Although the rush of summer in the Florida Keys is just beginning, the month of June can feel as busy in Key West with its Pride celebrations, parades, and even solstice gatherings. The following are some of the one-off and nightly events that you might want to attend.
A Drink-Off!
Local bars and bartenders face off poolside at Bourbon St. Pub on June 4 at 9 p.m. Participants in this Key West Local Bartender Competition form a line of serving stations where guests can sample special cocktails and signature drinks from the island’s most popular watering holes, all before casting votes for their favorites. The free event is energetic with live music throughout the proceedings and an open-air dance floor under the night tropical sky.
Summer Solstice Celebrations
Mallory Square and its Sunset Celebration will see street performers, artists, vendors, and the mystic put on special activities through June 8-21 as we head towards the Summer Solstice. This solstice celebration is presented by the Key West Cultural Preservation Society. Last year, events which started around 7 p.m. included free wire sculptures, flower crown stations, mini tarot card sessions, and even live performances from local musical groups. The finale event, a new addition, is expected to pay homage to world cuisine with local restaurants and chefs cooking an array of bites that reflect the multiculturalism of the Sunset Celebration.
Pride Street Fair
It is always fun to stroll a closed-off Duval, normally one of the busiest streets on the island. The “Celebration of Identity Through Color & Creativity” Street Fair on June 6 at 4 p.m. will see the 600 and 700 blocks open only to pedestrians who can visit the vendors assembled for Pride Week and see live entertainment from two stages. One will feature talent that appeals to families in an attempt by the Key West Business Guild to push the fact that this fair is a family-friendly event that welcomes and represents all.
A Colorful Parade Sendoff
Pride Week will wrap up with its traditional vivid display of walking groups, decked out golf carts and convertibles, roving bicyclists, and head-turning floats for the parade on June 7 at 7 p.m. The proceedings will take parade participants up Whitehead Street then down Duval, where spectators can take in the bursts of color and occasional throws. Things get particularly lively the closer you get to the 700 and 800 blocks of Duval, with one of the largest gatherings happening at La Te Da for its Sunday tea dance. The later start of this year’s parade is expected to provide a bit more cover from the sun for onlookers and anyone who wants to stake out a preferred vantage spot.
