April 2005
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top |
| April 12 through 16 |
2005 World Sailfish Championship - This is one of the most prestigious
fishing tournaments in South Florida, the World Sailfish Championship offers a
$100,000 first prize. Events include a Contender kick-off party hosted by Johnny
Bench, a free concert gala in Mallory Square and private celebrity charity dinner
at Shula's on the Beach or a seafood extravaganza, both open to tournament participants
(limited seating available). / Key West / Call 866-482-7529 for information |
| Friday, April 15 through 17 |
2005 Robert Frost Poetry Festival - Celebrating the literary talents of
Robert Frost. / Heritage House Museum & Robert Frost Cottage / 410 Caroline Street
/ Call 305-296-3573 for information |
April
22 through
May 1 | Conch Republic Days (Conch Republic
Independence Celebration) - From a pig roast to a pirates ball, there are
Independence Day parades, music, Conch Cruiser Car Show, re-enactments of the
Surrender Ceremony of the Great Sea Battle and the familiar Conch Shell Blowing
contest to celebrate the Republics victory over evil forces of the US Government
during the 1982 blockade. / Call 305-296-0213 for information |
Friday,
April 22 |
Earth Day - The official world-wide celebration event of Earth Day. In
celebrating the day check out local events and activities at the Audubon House
and Tropical Gardens, the Key West Aquarium or Wild Dolphin Adventures. |
| April 24 | Passover
Begins |
| Late April |
40th Annual Key West Fishing Tournament - Shimano-KickOff - It's the beginning
of a seven month fishing tournament open to all, visitors and residents alike.
Just register your catch at the official weigh in stations for certificates, prizes
will be awarded at the tournaments conclusion in November. / Call 305 295 6601
for information |
| Late April |
24th Annual Seven Mile Bridge RUN! - A unique running opportunity with
awards in several divisions, the race across the bridge put the runner in a scenic
water setting. Not a completely flat course, runners should be aware of the bridges
channel rise. / 7 to 9 am / Sponsored by the Marathon Runner Club / Marathon /
Call 305-743-8513 for information |
Sunday,
April 24 | Schooner Wharf Wreckers Cup Race -4th
Race of the series, its a seven mile race mainly for local boaters to Sand Key,
based on the Old Key West traditions of racing to salvage disabled and "wrecked"
vessels. / Based at Schooner Wharf Bar on William Street / Call 305-292-3773
for information |
May
2005
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| May
5 | Cinco de Mayo Celebration - A Mexican American
celebration with events and specials at local bars and eateries. |
| May 8 | Mother's Day
|
| May 12 - 15 |
APBA Offshore National Series Tour Powerboat Races - The powerboat race
circuit enjoys the Keys, this is one of ten national prestige races leading up
to the 2005 Offshore Power Boat World Championships in Key West during November.
/ sponsored by the APBA Offshore Racing Association / Marathon / Call 305-293-5115
for information |
| Friday & Saturday,
May 13 & 14 | 2005 Harry S. Truman Symposium - The
topic of the 2005 symposium is Truman and the Quest for Peace in the Middle East
- The creation of the State of Israel / Truman Little White House - 111 Front
Street / Call 305-294-9911 for information |
Monday,
May 30 | Memorial Day - Celebrations begin throughout
the islands with special events including the Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta!
/ Key West Bight / Reserve your rooms now! |
June
2005
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| Throughout
June 2005 | Key West Symphony Sol Fest - A summer music
program for children. / Call 305-292-1774 for information |
| Throughout June | 40th
Annual Key West Fishing Tournament - On-going, a seven month fishing tournament
open to all, visitors and residents alike. Just register your catch at the official
weigh in stations for certificates, prizes will be awarded at the tournaments
conclusion in November. / Call 305 295 6601 for information |
| June 4 through 12 | 2005
PrideFest Key West - It's Gay Pride week in Key West, a celebration of diversity
sponsored by the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Key West. / Call 305-292-3223
for information |
| June 3 through
5 | 10th Annual Big Pine & Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament
- It's a contest for the largest mahi mahi caught in the Keys, prizes are awarded
in both ladies and gents categories as well as in youth divisions. / Sponsored
by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce / Sugarloaf KOA / Call 305-872-2411
for information |
| June 13 through
18 | 6th Annual Cuban American Heritage Festival -
This festival has moved about in the past, taking place in November and in June.
Events include Latin and Caribbean music, salsa parities, dance contests with
a coast to coast Conga line, tours of the Gato Public History Museum and ìCigar
Dinnersî, in homage to the first Cuban industry established in Key West during
the 1880s. / sponsored by the Cuban American Mercian Heritage Foundation / Key
West / Call 305-295-9665 for festival information |
| Tuesday,
June 21 | Summer Solstice - First Day of Summer |
| June 25 | Tropical
Fruit Fiesta - In celebration of summers gifts, tropical fruit from the Keys
are displayed, judged, cooked, sampled and discussed in this fabulous fruit tasting.
Childrens activities and vendors round out the festivities. / Sombrero Beach Park
/ Marathon / 9 am to 2 pm / Call 305-292-4560 for information |
July 2005
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top |
| July 1 & 2 |
Key West's 6th Annual African-American Heritage Festival - A week-long
event with an adults only beach bash, a Caribbean Street Fair, arts & crafts,
parade, childrens programs, great music, soul food and special entertainment.
/ Bahama Village / Key West / Call 305-295-7184 for information |
Monday,
July 4 |
Independence Day - Huge celebrations throughout the island. Fireworks at
the White Street Pier! |
| Throughout
July | 40th Annual Key West Fishing Tournament - On-going,
a seven month fishing tournament open to all, visitors and residents alike. Just
register your catch at the official weigh in stations for certificates, prizes
will be awarded at the tournaments conclusion in November. / Call 305 295 6601
for information |
| July 21 through
24 | 25th Annual Hemingway Days Festival - From Hemingway
look-alike contests to a 5 K race, itís everything Papa Hemingway! Other activities
include a Key West Marlin Tournament, a Writers Conference, storytelling contest
and a Street Fair. Festival Headquarters are centered around Sloppy Joe's on Duval
Street / Call 305-296-2388 for information and events schedule. |
| July 9 | 21st Annual
Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival - A unique dive and snorkeling experience,
six hours of select pre-recorded music will be broadcast below the waves in the
Looe Key Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Itís a musical event unique to the Florida
Keys! / 6 miles south of Big Pine Key /10 am to 4 pm / Sponsored by the Lower
Keys Chamber of Commerce / Call 305-872-2411 for information |
| July 26 through 28 |
Mini Lobster Season |
| July 29
- August 7 | Key West Summer Food & Wine Festival -
Call 305-296-6906 for festival information |
| July
20 through August 21 | Mel Fisher Days - Centered during
the days between the anniversary of the Atocha discovery and the famed treasure
hunters birthday, numerous celebrations honor the late Mel Fisher. His motto -
"Today's the Day"summed up his life, which was a life well lived. He
is honored with a fireworks display, parties and tributes around town as well
as the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum and the Schoonerís Wharf, his favorite watering
hole. Look for the awarding of The Mel Fisher Life Time Achievement Award to a
worthy celebrity recipient. / Call 305-292-3773 for information |
August 2005
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top |
| Throughout August |
40th Annual Key West Fishing Tournament - On-going, a seven month fishing
tournament open to all, visitors and residents alike. Just register your catch
at the official weigh in stations for certificates, prizes will be awarded at
the tournaments conclusion in November. / Call 305 295 6601 for information |
| Through August 7 |
Key West Summer Food & Wine Festival - Call 305-296-6906 for festival
information |
| Through August 21
| Mel Fisher Days - Centered during the days between
the anniversary of the Atocha discovery and the famed treasure hunters birthday,
numerous celebrations honor the late Mel Fisher. His motto - "Today's the
Day"summed up his life, which was a life well lived. He is honored with a
fireworks display, parties and tributes around town as well as the Mel Fisher
Maritime Museum and the Schoonerís Wharf, his favorite watering hole. Look for
the awarding of The Mel Fisher Life Time Achievement Award to a worthy celebrity
recipient. / Call 305-292-3773 for information |
September
2005
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September
2 - 5 | Labor Day Weekend |
| September
| WomenFest - This Lesbian event showcases the arts,
from painting to plays and offers exclusive island-oriented events for participants.
/ Call 305-296-2491 for information. |
| Throughout
September | 40th Annual Key West Fishing Tournament
- On-going, a seven month fishing tournament open to all, visitors and residents
alike. Just register your catch at the official weigh in stations for certificates,
prizes will be awarded at the tournaments conclusion at the end of November. /
Call 305 295 6601 for information |
September
16 & 17 | Key West Poker Run - From Gold Wings to Harleys,
motorbike owners trek from Miami to Key West to raise money for local charities,
this annual event attracts upwards of 20,000 bikers. / Call 305-292-1177
for information. |
| Wednesday,
September 21 | Autumnal Equinox - Autumn Begins |
October 2005
to
top |
| Throughout October |
40th Annual Key West Fishing Tournament - On-going, a seven month fishing
tournament open to all, visitors and residents alike. Just register your catch
at the official weigh in stations for certificates, prizes will be awarded at
the tournaments conclusion in November. / Call 305 295 6601 for information |
| Early October | Florida
Keys Birding & Wildlife Festival - Centered in Marathon, this celebratory
event encompasses all of the Lower Keys and includes birders observing and taking
census of indigenous and migratory species who winter here. Funds are also raised
to protect wildlife areas in the keys for both the flora and fauna that makes
the area so special. / Call 305-743-3900 for information |
| Monday, October 10 | Columbus
Day - Time to getaway for a relaxing three day weekend in Key West. Great
time of year for enjoying the outdoors or perhaps running in the Annual Columbus
Day 10K Get Away. |
October
21
& 22 | 25th Annual Goombay Celebration - A celebration
of all things Caribbean, music, dance, costumes and of course food! / Events take
place on Petronia Street between Duval & Emma in Bahama Village / Call 305-747-4544
for festival information |
| October
21 through 30 | The 27th Annual Fantasy Fest 2005 - Promenades,
parades, costume contests, dances and ten days of wild celebrations. Itís a mad
Mardi Gras-type celebration combined with Halloween - partly out of season and
with a twist. / Old Town Key West / Call 305-296-1817 for festival information |
| Monday, October 31 |
Halloween - Childrens events at Fort Taylor, including pumpkin carving,
candy and fun! / Starting at 4 pm / Fort Zachary Taylor / Truman Annex / Call
305-797-8812 for information |
November
2005
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| Through
November | 40th Annual Key West Fishing Tournament
- On-going, a seven month fishing tournament open to all, visitors and residents
alike. Just register your catch at the official weigh in stations for certificates,
prizes will be awarded at the tournaments conclusion in November. / Call 305
295 6601 for information |
November
2 - 6 | Parrotheads in Key West - Members in good standing
of the Parrot Head Club, with chapters around the world and esteemed followers
of Jimmy Buffet and the ìMargaritavilleî lifestyle assemble in Key West for the
14th Annual Meeting of the Minds. Events take place throughout town in local bars
and eateries which are accessible by a pub-clubbing party bus. Convention registration
closes at least six weeks ahead of the event, contact your local PHIP chapter
for information. |
| November
14 through 21 | 2005 Offshore Power Boat World Championships
- Sponsored under the auspices of Super Boat International with invitation to
APBA Offshore Racing Association. Events include the World Kilo Speed records
and awards into the APBA Hall of Champions. / Key West / Call 305-296-8963
for information |
| Friday, November
11 | Veteran's Day |
| Thursday,
November 24 | Thanksgiving Day |
| November
26 through December 4 | Pirates in Paradise Festival 2005
- Avast me hardys, the pirates are in town and all around. Pirate battle re-enactments,
pirate parties, pirate lore, thieves market and historic recreations add up to
lots of pirate fun! / In Key West Historic Seaport, Plantation Key and Marathon
/ Call 305-296-9694 for information |
December
2005
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| Through
December 4 | Pirates in Paradise Festival 2005 - Avast
me hardys, the pirates are in town and all around. Pirate battle re-enactments,
pirate parties, pirate lore, thieves market and historic recreations add up to
lots of pirate fun! / In Key West Historic Seaport, Plantation Key and Marathon
/ Call 305-296-9694 for information |
| Saturday,
December 3 | Annual Holiday Parade - Through Old Town
Key West / 7 pm / Call 305-292-8100 for information |
| Sunday,
December 4 | Children's Day at Bayview Park - / 1 to
5 pm / Call 305-292-8200 for information |
| Mid
December | Lighted Boat Parade - Boats decked out for
the holidays, 8 pm at Key West Harbor. / Call 305-292-9520 for information |
| Wednesday, December 21 |
Winter Solstice - First Day of Winter |
| Sunday,
December 25 | Christmas Day |
| Monday, December 26 |
First Day of Kwanzaa |
| Monday,
December 26 | First Day of Hanukkah |
| Saturday, December 31 |
New Years Eve ‚ Celebrate the arrival of the New Year, some of the hotels have
special party packages including room, dinner and New Years Eve Party with all
the trimmings. |
January
2006
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| Sunday,
January 1, 2006 | New Years Day - Celebrations
continue throughout the area |
| January
through May 2006 | 41st Annual Old Island Days Art Festival
- A compilation of events celebrating the arts in Key West including monthly House
and Garden Tours, Theatrical and orchestra performances, an annual Conch Shell
Blowing Contest and so much more ! / Call 305-294-0431 for festival information |
| Monday, January 16 |
Martin Luther King Day - The year's first great three day weekend to plan
a warm getaway in Key West. |
| Late
January | Key West Yacht Race Week 2006 - For five
days, yachts from over 20 counties and 30 US states race in Key West. / Historic
Seaport at the Key West Bight / Call 781-639-9545 for information. Annual
Old Island Days Craft Show - Only handmade crafts are displayed and sold in this
annual Old town event. / 10 am - 5:30 pm / Old Town Key West at Whitehead & Greene
Streets / Call 305-294-0431 for information. Heritage Days Festival at
Fort Zachary Taylor - Call 305-292-6850 for festival information |
February 2006
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top |
| Tuesday, February 14
| St. Valentine's Day - Celebrate with a romantic three
or extended four day weekend in Key West, a great place for couples. Thereís romantic
dining, sightseeing, watersports and perfect conditions for fun in the sun. |
| Monday, February 20 |
Presidents' Day - Another great three day weekend, or make it a Valentine
getaway. Book your room now! |
| Late
February | 41st Annual Old Island Days Art Festival Show
& Sale - This annual fine art show and sale takes place along Whitehead and
Green Streets to Mallory Square / 10 am -5:30 pm / Call 305-294-0431 for
festival information |
| Early
March 2006 | Heritage Days Festival at Fort Zachary Taylor
- Re-enactment of the early days of the forts history with costumed interpreters
explaining activities and chores consistent with the time period. / Call 305-292-6850
for festival information |
