Event calendar courtesy of fla-keys.com - The Tourism & Development Councel of the Florida Keys

Events in The Florida Keys for February, 2012

Year:  Month: 
October 15 to May 15,  in Florida Keys
Stone Crab Season
Those succulent claws, brought to shore fresh daily from the waters surrounding the Florida Keys, will drip with mustard dip on the chins of hungry locals and visitors. A series of food festivals during the season celebrate the sustainable seafood resource throughout the Keys.


January 01 to December 31,  in Key West
Gay Key West Trolley Tour
Enjoy a fabulous tour of Key West...with a twist. A gay twist that is! Get a unique tour of Key West and learn about our colorful history that includes the famous and the infamous. Departs from the City Hall Parking Lot, located on the corner of Angela Street and Duval Street. Tickets $25, departs 4 p.m. every Saturday. Can be purchased ONLINE or at the trolley, our G&L Visitor Center (located at 513 Truman), and many of our distinguished gay and lesbian guest houses.


January 03 to March 27,  in Islamorada
Long Key Squares presents: Tuesday Round and Square Dancing
For residents and visitors who simply want to enjoy dancing, the nonprofit Long Key Squares continues a 30-year tradition, where square dance attire is not required ... but your attendance is desired! Held at Outdoor Resorts, mile marker 66, 65821 Overseas Highway, on Tuesday nights from 7-9:30 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. Lessons are also held for both beginners and plus dancers on Sundays from 2-4 p.m.
Contact: Joanne Prince 305-664-4060
Email: sylken-solutions@verizon.net

February 05,  in Big Pine
Super Sunday Spectacular
From noon to 5 p.m. at Big Pine Key's Watson Field, Key Deer Blvd. at MM 30.5, enjoy an island-style Super Bowl alternative, enjoy the Super Sunday Spectacular presented by the Big Pine & Lower Keys Rotary Club. Attractions include music, food, fun and kids' games, Admission is free.
Contact: Shana Casey
Email: ShanaC@KeysBank.com

February 14,  in Key West
Wesley House Family Services presents: 29th Annual Valentine’s Day Gala
From 6:30-9:30 p.m., on the grounds of the historic Curry Mansion Inn, 511 Caroline St., in Key West. Starring Master of Ceremonies Howard Livingston, music and dancing with Raven Cooper and Honey Mouth, a world-class dinner buffet, open bar and the island's largest and most anticipated annual silent auction. General admission $40 in advance, $50 at the door; limited VIP seating $90. All proceeds benefit Wesley House Family Services. Tickets available at KeysTix.com.
Contact: 305-809-5000
Email: info@welesyhouse.org

February 17 to February 18,  in Key West
52nd Annual Key West House & Garden Tour
Tour a series of elegant and unique homes of Key West. Proceeds help benefit the Old Island Restoration Foundation. Presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, this house and garden tour offers a rare opportunity to see inside some of Key West's magnificent, charming and tropical residences.
Contact: 305-294-9501
Email: tickets@oirf.org

February 18,  in Islamorada
Third Annual Chili Cookoff
The public is welcome to attend and vote for the best chili at this tasty event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. as local competitors ratchet up the rivalry for the best chili in town. The chili-chowing competition helps benefit local charities. Entrants can compete for a $10 entry fee; to taste, $10 admission allows tastes of all chili entrants. To be held at the Islamorada Moose Lodge.
Contact: Entrants: Nancy Laxe 305-664-1086
Email: BuckiNancy@aol.com

February 18,  in Big Pine
Blimp Road Four Mile Walk/Run
Join the 6.5K (four mile) Run/Walk that benefits the SeaBee Foundation. The 5th annual race begins at 8 a.m., and follows along Blimp Road. Pirate Wellness Center is hosting the event on Cudjoe Key MM21.5. Advance registration $20, $25 Race Day. Children under 18 only $10, Registration forms available online.
Contact: 305-304-0091
Email: leslies@stpeterbpk.com

February 18,  in Marathon
Pigeon Key Foundation presents: Flagler and the Florida East Coast Railway Extension
Presented by Prof. Seth Bramson, company historian with FEC Railway, an evening of history regarding the Miami to Key West extension, how it came to be, who the prominent characters were and how it was operated for the 23-plus years of its existence, culminating with the September 2, 1935 hurricane. Show starts 8 p.m., tickets $10. After the show, Bramson will host a book signing of his new release, ""The Greatest Railroad Story Ever Told: Henry Flagler and the Florida East Coast Railway's Key West Extension."
Contact: Box office: 305-743-0994


February 18 to February 19,  in Key West
Gardenfest Key West
South Florida's top nurseries are to show bromeliads, orchids, fruit trees, palms, tropical flowers and natives at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden's annual plant sale. Other attractions include landscaping workshops, garden supplies booths, and arts and crafts and docent tours.
Contact: 305-296-1504


February 19,  in Marathon
Heart Health Walk, Run & Bike on Old 7
From noon to 1 p.m., join the Friends of Old Seven for a special kickoff fundraiser to be held at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar, at 7 Knights Key, at the base of the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge. From 1-4 p.m., participants can enjoy "Sunday Funday" activities. A 50/50 raffle, silent auction and prizes highlight the afternoon fun. All ages welcome to participate. Proceeds to benefit Friends of Old Seven.


February 20 to February 26,  in Big Pine
Winter Star Party
Approximately 600 astronomers from around the world gather to view southern constellations, comets and stars in the Lower Keys' clear night skies — virtually the only place in the continental U.S. where they can be viewed. Lectures, programs and workshops round out the event.
Contact: 305-661-1375
Email: heinrich1@windstream.net

February 24,  in Islamorada
Annual Upper Keys Garden Walk
Visitors can stroll among and view native plants and lush landscaping, while getting ideas for tropical gardening, during the annual Garden Walk, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., presented by the Upper Keys Garden Club.
Contact: 305-332-0535
Email: dbarreto@bellsouth.net

February 24,  in Key Largo
Upper Keys Garden Club Annual Garden Walk
Visitors can stroll among and view native plants and lush landscaping among private, resort and public gardens while getting ideas for tropical gardening. Event tickets with a map of featured garden locations are available, hours open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: Dee Dee Barreto 305-332-0535


February 24 to February 25,  in Marathon
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
Crane Point, presents this popular 'whodunit' event; this year's production is 'Bebopped at the Sock Hop' by Paula Hilton, to be held at Key Colony City Hall. Someone is going to die during the evening ... and someone in the room is the killer! You have to help us solve the mystery. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a wine and cheese reception followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The show begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $60 per person or tables of 8 for $450. Ticket price is all-inclusive. Tickets are available at the Crane Point Museum Gift Shop, or by telephone. Proceeds benefit Crane Point Museum & Nature Center.
Contact: Audrey Moir 305-393-6967


February 25,  in Key West
Presidential Descendants to Recall First Ladies
Descendants of three former United States presidents are to share memories and insights about their "first lady" forebears during a presentation at Key West's Harry S. Truman Little White House, Florida's only presidential museum. The unique event is scheduled for 4 p.m., on the west lawn of the 111 Front St. residence where former President Truman spent 11 working vacations during his 1945-1953 administration. Tickets available at keystix.com.
Contact: 305-294-9911


February 29,  in Islamorada
Diving History Research Library Opening Event
History of Diving Museum will hold a special event open to the public to dedicate the Bauer Diving History Research Library. The community is invited attend the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony, which will take place from 6-8 p.m. RSVP is required, as space is limited. Named after the museum's founders, Drs. Joe and Sally Bauer, the new facility serves as the repository of the Bauer Library Collection, which consists of approximately 2500 volumes. It is one of the most comprehensive collections of rare books relative to the story of undersea exploration and was amassed by the Bauer's over a span of four decades.
Contact: 305-664-9737
Email: info@divingmuseum.org

March 02 to March 03,  in Marathon
6th Annual Sombrero Beach Run
Come for the run, but stay for the sun! A comprehensive race format includes a 15K Challenge, 10K Run and 5K Walk/Run; start time for 10K is at 8 a.m. at Sombrero Beach. Runners from all over the Keys, country and world participate in this weekend-long event. Race entry fee includes t-shirts. Music, Awards, Raffles, Food and Entertainment. Male and female winner of 15K receive $500. Organized by Southernmost Runners Club.
Contact: 305-743-4582 or 305-289-9868
Email: sombrerobeachrun@bellsouth.net

March 03,  in Marathon
36th Annual Marathon House & Garden Tour
Tour beautiful homes and extraordinary gardens in the Marathon area — all selected for their uniqueness and reflection of Keys living. Each home is adorned with floral arrangements created by members of the Marathon Garden Club.
Contact: 305-743-4971


March 04,  in Key Largo
Lobster Luau Beach & Pool Party
Presented by the Key largo Merchants Association this fun event begins at 4 p.m. at the Bayside Inn (MM 99, bayside). The Luau features a lobster dinner, a lobster tail served with sweet corn, tropical potato salad and pineapple bread, served between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. A silent auction, DJ entertainment and live music highlight the festivities of limbo, hula hoop, tacky tourist and lobster mobster contests and more. Casual beach attire is appropriate. Proceeds are to help benefit the Good Health Clinic in Tavernier. Tickets $30 in advance, $35 at the door, and include dinner. Tickets are available at TIB (MM 100 oceanside) in Key Largo, First State Bank next to Publix in Key Largo's Tradewinds Plaza, Key Largo Chamber of Commerce (MM 106 bayside) and Islamorada Chamber of Commerce (MM 83.2 bayside).
Contact: 305-394-3736
Email: suefinney4@gmail.com

March 10,  in Islamorada
Woofstock Music Fair
A day of peace, paws and music comes alive as MarrVelous Pet Rescues and Adoptions hosts this family fun event at Islamorada's Founders Park; join the far out festival with local rescue groups, food, drinks, vendors, contests, demonstrations and more. FREE admission. Bring bathing suits to take a dip in the Olympic-sized pool. Of course, leashed and well-behaved dogs welcome!
Contact: 305-453-1315
Email: Michele@MarrVelousPetRescues.org

March 13 to March 22,  in Florida Keys
100-mile "Century" Key Largo to Key West Kayaking Trip
This annual trip will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Henry Flagler's Railroad. Paddle with the Authors of the "Florida Keys Paddling Atlas," Bill & Mary Burnham.
Contact: 305-240-0650
Email: mary@burnhamguides.com

March 17 to March 18,  in Key West
52nd Annual Key West House & Garden Tours
Tour five elegant and unique homes of Key West. Proceeds help benefit the Old Island Restoration Foundation. Presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, this house and garden tour offers a rare opportunity to see inside some of Key West's magnificent, charming and tropical residences.
Contact: 305-294-9501
Email: tickets@oirf.org

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. Open to divers and snorkelers.
Contact: 305-451-3020


April 21,  in Marathon
31st 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. Sponsored by the Marathon Runners Club.
Contact: 305-395-7040


May 10 to May 13,  in Key West
Key West Paddleboard Classic
During this ocean paddleboard race, participants will enjoy a challenging 12-mile course over crystal blue waters, circling Key West through scenic mangroves, passing by the Historic Seaport district and more. The race begins and ends on Smathers Beach.
Contact: 305-797-1174


May 12,  in Marathon
4th Annual Battle In The Bay Dragon Boat Festival
Don't miss this high-action racing event in Marathon for the ONLY beach-launch boat race of its kind. Bring a team or come and watch as boats race along a nearly 400-meter course parallel to Sombrero Beach. Free to watch races, family fun on the beach all day. Team registration open until April 14.
Contact: Karen Bowers 305-766-1053
Email: lunarchik@earthlink.net

May 18 to May 19,  in Key West
10th Annual 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 Truman spent many working vacations during his presidency.
Contact: 305-294-9911


May 19 to May 20,  in Florida Keys
Keys 100 - Prostate Cancer Benefit Races
The fifth annual Keys 100 feature three ultra-marathon road races - an individual 50-mile, individual 100-mile and a 100-mile team relay - between Key Largo and Smathers Beach, Key West. Proceeds benefit the Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys.
Contact: Bob Becker 954-439-2800
Email: bob@ultrasportsllc.com

June 06 to June 10,  in Key West
Key West Pride
Key West shows its Pride every day, and this is your chance to be a part of the celebration! his five day celebration includes a film festival, dance parties, drag shows, bike tours, clothing-optional pool parties, water excursions, a street fair, Pride Pageants, and a 'Pride in Our Community' Parade down Duval Street.
Contact: 800-535-7797; 305-294-4603
Email: admin@kwbgonline.org

June 07 to June 10,  in Key West
Third Annual Key West Bacchanalia
A food and wine event with a twist - join Keys celebrity chefs as they face off in culinary competition with a great cause in mind. Benefits support the Darrell Gwynn Foundation. Visit site for details, schedules and tickets.
Contact: Aga and James Hilferty 305-766-3356
Email: kwpocketguides@yahoo.com

June 16,  in Key West
The Original FKCC Swim Around Key West and Swim Meet
Sponsored by the Bone Island Masters Club, this USMS-sanctioned event is a 12.5 mile swim clockwise around the island of Key West. Age groups 18 through 65 and older can register. Visit Web site for details.
Contact: Lori Bosco 305-809-3562
Email: aqualb@aol.com

July 04,  in Key Largo
Fireworks Show on Blackwater Sound
Blackwater Sound provides the perfect nighttime mirrorlike surface to make the annual fireworks display seem like a 3-D viewing experience designed to dazzle. The show is to take place on the bayfront in Key Largo at 10 p.m., July 4. The best seating can be found at Sundowners and Senior Frijoles restaurants, Caribbean Club and Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort, all located around mile marker (MM) 104 bayside. Reservations are suggested because seating is limited.
Contact: Sue Finney 305-394-3736


August 16 to August 19,  in Key West
Tropical Heat
Tropical Heat offers four days of All Male-All Adult fever-pitch revelry on the island whose openness and respect for diversity have made it a world-renowned gay vacation destination. The festival includes more than a dozen intriguingly decadent events ranging from drag shows to themed pool parties and gatherings at island clubs.
Contact: 305-294-4603; 800-535-7797
Email: admin@kwbgonline.org

September 04 to September 09,  in Key West
Womenfest Key West
Womenfest offers a wide range of activities guaranteed to appeal to a broad range of interests. Golfing with palm trees and iguanas, clothing-optional pool parties, a sizzling dance club scene, and women-only water excursions that range from jet skis to dolphin watching all promise to pique the interest of the more adventurous while film, live music, and special comedy shows offer the opportunity to enjoy paradise at a slower pace. All of this on a tropical island that is close to perfect and far from normal!
Contact: 800-535-7797; 305-294-4603
Email: admin@kwbgonline.org

September 13 to September 16,  in Florida Keys
40th Annual Phil Peterson's Key West Poker Run
It's an All-American event as motorcycle enthusiasts from around the U.S. travel the Keys' scenic Overseas Highway - designated Florida's only All-American Road - from mainland Florida to Key West to raise money for charity. Stops are arranged throughout the Keys with a final celebration in Key West.
Contact: 800-545-2561 or 305-235-4023


September 22,  in Islamorada
Conch Life Scramble
This on-the-water wacky charity golf tournament joins together four-person teams to enjoy a game of nine holes by boat. Proceeds benefit local Keys charities.
Contact: Lee Christine Young at 305-522-1590


October 19 to October 28,  in Key West
33rd Annual Fantasy Fest
An outrageous, 10-day celebration featuring costume competitions, promenades, street fairs and a grand parade with marching groups and lavish floats.
Contact: 305-296-1817


October 23,  in Key West
30th Annual Headdress Ball
This "over the top" contest includes an extravagant show with lots of Key West razzle dazzle, and is a competition "head and shoulders" above the rest with contestants judged from the shoulders up! Major cash prizes.
Contact: Rebecca Tomlinson at 305-294-4603


November 04 to November 11,  in Key West
Key West World Championship Race
High-speed offshore powerboats race in Key West Harbor and surrounding waters to continue Key West's longstanding tradition in this 31st annual challenge, known internationally as the Indianapolis 500 of powerboat racing.
Contact: 305-296-6166


November 08,  in Key Largo
Key Largo Chamber of Commerce’s 31st Annual Cook-Off
The culinary competition is open to professional and amateur cooks and chefs, as well as young aspiring chefs. Categories include soups and chowders, appetizers, main dishes, sides and salads, and desserts.
Contact: 305-451-4747


November 10,  in Key Largo
Key Largo Bridge Run
Enjoy the sun rise where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf waters during the inaugural run over part of the historic 18 mile stretch to "The Gateway to the Keys." Participants awarded a t-shirt & medal. For registration, visit Web site for details.


November 21 to December 31,  in Key West
Key West “Bight' Before Christmas” Holiday Celebration
Live holiday music, games for the kids, holiday cheer and a chance for photos with Santa highlight this event along the historic harbor walk linking colorful seaport restaurants, bars and businesses at the Key West Bight. Created as a gift to the community, the gala is produced by the Key West Bight Preservation Association and tenants of the Key West Bight.
Contact: 305-304-2633


December 08,  in Key Largo
Key Largo Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Blackwater Sound is to shimmer as decorated boats parade along the shoreline in celebration of the holiday season. The best viewing and libations are to be found at Sundowners, Senor Frijoles, the Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort and Caribbean Club, MM 103-104.
Contact: Call 305-394-3736


December 31,  in Key Largo
New Year's Eve Fireworks on Blackwater Sound
The back bay is the setting for the annual New Year's Eve fireworks extravaganza hosted by Sundowners, Senor Frijoles, Cactus Jacks, Gus' Grille at the Marriott Key Largo Beach Resort and the Caribbean Club, MM 103-104. Check website for details.
Contact: Robert Stoky 305-451-4502