Hardly a weekend goes by in Key West without some kind of special event or festival taking place. Every aspect of the diverse Key West landscape, from its unique cultural heritage to its 1982 secession from the United States, is commemorated with colorful festivals that delight visitors and display residents' penchant for partying.
The event with the broadest appeal is Old Island Days, which reflects Key West's history, heritage and traditions. Beginning in November and running through May, Old Island Days includes art and craft shows, theatrical productions, musical performances, a children's pageant, house and garden tours and a conch (pronounced "konk") shell blowing contest where participants attempt to make music through the shell of the island's favorite mollusk. Contact 305-294-9501.
January brings the Key West Literary Seminar, celebrating the island's heritage as a writer's haven. During the four-day event, nationally and internationally recognized authors, as well as editors and publishers, participate in panels and discussions on the craft of writing. Readings, book signings, and receptions round out the schedule. Past seminar topics have included the American novel, literature in the age of AIDS, and the poetry of Elizabeth Bishop (who was a former Key West resident). In-depth writer's workshops are held following the seminar. Contact 1-888-293-9291 or visit the Web site at www.KeyWestLiterarySeminar.org.
In late January each year, several hundred of the world's fastest racing yachts compete for class championships in the waters off Key West. The Terra Nova Trading Key West event is the largest international midwinter sailboat racing regatta and, unlike most sailing competitions, it allows amateur recreational sailors to line up against professionals and other world-class competitors who have won Olympic gold medals, the America's Cup and world championships. Races take place in four circles off the south shore of Key West, with prime viewing areas for the public at Atlantic-front restaurants, resorts and beaches. Contact www.Premiere-Racing.com.
In the spring, the Conch Republic Independence Celebration commemorates the area's "insurrection" in protest of a U.S. Border Patrol roadblock on U.S. Highway 1 in 1982. Each year, the festival celebrates the Conch Republic's April 23 secession from the Union according to the republic's motto: "We seceded where others failed." Highlights of the 10-day celebration include "the world's longest parade" down Duval Street from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, a sea battle featuring historic tall ships and a hilarious "drag race" starring the island's most noted drag queens. Contact 305-295-7215 or visit www.conchrepublic.com.
Each June brings PrideFest Key West, honoring diversity, openness and freedom in the city that is consistently recognized as one of the world's top gay and lesbian vacation destinations. Presented by Key West's Gay and Lesbian Community Center, the festival includes the Pride Follies variety show, dances and parties, a Celebrating Achievements in Pride awards ceremony, service for tolerance and understanding at Key West's AIDS Memorial, contests to choose Miss, Mr. and Ms. PrideFest, parade and One Human Family reunion picnic. Contact www.pridefestkeywest.com.
Key West moves to a Latin beat in June as the island celebrates Cuban American history and culture. Key West's Cuban immigrants made it the cigar-making capital of the world in the 19th century, and this cultural connection is honored each year with the Cuban American Heritage Festival. Events traditionally include a coast-to-coast conga line and a gala full-day fiesta. Attendees also are encouraged to visit the island city's many Cuban heritage sites such as the historic San Carlos Institute. Contact 305-295-9665 or visit www.cubanfest.com.
Also in June is an event celebrating Cuban American history and culture. Key West's Cuban immigrants made it the cigar-making capital of the world in the 19th century, and this cultural connection is honored each year with the Cuban American Heritage Festival. Events traditionally include a coast-to-coast conga line and a gala full-day fiesta. Attendees also are encouraged to visit the island city's many Cuban heritage sites such as the historic San Carlos Institute. Contact (305) 295-9665 or visit www.cubanfest.com
The anniversary of Ernest Hemingway's July 21 birthday is marked by the Hemingway Days festival commemorating the Pulitzer Prize-winning author's decade-long residence in Key West. Among its highlights are the "Papa" Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Contest directed by the author's granddaughter, a Caribbean street fair, an offbeat "Running of the Bulls," a party on the grounds of the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, literary readings and a 5-kilometer run. For information, visit the Web site at www.hemingwaydays.com.
Thousands of women flock to Key West in early September each year for WomenFest, a weeklong gathering for lesbians and their friends that features women's snorkeling and dolphin-watching trips, champagne sunset sails, art openings, nights of comedy, cocktail galas, a street fair with women's issues information, lesbian films, an infamous wet T-shirt contest and more. Contact 305-296-2491 or visit www.womenfest.net.
In late October, Fantasy Fest brings revelry and excitement to the island. The outrageous 10-day masking and costuming festival incorporates lavish costume balls, a Masquerade March through Old Town, a street fair, the Pretenders in Paradise costume contest, a Caribbean-flavored Goombay celebration, a wacky Pet Masquerade and other activities. The madness is capped by the Saturday night Fantasy Fest Parade, whose spectacular floats interpret themes spotlighting current fads, events and fantasies. Contact 305-296-1817 or visit www.fantasyfest.net.
Powerboat racers roar into town in November for the Key West Offshore World Championships. The weeklong challenge features three days of breathtaking racing in a variety of classes. Races are run on a stadium-style course to provide fans excellent views of the action. Spectators also can wander through the Race Village to check out the boats up-close. Other race week events include a boat parade, racers' parties at a variety of locations, and a musical concert with widely-acclaimed headliners. Contact www.keywestworlds.com.
Key West's rich seafaring history is recognized in late November and early December each year when Pirates in Paradise attracts a scurvy crew of pirates and wenches. Festival highlights include a sea battle fought by historic tall ships, pirate sailing excursions, living history encampments featuring arts and crafts, entertainment by pirate re-enactors, literary readings and lectures by authors and historians with a passion for the sea, the authentic re-enactment of a pirate trial, seafaring art exhibitions, a maritime artists' workshop, shipwreck balls and other galas - all celebrating the rowdy maritime heritage of Key West. Contact 305-296-9694 or visit www.piratesinparadise.com.
As well as the festivals detailed here, many others enliven the Key West calendar - from a celebration of African-American heritage to a salute to emerging playwrights to a songwriters' fest that brings chart-topping talent to the island city. No matter when visitors arrive, there's almost certain to be a special event on tap to add an extra touch of excitement to their vacation in Key West.
