Described as one of North America’s largest gatherings of lesbians and their friends,
Key West’s annual Womenfest returns to our tiny piece of paradise on Wednesday,
September 4 and runs through Sunday, September 8.
The five-day celebration of sisterhood and empowerment attracts thousands of lesbians, bisexuals, transwomen, and friends to what is arguably, the premier LGBTQ+ vacation destination in the country. Created over twenty years ago, Key West Womenfest is now regaled as one of the HOTTEST parties for women 21+ in the country.
From live performances to art exhibitions, comedy nights, sunset sails, beach bashes, and dance parties, it’s a vibrant and diverse event in a safe and exclusive environment.
The merriment kicks off with a fun Welcome Party on Wednesday, September 4, from 6 – 8 pm at the festival’s sister host hotel, Winslow Bungalows at 725 Truman Avenue. At 9 pm, the party continues with a special Womenfest Edition Drag Show at the Aquaplex located at 711 Duval Street.
Throughout the week, the festival showcases a wide range of activities and events for couples, singles, and those in between. You can enjoy adventures in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, see top entertainment, attend edgy parties, and kick back on an accepting subtropical island whose “One Human Family” motto is embraced by local islanders. For more info, tickets, lodging options, and a complete event schedule, hit up gaykeywestfl.com/womenfest/.
Here’s what’s coming up:
Wednesday, September 4
6 – 8 pm Womenfest 2024 Fire And Ice Fantasy Welcome Party
Winslow Bungalows, 725 Truman Avenue
Meet new friends and reconnect with old ones in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere to kick-off to Womenfest, hosted by the glittery empress, Chantal P. Enjoy live music, drink
specials, and small bites! Info: 305-294-5229; winslowsbungalowskeywest.com.
9 pm Womenfest Edition Drag Show
AquaPlex, 711 Duval Street
Hang with Key West’s world renowned Aquanettes featuring house drag king, Bruce Key and special guest drag king Joey Night! Info: 305-294-0555;
aquakeywest.com.
Thursday, September 5
8 am – 2 pm Bra-less Brunch
Big Cheezees Pub & Grub, 404 Southard Street
Release the pups and embrace your inner goddess as we celebrate sisterhood with
bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, and Bellini’s. Between sips, you can indulge in a
mouthwatering selection of breakfast and lunch favorites. Info: 305-741-7113;
bigcheezeespubandgrub.com.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm Coconut Painting Class
Sacred Space Gallery, 529 Southard Street
This two-hour painting class, will show you how to paint a mermaid tail on a coconut that was grown right here in the Florida Keys. All skill levels welcome! You will leave the class with an original work of art made by you or you can have it shipped for an additional cost. This class is limited to 12 people for $60 per person. Note: a second class will be added if enough interest is shown. Info: 305-998-4801; sacredspacekeywest.com.
Noon – 3 pm 4th Annual Ultimate Beach Bash and Corn Hole Tournament
Lagerheads Beach Bar, 0 Simonton Beach
Compete in intense corn hole matches and other games backdropped by sizzling music with DJ Erica. Discounted food and drinks, too! Only ten spots available so get here early: first come first serve. Cost: $25pp or $50 per team (teams are REQUIRED to play). Great prize for 1st place winners! Info: 305-509-7444; lagerheadsbeachbar.com.
6 pm 2nd Annual Women, Words, & Art Poetry Reading and Art Exhibition
Little Jazz Room, 821 Duval Street
Eight women poets from the Key West Poetry Guild perform in a round-robin reading and open mic session. Also on hand: a terrific art display by women artists to benefit the Connie Gilbert Scholarship Fund which supports local women who are returning to school from the workforce, seeking professional licensing or certification, or have completed at least one year of higher
education. InfoL 305-741-7515; littlejazzroomclub.com.
6 – 8 pm Annual Womenfest Sunset Sail
Argo Navis, 0 Margaret Street
Enjoy two hour of sailing the magical green waters where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Mexico. Includes great food and try libations. Reservations: 305-509-1771; sailargonavis.com.
9 pm Greeen Party
Birdcage Cabaret, 504 Angela Street
Celebrate all things green! Dress in your best green and learn more about environmental efforts in the Keys, and dance the night away with the island’s best go-go dancers! Sponsored by the Greeen House (spelled with 3 E’s so that you can’t say it without smiling, and that’s the goal, right? ) Info: 305-294-0555; aquakeywest.com.
Friday, September 6
8 – 9 pm Early Bird Clean Up
808 Duval Street at the Gay Key West Visitor Center
Volunteer for this short one hour litter pick up and help us keep Key West beautiful!
Vests, gloves, buckets, and pickers are provided. Bagels, danish, and coffee provided by
Goldman’s Deli afterward! Info: 305294-4603; gaykeywestfl.com.
9:30 am – 11:30 pm Old Town Key West Bike Tour
Key Lime Bike Tours, 122 Ann Street
This fun, leisurely bicycle ride through the charming streets of Old Town, is specially designed
to celebrate Womenfest. Not only will you discover significant landmarks and hidden gems along the way, you’ll also hear stories about the remarkable women who have made an impact on our beautiful island. Finish it all with a delicious slice of Award Winning Key Lime Pie! Register at 305-340-7834; keylimebiketours.com.
11 am Clothing Optional Sandbar Snorkel Trip
The Blu Q Catamaran, 120 Margaret Street
Set sail to one of many remote reefs off the Florida National Marine Sanctuary for snorkeling with tropical fish and various marine life. Then head out to a secluded sandbar where you can swim, or just relax in the crystal clear waters of the Keys. Get 10% off with the code WomenFest24. Purchase tickets at 305-923-7245; sailbluq.com.
Noon All Welcome Pool Party
Bourbon St Pub, 724 Duval Street
Girls and guys splash down for some afternoon fun in the sun. Info: 305-294-9354;
bourbonstpub.com.
2 – 4 pm Fire and Ice Jell-O Wrestling Match
Aquaplex, 711 Duval Street
Wrestlers take to the ring for some friendly, competitive Jell-O wrestling. Enjoy a fiery,
high energy atmosphere, cool AC and ice cold drinks available! Info: 305-294-0555;
aquakeywest.com.
5 – 6:30 pm Marjory Lee & The Misspellings
“90s Female Alt Rock Band”
The Marker, 200 William Street
Don’t miss this special tribute to the badass female musicians of the 90s and all the closet doors they kicked down! Free admission.
7 pm Movie Date Night: TÁR
Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton Street
Cate Blanchett stars as the iconic musician, Lydia Tár. This highly acclaimed film examines the changing nature of power, its impact, and durability in our modern world. Admission of $20
includes movie ticket and first drink including a small glass of wine, a bottle of beer, or free soda. Info: 305-396-4944; tropiccinema.com.
9 pm – 2 am Pink Paradise Dance Party
Mangoes, 700 Duval Street
Dress in your best pink attire and get ready for an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and pure joy — celebrating women. Womenfest’s ultimate ladies night out! This is a 21+ event. Tickets:
305-294-8002; mangoeskeywest.com.
Saturday, September 7
9:30 am – 11:30 pm Old Town Key West Bike Tour
Key Lime Bike Tours, 122 Ann Street
This fun, leisurely bicycle ride through the charming streets of Old Town, is specially designed
to celebrate Womenfest. Not only will you discover significant landmarks and hidden gems along the way, you’ll also hear stories about the remarkable women who have made an impact on our beautiful island. Finish it all with a delicious slice of Award Winning Key Lime Pie! Register at 305-340-7834; keylimebiketours.com.
Noon – 3 pm
Kat & Beth’s “Are You Wet Pool Party”
Host Hotel: Alexander’s Guesthouse, 1118 Fleming Street
Kat D and Beth are BACK hosting a pool party you’ll never forget while guest DJ Erica revs things up with the latest hits. Drink specials, complimentary food, games, and prizes, too! Info: 305-294-9919; alexnderskeywest.com.
7 pm Fire and Ice Fantasy Prom
American Legion Post 168, 803 Emma Street
Dress to impress for Womenfest’s Inaugural Fire and Ice Ball! Hosted by the glittery empress, Chantal P, this queer prom promises to be nostalgic and unforgettable. Dance the night away
to the electrifying beats of DJ Rude Girl and the powerful live performances of special guests including Antigone Rising. Doors will open at 6 pm for VIP pass holders and sponsors. Tickets available at keystix.com. VIP tickets include early entry to VIP reception and seating with hors d’oeuvres and specialty drinks.
11 pm Heaven & Hell Dance After Party
Birdcage Cabaret, 504 Angela Street
There’s no need to change, just head on over to the Birdcage after the Fire and Ice Ball for the perfect way to cap off an incredible evening! Don’t miss out on a Dance Party where your wildest dreams and darkest fantasies come to life! Info: 305-294-0555; aquakeywest.com.
Sunday, September 8
Noon Sunday Drag Brunch Show
Mangoes Restaurant, 700 Duval Street
Voted the Top 10 Drag Brunch Show in the USA!
This fabulous drag brunch show includes incredible Drag Queens, a live DJ, amazing entertainers, a special A La Carte brunch menu and bottomless mimosas. Stay for the After Party to get your picture taken with our beautiful drag queens and keep dancing to DJ Jeff’s tunes. Must be 21+. Info: 305-294-8002; mangoeskeywest.com.
Noon – 6 pm Ladies Sunday’s Cool
Aquaplex, 711 Duval Street
Hosted by Laurie T and BruceKey in collaboration with Hot Dog Church! This fun afternoon is all about poker, corn-hole, women’s pro sports on big screens and lots of bar games. If you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere to break from all the partying you did all week, then this is the place for you! Yes, there will be hot dogs, there will be games, there will be chill vibes!
Info: 305-294-0555; aquakeywest.com.
4 pm The Original Tea Dance
La Te Da, 1125 Duval Street
Last dance, last chance….DJ Rude Girl hosts the last hurrah of Womenfest 2024.
Info: 305-296-6706’ lateda.com.
For more info, lodging options, and a complete event schedule, hit up gaykeywestfl.com/womenfest/.
