“Tropical Heat” returns for its August days of poolside parties and visits to the many local bars and restaurants of Key West. Here is a rundown for visitors making the journey to the tail end of the Florida Keys.
Island House, the host resort, gets things started on Aug. 13 with its Cowboy Ken’s Pink Pool Party. Attendees are encouraged to wear pink at this Mojo Dojo Casa-inspired affair. The noted poolside property with its round-the-clock café and bar will feature its famed happy hour drink specials, appetizers, and roving pool boys.
On the sightseeing side, a 4-hour All Male Day Trip with Blu Q Key West will be available for anyone looking to get on the water. The Tropical Heat trip provides optional snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming activities for passengers who can expect some of the clearest ocean views of the year.
The weekend heats up on Aug. 15 with an afternoon splash pool party at Bourbon St. Pub and its sprawling outdoor space. A 10 p.m. “Blackout Party” at the nearby Birdcage Cabaret and BackBar at the AquaPlex encourages gear wearers to dance in the recently revamped venue.
Partiers can keep things going at another themed pool party the next day on Aug. 16 at Island House around noon. The event references stable wranglers, cowboys, and a CO2 cannon in what appears to be a bit of a western theme.
Key West Business Guild, which plans the event lineup, executive director Rob Dougherty looked back on some of the most memorable moments from last year’s edition. In particular, he considered the previous opening party.
“I think that Island House did an amazing job at setting the pace for the rest of the celebration. And certainly Alexander’s [Guesthouse], every year they have a party that benefits the Key West Business Guild.”
He expressed that both businesses typically go all out in what they present to attendees and the people staying with them. Every person purchasing a wristband gets into these events regardless of where they are staying.
While some activities are accessible by standalone tickets and donations, the guild encourages the purchasing of passes for the whole week, which come with a swag bag.
The general manager and organizer of many of the aforementioned Island House events, Jeff Smead, is grateful that there is still a funded effort to attract visitors to experience the resort’s August parties.
He recognized that these events helped put Key West on the map with LGBTQ visitors. His sincere hope is that, in addition to having a good time, young people who are going to be future community leaders understand their history and strive to keep events like these authentic. Smead believes it is not just about making money back or pandering to sponsors who court the “pink” dollar.
“When the right people are at the helm, who sincerely understand the mission, everyone can celebrate that kind of success. And when that happens, the money usually tends to follow. That’s the beauty of it. Give them what they want, in the way they want it, and let them leave wanting more.”
Tropical Heat
Aug. 13–17
gaykeywestfl.com/tropical-heat/events/
