Key West Local Custom Tips by Ericasmurf99 Top 5 Page for this destination

Cuban Heritage Festival: May 23-25, 2008 Cuban Influence Review

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Conch Rebublic Independence: April 18 - 27, 2008

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Robert Frost Poetry Festival: April 9 - 13, 2008

14th annual Robert Frost festival. Poetry readings at the Frost Cottage.

Fourth of July Celebration: July 4, 2008

Picnics and fireworks, what more can I say?

Hemingway Days: July 17 - 22, 2008

Hemingway Days events includes a Ernest Hemingway look-alike contest, readings and book signings, annual Lorian Hemingway (Ernest's grand daughter) Short Story Competition, a commemoration of the anniversary of Hemingway's July 21 birth, a one-man play exploring the legendary author's life and motivations, a museum exhibit of rare Hemingway memorabilia, the zany "Running of the Bulls", a three-day marlin tournament, daily tours of the author's former Key West home, Sloppy Joe's Arm Wrestling Contest, a Caribbean street fair, Green Parrot Off-the-Wall Sidewalk Art Show and a 5k sunset run through Old Town Key West. Whew. I think that is everything.

Powerboat Racing Championships: Nov 2 - 9, 2008

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Pirates in Paradise Festival Nov 29 - 30, 2008

Fort Taylor and the surronding area in the Truman Annex are transformed into a pirates’ stronghold with hundreds of pirate entertainers. Tall ships, sea battles, arts and crafts, pirate sails, a living history encampment and nonstop entertainment will keep you entertained!

Goombay Festival Oct 17 - 19, 2008

This festival is held in Key West's Bahama Village neighborhood. Features Caribbean island-style food, handmade African arts and crafts, live entertainment and dancing in the streets. This is sort of the "intro" for Fantasy Fest.

Fantasy Fest: Oct 17 - 26, 2008

“Pirates, Pundits, and Political Party Animals” is the theme for this year's 30th Fantasy Fest. A packed schedule of costume competitions, promenades and street fairs, and a grand parade featuring marching groups and lavish floats will fill the ten days. Every night will usually have a theme (i.e. leather on tuesday, plaid on thursday, etc).

Not really a time to visit with the kiddies...lots of nudity/body paint/drunks...

Don't worry if you planned a trip down here with kids and you didn't know this would be going on...you'll be safe during the day, most of the craziness begins at night.