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 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 afficianados, Bahamian Junkanoo performers, world class sailors and fishermen, noted authors & writers, or scantilly clad Fantasy Fest revelers. And every night is the Sunset Celebration (Key West sunset times).

Here is the upcoming calendar of events:

2007 Key West Calendar of Events

• September 4, 2007 Key West Women's Fest 2007 -
• September 6, 2007 to September 9, 2007 - Mercury Redbone Celebrity S.L.A.M. - Top anglers and celebrities are to target tarpon, permit and bonefish with light tackle. Benefits the fight against cystic fibrosis, (305) 664-2002
• September 14, 2007 - September 19, 2007 Poker Run - (305) 295-3286
• October 19, 2007 thru October 20, 2007 - Goombay Fest - Street fair located in Bahama Village along Petronia Street features music, and street fair merchandise/food. This is the traditional beginning of Fantasy Fest.
• October 19-28, 2007 – 29th Annual Key West Fantasy Fest - This year's theme is "Gnomes, Toads & White Rabbit Tea Parties"
• October 27, 2007 - Fantasy Fest Parade - Duval Street is packed and partying. For prime viewing, attend the Parade Viewing Party on the front porch of the Oldest House and Garden located at 322 Duval Street. Cost is $75.00 per person and includes full open bar and light snacks. 6pm until one hour after the parade. Reservations are required, space is limited. All procedes go toward their grant fund - a good cause. Call 305-294-9501 for more info.
• November 4, 2007 - Super Powerboat Race - (305) 296-6616
• November 11, 2007 - November 25, 2007 - Cinderella - Presented by the Waterfront Playhouse - (305) 294-5015
• November 5, 2007 - Florida Keys Community College Spring Term 2008 - Web priority registration begins. Visit www.fkcc.edu
• November 26, 2007 - Florida Keys Community College Spring Term 2008 Walk-in registration begins, 5901 College Road (305) 296-9081
• December 28-29 - 48th Annual House and Garden Tours - Old Island Restoration Foundation event - 5 pm to 8 pm. For information call 305-294-9501
• December 31 Key West New Year's Eve Celebrations

2008 Key West Calendar of Events

• January 10-20, 2008 - 26th Annual Key West Literary Seminar - This year's topic: "New Voices" Where Have We Been? Where Are We Going". Offers lectures, workshops, and receptions with noted writers. Call 888-293-9291 for more information.
• January 18-19, 2008 - 48th Annual House and Garden Tours - Old Island Restoration Foundation event - 5 pm to 8 pm. For information call 305-294-9501.
• January 19, 2008 - 3rd Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival - Bayview Park, Key West. Free event. For more information, call 305-292-4501.
• January 20 - April 19, 2008 - Sculpture Key West - Features outdoor sculpture and art. West Martello & Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park. For more information call 305-295-3800.
• January 21-25, 2008 - Key West Race Week - World-class sailboat racing featuring over three hundred entrants. For more information, call 781-639-9545.
• January 25-27, 2008 - Key West Travel Writing Workshop - Hosted at the Heritage House Museum and presented by Robert Haru Fisher, contributing editor for Frommers, former editor-in-chief Fodor Travel Guides, & former President Society of American Travel Writers. Workshop is limited to 15 participants. Cost: $275. For more information call 305-296-3573.
• January 25-27, 2008 - Hog's Breath King Mackeral Tournament - Highly competitive fishing tournament with large cash prizes. For more information, call 305-797-1117.
• January 26-27, 2008 - The 23rd Annual Key West Craft Show - Whitehead and Caroline Streets. 100 fine craft artisans from around the country will exhibit their handcrafted items 10-5 each day. Free admission.
• February 1-3, 2008 - Key West Travel Writing Workshop - Hosted at the Heritage House Museum and presented by Robert Haru Fisher, contributing editor for Frommers, former editor-in-chief Fodor Travel Guides, & former President Society of American Travel Writers. Workshop is limited to 15 participants. Cost: $275. For more information call 305-296-3573.
• Feb 5, 2008 - Red Barn Theater presents "Shel Shocked" - Features the short plays of Shel Silverstein, who lived in Key West. For more information, call 305-296-9911.
• February 7-10, 2008 - Civil War Heritage Festival - Features Civil War reenactments at Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park.
• February 15-16, 2008 - 48th Annual House and Garden Tours - Old Island Restoration Foundation event - 10am to 4pm. For information call 305-294-9501.
• February 23-24, 2008 - The 43rd Old Island Days Art Festival - Whitehead and Caroline Streets - Old Town Key West. Over 100 national and regional artists will exhibit beautiful artwork 10 am to 5 pm daily. Admission free.
• March 8, 2008 - 46th annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest - Ocean Key Resort, Sunset Pier, 1:30pm. For information call 305-294-9501.
• March 14-15, 2008 - 48th Annual House and Garden Tours - Old Island Restoration Foundation event - 10 am to 4 pm. For information call 305-294-9501.
• March 14-16, 2008 - Key West Fishing Tournament - beginning of season-long fishing tournament for a wide range of species. Call 305-295-6601 for more information.
• April 9-13, 2008 - 14th Annual Robert Frost Poetry Festival - Offers poetry readings, workshops, and contests at the Robert Frost Cottage - 410 Caroline St. - For more information, call 305-296-3573.
• April 15-19, 2008 - 6th Annual World Sailfish Championship - 3-day fishing tournament with $125,000 in prizes. For more information, call 305-395-3474.
• April 18-27, 2008 - 26th Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration - Week of parties, parades, and humorous events. For more information, call 305-294-2298.
• April 21, 2008 - 13th Annual Taste of Key West - Popular event held at the Truman Waterfront (in Truman Annex) featuring the islands' restaurants & local cuisine. Benefits AIDS Help. For more information, call 305-296-6196.
• April 30-May 4, 2008 - 13th Annual Key West Songwriters Fest- Offers concerts and performances from many noteworthy songwriters. For more information, call 305-296-4222.
• May 16-17 - Harry S. Truman legacy Symposium - This year's theme: Harry Truman and Immigration - Offers discussions, receptions, and tours of Truman's Little White House.111 Front Street. For more information, call 305-294-9911.
• May 31, 2008 - Dolphin (mahi-mahi) Fishing Tournament - Big prizes are awarded for catching the larges dolphin-fish (no relation to the mammal). Call 305-304-7674 for more information.
• June 7-15, 2008 - PrideFest Key West - Week-long festival celebrating the gay community. For more information call 305-292-3223.
• June 14-15, 2008 - Southernmost Swordfish Tournament - Night fishing tournament in pursuit of the elusive swordfish. For more information, call 305-295-6601.
• June 20-22, 2008 - Dolphin Derby - Organized by the Key West Gator Club, this charitable tournament rewards anglers who catch large mahi-mahi (a.k.a. "dolphin" fish). For more information, call 305-304-7674.
• July 5, 2008 - Conch Republic Ladies Dolphin Tournament - Cash prizes are awarded. For more information, call 305-304-7674.
• July 15-20, 2008 - 28th Annual Hemingway Days Festival - Features the work of Key West's most famous author. Offers workshops, writing competitions, fishing tournament, and the Hemingway Look-a-Like Contest. Call 305-296-2388 for more information.
• July 15-18, 2008 - Del Brown Invitational Permit Tournament - Fly fishing tournament for anglers seeking the most elusive of flats species - the Permit. For more information, call 305-664-2444.
• July 16-19, 2008 - Drambuie Key West Marlin Tournament - Part of the Hemingway Days Festival, this fishing tournament has anglers competing for large gamefish and prizes. For more information, call 305-292-2710.
• September 5-7, 2008 - Mercury Redbone Cebrity SLAM Tournament - Anglers compete for the largest and most bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Benefits cystic fibrosis charity. For more information, call 305-664-2002.
• September 19, 20, 21 - 36th Annual Key West Poker Run - 10,000+ motorcycles travel to Key West - displaying their impressive bikes on Duval Street.
• October 17-26, 2008 - 30th Annual Key West Fantasy Fest - Wild celebration featuring outrageous costumes, parades, parties, and competitions. This year's theme: Pirates, Pundits, and Political Party Animals. For more information, call 305-296-1817.
• November 2-9, 2008 - Key West World Powerboat Championship - Top-speed boats race from Key West harbor to the reef - competing for world-champion titles. For more information, call 305-296-6166.

If you know of any Key West calendar events that we have overlooked, please e-mail us and we'll add it. Also, check back since more dates and details will be added as the season progresses.