous long weekend of all-male adult fun.

Tropical Heat offers five days of sizzling happenings in an island setting — where openness and respect for diversity have made Key West a world-renowned LGBTQ vacation destination. Festival events range from pool parties and sunset sails to themed late-night gatherings popular island bars and clubs. 

Tropical Heat’s theme for 2024 is “Ride ’Em Cowboy.” The official start of the heat wave is “Cowboy Ken’s Pink Pool Party” kick-off party, set for 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, when “Kens” of all description are welcomed to Island House, 1129 Fleming St. 

Also on Wednesday’s schedule is an intriguing clothing-optional line-dancing event at the Sidebar, 504 Angela St. 

Festival revelers can explore Key West’s many attractions Thursday, Aug. 8, and then savor exotic late-night gatherings and entertainment at LGBTQ-friendly clubs and bars.  

Both Friday and Saturday, Aug. 9-10, an all-male clothing-optional snorkeling excursion is offered aboard the Blu Q, departing from 120 Margaret St. in the Key West Historic Seaport. The four-hour sailing adventure, slated to begin at 11 a.m. Friday and noon Saturday, also features snorkeling and stops at tranquil offshore sandbars. 

In addition, attendees can enjoy men-only sunset sails on Blu Q starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Alternatively, attendees can make a splash Friday at an afternoon pool bash at the Bourbon St. Pub, 724 Duval St.; Friday’s cowboy-themed evening pool party at Alexander’s Guesthouse, 1118 Fleming St.; and Saturday’s cowboy-themed daytime pool party at island House. 

Sunday’s highlights include a noontime pool party at Island House and Key West’s traditional 4 p.m. Tea Dance at La Te Da, 1125 Duval St. 

Scheduled closing events include karaoke at the 801 Bourbon Bar, 801 Duval St., and late-night entertainment at the Bourbon St. Pub. Both are in the “Pink Triangle,” a popular area of LGBTQ bars, clubs and shops on Key West’s famed “main drag.”

Tropical Heat VIP wristbands are available for $149 per person, allowing free or reduced-rate admission to all parties and a five-day pass to Island House, or attendees can purchase individual event admissions.

Event information, schedule and VIP wristbands: gaykeywestfl.com/tropical-heat/