Top Key West Festivals & Events You Can’t Miss

Top Key West Festivals & Events You Can’t Miss

Key West isn’t just sunsets and sea breezes (though we’re big fans of both). This island knows how to throw a party — and we mean that literally. From food festivals to pirate parades, there’s always something going on in paradise.

If you’re planning a trip or just daydreaming about your next one, here are the top Key West festivals and events locals love — and visitors never forget.

🎭 Fantasy Fest (Late October)

Think Mardi Gras with a tropical twist. Fantasy Fest is a 10-day explosion of costumes, parades, body paint, and island-wide fun. Each year has a theme (pirates, superheroes, space aliens… you name it), and people go all out.

  • Must-See: The Masquerade March — it’s like a costume block party that winds through Old Town.

  • Pro Tip: Book accommodations early — this one fills up fast.

🐟 Key West Seafood Festival (January)

This two-day event celebrates the freshest catches from local waters. You’ll find grilled lobster tails, conch fritters, fish tacos, and ice-cold drinks — all served up with live music and ocean views.

  • Why Go: It’s run by the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association — meaning 100% authentic seafood from the source.

  • Don’t Miss: Stone crab and Key West pink shrimp.

🏴☠️ Conch Republic Days (April)

Only in Key West would we celebrate the time we seceded from the U.S. — and declared ourselves the Conch Republic. This weeklong event includes mock battles, parades, and enough quirky charm to last a lifetime.

  • Yes, That’s Real: There’s an actual sea battle with water cannons and Coast Guard boats.

  • Perfect For: People who love local history… and pirates.

🌮 Key West Lobsterfest (August)

Four days of lobster in every form you can imagine — grilled, baked, in tacos, on rolls, and probably in your dreams after.

  • Event Highlight: The Street Fair on Duval Street — live bands, craft vendors, and all the lobster you can eat.

  • Insider Tip: Come hungry, and bring sunscreen. August is hot!

🎶 Key West Songwriters Festival (May)

Thousands of music lovers hit the island to catch over 100 performers — from up-and-comers to country legends — playing intimate venues all over Key West.

  • Why It’s Special: You’ll hear the stories behind your favorite songs straight from the people who wrote them.

  • Vibe: Chill, soulful, and filled with acoustic sunset sets.

🧂 Want a Taste of the Island Year-Round?

While the parties come and go, Southernmost Sea Salt brings the flavor of Key West to your kitchen anytime.
Harvested locally from pure island seawater, it’s the same salt we’d serve at any one of these festivals — just without the noise.

👉 Shop our hand-harvested sea salt here

📆 Bonus: Other Key West Events Worth Checking Out

  • Pride Week (June) – Colorful, welcoming, and full of love.

  • Goombay Festival (October) – A Caribbean-style street party in Bahama Village.

  • New Year’s Eve Shoe Drop (December 31) – A drag queen named Sushi drops in a giant high heel at midnight. Enough said.

Whether you’re into seafood, music, wild costumes, or quirky traditions, there’s always something happening in Key West. Plan your trip around one of these events and you’ll see the island in full celebration mode.

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