EVENTS & ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY!

 

April 08 in Key Largo

Underwater Easter Egg Hunt
The Easter bunny hosts this annual underwater egg hunt off Key Largo to benefit Kids in Special Situations, a local charity for needy children.
Contact: (305) 451-3020
 

April 11 to April 15 in Key West

13th Annual Robert Frost Poetry Festival
The festival features poetry and haiku workshops and readings, and a poetry and haiku contest. Events are staged at the Robert Frost Cottage at the Heritage House Museum, where Frost spent many island winters.
Contact: (305) 296-3573
 

April 13 to April 14 in Key West

The Key West Symphony Orchestra Presents: "Fire and Ice"
Opposites attract in this symphony performance of works by Rimsky-Korsakov, Rachmaninoff and Sibelius, featuring pianist Adam Golka at the Tennessee Williams Theatre.
Contact: (305) 292-1774
 

April 14 to April 17 in Key Largo

Ocean Reef BTU Backbone Classic
This tag-and-release tournament is to benefit the conservation group Bonefish and Tarpon Unlimited.
Contact: (305) 367-2727
Email: jack.curlett@marinemax.com

April 14 in Islamorada

Earth Day at Cheeca Lodge
The annual celebration features entertainment, food, environmental education booths and sand-shaping sculptures on the beach.
Contact: (305) 267-1845
 

April 15 in Islamorada

12th Annual Bay Jam
This music and art festival features local and guest artists performing on the shores of Florida Bay at the TIB Amphitheater at Founders Park, mile marker 87 on U.S. 1.
Contact: (305) 394-2765
 

April 17 to April 21 in Key West

World Sailfish Championship
Three days of hard-fought fishing are to be complemented by three evenings of fabulous food, drinks, fun and entertainment, including a free concert, gourmet meals and VIP parties.
Contact: (305) 395-3474; (866) 482-7529
 

April 20 to April 29 in Key West

25th Conch Republic Independence Celebration
Parades, bed races, parties and a wacky “drag race” commemorate the founding of the Conch Republic on April 23, 1982, in response to a U.S. Border Patrol roadblock that halted traffic in and out of the Florida Keys.
Contact: (305) 294-2298
 

April 21 in Marathon

26th Annual Seven Mile Bridge Run
An estimated field of 1,500 runners are to participate in the annual foot race across the longest segmental bridge in the world.
Contact: (305) 743-8513
 

April 22 in Key West

Battle in the Bay Dragon Boat Race
Teams are to paddle these long, narrow boats along the Truman Waterfront to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Key West and the Lower Keys.
Email: events@habikeys.org

April 27 to April 29 in Key Largo

Key Largo Dolphin Blast
Anglers pursue dolphin fish, one of the most beautiful and plentiful fish of the offshore waters of the Keys.
Contact: (305) 852-9337
Email: fishbully@msn.com

April 29 to May 03 in Key West

Tarponian Tournament
Anglers are to pursue the mighty silver kings of the Keys.
Contact: (215) 542-1492
Email: dbreznicky@breznickyassociates.com

April 30 in Key West

12th Annual Taste of Key West
Scores of area restaurants present mouthwatering samples of their cuisine to benefit AIDS Help Inc. The culinary celebration takes place at the Truman Waterfront overlooking Key West Harbor.
Contact: (305) 296-6196
 

May 02 to May 06 in Key West

Key West Songwriters' Festival
The 12th-annual showcase of musical magic features America's foremost performing songwriters, with concerts staged in intimate, island settings. The festival is presented by the Hog's Breath Saloon.
Contact: (305) 296-4222
 

May 05 to May 10 in Marathon

21st Annual Faro Blanco Invitational Tarpon Tournament
Anglers are to tangle with silver kings in an event named for a famous Marathon resort, and which raises money for charities.
Contact: (609) 645-1840, ext. 115
Email: robert.traa@partners. nod.com

May 06 to May 07 in Marathon

31st Ladies Tarpon Tournament
Women compete to catch and release tarpon in one of the longest running tournaments in the Keys.
Contact: (305) 743-6139
Email: wca@terranova.net

May 12 to May 14 in Marathon

41st Marathon International Tarpon Tournament
Anglers in one of the longest-running tournaments are to catch and release mighty silver kings using 12- and 20-pound tackle.
Contact: (305) 743-6139
Email: wca@terranova.net

May 17 to May 19 in Key West

Shell Key West Challenge
Highly-skilled anglers are to pursue a variety of offshore fish to benefit the Diabetes Research Institute.
Contact: (305) 849-1437
Email: cblaylock1@aol.com

May 18 to May 20 in Key Largo

21st Annual Coconuts Dolphin Tournament
Anglers are to compete in an event named for a Key Largo restaurant that serves up plenty of dolphin fish, known on most menus as Mahi Mahi.
Contact: (561) 741-1124
Email: mountainIIII@aol.com

May 18 to May 20 in Marathon

Marathon Offshore Grand Prix Festival and Bash at the Bridge
World-class, high-speed powerboats are to compete in the waters surrounding Marathon and the historic Seven Mile Bridge in the Middle Florida Keys. The event is to feature live music by national talents.
Contact: (305) 743-5805
 

May 19 to May 20 in Islamorada

2007 Island Festival Featuring the Taste of Islamorada
Enjoy a day of musical entertainment and another day of the area’s best chefs showcasing their culinary specialties.
Contact: (305) 664-4503
 

May 20 to May 23 in Islamorada

13th Annual Outback Steakhouse Golden Fly Invitational Tarpon Tournament
This prestigious fly tournament for large tarpon benefits the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America and college scholarships for Keys students.
Contact: (305) 664-2444
Email: csasun@aol.com

May 26 in Key West

Yamaha Dolphin Masters Invitational
Experienced offshore captains are to lead the chase for the colorful and acrobatic dolphin fish and a hefty first prize.
Contact: (305) 296-7511
Email: johnstuempfig@clearchannel.com

June 01 to June 09 in Key West

PrideFest Key West
This festival honors diversity, openness and freedom in the city that is consistently recognized as one of the world's top gay and lesbian vacation destinations.
Contact: (305) 292-3223
 

June 03 to June 08 in Islamorada

Don Hawley Invitational Tarpon Tournament
The world's best fly rod anglers are to pursue the mighty silver kings in one of the most storied tournaments in the Keys.
Contact: (305) 664-2444
Email: csasun@aol.com

June 09 to June 11 in Key West

Harry S. Truman Legacy Symposium
Key West’s political history is highlighted in panel discussions, a reception and tours of the Little White House where former President Harry Truman worked and relaxed during his time in office.
Contact: (305) 294-9911
 

June 10 to June 16 in Key Largo

Island Sun Splash
Local businesses are to offer a host of water-related activities for the whole family, including diving, snorkeling, kayaking and sailing. Participants can experience a discover-scuba class, a snorkel adventure or dive the Keys’ shipwreck trail.
Contact: (305) 451-2440; (305) 852-1655
Email: jeannine@keylargodiving.com

June 10 to June 16 in Islamorada

Island Sun Splash
Local businesses are to offer a host of water-related activities for the whole family, including diving, snorkeling, kayaking and sailing. Participants can experience a discover-scuba class, a snorkel adventure or dive the Keys’ shipwreck trail.
Contact: (305) 451-2440; (305) 852-1655
Email: jeannine@keylargodiving.com

June 11 to June 13 in Islamorada

Women's World Invitational Fly Championship Tarpon Series
This invitational fly tournament is open to men and women, and benefits environmental scholarship funds.
Contact: (305) 664-5423; (305) 664-2080
Email: floesue@bellsouth.net;leesuzanbaker@bellsouth.net

June 15 to June 17 in Big Pine & the Lower Keys

Big Pine & Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament
Anglers are to compete to catch dolphin fish, one of the most popular species in the Keys.
Contact: (305) 872-2411
Email: lkchamber@aol.com

June 16 to June 17 in Key West

Swordfish Event of the Key West Fishing Tournament Series
Anglers are to vie to achieve the most releases of swordfish during this overnight tournament.
Contact: (305) 295-6601; (800) 970-9056
Email: director@keywestfishingtournament.com

June 16 to June 18 in Marathon

21st Annual Father's Day Dolphin Derby
Anglers celebrate Father's Day by catching one of the most beautiful, best-tasting and fastest growing fish in the sea, all to benefit the Marathon Jaycees.
Contact: (305) 743-3434
Email: shannonbutler@bellsouth.net

June 17 to June 22 in Islamorada

Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament
Fly rodders are to compete to catch and release giant tarpon during their annual migration through the Keys. The event raises money for children’s charities in the Keys.
Contact: (305) 664-2444
Email: csasun@aol.com

June 17 to June 19 in Key West

Fifth Annual Mercury/IGFA Junior Angler World Championship Tournament
Children ages 5 to 16, are to compete in this all-release championship after winning one of over 30 qualifying fishing tournaments. The young anglers fish for 23 eligible species.
Contact: (954) 927-2628
Email: pgaube@igfa.org.

June 22 to June 24 in Marathon

Burdines Waterfront Dolphin and Blackfin Tuna Tournament
Anglers are to target two of the finest tasting fish in the Keys in an event named for a popular local restaurant.
Contact: (305) 743-5317; fax (305) 743-2995
Email: bwfront5@bellsouth.net

June 22 to June 24 in Key West

Key West Gator Club Dolphin Derby
Anglers are to compete to catch dolphin fish, a plentiful summertime treat off the Keys, to raise money for college scholarships.
Contact: (305) 296-7511
Email: johnstuempfig@clearchannel.com

June 30 in Key West

Conch Republic Ladies Dolphin Tournament
This competition is for women only although male captains and mates are allowed. The event includes large cash prizes.
Contact: (305) 296-7511
Email: johnstuempfig@clearchannel.com

June 30 in Marathon

Tropical Fruit Fiesta
This free, family-friendly event is designed for tropical fruit lovers of all ages. Highlights include presentations by tropical fruit experts, tropical fruit for sampling, a children’s area with activities, top-quality fruit trees for sale and more.
Contact: (305) 292-4501
 

July 04 in Islamorada

Islamorada, Village of Islands, Independence Day Celebration
Families can enjoy a playground and activities for kids such as a bounce house, clowns and beach area before the fireworks at dusk. The festivities take place at Founders Park, mile marker 87, bayside on U.S. 1.
Contact: (305) 853-1685
 

July 08 to July 11 in Islamorada

Rolex/IGFA Inshore Championship Tournament
Tournament winners from around the world are to compete for one of the most prized trophies in angling. The event targets permit, tarpon, bonefish, redfish and snook.
Contact: (305)-927-2628
Email: dhartman@igfa.org

July 13 to July 15 in Islamorada

Holiday Isle, Caribee Boat Sales Dolphin Tournament
Run-and-gunners take on the trollers in the Isle’s annual tournament for professional, amateur and junior anglers. This event targets dolphin fish, a plentiful summer-time fish off the Keys.
Contact: (305) 664-2321, x622
Email: emcguire@holidayisle.com

July 14 in Big Pine & the Lower Keys

23rd Annual Underwater Music Festival
A quirky concert broadcast underwater for divers, snorkelers and the occasional mermaid emphasizes reef preservation. The submerged songfest is held at Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Contact: (305) 872-2411
 

July 14 to July 15 in Big Pine & the Lower Keys

Geiger Key Dolphin Daze Tournament
Anglers are to pursue dolphin fish, one of the most dependable offshore species in the Keys summer.
Contact: (305) 296-3553
Email: geigerkeymarina@aol.com

July 17 to July 20 in Key West

Del Brown Invitational Permit Tournament
Fly fishing for that other famous fish of the tropical shallows in honor of the late angling pioneer Del Brown, who caught and released more than 500 permit off the Keys.
Contact: (305) 664-2444
Email: csasun@aol.com

July 18 to July 21 in Key West

Key West Marlin Tournament
Anglers are to hunt for the mightiest of the offshore species in the same waters plied by novelist Ernest Hemingway. The event coincides with Key West’s annual Hemingway Days Festival.
Contact: (305) 292-2710
 

July 19 to July 22 in Key West

Hemingway Days Festival
This twenty-seventh annual event celebrates the legendary author’s work and lifestyle. The event comprises literary readings, a short story competition, a museum exhibit, a fishing tournament and the Sloppy Joe’s Look-Alike Contest.
Contact: (305) 296-2388; (305) 294-0320 (literary)
 

July 28 to July 30 in Islamorada

Dolphin Flashover Tournament
Anglers are to compete to catch dolphin fish in support of the Professional Firefighters of Monroe County and the Burn Foundation of the International Association of Firefighters.
Contact: (305) 942-7223
Email: dolphinflashover@hotmail.com

July 29 to July 30 in Islamorada

Islamorada Fishing Club RedGhost Stalk
Anglers compete to catch redfish and bonefish, the ghost of the flats, with the winners qualifying for the IGFA/Rolex Championship.
Contact: (305) 664-3864; fax (305) 664-5250
Email: Trice_J@bellsouth.net

August 14 to August 16 in Big Pine & the Lower Keys

Mercury Redbone@Large Little Palm Island Grand Slam
Anglers are to catch and release the famous fish of the flats to raise money for cystic fibrosis research.
Contact: (305) 664-2002
Email: redboneinc@aol.com

August 24 to August 26 in Islamorada

Islamorada Swordfish Tournament
Anglers are to compete to catch swordfish, a fish species that has recovered to healthy populations off the Keys. Modified release tournament benefiting the International Game Fish Association. Fish must be at least 60 inches long to qualify.
Contact: (954) 501-5034
Email: Freeways@aol.com

September 04 to September 09 in Key West

Womenfest
This lesbian-oriented festival features art shows, sailing and snorkeling, comedy performances and other activities.
Contact: (800) 535-7797
 

September 07 to September 09 in Key West

Mercury Redbone Celebrity S.L.A.M. (Southernmost Light-Tackle Anglers Masters) Celebrity Tournament
This the first of the annual fall Redbone Trilogy events that raise money to fight cystic fibrosis. Top anglers and celebrities are to target tarpon, permit and bonefish with light tackle.
Contact: (305) 664-2002
Email: redboneinc@aol.com

September 07 to September 08 in Key Largo

Ghost Hunt Tournament
This bone fishing competition benefits the Don Hawley Foundation, which supports the Keys recreational fishing industry and marine research.
Contact: (305) 852-6200; fax 852-6344
 

September 21 to September 24 in Marathon

Marathon International Bonefish Tournament
Some of the best bonefish anglers anywhere will stalk the ghost of the flats in an area rich with them. This is an all-release spin or fly event with trophies and social events.
Contact: (305) 743-7368
Email: jmhewlett@aol.com

September 25 to September 28 in Key Largo

Mercury Baybone Celebrity Tournament
This is the second of three catch-and-release tournaments that make up the annual Redbone Trilogy. Anglers are to target permit and bonefish to raise money for cystic fibrosis research. Email: redboneinc@aol.com
Contact: (305) 664-2002
Email: redboneinc@aol.com

October 07 to October 12 in Islamorada

Mercury Outboards Bone fishing World Championship Islamorada All-Tackle Bonefish Tournament
Some of the best bonefish anglers anywhere compete to catch and release the ghost of the flats. Donates to local charities.
Contact: (305) 664-2444
Email: csasun@aol.com

October 12 to October 14 in Key Largo

Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge
Anglers are to fish for snook and redfish to benefit the statewide scholarship program.
Contact: (305) 451-2467; fax 451-2490
Email: keyshomesrus@bellsouth.net

October 19 to October 20 in Key West

Goombay Festival
Held in Key West's historic Bahama Village neighborhood, the lively Goombay is known for its island-style food, handmade African arts and crafts, nonstop live entertainment and dancing in the streets.
Contact: (305) 797-7225
 

October 19 to October 28 in Key West

29th Annual Fantasy Fest
“Gnomes, Toads and White Rabbit Tea Parties” is the theme for this outrageous 10-day celebration with a packed schedule of costume competitions, promenades and street fairs, and a grand parade featuring marching groups and lavish floats.
Contact: (305) 296-1817
 

November 02 to November 04 in Islamorada

Mercury Cheeca Redbone Celebrity Tournament
Anglers are to catch and release bonefish and redfish to raise money for cystic fibrosis research in the final event of the annual Redbone Trilogy.
Contact: (305) 664-2002
Email: redboneinc@aol.com