KEY WEST TOP FESTIVALS

Key West is known for its abundance of festivals and parades, making it the country's leader in event hosting. Duval Street is the heart of the festivities, where something is always happening. However, there's one shortcoming that I can't help but point out - the city doesn't advertise upcoming events with banners. Unlike other places, like Addison, TX, where two banners on Beltline Road notifying people about the upcoming events i.e. “The Taste of Addison" festival. As for Key West's festivals, they can be quite entertaining, intriguing, or even shocking. However, the city is currently trying to make the streets more family-friendly, it's puzzling that the most significant festival – Fantasy Festival, is anything Butt! For example, you will see for sure a nude man with dog chain, led around by a dominatrix. One can't help but wonder, how such an event could ever be kid friendly. What we did here in this post, we looked at the Fun Time Factor of Key West's festivals on a scale of 1-10.

December 31 - New Year's Eve (Rated a 9)

It's the beginning of a new year, and people from all over the world come to witness the iconic ball drop in New York City. But nothing compares to Key West's unique drop, featuring a transsexual in a red slipper. The lively and bustling Duval Street hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

February - Old Island Days Art Festival (Rated 9)

Key West has a lot of artists and galleries, and every February for 60 years they hold the Old Island Art and Craft festival with over 100 exhibitors.  I think it is one of the best places to see art while you have a glass of wine on the street – usually in great weather. 

 May - Key West Songwriters Festival (Rated 9)

The world's largest event of its kind. Over 50 shows and 200 songwriter artists perform across Key West's famous indoor and outdoor venues, sharing the stories behind their songs.

 June - Key West Pride Week (Rated 10)

The city celebrates self-affirmation, equality, and increased visibility of the LGBTQ+ community. This festival is a vibrant display of color, sound, and sights, in the perfect town to display “Your Individualism Without Judgment” Show your Love!

September - Key West Brewfest (Rated 9)

This is the city of beer and burgers in paradise – Key West. And this is the city celebration of Beer, where you can indulge in the flavors of more than 200 beers from 60 vendors, ranging from local, national, and international breweries. Unlike   other beer festivals, you're free to roam without confinement and enjoy your drink at your leisure. Whether you're a beer aficionado or simply enjoy a refreshing brew, you won't be disappointed. The festivities are endless, happy hours, pool parties, and after-parties that are sure to keep the good times rolling.

 October - Fantasy Fest in Key West (Rated 10+) & Goombay Festival (Rated 9)

This is the grand event that began as a small Halloween-themed march in 1979. Today, it has grown into a 10-day spectacle that attracts around 100,000 visitors each year. The event boasts parades, street fairs, and glamorous balls, all showcasing a unique theme annually. Imagine walking down Duval Street with an object attached up your rear and a dog leash around your neck, pulled by a 75-year-old dominatrix in her birthday suit. This is just one way that Key West's "One Human Family" motto comes to life during the Fantasy Fest, where skin is in!

Goombay Festival. However, if you're looking for a more family-friendly festival, the Goombay Festival maybe more your style. It's a two-day event that celebrates Key West's Bahamian heritage and offers. Caribbean cuisine, art, dance, face painting, carnival rides, and parades. The festival is located in Bahama Village, an area known for its colorful architecture, restaurants, and shops. You'll be treated to a variety of music genres, including Goombay, gospel, reggae, calypso, hip-hop, and more. And don't miss the Junkanoo Rush, a traditional Bahamian celebration complete with costumed marchers and dancers. 

November - Offshore Boat Race (Rated 10)

This a thrilling event that brings excitement to the city with the high-performance boats, the roaring sounds of the engines, and the helicopters flying up and down the course. The boats churn up the waves at 100mph, making it a great spectacle to watch, especially from Malory Square. This event is the best sporting event to watch for free, although tickets for special seating are available. In my opinion, arriving early at Malory Square with a chair in hand will provide the best seats in the house.

December - Christmas Celebration Month (Rated 8)

During the holiday season, this city hosts a variety of festive events, such as the Classic Car Show, multiple Christmas tree lightings (including one made with fishing buoys, another with lobster traps, and a nautically themed pine tree), and holiday concerts. However, the Lighted Boat Parade is the most highly anticipated event of them all, with over $20,000 in prizes for the most impressive displays of holiday lights, conch shells, gingerbread men, jumping dolphins,and even Grinches.

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