Key West Hotels: Calendar of Events

You can’t really talk about the Florida Keys, you have to experience them. Only then will you understand why this chain of islets has come into its own as a vacation destination. From the laid-back feel, to the charming fishing marinas and Caribbean vibe, we have your resort. Click Here for more information on Key West.

2009 Calendar of Events

Dates	Event Name	Event Description
January 19 - 23	Acura Key West Regatta	22nd Anniversary. Some of the world's best sailors are to compete in a variety of sailboat classes during the Key West race week.
April 14 - 18	World Sailfish Championship	8th Anniversary. Three days of hard-fought fishing are to be complemented by three evenings of fabulous food, drinks, fun and entertainment, including a free concert, gourmet meals and VIP parties.
April 17 - 26	Conch Republic Independence Celebration	27th Anniversary. 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.
April 29 - May 3	Key West Songwriters' Festival	14th Anniversary. This showcase of musical magic features America's foremost performing songwriters, with concerts staged in intimate, island settings. The festival is presented by the Hog's Breath Saloon.
May 28 - 31	Shell Key West Challenge	20th Anniversary. Highly-skilled anglers are to pursue a variety of offshore fish to benefit the Diabetes Research Institute.
June 6 - 14	Pridefest Key West	This festival honors diversity, openness and freedom in the city that is consistently recognized as one of the world's top gay and lesbian vacation destinations.
July 21 - 26	Hemingway Days Festival	29th Anniversary. This annual event celebrates the legendary author’s work and lifestyle. The event comprises literary readings, a short story competition, a museum exhibit, a fishing tournament and the Sloppy Joe’s Look-Alike Contest.
July 29 - 30	Mini Lobster Season	The two day Sport Lobster Season is always the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July. Begins at 12:01am on Wednesday and ends at 12:00 midnight on Thursday.
August 6	Lobster Season Opens	The Regular Lobster Season is always August 6 - March 31. Begins at 12:01am on August 6 and ends at 12:00 midnight on March 31.
September 17 - 20	Poker Run	37th Annual Key West Poker Run is sponsored by Peterson's Harley-Davidson of Miami, Peterson’s Harley-Davidson South, Budweiser, and Coca Cola to raise money for the Key West economy and charities such as the Diabetes Research Foundation and the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club. Over 10,000 riders from all over the US participate as they ride from Miami to Key West.
October 23 - 24	Goombay Festival	29th Anniversary. Held in Key West's historic Bahama Village neighborhood, the lively Goombay is known for its island-style food, handmade African arts and crafts, nonstop live entertainment and dancing in the streets.
Oct. 23 - Nov. 1	Fantasy Fest	31st Anniversary. “Villains, Vixens & Vampires” is the theme for this outrageous 10-day celebration with a packed schedule of costume competitions, promenades and street fairs, and a grand parade featuring marching groups and lavish floats.
November 5 - 8	Parrot Heads in Key West	Fans of musician Jimmy Buffett are to flock to the island dubbed Margaritaville for their annual gathering.
November 8 - 15	Super Powerboat World Championship Races	29th Anniversary. High-speed powerboats continue Key West's longstanding tradition in a challenge described as the Indianapolis 500 of powerboat racing.
December 31	New Year's Eve Celebrations	The festivities include a “conch shell drop” at Sloppy Joe's Bar, 201 Duval St.; the descent of a 6-foot red high heel shoe carrying drag queen Sushi at the Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St.; and the descent of a pirate wench from the mast of the tall ship Liberty Clipper in the island city’s Historic Seaport.