One of approximately 30 events held each year whose proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Highlights include a kick-off welcome reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and silent auction; daily continental breakfast and dockside lunch and beach buffet for anglers., Contact: Susan Ellis 305-664-2002, Email: [email protected]
In honor of the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary on 8/25,/2016, the National Park Service is inviting everyone to join its year-long centennial celebration, by offering free entrance days in/2016. Visitors are invited to celebrate the past 100 years of these glorious places nationwide that have been set aside for all generations. At Dry Tortugas National Park, please check in with our official providers of transportation to the park for schedules, prices, and reservations. (All transportation departs from Key West.) Ferries and seaplanes leaving from Key West will waive park entrance fees of $10 per visitor., Key West /4/16/2016, 19th Annual Earth Day 5k Run/Walk, Earth-friendly recyclable awards are to be given to the top overall male and female, top masters male and female and first- and second-place runners in each age group ranging from age 9 and under to 70-plus. Additional awards await top 5k walk finishers. Starts at 8 a.m., from McCoy Indigenous Park, located at Atlantic Boulevard and White Street., Key West /4/19/2016, Discovery Saturday Educational Series: Celebrate Earth Day, Kids in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to join the free, fun-filled Discovery Saturday at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center (35 East Quay Road, Key West) from 10-11 a.m. Learn what each of the three R’s of Earth Day signify: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Free admission, free parking. Discovery Saturday is held the third Saturday of every month. Pre-registration is recommended. The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is located at 35 East Quay Road on the Truman Annex waterfront in Key West., Contact: 305-809-4750, Email: [email protected]
The smash hit returns for its riotous fourth year. The rollicking musical tells the tale of the Conchs taking on the Feds, succeeding from the U.S. to keep the town open to tourism. A tale so wacky it has to be true! Show dates, times and tickets online. Performances at Key West Theater (Formerly Eaton Street Theater), 512 Eaton Street., Contact: 305-707-4053, Islamorada /4/21/2016, Morada Way Arts & Cultural District presents: Third Thursday Art Walk, Showcasing the fine arts, music and culinary nuances of the Purple Isles, the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District features national and local artisans who are showcased in galleries at Morada Way between mile marker 81 and 82 – formerly named Industrial Road – as well as “culinary art” and live music from 6-9 p.m. Free admission. Art Walk is held the third Thursday of each month.
With activities ranging from wacky bed race to a lighthearted sea battle featuring tall ships, the Conch Republic’s 10-day birthday party showcases the independent and eccentric spirit that characterizes the Florida Keys., Contact: 305-296-0213, Islamorada /4/23/2016, Free Outdoor Pops-in-the-Park: Young Musicians Concert, A free concert at the ICE Amphitheater at Islamorada’s Founders Park, Bayside, MM 87, Plantation Key. Performances are outdoors; no chairs provided, bring blankets. Starts at 4 p.m. Presented by Keys Community Concert Band. Talented local students join the band!, Contact: 305-853-7294 , Email: [email protected], Key West /4/24/2016, Monthly Artisan Market: Conch Republic “Brew” Days, The Key West Artisan Market is a vibrant, open air bazaar filled with artists, authors, chef-made cuisine, craftspeople, performers, fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses and flowers, craft beer & wine from residents representing the diversity of creativity, ingenuity and locally made products of the Keys & Key West. Held one Sunday each month, during season (thru 4/) outdoors at the Restaurant Store, 1111 Eaton. Free family & pet friendly event., Email: [email protected]
A family-formatted boat tournament that features nine target gulf and backcountry species. Trophies are to be offered top boats in weight and release categories, as well as private vessel and charter divisions. A junior release division is also planned for anglers up to age 10., Contact: Dianne Harbaugh 305-522-4868, Email: [email protected]
Presented by Lazy Dog Adventures, the challenge includes a 12-mile Elite Race around the island and a 4-mile open race. Other events include a kick-off registration party, paddleboard clinics and races for kids., Contact: Sue Cooper 305-304-4259, Email: [email protected]
Taking My Turn is the award-winning, critically acclaimed musical by the same team that collaborated on the hit show The Me Nobody Knows. Taking My Turn was one of the first musicals to deal with aging. The spoken words were collected from interviews with people “in their prime,” which became the basis for the non-linear book. Visit website for show times and matinees., Contact: 305-743-0994, Email: [email protected]
Over $30,000 is cash and prizes awaits the top anglers with the largest bull and cow combined, while other prizes are awarded to anglers catching the largest dolphin, wahoo, tuna and tripletail., Contact: Jack Carlson 305-481-0495, Email: [email protected]
For enthusiastic tarpon anglers, silver kings mean springtime. This high-energy, three-evening tournament mandates that teams fish with a different captain each evening. Teams also rotate among the three major bridge channels in Marathon, so any potential “hot spots” are shared among all anglers., Contact: David Breznicky at 215-542-1492, Email: [email protected], Islamorada /5/01/2016, ICE presents: Sultans of String Jazz, The acclaimed group from Toronto brings its unusual combination of Spanish Flamenco, Arabic folk, Cuban rhythms and French Manouche Gypsy-jazz to the stage.
The 21st annual showcase of musical magic features America’s foremost performing songwriters, with concerts staged in intimate, audience-friendly island settings., Contact: Charlie Bauer 305-304-0814, Email: [email protected]
A tournament honoring the memory of Nick Sheahan, a Florida Keys student, funds from this event benefit a namesake community scholarship fund, distributing $126,000 to date. Hosted at Tavernier Creek Marina, cash prizes and $25,000 to the angler with the dolphin that beats the state record. Hosted at Tavernier Creek Marina, entry fee for adults is $150, $35 for juniors., Contact: Marcia Panse 305-393-3733, Email: [email protected]
This annual event is designed for LGBTA outdoor enthusiasts and adventurists who recall the fun and games of summer camp. Attractions include on-the-water subtropical island activities and games for adults.
This outrageous comic melodrama from Charles Busch evokes the movie thrillers from the early 60’s that featured cinematic icons like Bette Davis, Joan Crawford and Lana Turner. A faded pop singer tries to escape her corrosive marriage and find happiness with a younger lover. Bad acid trips, a resentful daughter, a weird son and a poisoned suppository all play a part in this outrageous comedy. Tickets available online., Contact: 305-294-5015 Box Office
Enjoy the food, entertainment and ambiance of Key Largo during this singers and songwriters event. Multiple “on the water” venues feature Nashville’s hit songwriters and musicians as well as unique local entertainers. Presented by the Upper Keys Business Group., Contact: 305-394-3736, Key West /5/12/2016, Key West Theater presents: Tinsley Ellis, Southern blues-rocker Ellis easily ranks as one of today’s most electrifying blues-rock guitarists and vocalists. He approaches his music with rock power and blues feeling, in the same tradition as his Deep South musical heroes Duane Allman and Freddie King and his old friends Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes. Show time 8 p.m., Contact: 305-985-0433, Email: [email protected]
This Keys-wide dolphin challenge allows anglers to fish one tournament from Key Largo to Key West, and weigh in at five locations. An unlimited number of anglers can join a team, in this boat/team event. Visit website for more details., Contact: Mike Weinhofer 305-395-3474, Email: [email protected], Marathon /5/14/2016, Battle in the Bay Dragon Boat Festival, The waters off Sombrero Beach are to be transformed into a swift racecourse for a day of dragon boat racing that involves 20 paddlers moving in unison a combination of strength and teamwork. Sombrero Beach provides a pristine setting and unique, direct-from-the-beach launch for the sleek, 40-foot-long race boats. The festival is free and open to the public. Food, beverages, merchandise and a variety of entertainment are to be available shoreside., Contact: Christine Canevari 813-426-3544 , Email: [email protected], Islamorada /5/19/2016, Morada Way Arts & Cultural District presents: Third Thursday Art Walk, Showcasing the fine arts, music and culinary nuances of the Purple Isles, the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District features national and local artisans who are showcased in galleries at Morada Way between mile marker 81 and 82 – formerly named Industrial Road – as well as “culinary art” and live music from 6-9 p.m. Free admission. Art Walk is held the third Thursday of each month.
The Key West Art & Historical Society presents this inaugural, family-friendly exhibition event that is also an art-inspired float parade powered by humans on bicycles. People of all ages can celebrate the creative, funky and wild designs on display.
Headquartered at Key Largo Fisheries, events include a Pirate’s Treasure Raffle, music, silent auction, two days of fishing, and awards dinner. Cash and trophy prizes are to be awarded. Proceeds benefit the Long Walk Home Veterans Charity Community Outreach., Contact: 305-504-3795, Email: [email protected]
Special flies, accurate casts and a bit of luck are the recipe for winning this prestigious challenge, using only a tournament-furnished tippet not greater than 16-pound test. Eligible tarpon must measure at least 48 inches in length to earn release points, and weigh at least 70 pounds for weight points., Contact: Betsy Bullard 305-587-1460, Email: [email protected]
Women compete in this all-release tournament to catch tarpon in one of the longest-running tournaments in the Keys. Marking its 40th edition in/2016, the popular Middle Keys event is a bridge tournament, with fishing spots at Long Key Bridge, Seven Mile Bridge and Bahia Honda Bridge. Visit tournament website for details., Contact: 305-304-8591
The Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce presents its 23rd annual event, where anglers contend for more than $35,000 in cash prizes and awards. A special cash prize of $20,000 is awarded for the largest dolphin over 50 pounds. Additional prizes await winners in the open, ladies and youth divisions., Contact: 800-872-2411 , Email: [email protected]