Calendar of Events for Key West

Visit Key West's historic streets and see beautiful tropical foliage in bloom all-year round.

Throughout the year Key West hosts a wide variety of events - many of which are truly unique to the island.

Depending on the time of the year, you are likely to see walking Key West's streets: Hemingway look-alikes, Jimmy Buffet "parrotheads", pirates, motorcycle aficionados, Bahamian Junkanoo performers, world class sailors and fishermen, noted authors & writers, or scantily clad Fantasy Fest revelers. And every night is the Sunset Celebration (Key West sunset times).

Something missing? If you know of any Key West calendar events that we have overlooked please let us know and we'll quickly add it.

And check back frequently as more dates and details will be added as the season progresses.

Here is the upcoming calendar of events:

2010 Key West Calendar of Events

January 2010:

• December 2-January 2, 2010 - THEATER - A Christmas Survival Guide- Musical by James Hindman and Ray Roderick, Musical Arrangement by John Glaudin Directed By Joy Hawkins, Red Barn Theatre - 319 Duval Street, Rear, Key West. Box Office: 305-296-9911
• January 7 - 10, 2010 - LITERARY - 28th Annual Key West Literary Seminar - This year's topic is “Clearing The Sill of the World,” a celebration of 60 years of American poetry in honor of Richard Wilbur. For more information, call (888) 293-9291.
• January 8, 2010 - THEATER - The Suitors - by Jean Racine translated, by Richard Wilbur, Directed By Joy Hawkins - Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval Street, Rear, Key West. Box Office: 305-296-9911
• January 9 to April 24 - ART - Sculpture Key West 2010 - Outdoor sculpture exhibition at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and West Martello Tower. Cutting edge sculptures made by artists from around the world. For more information, call 305-295-3800.
  
• January 13 & 14, 2010 - MUSIC - Key West Symphony Master Concerts Series II - Israeli Violin/Composer, Ittai Shapiro and Jin Hi Kim, Korean Drums/Composer join the Key West Symphony performing their own Compositions. Tennessee Williams Theater, 5901 College Rd, Stock Island. 8 pm. For more information and tickets, call 305-296-1520.
  
• January 13 - February 13, 2010 - THEATER -Women Who Steal by Carter W. Lewis. Director Rebecca Tomlinson - Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval Street, Rear, Key West. Box office: 305-296-9911
• January 15-16, 2010 -- ARCHITECTURE- House and Garden Tour - Visit 5 Key West homes and tropical gardens.  Tickets are $25, and include transportation on a Conch Tour Train.  Call 305-294-9501 for more information.
• January 16, 2010 - FOOD - 5th Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival - Growing more popular each year, this festival celebrates Key West's abundant fresh seafood with music & beverages served up by many of the Florida Keys commercial fisherman and families. Crab, lobster, ceviche, conch chowder, and other local cuisine is served up in a picnic setting. Entrance is free. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Bayview Park at Truman Avenue and Eisenhower Drive, Key West. For more information, call 305-872-9026.
• January 16 - April 16, 2010 - ART - Sculpture Key West 2010- Each year artists from Key West and beyond install a thoughtful, inventive, and often whimsical collection of outdoor sculpture. Be sure to visit all three locations: Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower (southern end of White Street), Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden (5210 College Road, Stock Island), and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park (at the end of Southard Street). For more information, call 305-295-3800.
• January 16, 2010 - ART - Sculpture Key West 2010 Opening & Reception - 3 pm - 6 pm: Free Admission to Fort Zachary Taylor, then the 5:30 - 7:30 pm: Opening Reception at West Martello (southern end of White Street).
  
• January 16, 2010 - MUSIC - Key West Symphony Master Concerts Series II - Tennessee Williams Theater, 5901 College Rd, Stock Island, 8pm. For more information and tickets, call 305-296-1520.
• January 18 - 22, 2010 - SAILING - Premier Racing Presents: Key West 2010 - Known locally in Key West as "race week", this world class sailing competition hosts nearly 300 racing yachts compete for class championships in this international midwinter sailboat regatta. Call (781) 639-9545 for more information.
• January 22 -24, 2010 - FISHING - Hog's Breath King Mackerel Tournament - Using the fastest boats in competitive saltwater fishing, highly competitive anglers seek the largest and most king mackerel for cash prizes. For more information, call (305) 296-0364.
• January 23, 2010 - ART - Anne McKee Artists Fund Auction - Nearly 100 artists are to exhibit and auction their work to raise money for the fund that provides project-based grants to Keys artists. Artwork includes original paintings, sculpture, photography, fiber art, ceramics and more. East Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd, Key West.
  
• January 24 - February 9, 2010 - THEATER - Speed the Plow by David Mamet - Directed By Carole MacCartee, Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval Street, Rear, Key West. Box office: 305-296-9911
• January 28 - 31, 2010 - MUSIC - 1st Annual Key West Dulcimer Fest - 15 of the best performers of mountain dulcimer and hammered dulcimer will be presenting concerts and teaching workshops to registrants and to the general public.  Registrations are $95 and include all concerts and classes.  Vendors will be on hand with instruments and beginner lessons are available.  Contact Bing Futch at (407) 342-1447 for more info.
• January 29 & 30, 2010 - MUSIC - Locos Por Juana Live - Grammy nominated Locos Por Juana performs live at The Green Parrot Bar. A show not to be missed. Playing new songs from the up and coming Album. 10pm, 601 Whitehead Street. FREE.
  
• January 30 - 31, 2010 - ART - 25th Annual Key West Craft Show - Open air art market and judged show offering an amazing variety of work, including sculpture, paintings, craft, and folk art. Whitehead Street and Caroline Streets, Key West. For more information, call (305) 294-1241.
• January 31, 2010 - SPORTS - 12th Annual Key West Half Marathon - 7:00 AM. Registration costs $45 by Jan. 20, 2009, $50 thereafter. Dante's Restaurant, 951 Caroline Street (The registration booth will be set up at Lands End Marina on Saturday January 24 from 5 PM till 8 PM. Race packets can be picked up at this time. Registration booth will also be open race day starting at 6 am.) Awards ceremony with great prizes distributed will follow the race. Awards will given to First thru third Male/Female three deep from 14 & Under to 70 & Over. First Place Overall Male/Female and First & Second Masters and a Military Division.
  

February 2010

• February every day - ART - Sculpture Key West 2010- Each year artists from Key West and beyond install a thoughtful, inventive, and often whimsical collection of outdoor sculpture. Be sure to visit all three locations: Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower (southern end of White Street), Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden (5210 College Road, Stock Island), and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park (at the end of Southard Street). For more information, call 305-295-3800.
• February 7 - 15, 2010 - SPORTS - 19th Annual Kelly McGillis Classic - Women's flag football teams from all over the world to compete in the International Women's Flag Football Association largest tournament. Call 888-GO-IWFFA for more information.
• Monday, February 8-10, 2010 - MUSIC - Si Senorita - Dance under the stars and over the ocean to the groovy sounds of Si Senorita. Free concert presented by Sunset Pier Key West Concert Series. 0 Duval Street - 6pm to 9pm - FREE. For more information call 305-295-7047.
• February 12-13, 2010 -- ARCHITECTURE - House and Garden Tour - Visit 5 Key West homes and tropical gardens.  Tickets are $25. Call 305-294-9501 for more information.
• Friday, February 19, 2010 - MUSIC - Stephen Marley - The son of roots-Reggae legend Bob Marley returns to Key West to play his grammy award winning music. Outdoor concert on the sunset pier overlooks the Key West harbor. $25 in advance/$35 at the door (show sold out last year). Doors open at 8pm. 0 Duval Street. Call 305-295-7047 for more information.
• February 19 - 21 - 2010 - GARDENING - Gardenfest Key West - South Florida's top nurseries will show bromeliads, orchids, fruit trees, palms, tropical flowers and natives for the Botanical Gardens' annual plant sale! Attend landscaping workshops, learn how to build your own native garden, browse through garden supplies booths, and arts and crafts. Docent tours will be offered. Plant sale is free and open to the public. Gates open 9 a.m. - Call 305-296-1504 for more information.
• February 19 - 22, 2010 - WRITING - Key West Travel Writing Workshop - Learn the secrets of travel writing from Bob Fisher, a Frommers writer and contributing editor.  The course concentrates on how to shape your travel story into something that editors would consider buying. The course includes instruction on different types of travel writing, kinds of outlets, methods of research, determining the market, self-publishing, query letters and more. Classes are held in the museum's Robert Frost Cottage or in the adjacent, gorgeous garden. Cost is $275 for two days of instruction (four hours per day on Saturday and Sunday). Classes limited to only 15 participants. Reception and orientation held the first night. Heritage House Museum, 410 Caroline Street. For more information, call 305-296-3573.
• February 24 - March 27, 2010 - THEATER - Shirley Valentine by Willy Russell - Directed By Joy Hawkins. Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval Street, Rear, Key West. Box office: 305-296-9911
• February 25, 2010 - FUNDRAISER - Friends of the Key West Library Bi-annual Fund Raiser - A catered affair with entertainment, to be held at the Studios of Key West, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., cost $100 per person. Call for more information call 305-293-0713.
• February 27 - 28, 2010 - ART - 45th Annual Old Island Days Art Festival - Open-air art show and market featuring oil paintings, watercolors, sculpture, photography and other works. Whitehead Street & Caroline Street, Key West. For more information, call (305) 294-1241.
  

March 2010

• February 24 - March 27, 2010 - THEATER - Shirley Valentine by Willy Russell - Directed By Joy Hawkins. Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval Street, Rear, Key West. Box office: 305-296-9911
• March, every day - ART - Sculpture Key West 2010- Each year artists from Key West and beyond install a thoughtful, inventive, and often whimsical collection of outdoor sculpture. Be sure to visit all three locations: Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower (southern end of White Street), Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden (5210 College Road, Stock Island), and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park (at the end of Southard Street). For more information, call 305-295-3800.
• March 4 & 5, 2010 - MUSIC - Honey Island Swamp Band - Get your groove on while this southern roots band fuses blues, rock, jazz, funk and swamp into a unique, funky, bayou sound. Awarded "Best Emerging Artist of 2009" by Offbeat Magazine. 10pm. (also 5:30 pm soundcheck on Friday). Green Parrot Bar. 601 Whitehead Street. FREE.
• March 6, 2010 - LOCAL COLOR - 48th Annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest - Watch enthusiastic contestants, from children to seniors, pucker up and demonstrate their shell-blowing talents. No cost to enter or to compete, and no experience is necessary. Conch shells are available for purchase for those who do not have their own. Contestants are encouraged to register for the event at the Oldest House from 11:30 to 1:00 pm on or before the day of the event. For further information call 395-294-9501.
• March 11, 2010 - MUSIC - Steel Pulse - Reggae powerhouse Steel Pulse plays the sunset pier of the Ocean Key House hotel. $25 in advance/$35 at the door. Doors open at 8pm. Call 305-295-7047 for more information.
• March 11-14, 2010 - FAMILY FUN - St. Mary's Catholic Church Annual Spring Carnival - Rides, games, and food. 4-day wristbands for sale at half price of daily admission. Buy them at St. Mary's school office until Thursday March 11, 9pm-5pm. $40 for the entire weekend. Otherwise, buy tickets at the gate. Truman Avenue & Windor Lane. For more information, call 305-292-3013.
• March 12-13, 2010 - ARCHITECTURE - House and Garden Tour - Visit 5 Key West homes and tropical gardens.  Tickets are $25. Call 305-294-9501 for more information
• March 13, 2010 - CUBA - Hot Havana Nights - A night celebrating and enjoying Cuban culture. Features a hot salsa band, silent auction of Cuba art, Cuban food, and mojito & cigar bar. VIP seating $125 includes seating dining. $50 for buffet & cash bar. 7pm - 11pm. 5210 College Road, Stock Island. Early reservations are suggested. Call 305-296-1504 for more information.
• March 18-20, 2010 - THEATER - Always… Patsy Cline by Ted Swindley - Directed By Joy Hawkins.
  Red Barn Theatre presenting at the San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval Street, Key West. Box office: 305-296-9911.

April 2010:

• continuing until April 16, 2010 - ART - Sculpture Key West 2010- Each year artists from Key West and beyond install a thoughtful, inventive, and often whimsical collection of outdoor sculpture. Be sure to visit all three locations: Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower (southern end of White Street), Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden (5210 College Road, Stock Island), and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park (at the end of Southard Street). For more information, call 305-295-3800.
• April 7 - May 8, 2010 - THEATER - Short Attention Span Theatre - "A Myriad of Directors and A Cast of Thousands." Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval Street, Rear, Key West. Box office: 305-296-9911.
• April 11, 2010 - WRITING - 16th Annual Robert Frost Poetry Festival - Abbreviated schedule this year (normally a 5 day festival). Plans to announce winners of the International Poetry Contest and the Monroe County Poetry in Schools Contest. 410 Caroline Street. For more information, call 305-296-3573.
• April 17, 2010 - THEATER - John Wells and Carmen Rodriguez sing James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt- Directed By Joy Hawkins. San Carlos Building, 516 Duval Street, Key West.
• April 23, 2010 - MUSIC - Key West Symphony Master Concerts Series III - Tennessee Williams Theater, 5901 College Road, Stock Island. For more information and tickets, call 305-296-1520.
• April 28 - May 2, 2010 - MUSIC - 15th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival - The 14th-annual showcase of musical magic features America’s foremost performing songwriters, with concerts staged in intimate, audience-friendly island settings.
• April 21, 2010 -MUSIC - Key West Symphony Master Concerts Series III - Tennessee Williams
  Theater, 5901 College Road, Stock Island - 8pm. For more information and tickets, call 305-296-1520.

May 2010

• April 7 - May 8, 2010 - THEATER - Short Attention Span Theatre - "A Myriad of Directors and A Cast of Thousands." Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval Street, Rear, Key West. Box office: 305-296-9911.
• May 29 to June 6, 2010 -

June 2010

• June 9-13, 2010 - GAY/LESBIAN - Pridefest Key West 2010: Diversity In Paradise - Event honoring diversity, openness and freedom in the city that is consistently recognized as one of the world's top gay and lesbian vacation destinations. Includes a mix of: Dance and cocktail parties, contests, shows, forums, activities on the water, tours, street fair and the Pride Parade along Duval Street. Annual Pride Kick-Off is Wednesday, June 9th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM - sponsored and hosted by Island House 1129 Fleming Street (enter from White Street). Complimentary well drinks, domestic beer, house wine and hors d'oeuvres. An admission charge will benefit the Key West Business Guild and Key West PrideFest 2010. For more information, call (305) 292-3223.
• June 12, 2010 - SPORTS - The Original FKCC Swim Around Key West - Swimmers, accompanied by kayakers, circumnavigate the island of Key West, a distance of over 12 miles. For more information, call 305-809-3562.

July 2010

• July 28-29, 2010 - FISHING - Lobster Mini-Sport Season - Two-day event draws hundreds of sometimes frenzied recreational boaters in search of Florida lobster. Many rules apply, including: Bag limit: 6 per person per day for Monroe County. Possession limit - on the water: equal to the daily bag limit. Possession limit - off the water: equal to the daily bag limit on the first day, and double the daily bag limit on the second day.  Possession limits are enforced on and off the water. Minimum size limit: must be larger than 3" carapace, measured in the water.  A reminder that possession and use of a measuring device is required at all times, and night diving is prohibited in Monroe County (only during the sport season). Florida Salwater Fishing License plus lobster endorsement/stamp required. Please respect other boaters, stay away from shorelines, ecological reserves, no-take zones, and canals, use a dive flag, and do no harm to the sensitive coral and eco-system. Call Florida Fish & Wildlife (FWC) at 305-289-2320 for more information.

August 2010

• August 6-8, 2010 - SEAFOOD - Key West Lobsterfest 2010 - Everyone will be partying on Duval Street, except the lobsters. Marking the official opening of lobster season, this crustacean-focused event features street fairs, live music, and arts & crafts. Street fair with free live concert on Saturday, noon-11pm, lower Duval Street.

September 2010

• September 7-12, 2010 - GAY/LESBIAN - Womenfest Key West - Lesbians and their friends converge on Key West for a week of activities, including late night dancing, pool parties, comedy shows, sunset sails, competitive bull riding, and lots of music. Call 305-294-4603 for more information.
• September 10-12, 2010 - FISHING - S.L.A.M. Celebrity Tournament - Some of the best Florida Keys flats fishing guides are paired with celebrities targeting Permit, Bonefish, and Tarpon. Benefits efforts to treat and cure cystic fibrosis. For more information, call 305-664-2002.
• September 16-19, 2010 - MOTORCYCLE - 38th Annual Key West Poker Run - Over 10,000 motorcycles ride to Key West on one of the most scenic and unique roads in North America, the Overseas Highway, while collecting poker cards. Prizes awarded for the best hand. Riders who want to participate in this year's 37th Annual Phil Peterson’s Key West Poker Run can sign up at Peterson’s Harley-Davidson of Miami, N.W 194th Street, and U.S. 441 or at the new Peterson’s Harley-Davidson South, S.W. 198th St., and U.S. Highway 1 where the turnpike crosses over U.S.1 in Cutler Bay.You can purchase your poker hands starting September 1st, and until 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 19th. The Poker Run does not begin until Friday, September 18th at 8:00 a.m., and ends in Key West on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. We request a $10 donation per hand, and there is no limit to the number of hands you can play. Any make of motorcycle, car, or truck is welcome. It doesn't’t matter what you ride or drive. For more information, call 305-235-4023. (A couple blocks on lower Duval Street will likely be closed to traffic while lined with sparkling chrome and black leather).

October 2010

• October 22-31 2010 - FANTASY FEST 2010 - Weeklong celebration - Key West biggest party of the year - with many adult-only events. More information to be added as events are announced.

November 2010

• November 4-7, 2010 - MUSIC - 19th Annual Meeting of the Minds 2010 - Parrothead convention nirvana benefiting charity. Many events are member only. Live shows including members of Jimmy Buffett's band. Who knows - maybe Mr. Buffett himself will show up (not likely). Check out the Margaritaville Street Fest 1pm-6pm on Duval Street (near Fleming Street) which is FREE and open to the public.
• November 6-13, 2010 - BIKE - Bubbafest Bike Fest Tours - Newly created and funded bicycle adventure with the focus on manageable rides (average 45 miles per day), fun activities, and oceanfront "resort" camping with most breakfasts and dinners included with registration. Event is limited to the first 125 riders and expected to quickly fill up. Early reservations are suggested. $595 rider fee. For more information, call Bubba at 321-759-3433.
• November 7-14, 2010 - SPORTS - 30th Annual Key West World Championship - Considered the pinnacle of offshore powerboat racing. Top powerboat & superboat offshore racers compete for title of World Champion. Spectators line the Key West harbor to see the 100+ mph action.

December 2010

• December 4-5, 2010 - SPORTS - Key West Triathlon - A first for Key West, athletes swim, bike, and run to the upper limits of endurance in this officially sanctioned triathlon. For more information, call 305-294-0693.
• December 10-11 - HOLIDAY- Historic Lighted Inn Tours - Self guided tour of historic inns - decorated for the season and featuring art, gourmet food, and beverages. 5:30-8:00pm. $20 tickets may be purchased at Voltaire Books, corner of Eaton Street and Simonton Street.
• December 17-18 - HOLIDAY- Historic Lighted Inn Tours - Self guided tour of historic inns - decorated for the season and featuring art, gourmet food, and beverages. 5:30-8:00pm. $20 tickets may be purchased at Voltaire Books, corner of Eaton Street and Simonton Street.

Something missing? If you know of any Key West calendar events that we have overlooked please let us know and we'll quickly add it.

And check back frequently - since more dates and details will be added as the season progresses.