The Annual Offshore World Championship in Key West fills hotels, packs bars and restaurants, and provides an important bump to the start of the season. Each year sees even more boats and global teams participating in the week of races and special events in a community where the roar of engines can be heard from just about every major spot.
Visitors and locals can now spot a splash of color in downtown Key West following this summer’s state-mandated removal of the rainbow crosswalks at Duval and Petronia Streets.
As repeat visitors have come to know, there is a party in Key West for just about anyone. Adorable pets in costumes strutting before a live audience? That’s the pet masquerade. Into skulls, monsters, and Day of the Dead tributes? Check out the Zombie Bike Ride. Colorful floats with enough hurled beads to trigger Mardi Gras flashbacks? Watch the Fantasy Fest parade.
Each year, a red carpet of sorts is rolled out for a handful of islanders and contestants vying to be the latest duo inducted to Key West’s longstanding “royals.” Specifically, in a town filled with noted personalities and artists, candidates hope to become the reigning “King” or “Queen” by raising the most money for charity. These days, that charitable beneficiary is the Florida Keys SPCA.
Key West never tires in its constant push to see islanders and visitors take to the town in absurd, sexy, and often wildly imaginative looks and costumes. You can probably find someone in a brightly-colored tutu any day of the year or similarly, cruising through the streets with head-turning decked out bicycles.
This season once again requires some of Key West’s highly experienced bartenders to figure out and satisfy the whims of a heated market of drinkers. Here, we check-in with brand-new bars at landmark locations, late-night downtown hangs, and specialty drink ventures to find out the ingredients and tastes proving most popular.
“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.
Florida has spent the last several years systematically targeting symbols of LGBTQ pride — starting with classrooms and government buildings. Now, rainbow-painted crosswalks are in the crosshairs. Some cities surrendered without resistance, quickly announcing plans to repaint their streets.
Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia’s love for the ocean has given way to a yearly gathering in Key West that raises awareness and funds for marine sciences.
The Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library (SNMAL) in Fort Lauderdale serves as a unique archive with its Stonewall Library. Now, the organization’s traveling exhibit “The Stonewall Uprising: The Start of a Movement” is on view ahead of Key West Pride celebrations.
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