Key West’s 41st Conch Republic Independence Celebration honors our eccentric community’s “secession” from the United States. This year’s raucous celebration takes place from April 21 – 30 and includes a hilarious roster of events (see event schedule below).
Like many nations, the Conch Republic (AKA Key West & The Florida Keys) was born from trouble. It all started back in March 1982, when the US Government decided to tackle illegal drug trafficking by placing a roadblock in Florida City, the entry point to the Keys. It didn’t go well.
A seventeen-mile traffic backup immediately ensued as the Border Patrol stopped every car leaving or entering the Keys in search of illegal drugs or aliens who might be hiding under the front seats, in glove compartments, and in trunks. Reports of the Border Patrol’s unprecedented action circumnavigated the globe, and soon, visitors started canceling their trips to the Keys. Alarmed, then Mayor, Dennis Wardlow along with other community leaders, filed an injunction against the government’s action in Federal Court in Miami.
The court refused to enjoin the US Federal Government’s Border Patrol from treating the Keys like a foreign country. When the Key West delegation left the courthouse, they were met by a gaggle of the world press asking, “What are you going to do, Mr. Mayor?” Mayor Wardlow replied, “We will go home and secede!” And just like that, the “Conch Republic” was born.
On April 23, the new Conch Republic flag was raised over city hall and flown on the Schooner Western Union mast. Under the command of Captain John Kraus, the Western Union then sailed into the harbor and attacked the US Coast Guard Cutter DILIGENCE with an arsenal of water balloons, conch fritters, and stale Cuban bread.
Thus commenced the Great Battle of the Conch Republic. Lasting only sixty seconds, it was, and always will be, the shortest battle in our great history.
The DILIGENCE showed no mercy. Armed with high-powered fire hoses, the Coast Guard Cutter swamped the Schooner crew and reduced its arsenal to a soggy mess. Now the “Prime Minister” of the Conch Republic, Key West’s Mayor Wardlow, immediately surrendered and demanded foreign aid from the US (which we are still waiting for!).
And guess what? As a result of all the rebellion, the roadblock was quietly removed, and the glorious Conch Republic was born. Today, the Conch Republic exists as a sovereign state of mind, which signifies our vision of America which we are proud to be part of.
See below for a complete list of happenings. More info at conchrepublic.com.
Long Live the Conch Republic!
Conch Republic Independence Celebration Event Schedule
April 21 – 30th, 2023
DAILY
10 pm – 8 pm
CONCH REPUBLIC WELCOME CENTER & “OFFICIAL” MERCHANDISE BOOTH
Visit the festival welcome center to get event tickets, Conch Republic Passports, and “Official Conch Republic Merchandise.”
Thompson Plaza
Greene & Elizabeth Streets
Key West Historic Seaport
FRIDAY, APRIL 21
8 – 9 am
CONCH REPUBLIC CONCHY BEACH CLEANUP
Meet our dedicated locals in front of Salute Restaurant for a communal sweep of Higgs Beach.
1000 Atlantic Ave, Higgs Beach
3 – 4 pm
RAISING OF THE COLORS
Our Republic High Command salutes the Conch Republic Flag accompanied by the sounds of conch shell blowing by JT Thompson, founder of One Human Family.
Mallory Square, 401 Wall Street
7 pm
CONCH REPUBLIC DAYS KICK-OFF PARTY & CONCH SHELL-BLOWING CONTEST
Party like a pirate at Key West’s Official Party Headquarters. Cash bar, Conch Blowing Contest, live music.
Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 Williams Street
Historic Seaport
SATURDAY, APRIL 22
11 am – 2 pm
CONCH CRAWL BAR STROLL
Journey through Old Town and visit historic, storied saloons. Tickets include an event Conch Crawl tee-shirt (please order your size) and a drink at each stop, starting at 801 Bourbon Bar, Ricks, Willie T’s, Island Dogs, Rock House Live, and The EmPOURium. Advanced tickets are $45.00 ( includes pre-ordered shirts). Tickets purchased the day of the event are $55.00 (Shirt sizes not guaranteed). Kicks off at the Welcome tent at Thompson Plaza, Greene & Elizabeth Streets in Key West Historic Seaport.
3 – 4 pm
CONCH REPUBLIC DRAG RACES
Don your high heels and best frock and enter… or witness this “Only in Key West” event! Cheer on the hottest drag queens as they go heel to heel for a series of races & obstacle courses. FREE entry. Hosted by Bourbon Street Pub. Sign up at the event only. 800 Block Duval Street
6 –10 pm
CONCH REPUBLIC WEARABLE ART FASHION SHOW BENEFIT
This is where the latest fashion trends are made! See our up-to-the-minute Conch Republic fashion icons as they strut their stuff on the runway showing off the Conch Republic’s best lifestyle looks.
Key West Theater, 512 Eaton Street
SUNDAY, APRIL 23
10 am – 2 pm
KEY WEST ARTISAN MARKET
Shop for unique merchandise and local favorites at one of Key West’s favorite happenings.
Higgs Beach, 1000 Atlantic Blvd Atlantic Ave & White St.
Noon – 1 pm
SECESSION RE-ENACTMENT
Many of the Conch Republic’s original founders re-create the 1982 ceremony that marked the birth of the Conch Republic.
Mallory Square, 401 Wall Street
1 – 4 pm
PARTY LIKE A CONCH STAR POOL PARTY
Bask in the sun and enjoy great tropical cocktails next to one of Key West’s most gorgeous pools.
The Gates Hotel, 3820 N Roosevelt Blvd
5 – 7:30 pm
SUNDAY JAZZ IN THE GARDEN
The sounds of jazz lace the air at this Top 10 rated Most Romantic Hotel in the US. Cash bar.
The Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela Street
7 – 9 pm
SCREENING:“ADVENTURES OF THE CONCH REPUBLIC”
Watch the documentary and hear stories told by the founders of the Conch Republic with a Q & A after the show. You can also find all the details of the upcoming Hollywood film based on the documentary.
Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton Street
MONDAY, APRIL 24
5 – 7 pm
CONCH REPUBLIC K-9 MUSTER
Sign up your favorite fuzzy friend for duty in the Conch Republic! Enter the combat uniform competition. One of our K-9 military members will win “Best In Show” for their combat gear! All sizes and shapes welcome!
The EmPOURium, 618 Duval Street
5 – 7pm
BLIND WINE TASTING
Enjoy the beautiful setting and great wines as we compete for prizes at this fun blind-tasting competition. Limited tickets!
The Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela Street
TUESDAY, APRIL 25
6 – 8 pm
CONCH REPUBLIC MILITARY MUSTER & CONCH-TAIL PARTY
Rub elbows with CR Military Admirals, Generals, Ambassador & Island Dignitaries,
The CIA-Sshhh! of the 82nd Airborne will be serving up delicious “C-Rations.” as we celebrate forty-one years of freedom and fun! You can even enlist in the Conch Republic Military. Live entertainment, 50/50 raffle, cash bar.
Southernmost Guest House, 1327 Duval Street
9 pm
CAPTAIN’S MEETING FOR THE GREAT SEA BATTLE
Attendance is mandatory for all Salts and Sea Dogs joining the Conch Republic Forces against the US Border Patrol for the Great Battle.
SchoonerWharf Bar – Upper Deck, 200 Williams Street
Key West Historic Seaport
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26TH
3 – 5 pm
CONCH REPUBLIC “ART OF WINE” Gallery Tour & Wine Stroll
Stroll down Duval Street visiting fabulous galleries and enjoying delicious wines.
Gingerbread Gallery, 1207 Duval Street
6 – 10 pm
HOT HAVANA NIGHT Dinner & Benefit
Dance the night away to the Latin music of Caribe Key West. Savor Authentic Cuban Food and Libations, and Bid on Cuban Treasures. Relax and Enjoy the Outdoor Cigar Bar Lounge with the custom cigar roller. Win a Trip to Havana!
Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, 4 Charles Street (Off the 200 Block of Duval).
THURSDAY, APRIL 27
6 – 7 pm
CONCH REPUBLIC PARADE PRE-PARTY
Enjoy live music and celebratory libations with a spectacular ocean view. Visit with parade participants and then join them as they muster for the parade
Southernmost Point Guest House, 1400 Duval Street
8 – 9 pm
THE CONCH REPUBLIC WORLD’S LOOOOONGEST PARADE
The World’s Longest Parade begins at the Atlantic Ocean and proceeds down Duval Street to the Gulf of Mexico.
9 pm
CONCH REPUBLIC PARADE AFTER-PARTY & AWARDS CEREMONY
Follow the parade, Mardi Gras style, for the Awards Ceremony!
Schooner Wharf Bar, 200 Williams Street
Key West Historic Seaport
FRIDAY, APRIL 28
7 pm
THE GREAT SEA BATTLE OF THE CONCH REPUBLIC.
This hysterical re-enactment features weapons ranging from water cannons to flying Cuban bread! The best viewing for the seafaring spectacle is from Mallory Square or any of the harbor front hotels, restaurants and bars.
9 pm
SURRENDER CEREMONY & VICTORY PARTY
“Conch-republicans” celebrate defeating the evil forces of the US Government.
Schooner Wharf Bar, 200 Williams Street
Key West Historic Seaport
SATURDAY, APRIL 29
2 – 4 pm
CONCH REPUBLIC BLUE RIBBON BED RACES & AWARDS CEREMONY
This wild and wacky charity race includes a cast of actual Key West characters piloting beds on wheels down Duval Street.
800 Block, Duval Street
7 – 8pm
SCHOONER WHARF WRECKERS CUP RACE SERIES CAPTAINS’ MEETING
Racecourse and race rules are reviewed while Captains and Crew enjoy complimentary Pusser’s Rum libations.
The Sail Loft, Schooner Wharf Bar, 200 Williams Street
Key West Historic Seaport
7 pm
PIRATE BALL & COSTUME CONTEST
The Difference Between Landlubbers and Pirates and Wenches is “The ability to accessorize.” Live music, cash bar, and prizes for Best Wench, Best Buccaneer, and Cutthroat Surprise, plus prizes for Best Pirate Masks!
Schooner Wharf Bar, 200 Williams Street
Key West Historic Seaport
SUNDAY, APRIL 30
10 am – 5pm
CONCH REPUBLIC ART & CRAFT FAIR
Shop for great local art and crafts at this fun open-air festival.
Duval Street
1 – 4 pm
SCHOONER WHARF WRECKERS CUP RACE SERIES
“All-in-fun” Re-enactment of Days of Yore, with a 7-Mile Sailing Race to Sand Key. Visiting Vessels and local Captains and Crew are all invited to this “All-in-Fun” Event.
Lay claim to the booty!
Schooner Wharf, 200 Williams Street
Key West Historic Seaport
5 – 7:30 pm
SUNDAY JAZZ IN THE GARDEN
The sounds of jazz lace the air at this Top 10 rated Most Romantic Hotel in the US. Cash Bar
The Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela Street
7 pm
SCHOONER WHARF WRECKERS CUP RACE SERIES AWARDS PARTY & CEREMONY
Racing Participants view their Sailing Vessels and Crew under Sail on several screens while enjoying BBQ, live music, and bragging rights with prizes for winning vessels.
Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William Street
Key West Historic Seaport
More details and “Official Conch Republic Citizen Passports” Merchandise & Event Tickets available at ConchRepublic.com
