Events in the Florida Keys

Fantasy Fest

The grandaddy of all events takes in Key West, and is called Fantasy Fest. Nothing is more eagerly awaited than the opening of Fantasy Fest each October. This Halloween celebration combines elements of Mardi Gras and the Miami club scene, resulting in a wild party filled with costumes, parades, and rum runners (Captain Morgan sponsors). Parades of brightly-bedecked revelers flow down Duval and Whitehead Streets while other celebrants toss beads from balconies. You’ll have to make reservations far in advance for this party.

The Pirates in Paradise Festival takes over Key West’s historic seaport and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park & Beach and celebrates the official end of the hurricane season. Spanning November & December, this melee of pirate ships and buccaneers culminates in the Fort Taylor Pirate Feast & Shipwreck Ball. Other events include a pirate market, maritime art exhibits, a writer’s workshop, historic re-enactments, and more.

The Island Jubilee, also in November, is an arts & crafts festival in Key Largo’s Harry Harris Park. Live musical and theatrical performances.

The Key West Literary Seminartakes place each January, and features panels, readings, and literary parties (this is Key West, after all!). There's a theme each year, and the participants are respected members of their fields. Past themes were Travel Writing and Biography. They also sponser a Writer's Walk, which is a guided tour of famous literary sites in Key West. It's about a one-mile walk.

Other annual events include the Birding & Wildlife Festival in October, Florida Keys Jazz and Blues Festival (in April on Plantation Key, and in October on Islamorada), and the Florida Keys Heritage Festival in January. Marathon even sponsors a Florida Keys Renaissance Faire on Sombrero Beach in January. Don’t miss the daily Sunset Celebrations held at Mallory Square in Key West.

Key West also sponsors the Hemingway Days Festival in July. In the spirit of the Ernest Hemingway that Key West knew and loved, there are arm-wrestling contests, costume parties, and short-story competitions. Of course there's the Papa look-alike contest, where white-bearded man over a certain age show up and do their best to look Hemingway-like. The costume parties encourage people to dress up as Hemingway charaters...Key Westers love to dress up!

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3/13/2010 - 3/14/2010 34th Annual Original Marathon Seafood Festival Gourmet delicacies from the waters of the Florida Keys highlight this annual event at Marathon Community Park, mile marker 49 oceanside. Sponsored by Organized Fishermen of Florida and Marathon Chamber of Commerce.

3/13/2010 - 11/30/2010 Key West Fishing Tournament, Inc This popular 8.5-month-long competition targets more than 40 species of fish.

3/17/2010 History of Diving Museum presents: FREE Seminar Series This month's free seminar is to be given by Phil Newsum, themed "Commercial Diving Heroes." Starts at 7 p.m. at Diving Museum, mile marker 83 in Islamorada. Immerse yourself in the fun!From 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. the Museum is to unveil a new exhibit paying tribute to the commercial diving industry. The exhibit features the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) Commercial Diving Hall of Fame Monument and honors its recent inductees. Pre-lecture event is $30.

3/18/2010 - 3/21/2010 Marathon Community Theater presents: Guys And Dolls Guys and Dolls is a many-times Tony-winning musical laced with Damon Runyon characters, beautiful songs and snappy dances. Set in New York City in the ‘40s, it weaves a fable about gamblers, missionaries and chorus girls. Showtimes 8 p.m., 3 p.m. matinee.

3/18/2010 - 3/20/2010 Red Barn Theatre presents: Always ... Patsy Cline More than a tribute, this musical is a story of enduring friendship and the magic of timeless music. Tickets available online or by calling the box office. Three-night-only show at San Carlos Theatre.

3/20/2010 Cruisin' For Crane Point Up to 60 antique and classic cars are to be on display, from muscle cars to hot rods and modified. Great food, good times and music entertainment round out the fun at Marathon's City Hall, mile marker 98 oceanside. Admission $5, proceeds to help benefit Crane Point. Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

3/20/2010 Upper Keys Concerts Series presents: Frederick Moyer The world-renowned pianist is performing for the first time in Islamorada, in a concert of classics and jazz. The concert will be at 8 p.m., located at Islamorada Community Church, mile marker 83.3. Advance ticket sales at Upper Keys TIB bank branches.

3/20/2010 16th Annual Bay Jam This music and art festival features local and guest artists performing on the shores of Florida Bay at the TIB Amphitheater at Founders Park, mile marker 87 on U.S. 1.

3/20/2010 Key West Weather Station Tour Free tour of the Key West weather station, located at 1315 White Street. Watch a weather balloon release, see science exhibits for all ages, plus games and face painting for the kids. Hot dogs, hamburgers and soft drinks. Say goodbye to MIC KEY Matt Strahan, who is leaving the Florida Keys for the cold climes of Kansas City. Sponsored by Midland Radio and NBC 6.

3/20/2010 Fight Night in the Keys Action-packed, world class professional boxing returns to Key West's Mallory Square.

3/21/2010 13th Annual Taste of the Islands Celebrate local flavors and family fun at the culinary challenge hosted every year at the Key Colony Beach City Park, from noon to 4 p.m. Vendors, food, beverages and live, local "fashions" show complement a silent auction and afternoon of entertainment. Admission fee, all proceeds benefit local scholarship programs.

3/22/2010 Middle Keys Concerts presents: Frederick Moyer A third Keys engagement for the pianist, Moyer's superb commentary helps audiences gain insight into the pieces he performs. Plans call for a "mini-gala" reception to round out the season. Show starts at 8 p.m., season ticket holders admitted at 7 p.m., San Pablo Catholic Church, 550 122nd Street. Tickets available in advance at Food for Thought bookstore, inside Gulfside Village.

3/24/2010 "Delicate Balance of Nature" Lecture Series: From Rail to Trail: Flagler to Now Learn about Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad and its transformation into U.S. Highway 1 — now designated an All-American Road — leaving a route of historic places for recreation. Trail specialist Monica Woll of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail is to share its fascinating history. This popular annual lecture series focused on Florida Keys history, archaeology, culture and environment is sponsored by Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock State Park. Free, one-hour lectures to be held inside t

3/25/2010 - 3/27/2010 Marathon Community Theater presents: Guys And Dolls Guys and Dolls is a many-times Tony-winning musical laced with Damon Runyon characters, beautiful songs and snappy dances. Set in New York City in the ‘40s, it weaves a fable about gamblers, missionaries and chorus girls. Showtime 8 p.m.

3/26/2010 - 3/28/2010 Florida Keys Fly Fishing School Learn fly fishing in saltwater with world class instruction in a fun and no-pressure environment. Two-day schools present a unique opportunity for beginners and experienced anglers, as well as couples. Call or visit Web site for details.

3/27/2010 Pops In The Park - Florida Heritage Concert Florida Keys Community Concert Band presents its 2010 season at Islamorada Founders Park, Bayside, MM 87, Plantation Key. Performances are outdoors; no chairs provided. Starts at 4:00 p.m. Admission free for all concerts.

3/30/2010 - 4/10/2010 Waterfront Playhouse presents: Bitchslap! Back by popular demand, the trio brilliantly portray the legendary feud where these ultimate screen goddesses battle over roles, top billing, Oscars and MEN. Funny, bitchy and touching. Showtime 8 p.m.

4/1/2010 - 4/3/2010 Marathon Community Theater presents: Guys And Dolls Guys and Dolls is a many-times Tony-winning musical laced with Damon Runyon characters, beautiful songs and snappy dances. Set in New York City in the ‘40s, it weaves a fable about gamblers, missionaries and chorus girls. Showtime 8 p.m.

4/2/2010 Artists In Paradise Presents Walk on Winn Dixie Stroll through stores and galleries for a fall night of art and live music, from 7 to 9 p.m.. Enjoy wine, beverages, munchies and music.

4/3/2010 Second Annual Lower Keys Reggae Music Festival Reggae rhythms return to Camp Sawyer, Mile Marker 34, cceanside, featuring Fourth Dimension, Code Red and Mixed Culture. Tickets for the event are $20 per person in advance or $25 at the door. Admission is free for children under age 10.

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