January 15
6th Annual Florida Keys Saefood Festival
Key West:A family-friendly event with local fresh Keys seafood,
drinks, marine-related crafts, youth activities and live music from
11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Free admission.  Takes place at Bayview Park at
Truman Avenue and Eisenhower Drive, Key West.  For more info
call 305-872-9026 or 305-292-4501

January  29
Florence Spottswood
Humanitarian of the Year Gala
Key West: Named for Florence Spottswood who 
the
American Red Cross Key West Chapter in 1917, 
this
annual gala and dinner dance draws a tropical 
Black-Tie,
A-list crowd and recognizes an outstanding leader 
in the
Florida Keys community who best exemplifies the 
principles
of the American Red Cross -- those of Humanity, 
Impartiality,
Neutrality, Independence, Volunteer Service 
and Unity. Tickets
$150 per person. Table sponsorships 
are also available.  Festivities
kick off at 6:30 p.m. at the
Marriott Key West Beachside Hotel. 
For more info call 
305-5292-1145 or email  dbetsyb@aol.com. 
All contributions 
benefit American Red Cross programs in the
Florida Keys.

January 29

January Jamboree!
Marathon:  Tropical plants, previously owned
“treasures, ” a plant 
raffle, horticultural exhibit,
 yummy baked goods and  locally made
“Bees In 
the Keys” Honey are the hallmark of this fun Middle
 Keys
event which takes place from 8:30 a.m. until
3 p.m. at the Marathon
Garden Club, MM 50, Bayside 
in Marathon.  Gift shop open from 1
0 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Mon. - Fri. Info: 305-743-4971; www.marathongardenclub.org


January 29 - 30
2th Annual Key West Craft Show
Key West: This nationally recognized two day juried outdoor
craft festival  brings over 100 fine and skilled craft artists to
one of the most beautiful historic area of Key West where you
can leisurely browse exceptional displays of pottery, fabric,
glass, wood, jewelry and other handmade works by select artists. 
Exhibitors Set up  from 10 a.m.  until 5 p.m. along Whitehead St.
between Greene and Eaton Streets, Key West.  Info: 305-294-1241;
www.kwartcenter.com


January 29 - 30
Key Largo Stone Crab & Seafood Festival
Key Largo: A festival chock full of fresh stone crabs, conch,
local seafood, music, entertainment and fun for the entire
family, including a Conch Cook-Off, cooking demonstrations,
a peel-and-eat shrimp eating contest, a "little mermaid" contest,
kids' play area with live fish aquarium & touch tank, Arts & Craft
vendors, Junkanoo band, magic shows, face painters, food, beverages,
key lime pie and giant fireworks extravaganza.Admission: $7 for 
adults and $5 for kids under 12. Open Saturday from  11 a.m. to 8 p.m.;
Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: 305-453-0008;
www.keylargoseafoodfestival.com
 

January 30
17th Annual Master Chef Classic
Key West: Local restaurants vie for top honors in three categories;
appetizers, entrees and desserts. Participants get to taste all the food
made at this event while judges pick the winners. Benefits MARC
House programs. Info:  305-294-9526, ext 25.

February 5
Key West International Airport
Open House (SOAR)

Key West: The Key West International Airport

hosts its first open house in 21 years.  Explore a

static display of aircraft, take an airplane ride,

browse aviation exhibits and merchandise booths

and enjoy good food and beverages.  Free admission. 

Open from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Info at 305-879-9306

February 25 -27
Civil War Heritage Festival
Key West: Re-enactments, sea battles with schooner
ships, living history demonstrations, skirmishes, and
a full military parade down Duval highlight this annual
hallmark event at Key West’s historic civil war fort,
Zachary Taylor.  Enter through Truman Annex at the
end of Southard Street at Whitehead, Key West. Info:
305-292-6850 or click www.forttaylor.org.

February 26 - 27
Upper Keys Gigantic Nautical Flea Market
Islamorada: You’ll find hundreds of marine and watersports-
related goods with great deals on new and used boats, marine
equipment, electronics, fishing tackle, dive gear, nautical arts,
crafts and more. Open Saturday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Sunday
from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Founder’s Park, MM 87,  Islamorada. 
Info: 305-453-3802; www.GiganticNauticalFleaMarket.org.

February 25 -27
3rd Annual Live Pig Races
Marathon: National Pig Day becomes a weekend long celebration
with  plenty of wheeling, dealing and squealing when the Stuffed
Pig Restaurant  at MM 49,Gulfside in Marathon stages it’s annual
Live Pig Racing Bash along with a big Sunday BBQ Proceeds
benefit Grace Jones Day Care.  Info: 305-743-4059 or go to
www.nationalpigday.com

February 26 - 27
46th Annual Old Island Days Art Festival
Key West: This critically acclaimed show takes place along
lower Whitehead Street and into the gracious Truman Annex in
Key West’s historic Old Town district.  Presented by the Key
West Art Center, the juried show draws over 100 highly acclaimed
artists from across the U.S. and showcases a variety of oil, watercolor
and acrylic paintings, decorative sculpture, photography and other
fine arts.  Open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Whitehead and  Caroline
Streets. Info: 305-294-1241;  www.kwartcenter.com

March 6
53rd Annual Key Colony Beach Day
Key Colony Beach: This old fashioned, annual event draws a
local island crowd who gather for a lazy day of good food, drinks
and music all day long.  Start with the Shriners' Pancake Breakfast
at 8 p.m.,stroll the art and crafts booths, try your luck at the world
famous barracuda races or bet on your favorite plastic ducky in a
"swim"against all odds across the 7th Street Canal. Music from
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Free admission and parking.  Turn  oceanside at the 
MM 53.5traffic light onto Key Colony Beach and follow the
Sadowski Causeway to City Hall.


March 12-13

35th Annual Original Marathon Seafood Festival
Marathon: Fresh local seafood including lobster tails, 
stone
crabs, fish, shrimp and more are the Star 
of the show which
also includes live music, 
entertainment, a rock climbing wall,
children’s 
games,  boat show and over 100 vendors selling 

jewelry, clothing, original art and crafts. Open 
on Saturday
from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday 
from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.  Adult
Admission: $8.00;  children 
under 12 free with paid adult entry. 
Takes place at Marathon 
Community Park, MM 49,  Oceanside. 
Info: 
305-743-5417; www.floridakeysmarathon.com

April 4
Underwater Easter Egg Hunt
Key Largo: The Easter bunny hosts this
annual underwater egg hunt off Key Largo
to benefit 
Kids in Special Situations, a local
charity for 
needy children. Info: 305-451-3020.



April 2- 3

20th Annual Island Fest
Islamorada: Two full days of music, food and 
fun including one
of the largest arts and crafts
shows in the Keys, sand castle lessons
and the 
annual Taste of the Island, a local chef’s competition  

which takes place on Sunday, April 11.  Open 
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Free admission. Founder's Park, 
MM 87, Islamorada. Info:
305-664-4503; 
www.islamoradachamber.com

April 22 - May 1
29th Annual Conch Republic
Independence Celebration
Key West: Parades, bed races, parties and a 
wacky "drag race"
commemorate the founding 
of the Conch Republic which seceded
from the 
United States on April 23, 1982, in response to a 
U.S. Border
Patrol road block that halted traffic 
in and out of the Florida Keys.
Info: 305-294-2298; 
www.conchrepublic.com.

April 22

Earth Day At Cheeca Lodge
Islamorada:  It’s all about “Going Green” at  this fun and

enlightening annual celebration that features live entertainment,

food, environmental education booths and sand-shaping sculptures

on the beach. Info; 305-267-1845 ;www.cheeca.com

April 18

16th Annual Taste Of Key West
Key West: Scores of top area restaurants present mouth
watering samples of their cuisine to benefit  
AIDS Help, Inc.
The culinary celebration takes place 
at the Truman Waterfront
overlooking Key West 
Harbor from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. For more
info email: pamela.d@aidshelp.cc

April 27 - May 1

Key Largo Conch Republic Days
Key Largo: The northern territories of the Conch Republic
celebrate their independence in thisfun week-long festival.


April 27 - May 1
Key West Songwriter's Festival
Key West: Key West’s 14th annual showcase 
of  musical magic
features over 100 of America’s foremost performing songwriters,
with more 
than 30 concerts staged in intimate, audience 
friendly
settings all over the island. Info:  
305-304-0814; 
www.keywestsongwriters.com

May
Battle In The Bay Dragon Boat Festival

Marathon: This unique, high-action event is
 the only beach-launch
boat race of its kind 
where sleek 40’ long race boats, teamed with 

20 paddlers and a drummer, compete along a 
400-meter course
parallel to Sombrero Beach.  
Racing begins at 9 a.m. Racing fee:
$50 per 
person for 24 member team. Free to watch.  Info: 305-766-1053;
www.battleinthebay.org

May 19 - 22

Key Largo Original Music Fest
Key Largo:  Fifteen days of live music, food and drink rock Key
Largo at various venues throughout the island including 
the
Fish House Encore, Sundowners, Bayside Grill,
 Pilot House a
nd other local hotspots. For more info call 305-522-1300 or hit up
www.keylargosingersandsongwritersfestival.com

May 29

Schooner Wharf Bar Minimal Regatta
Savvy sailors build boats from minimal materials
and compete against others in the craziest regatta
you'll ever see. Races begin at noon at Schooner
Wharf Bar in Key West's Historic Seaport. Info:
305-292-3302; www. schoonerwharf.com

June 8 - 12
Pridefest 2010
Key West: Presented by the Key West Business
Guild Center, Key West’s annual rainbow celebration
of sea-to-sea diversity includes an exciting week long
roster of events that attracts thousands of party goers
from around the world. For more information call
305-292-3223;

July 29 - August 7
Key Largo Food & Wine Fest
Key Largo:  Key Largo's top culinary experts share some of the best
dishes the Upper Keys has to offer.  Multiple wine tasting events, cooking
demonstrations, wine dinners, food and wine pairing classes, progressive
wine dinners, art and wine shows, cigar and wine, cookbook signings,
free pour wine tastings and more. Info: 305-394-3736;www.fkrm.com


August 7
17th Annual  Battle of the Bars
Unlikely warrriors armed with margarita salt and keg taps, compete
to conquer their foes with speed, skill and accuracy in this raucous
annual contest that pits local bartenders and servers against one another
as for theydrink, cajole and bribe their way to capture the coveted
winning trophy.  Takes place at the Schooner Wharf Bar in Key West's
Historic Seaport.  Info at 305-292-3773; www.schoonerwharf.com

September 6 - 11

2011 Womenfest
Key West:  This blockbuster week-long festival is a magnet for
thousands of women from around the world who come to Key
West for a non-stop party that celebrates freedom and diversity. 
Info: 305-294-4603;www.womenfest.com




September 15 - 18
38th Annual Phil Peterson's
Key West Poker Run
Florida Keys & Key West: Motorcycle enthusiasts from around the
U.S. cruise down the Keys' scenic Overseas Highway from mainland
Florida to Key West to raise money for charity. Stops are arranged
throughout the Keys with a final celebration in Key West.  Info:
800-545-2561; www.petersonskeywestpokerrun

September 21 - 25
Florida Keys Birding and
Wildlife Festival

Marathon: Celebrating the peak of the fall birding season, this event
is anchored at Curry Hammock State Park, MM 56.2 and includes an
Opening Reception at the Marathon Garden Club, presentations, special
field trips focusing on education and conservation as they relate to Keys
birds and wildlife, and an environmental fair. Info: 305-872-0774;
www.keysbirdingfest.org

October 7 & 8
5th Annual Mad Dog Mandich Fishing Classic
Florida Keys
Islamorada: This family fun fish tournament is open to 
all anglers and targets dolphin, kingfish tuna and wahoo
along with a “Weekend Warrior” division for snapper
and grouper.  Cash and prizes awarded for the heaviest
of each gamefish category, as well as for the Top Boat,
Top Angler, Top Lady Angler and Top Junior Angler.
Info: 305-667-0399; www.maddogclassic.com

October 21 - 22
Annual Goombay Festival
Key West: Fantasy Fest® 2011 kicks off with the flavors, sights and sounds
of the Caribbean during a lively two day street party in Key West’s historic
Bahama Village located along 
Petronia St. Info: 305-797-7225; www.fantasyfest.net.




October 21 - 30
32st Annual Fantasy Fest® Celebration:
Key West: This outrageous world renowned, 10 day celebration
celebrates 32 years of debauchery and is 
not for the faint hearted.
Info: www. fantasyfest.net.

November 3 - 6
19th Annual Parrot Heads Festival
Key West: More than 3,000 fans of singer, songwriter and best-selling
author, Jimmy Buffett flock to Key West to celebrate  their hero’s music
and the lifestyle it promotes.  
For details hit up www.phip.com


November 6 - 13
30th Annual Key West Powerboat
World Championship
Key West: High-speed powerboats continue Key West’s longstanding
tradition in a challenge described as the Indianapolis 500 of powerboat racing.
Info: 305-296-6166.

November 10
30th Annual Key Largo Cook-Off

Now Through December 31
The Bight Before Christmas
Holiday Festival
Key West:  The 2nd Annual Bight Before Christmas, kicks off on
Thanksgiving Eve 
at the Historic Seaport with the Lighting of the
Harbor Walk and culminates with Schooner Wharf Bar’s big New
Year’s Eve Celebration and the annual midnight descent of a Pirate
Wench” from the giant mast of a Tall Ship. The five week festival also
includes Tree Trimming parties, a Holiday Art Walk and Open House,
Holiday Food Tasting, Lighted Boat Parade, Lighted Inn Tour, free
Christmas Concert and more.  Event details at www.keywestchristmas.org.



December 3
Florida Keys Holiday Festival
Islamorada: A 35’ holiday tree blows magical snow at this festive extravaganza
which includes a parade with floats, caroling, holiday gift bazaar, delicious food,
wine tasting and silent auction of  masterpiece ornaments created by local artists. 
Open 4 - 10 p.m. at Founders Park, MM 87, Islamorada. Info: 305- 664-4503;
www.islamoradachamber.com

December 5
Lower Keys Chamber Golf Tournament
Key West: Amateur golfers compete for cash and prizes including $25,000
for a hole-in-one during this fun, annual four person scramble tournament
that shotguns
at 7:30 a.m  at the Key West Golf Club. Info: 305-872-2411.
www.lowerkeyschamber.com

December 4
Tree Trimming Party
Key West:  Bring your own nautical ornament
for Schooner Wharf Bar’s
big beautiful 8’ Christmas 
Tree and enjoy a free holiday cocktail -- rum
egg nog,Swedish glog or hot applejack.  Prizes for most original, 
most
nautical and most popular with the crowd.
  Schooner Wharf Bar, Historic
Seaport.  Info:305-292-3773; schoonerwharf.com

December TBD
December TBD
Historic Lighted Inn Tours
Key West: Discover the history and holiday spirit of Key West and enjoy creative
offerings by local chefs, artists and performers during this fun tour of beautifully
decorated historic inns which takes place from 5:30 - 8 p.m.  Info: 305-295-1334;
keywestinntour.com.

December 14-16
Key Largo Christmas Pageant
Key Largo:  Presented by the Key Largo Baptist Church, this year’s annual
pageant performs at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 10  and Saturday, December 12;
and on Sunday, 
December 13 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.  Coral Shores Performing Arts
Center, MM 98, Oceanside, Key Largo.  Info at 305-451-1642.


December 10
20th Annual Schooner Wharf Bar
Lighted Boat Parade
Key West:  A magical nautical display of lights and creativity are the hallmark
of this favorite holiday maritime event 
which takes place in the Key West Bight
and Harbor.  The boats come very close to the docks of the Schooner 
Wharf Bar
where the judges stand is located.  Festivities
 kick off at 6 p.m.  Info: 305-292-3773;