The Florida Keys & Key West have annual and scheduled events that some people plan their Florida vacations around. Among a few are festivals,bike runs, bridge runs,fishing tournaments,boat shows,boat races.
Key West 2008 Events
The Mallory Square Sunset celebration every night. The best sunset in the world!
Key West Bars and Nightclubs are open till 4:00 AM.
Key West / December 19 to January 12
"The Best Man" at Waterfront Playhouse
The humorous and gripping play by Gore Vidal is to be presented at the playhouse at historic Mallory Square, with performances
scheduled for most Tuesdays through Saturdays, though please inquire about holiday schedule.
Contact: (305) 294-5015
Key West / January 01
After-Midnight Kwanzaa Parade
Presented by the Bahama Conch Community Land Trust, the New Year is to begin with a “Thunder from Down Under” Junkanoo
parade at 12:30 a.m. proceeding from Bill Butler Park to the Coral City Elks Lodge at 1107 Whitehead St.
Contact: (305) 294-0884
Key West / January 05
Academy Award Winner Joel Grey Comes to Tennessee Williams Theatre
The theatre's "Encore Series" is to present an evening with the award-winning actor of the film "Caberet" at 8 p.m., 5901 College
Road.
Contact: (305) 296-1520
Key West / January 10 to January 20
26th Annual Key West Literary Seminar
The 2008 topic is “New Voices: Where Have We Been? Where Are We Going?,” featuring workshops, panel discussions and
receptions with nationally and internationally respected writers including Judy Blume, Edmund White, Billy Collins, and Junot Diaz.
Contact: (888) 293-9291
Key West / January 11 to January 12
Key West Symphony Orchestra Presents “Love, Scandal and Intrigue”
This symphony performance features soprano Monica Abrego at the Tennessee Williams Theatre.
Contact: (305) 292-1774
Key West / January 13
Impromptu Concerts Presents The Philadelphia Brass Quintet
The band known for its wide repertoire, superb musicality, and humorous program commentaries comes to St. Paul's Church, Duval
and Streets, at 4 p.m.
Contact: (305) 296-1520 x1
Key West / January 19
3rd Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival
This free, family-oriented event at Bayview Park is organized by the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen and the University of Florida
in partnership with Monroe County.
Contact: (305) 292-4501
Key West / January 20
Impromptu Concerts Presents The Jupiter String Quartet with Clarinet
The award-winnng muscians, known for their outreach work in schools, are to perform at St. Paul's Church, Duval and Eaton Streets,
at 4 p.m.
Contact: (305) 296-1520 x1
Key West / January 20 to April 19
Sculpture Key West
This stunning, contemporary outdoor art exhibit opens at the West Martello Museums on January 20, and expands to historic Fort
Zachary Taylor on February 24.
Contact: (305) 295-3800
Email: info@sculpturekeywest.com
Key West / January 23 to February 09
"Tuesdays with Morrie" at Waterfront Playhouse
The true story of how a sports writer reconnected with his aging mentor is to be presented at the playhouse at historic Mallory
Square.
Contact: (305) 294-5015
Key West / January 24
"Defying Gravity," The Music of Stephen Schwartz
The "friends" from Stephen Schwartz & Friends are to perform works from the animated films Pocahantas, The Hunchback of Notre
Dame, and The Prince of Egypt, and from the musicals Godspell, Pippin, and others.
Contact: (305) 296-1520
Key West / January 26
The Blessing of the Coral Reef in Honor of the Year of the Coral Reef
Rev. John Baker of Mary Immaculate Star of the Sea School is to bless the reef. Passengers are invited to participate in a "set sail
cocktail hour" scheduled for noon at the Westin Resort and Marina on the waterfront. Mote Marine Lab is to sell commemorative
mast flags to help fund coral research.
Contact: (863) 602-7316
Email: jroberts@mote.org
Key West / January 26 to January 27
23rd Annual Key West Craft Show
Juried artisans and crafters display their talents at a popular show on lower Whitehead Street in historic Old Town.
Contact: (305) 294-1241
Key West / February 01 to February 02
Key West Symphony Orchestra Presents “Love and Despair”
This performance features music by Copland, Bernstein, Lieberman and Tchaikovsky with pianist Jeffery Biegel at the Tennessee
Williams Theatre.
Contact: (305) 292-1774
Key West / February 05
"Shel Shocked" at Red Barn Theatre
The theatre at 319 Duval St. is proud to bring back more of Shel Silverstein's short plays.
Contact: (305) 296-9911
Key West / February 07 to February 10
Civil War Heritage Festival
Colorful Civil War re-enactments and tours of Key West's historic Civil War–era Fort Zachary Taylor highlight the journey into the
island’s past.
Contact: (305) 292-6850
Key West / February 10
Impromptu Concerts presents "La Boheme"- A Night at the Opera
Seven vocalists from The Jacksonville Lyric Opera are to perform a concert version of the Puccini masterpiece at 8 p.m, Tennessee
Williams Theatre, 5901 College Road, Stock Island.
Contact: (305) 296-1520 x1
Key West / February 12
Jacques Brel "Love and War"
The staff of the Red Barn Theatre are to gather at Tropic Cinema to honor the passion, humor and magic of the immortal songwriter,
Jacques Brel, by performing his songs and music.
Contact: (305) 296-9911
Key West / February 17
Impromptu Concerts Presents Pianist Ji-Yong
The young pianist who has already won wide critical acclaim is to peform at St. Paul's Church, Duval and Eaton Streets, at 4 p.m.
Contact: (305) 296-1520 x1
Key West / February 23 to February 24
Old Island Days Art Festival
The 43rd annual juried fine art show is set on lower Whitehead Street in historic Old Town.
Contact: (305) 294-1241
Key West / February 27 to March 22
"Reefer Madness: The Musical" at Waterfront Playhouse
The raucous musical comedy based on a 1936 film is to be presented at the playhouse at historic Mallory Square.
Contact: (305) 294-5015
Key West / March 02
Impromptu Concerts Presents the Camerata Bariloche String Orchestra
This 18-member Argentine ensemble, which has toured to international acclaim, is to perform at Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901
College Road, Stock Island, at 8 p.m.
Contact: (305) 296-1520 x1
Key West / March 08
46th Annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest
An Old Island Days tradition, this unique contest features novel sounds produced by contestants in several age categories as they
attempt to make “music” on fluted conch shells.
Contact: (305) 294-9501
Key West / March 09
Impromptu Concerts Presents Pianist Stanislaw Drzewiecki
This spectacular young virtuoso, whose performance here two years ago was a highlight of the season, makes his return to St.
Paul's Church, Duval and Eaton Streets, at 4 p.m.
Contact: (305) 296-1520 x1
Key West / March 18 to April 12
"Sylvia" at Red Barn Theatre
The famous play is to return to the theatre at 319 Duval St. with Marjorie Paul Shook as Sylvia.
Contact: (305) 296-9911
Key West / March 21
Marky Pierson Exhibit Opens at 1100 SoDu
The 1100 SoDu gallery presents performance art to celebrate the opening of local artist Marky Pierson’s show of animated acrylic
paintings, 1100 Duval Street, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact: (305) 296-4400
Key West / March 23 to April 07
"Vagina Monologues" at Red Barn Theatre
The award-winning play is to return to the theatre at 319 Duval St. for a series of Sunday-and-Monday shows over these weeks.
Contact: (305) 296-9911
Key West / April 03 to April 12
"Ganesha Dance Theatre: Opening the Way - A Show about Life" at Waterfront Playhouse
The excitement of contemporary dance comes to the playhouse at historic Mallory Square.
Contact: (305) 294-5015
Key West / April 04 to April 05
Key West Symphony Orchestra Presents “Fit for a King”
This performance features works by Mozart, Beethoven and Saint-Saens, featuring pianist Andreas Klein at the Tennessee Williams
Theatre. Call or visit www.keywestsymphony.com.
Contact: (305) 292-1774
Key West / April 09 to April 13
14th Annual Robert Frost Poetry Festival
The festival features poetry and haiku workshops and readings, and a poetry and haiku contest. Events are staged at the Robert
Frost Cottage at the Heritage House Museum, where Frost spent many island winters.
Contact: (305) 296-3573
Big Pine & the Lower Keys / April 13
Lower Keys Jazz & Blues Fest
A waterfront jazz and blues concert and juried art show themed “Cool Jazz and Hot Art” are held overlooking the water at Dolphin
Marina on Little Torch Key.
Contact: (305) 872-2411
Key West / April 18 to April 27
26th Conch Republic Independence Celebration
Parades, bed races, parties and a wacky “drag race” commemorate the founding of the Conch Republic on April 23, 1982, in
response to a U.S. Border Patrol roadblock that halted traffic in and out of the Florida Keys.
Contact: (305) 294-2298
Key West / April 21
13th Annual Taste of Key West
Scores of area restaurants present mouthwatering samples of their cuisine to benefit AIDS Help Inc. The culinary celebration takes
place at the Truman Waterfront overlooking Key West Harbor.
Contact: (305) 296-6196
Key West / April 22 to May 03
"Mavis and the Three Bears" at Red Barn Theatre
This musical fable by Blake Hunter, with music written by our own Franko Richmond, is to run for two weeks only.
Contact: (305) 296-9911
Key West / April 30 to May 04
Key West Songwriters’ Festival
The 13th-annual showcase of musical magic features America’s foremost performing songwriters, with concerts staged in intimate,
audience-friendly island settings. The festival is presented by Hog's Breath Saloon.
Contact: (305) 296-4222
Key West / May 01 to May 31
"New Plays in May" at Waterfront Playhouse
The Key West Players are to present free readings and orginal plays by Key West playwrights at the playhouse at Mallory Square on
Tuesdays.
Contact: (305) 294-5015
Key West / May 13 to May 24
"Rompers, a collection of shorts" at Red Barn Theatre
Celebrating short-attention-span theatre, the theatre at 319 Duval St. is proud to present short plays with an exciting mix of
playwrights, directors and actors.
Contact: (305) 296-9911
Key West / May 16 to May 17
Harry S. Truman Legacy Symposium: “Harry Truman and Immigration”
Key West’s political history is highlighted in panel discussions, a reception and tours of the Little White House, where former
President Harry Truman worked and relaxed during his time in office.w.
Contact: (305) 294-9911
Key West / May 21 to June 14
"Naked Boys Singing!" at Waterfront Playhouse
The international hit returns to the playhouse at historic Mallory Square.
Contact: (305) 294-5015
Big Pine & the Lower Keys / July 12
24th Annual Underwater Music Festival
A quirky concert broadcast underwater for divers, snorkelers and the occasional mermaid emphasizes reef preservation. The
submerged songfest is held at Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Contact: (305) 872-2411
Key West / July 15 to July 20
Hemingway Days
The 28th celebration of the legendary author’s work and lifestyle features literary readings, a theatrical premiere, short story
competition, fishing tournament and Sloppy Joe’s Look-Alike Contest. A celebration will be held on July 21st, Hemingway’s 109th
birthday.
Contact: (305) 296-2388 (Look-Alike); 294-0320 (literary)
The Mallory Square Sunset celebration every night. The best sunset in the world!
Key West Bars and Nightclubs are open till 4:00 AM.
Key West / December 19 to January 12
"The Best Man" at Waterfront Playhouse
The humorous and gripping play by Gore Vidal is to be presented at the playhouse at historic Mallory Square, with performances
scheduled for most Tuesdays through Saturdays, though please inquire about holiday schedule.
Contact: (305) 294-5015
Key West / January 01
After-Midnight Kwanzaa Parade
Presented by the Bahama Conch Community Land Trust, the New Year is to begin with a “Thunder from Down Under” Junkanoo
parade at 12:30 a.m. proceeding from Bill Butler Park to the Coral City Elks Lodge at 1107 Whitehead St.
Contact: (305) 294-0884
Key West / January 05
Academy Award Winner Joel Grey Comes to Tennessee Williams Theatre
The theatre's "Encore Series" is to present an evening with the award-winning actor of the film "Caberet" at 8 p.m., 5901 College
Road.
Contact: (305) 296-1520
Key West / January 10 to January 20
26th Annual Key West Literary Seminar
The 2008 topic is “New Voices: Where Have We Been? Where Are We Going?,” featuring workshops, panel discussions and
receptions with nationally and internationally respected writers including Judy Blume, Edmund White, Billy Collins, and Junot Diaz.
Contact: (888) 293-9291
Key West / January 11 to January 12
Key West Symphony Orchestra Presents “Love, Scandal and Intrigue”
This symphony performance features soprano Monica Abrego at the Tennessee Williams Theatre.
Contact: (305) 292-1774
Key West / January 13
Impromptu Concerts Presents The Philadelphia Brass Quintet
The band known for its wide repertoire, superb musicality, and humorous program commentaries comes to St. Paul's Church, Duval
and Streets, at 4 p.m.
Contact: (305) 296-1520 x1
Key West / January 19
3rd Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival
This free, family-oriented event at Bayview Park is organized by the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen and the University of Florida
in partnership with Monroe County.
Contact: (305) 292-4501
Key West / January 20
Impromptu Concerts Presents The Jupiter String Quartet with Clarinet
The award-winnng muscians, known for their outreach work in schools, are to perform at St. Paul's Church, Duval and Eaton Streets,
at 4 p.m.
Contact: (305) 296-1520 x1
Key West / January 20 to April 19
Sculpture Key West
This stunning, contemporary outdoor art exhibit opens at the West Martello Museums on January 20, and expands to historic Fort
Zachary Taylor on February 24.
Contact: (305) 295-3800
Email: info@sculpturekeywest.com
Key West / January 23 to February 09
"Tuesdays with Morrie" at Waterfront Playhouse
The true story of how a sports writer reconnected with his aging mentor is to be presented at the playhouse at historic Mallory
Square.
Contact: (305) 294-5015
Key West / January 24
"Defying Gravity," The Music of Stephen Schwartz
The "friends" from Stephen Schwartz & Friends are to perform works from the animated films Pocahantas, The Hunchback of Notre
Dame, and The Prince of Egypt, and from the musicals Godspell, Pippin, and others.
Contact: (305) 296-1520
Key West / January 26
The Blessing of the Coral Reef in Honor of the Year of the Coral Reef
Rev. John Baker of Mary Immaculate Star of the Sea School is to bless the reef. Passengers are invited to participate in a "set sail
cocktail hour" scheduled for noon at the Westin Resort and Marina on the waterfront. Mote Marine Lab is to sell commemorative
mast flags to help fund coral research.
Contact: (863) 602-7316
Email: jroberts@mote.org
Key West / January 26 to January 27
23rd Annual Key West Craft Show
Juried artisans and crafters display their talents at a popular show on lower Whitehead Street in historic Old Town.
Contact: (305) 294-1241
Key West / February 01 to February 02
Key West Symphony Orchestra Presents “Love and Despair”
This performance features music by Copland, Bernstein, Lieberman and Tchaikovsky with pianist Jeffery Biegel at the Tennessee
Williams Theatre.
Contact: (305) 292-1774
Key West / February 05
"Shel Shocked" at Red Barn Theatre
The theatre at 319 Duval St. is proud to bring back more of Shel Silverstein's short plays.
Contact: (305) 296-9911
Key West / February 07 to February 10
Civil War Heritage Festival
Colorful Civil War re-enactments and tours of Key West's historic Civil War–era Fort Zachary Taylor highlight the journey into the
island’s past.
Contact: (305) 292-6850
Key West / February 10
Impromptu Concerts presents "La Boheme"- A Night at the Opera
Seven vocalists from The Jacksonville Lyric Opera are to perform a concert version of the Puccini masterpiece at 8 p.m, Tennessee
Williams Theatre, 5901 College Road, Stock Island.
Contact: (305) 296-1520 x1
Key West / February 12
Jacques Brel "Love and War"
The staff of the Red Barn Theatre are to gather at Tropic Cinema to honor the passion, humor and magic of the immortal songwriter,
Jacques Brel, by performing his songs and music.
Contact: (305) 296-9911
Key West / February 17
Impromptu Concerts Presents Pianist Ji-Yong
The young pianist who has already won wide critical acclaim is to peform at St. Paul's Church, Duval and Eaton Streets, at 4 p.m.
Contact: (305) 296-1520 x1
Key West / February 23 to February 24
Old Island Days Art Festival
The 43rd annual juried fine art show is set on lower Whitehead Street in historic Old Town.
Contact: (305) 294-1241
Key West / February 27 to March 22
"Reefer Madness: The Musical" at Waterfront Playhouse
The raucous musical comedy based on a 1936 film is to be presented at the playhouse at historic Mallory Square.
Contact: (305) 294-5015
Key West / March 02
Impromptu Concerts Presents the Camerata Bariloche String Orchestra
This 18-member Argentine ensemble, which has toured to international acclaim, is to perform at Tennessee Williams Theatre, 5901
College Road, Stock Island, at 8 p.m.
Contact: (305) 296-1520 x1
Key West / March 08
46th Annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest
An Old Island Days tradition, this unique contest features novel sounds produced by contestants in several age categories as they
attempt to make “music” on fluted conch shells.
Contact: (305) 294-9501
Key West / March 09
Impromptu Concerts Presents Pianist Stanislaw Drzewiecki
This spectacular young virtuoso, whose performance here two years ago was a highlight of the season, makes his return to St.
Paul's Church, Duval and Eaton Streets, at 4 p.m.
Contact: (305) 296-1520 x1
Key West / March 18 to April 12
"Sylvia" at Red Barn Theatre
The famous play is to return to the theatre at 319 Duval St. with Marjorie Paul Shook as Sylvia.
Contact: (305) 296-9911
Key West / March 21
Marky Pierson Exhibit Opens at 1100 SoDu
The 1100 SoDu gallery presents performance art to celebrate the opening of local artist Marky Pierson’s show of animated acrylic
paintings, 1100 Duval Street, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact: (305) 296-4400
Key West / March 23 to April 07
"Vagina Monologues" at Red Barn Theatre
The award-winning play is to return to the theatre at 319 Duval St. for a series of Sunday-and-Monday shows over these weeks.
Contact: (305) 296-9911
Key West / April 03 to April 12
"Ganesha Dance Theatre: Opening the Way - A Show about Life" at Waterfront Playhouse
The excitement of contemporary dance comes to the playhouse at historic Mallory Square.
Contact: (305) 294-5015
Key West / April 04 to April 05
Key West Symphony Orchestra Presents “Fit for a King”
This performance features works by Mozart, Beethoven and Saint-Saens, featuring pianist Andreas Klein at the Tennessee Williams
Theatre. Call or visit www.keywestsymphony.com.
Contact: (305) 292-1774
Key West / April 09 to April 13
14th Annual Robert Frost Poetry Festival
The festival features poetry and haiku workshops and readings, and a poetry and haiku contest. Events are staged at the Robert
Frost Cottage at the Heritage House Museum, where Frost spent many island winters.
Contact: (305) 296-3573
Big Pine & the Lower Keys / April 13
Lower Keys Jazz & Blues Fest
A waterfront jazz and blues concert and juried art show themed “Cool Jazz and Hot Art” are held overlooking the water at Dolphin
Marina on Little Torch Key.
Contact: (305) 872-2411
Key West / April 18 to April 27
26th Conch Republic Independence Celebration
Parades, bed races, parties and a wacky “drag race” commemorate the founding of the Conch Republic on April 23, 1982, in
response to a U.S. Border Patrol roadblock that halted traffic in and out of the Florida Keys.
Contact: (305) 294-2298
Key West / April 21
13th Annual Taste of Key West
Scores of area restaurants present mouthwatering samples of their cuisine to benefit AIDS Help Inc. The culinary celebration takes
place at the Truman Waterfront overlooking Key West Harbor.
Contact: (305) 296-6196
Key West / April 22 to May 03
"Mavis and the Three Bears" at Red Barn Theatre
This musical fable by Blake Hunter, with music written by our own Franko Richmond, is to run for two weeks only.
Contact: (305) 296-9911
Key West / April 30 to May 04
Key West Songwriters’ Festival
The 13th-annual showcase of musical magic features America’s foremost performing songwriters, with concerts staged in intimate,
audience-friendly island settings. The festival is presented by Hog's Breath Saloon.
Contact: (305) 296-4222
Key West / May 01 to May 31
"New Plays in May" at Waterfront Playhouse
The Key West Players are to present free readings and orginal plays by Key West playwrights at the playhouse at Mallory Square on
Tuesdays.
Contact: (305) 294-5015
Key West / May 13 to May 24
"Rompers, a collection of shorts" at Red Barn Theatre
Celebrating short-attention-span theatre, the theatre at 319 Duval St. is proud to present short plays with an exciting mix of
playwrights, directors and actors.
Contact: (305) 296-9911
Key West / May 16 to May 17
Harry S. Truman Legacy Symposium: “Harry Truman and Immigration”
Key West’s political history is highlighted in panel discussions, a reception and tours of the Little White House, where former
President Harry Truman worked and relaxed during his time in office.w.
Contact: (305) 294-9911
Key West / May 21 to June 14
"Naked Boys Singing!" at Waterfront Playhouse
The international hit returns to the playhouse at historic Mallory Square.
Contact: (305) 294-5015
Big Pine & the Lower Keys / July 12
24th Annual Underwater Music Festival
A quirky concert broadcast underwater for divers, snorkelers and the occasional mermaid emphasizes reef preservation. The
submerged songfest is held at Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Contact: (305) 872-2411
Key West / July 15 to July 20
Hemingway Days
The 28th celebration of the legendary author’s work and lifestyle features literary readings, a theatrical premiere, short story
competition, fishing tournament and Sloppy Joe’s Look-Alike Contest. A celebration will be held on July 21st, Hemingway’s 109th
birthday.
Contact: (305) 296-2388 (Look-Alike); 294-0320 (literary)
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| Florida Keys businesses cater to tourists. Please help us support our local Keys businesses by your patronage. Florida Keys Small Businesses Thank You! |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |