Key West may be known for its year-round subtropical weather, but things really heat up on Wednesday, August 10, through Sunday, August 14, when a wave of Tropical Heat blows across our small island.
This all-male-all-adult fever-pitched festival includes dozens of decadent events ranging from clothing-optional pool parties, dance parties, and cruises to drag shows, drag brunches, and themed events at island clubs.
Not for the faint-hearted, Tropical Heat’s five days of sizzling happenings kick off on Wednesday at 5 pm with a wet and wild Opening Party at the Island House Resort (1129 Fleming Street). The clothing here is optional, and the pool is the place to see and be seen.
After you dry off, head over to the Aquaplex (711 Duval) for the best Drag Show on the island. The world-famous Aquanettes take to the stage at 9 and 11pm with an outrageous performance that will have you rolling on the floor.
On Thursday, things start to really heat up with events like the Clothing-Optional All-Male Cruise aboard the Blue Q Catamaran, the Tutu Party at 22 & Co Bar at Aquaplex. Christoper Peterson’s world-acclaimed EYECONS show starts at 9 pm at La Te Da (1125 Duval). The Clothing-Optional Dance Party at 10 pm is at Club 504 Sidebar (504 Angela St).
Friday’s full roster of events starts with a noontime Splash Pool Party at the Bourbon Street Pub (724 Duval St), followed by a Nemiroff Ukrainian Vodka Tasting from 5 – 6 pm at the luxe Gardens Hotel. The night rolls on with Sexy Safari Pool Party from 6:30-10 pm at Alexanders Guest House (1118 Fleming St), more drag shows, and a Heat Stroke Fetish Party that starts at 10 pm at Saloon 1 (704 Petronia St.)
On Saturday, starting at noon, the Island House stages a Skinny Dip Pool Party with naked pool boys, complimentary shots, and raffle prizes. Get there early if you want a locker — it’s first-come, first-served. Once the sun goes down, plenty of LGBTQ-friendly clubs, restaurants, and bars are waiting to entertain you: the Aquanettes at Aquaplex, the 801 Bar Drag Show (801 Duval), and Christopher Peterson’s no-to-be-missed Eyecons show at La Te Da. If you’re still on your feet at 10 pm, head over to the Big “0” Exhibition Party at Bourbon Street Pub.
Sunday Funday means there are a lot more good times on the roster. Haul your sorry arse out of bed and hit Key West’s “always hilarious” Drunken Drag Brunch. Some of the island’s funniest “Merry Mary’s” will be at Mangoes (700 Duval Street) from noon — 3 pm.
When you’ve finally stopped laughing, skip on over to Key West’s renowned Sunday Tea Dance lifts off from 4 – 6 pm at La Te Da. It’s a Sunday tradition that brings out tons of local celebrities and colorful characters. After the “Fat Lady Sings,” head for the docks and hop on the Blu Q for a lively sunset catamaran cruise with the sexy “Boys of Blu” crew.
If you still have energy after all this, catch one of the drag shows you may have missed. Check out SLU-T Sundays with Donald at Saloon 1, which starts at 9 pm, or head over to watch the male dancers on the bar at Bourbon Street Pub starting at 10 pm.
Pay at the door for each of these exclusive events or get a bigger bang for your buck by purchasing a Tropical Heat VIP all-access wristband in advance for just $99. For wristbands and info, call 305-294-4603 or hit up tropicalheatkw.com.
Have fun and be safe!
