Best Festivals in Key West

Join the Festive Vibe in the Conch Republic

Key West is a vibrant and colorful city that never sleeps because of its various festivals that take place all year round. With a diverse community that celebrates art, culture, music, and food, it’s no wonder that Key West is considered one of the most festive cities in the world. In this article, we’ll highlight the best festivals in Key West that you shouldn’t miss. From the world-renowned Fantasy Fest to the family-friendly Key Lime Festival, we’ve got you covered. So, pack your bags, get ready to explore the Conch Republic, and join the festive vibe!

1. 🎭 Fantasy Fest

Fantasy Fest is the most famous festival in Key West, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world. This ten-day festival in late October celebrates art, creativity, and self-expression. It features a parade of colorful floats, elaborate costumes, and live music concerts. Fantasy Fest is a true feast for the senses, and it’s impossible not to get caught up in the energy of the event.

The History of Fantasy Fest

The first Fantasy Fest took place in 1979 as a way to boost the tourism industry after Hurricane David hit the island. Since then, it has become an annual tradition that celebrates the free spirit of Key West. The festival’s theme changes every year, and participants are encouraged to embrace their creativity and express themselves through costumes and body paint. Today, Fantasy Fest is one of the most significant events in Key West, and it’s a must-see for anyone visiting the island.

What to Expect at Fantasy Fest

During Fantasy Fest, the streets of Key West come alive with colors, music, and extravagant costumes. The festival features a variety of events, including costume contests, street parties, live music, and art shows. The highlight of the festival is the parade, which takes place on the final Saturday of the event. The parade features over 50 floats and marching bands, as well as thousands of costumed participants. It’s a spectacle that you won’t forget!

2. 🎉 Key West Pride

Key West is known for its open-minded and accepting community, and Key West Pride is a celebration of that spirit. This five-day festival in early June features a variety of events that promote equality, diversity, and inclusion. It includes a street fair, a parade, live music, and drag shows. Key West Pride is a great way to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and show your support for equality and human rights.

The History of Key West Pride

The first Key West Pride took place in 1978, making it one of the oldest pride events in the country. It was initially a small gathering of locals and visitors who wanted to celebrate their identity and promote acceptance. The festival has grown significantly since then and now attracts thousands of visitors every year. Key West Pride has become an essential event for the LGBTQ+ community in Florida and beyond.

What to Expect at Key West Pride

Key West Pride features a variety of events that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and promote equality. The festival kicks off with a street fair that takes place on Duval Street, the heart of Key West. The fair features vendors, food trucks, and live music. The parade takes place on the final day of the event and features colorful floats, marching bands, and costumed participants. Key West Pride is a great way to celebrate diversity and show your support for equal rights.

3. 🌴 Goombay Festival

The Goombay Festival is a two-day event that takes place in late June in the historic Bahama Village neighborhood. It’s a celebration of the African and Caribbean heritage of Key West and features live music, street vendors, and Caribbean food. The festival is a great way to experience the vibrant and diverse culture of Key West.

The History of Goombay Festival

The Goombay Festival has its roots in the Bahamian and Caribbean communities that settled in Key West in the early 1800s. The festival was a way for these communities to celebrate their heritage and share their culture with others. Today, the Goombay Festival is a celebration of the rich cultural diversity of Key West and an opportunity to experience the island’s unique history.

What to Expect at Goombay Festival

During the Goombay Festival, the streets of Bahama Village come alive with music, food, and colorful costumes. The festival features live performances by local musicians and dancers, as well as street vendors selling Caribbean food and drinks. It’s a great way to experience the vibrant and diverse culture of Key West and learn more about the island’s history.

4. 🏝️ Hemingway Days

Hemingway Days is a five-day festival that takes place in mid-July and celebrates the life and work of the famous author Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Key West in the 1930s. The festival features a variety of events, including a look-alike contest, a literary competition, and a fishing tournament. Hemingway Days is a great way to learn more about the history of Key West and the life of one of its most famous residents.

The History of Hemingway Days

Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West for almost a decade and wrote some of his most famous works during that time, including The Old Man and the Sea. Hemingway Days was first held in 1981 as a way to celebrate the author’s life and work. The festival is now an annual tradition that attracts visitors from all over the world.

What to Expect at Hemingway Days

Hemingway Days features a variety of events that celebrate the life and work of Ernest Hemingway. The highlight of the festival is the Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, in which participants dress up as the author and compete for the title of the most convincing Hemingway impersonator. The festival also includes a literary competition, a fishing tournament, and a street fair. Hemingway Days is a great way to learn more about the history of Key West and the life of one of its most famous residents.

5. 🍋 Key Lime Festival

The Key Lime Festival is a four-day event that takes place in early July and celebrates the iconic Key lime pie. The festival features a variety of events, including a pie-eating contest, a cocktail competition, and a cooking demonstration. The Key Lime Festival is a great way to experience the unique flavor of Key limes and learn more about the history of the island’s most famous dessert.

The History of Key Lime Festival

Key lime pie is one of the most iconic desserts in Key West, and the Key Lime Festival was created to celebrate that heritage. The festival was first held in 2013 as a way to promote the island’s culinary culture and attract visitors during the summer months. Since then, it has become an annual tradition that celebrates the unique flavor of Key limes.

What to Expect at Key Lime Festival

The Key Lime Festival features a variety of events that celebrate the iconic Key lime pie. The festival kicks off with a Key Lime Pie Hop, in which participants sample different variations of the dessert at various restaurants and bars. The festival also includes a pie-eating contest, a cocktail competition, and a cooking demonstration. It’s a great way to experience the unique flavor of Key limes and learn more about the island’s culinary heritage.

6. 🎼 Mile 0 Fest

Mile 0 Fest is a four-day music festival that takes place in late January and celebrates the best in country and Americana music. The festival features a variety of performers, from up-and-coming artists to established stars. Mile 0 Fest is a great way to experience the island’s music scene and enjoy some great live performances.

The History of Mile 0 Fest

Mile 0 Fest was first held in 2018 as a way to showcase the best in country and Americana music. The festival takes its name from the famous marker at the entrance to Key West, which designates the southernmost point in the continental United States. Mile 0 Fest is now an annual tradition that attracts music fans from all over the country.

What to Expect at Mile 0 Fest

Mile 0 Fest features a variety of performances by some of the biggest names in country and Americana music. The festival takes place at various venues throughout Key West, including the historic San Carlos Institute. In addition to live music, Mile 0 Fest also features a street fair, food vendors, and a beach party. It’s a great way to experience the island’s music scene and enjoy some fantastic live performances.

7. 🍺 Key West Brewfest

The Key West Brewfest is a five-day event that takes place in late August and celebrates craft beer. The festival features a variety of events, including tastings, seminars, and beer dinners. Key West Brewfest is a great way to sample some of the best craft beer from around the country and learn more about the art of brewing.

The History of Key West Brewfest

The Key West Brewfest was first held in 200