Things To Do In Key West: Events
Jan. 1, 2019 – Aug. 31, 2019 Key West Fishing Tournament Doris Harris 305-923-5934 Anglers of all ages and abilities can target more than 40 species of fish in the Key West Fishing Tournament, a free-entry multidivision challenge that takes place Jan. 1 to Aug. 31, 2019. The tournament features divisions for men, women, junior anglers ages 10 to 15 and Pee Wees under 10 years old — making it ideal for extended families and multigenerational groups who want to share the angling experience. Feb. 23, 2019 – Mar. 30, 2019 Key West Burlesque presents: Backroom Burlesque 305.294.0555 Key West Burlesque is back and better then ever! It has found its home at the Back Space inside of SideBar, 504 Angela Street. Join the excitement two nights a week (Fri & Sat) for this amazing show. February 23 & March 2, enjoy ‘Backroom Rhapsody: A Tribute to Queen,’ a dazzling extravaganza of song and dance that can’t be missed. The show incorporates several of the legendary bands greatest hits and unforgettable songs into a high energy, glamour filled production with an all-star cast that includes Tatah DuJour, Moana Amour, and the Key West Burlesque Dancers. March 9, 16, 23 & 30, ‘Lets Misbehaves: A Titillating 1920’s Style Revue’ features a rotating cast of weekly guest performers including Sofia Luna, Moana Amour, and Cheeky Derrière. Tickets sold online. Mar. 2, 2019 The 4th Annual Smallest Parade in the Universe Artists will create a “float” that is 18” tall, wide, and long to compete for a $1000 first prize, $500 second prize and $250 third prize! At the end of the parade there will be a performance and a live auction selling off the hand-made floats. The delightful little indoor parade of small floats benefits The Monroe Association for ReMARCable citizens. The “parade” begins at 6:00PM at the Key West Theater, 512 Eaton St., with a preview of the artist-built floats from 5:00 – 6:00PM. Complete with a “police escort” and a bobble-head grand marshal, tabletop sized floats will be rolling down a make-believe Duval Street. Tickets sold online. Mar. 2, 2019 57th Annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest 305-294-9501 An island tradition for over 50 years, this unique contest celebrates the historic importance of conch in the Keys and features contestants in several age categories attempting to make “music” with fluted conch shells. Contest located in the garden of the Oldest House, 322 Duval Street, free and open to all ages. Registration begins at 10 a.m., contest starts at noon. Mar. 4, 2019 – Mar. 7, 2019 March Merkin Invitational Permit Tournament A charity flats-and-fly-only tournament with a twist – in addition to catch and release, anglers earn extra points for tagging their caught fish. Held at the Key West Yacht Harbor Marina on Stock Island. Mar. 10, 2019 – Mar. 24, 2019 Key West Artisan Market Browse among culinary, textile, jewelry, wood, artists & crafters, curiosities, live music, craft beer, wine and art and food concessions. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at a NEW location this year, at Higgs Beach. Bring your own bags. A fantastic, family-friendly, free event. Dates: March 10, 24. Mar. 15, 2019 – Mar. 16, 2019 59th Annual Key West Home Tours 305-294-9501 Tour a series of elegant and unique private homes of Key West, ranging from exquisite restorations to creative renovations, and interior design that complements each. February and March tours are offered 10 am to 4 pm each day. Transportation between homes is not provided. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 on tour days. Proceeds benefit the foundation’s Oldest House Museum, grant and scholarship programs. Mar. 22, 2019 12th Annual Florida Keys SPCA Spring Social Tiffany Burton (305) 294-4857 Enjoy a paw-tastic experience to help raise funds to benefit a Keys-based animal shelter; event is open to the public, from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the Key West Golf Course. Highlights include a VIP champagne reception prior to the main event, a first class dining experience with tables of food from restaurants all over Key West and parking provided at Florida Keys Community College with HTA Trolley service to and from the event. Also features a silent auction, live auction, raffles, complimentary beer & wine, music and more. VIP and General Admission tickets online or call. Mar. 30, 2019 – Mar. 31, 2019 NAS Key West 2019 Southernmost Air Spectacular Emma Edgar Harlow 305-293-2503 The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron the Blue Angels will be taking to the skies at Naval Air Station Key West. The 2019 theme is “Women in Aviation” with a focus on the “Future of Flight.” Organizers expect highlights to include civilian performers like an all-female parachute jump team, the Misty Blues, Patty Wagstaff flying an Extra 330SC, Ashley Shelton, Wing Walker and the world famous Shockwave Jet Truck. Gates open 9 a.m., air show starts at 10:30 a.m., Blue Angels fly at 2:30 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Apr. 4, 2019 Rams Head Productions presents: The Beach Boys This band has birthed a torrent of hit singles and sold albums by the tens of millions. But its greater significance lies in the fact that The Beach Boys’ songs have forever changed the musical landscape, profoundly influencing countless performing artists to follow. Doors open 6 p.m., show starts 7:30 p.m. at Sunset Green Event Lawn, 3820 N. Roosevelt Blvd. Apr. 7, 2019 Key West Artisan Market Browse among culinary, textile, jewelry, wood, artists & crafters, curiosities, live music, craft beer, wine and art and food concessions. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at a NEW location this year, at Higgs Beach. Bring your own bags. A fantastic, family-friendly, free event. Last date of the season! Apr. 18, 2019 – Apr. 20, 2019 21st Annual Afro Roots World Music Festival Celebrates Women in World Music For more than 20 years, the Afro Roots Fest has celebrated the evolution of African culture in our communities. To kick off the festival’s third decade, organizers are showcasing some of the premier female artists in world music today. The festival travels down U.S. 1 to Key West for a special celebration of Cuba. On the 18th with Miami Latin-funk band Electric Piquete’s debut at The Green Parrot (601 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040) at 9 p.m. On Friday, April 19, a screening of the documentary Eliades Ochoa: from Cuba to the World at The Studios of Key West (533 Eaton Street, Key West, FL 33040) will take place beginning at 6 p.m. Finally, Cuban folk act Cortadito celebrates Cuba with a performance also at TSKW on Saturday, 8 p.m., and then the Spam Allstars perform at the official closing party at the Green Parrot beginning at 10 p.m. Apr. 19, 2019 – Apr. 28, 2019 37th Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration 305-296-0213 With activities such as a lighthearted sea battle featuring tall ships, the Conch Republic’s 10-day birthday party showcases the independent and eccentric spirit that characterizes the Florida Keys.