Who knew that what started as a slogan on a bumper sticker would later morph into one of the season’s hottest events?
Now in its fourth year, the “I Love Stock Island” Festival, which takes place from Friday, December 13 through Sunday, December 15, encompasses three great days of the very best Stock Island has to offer.
There are all kinds of foodie events, wine, beer & rum pairings, history & art studio tours, live entertainment, water sports and the freshest, most delicious straight-off-the-boat seafood you’ll ever taste.
The festival is also a celebration of Stock Island’s colorful and vibrant heritage.
The charming little island has always been known as a tight working community — from its days as a freighter port with “stock” for the liveries and a landing for the Key West to Cuba ferry, to today’s bustling fishing docks and live-aboard marinas — it’s a rustic, eclectic place that reflects the way Key West once was.
“So, just where is Stock Island?” you may ask. This tiny parcel of land lies just over Cow Key Channel and is only a stone’s throw from Key West.
Don’t miss this chance to discover and explore one of our very special island communities.
Here’s a full schedule of that’s going on. For more info, go to ILoveStockIsland.org.
Friday, December 13
Times Vary Food Truck Finds & Tiny Take Aways (Breakfast/Lunch)
Discover the flourishing food truck scene on Stock Island. These trucks and take-aways are hidden in plain sight all over the island and are excited to have you try a special $5 sample taste of what they have to offer. Stops may include Taco Express on Cross Street next to the bus stop behind the Sandal Factory, Yahman’s Authentic Jamaican Jerk Shack on Front Street, Chef Clive’s One Love at Stock Island Chevron, Deluna’s at Boyd’s Campground, Until it’s Gone off Peninsular, and the Jerk food truck at the Art Shack on Front Street.
4 – 7pm Taste of Stock Island
Board the famous Old Town Trolley to some of our favorite eateries and hangouts for specially chosen small plates and beverage pairings presenting the very best on the island. The trolley is limited to 35 guests plus your knowledgeable tour guides so you’ll have a great time with new and old friends. At each location, the chef or owner (or maybe both) will welcome your group and tell you a little about the dish and the accompanying wine, beer or spirit. You’ll also receive a souvenir I Love Stock Island glass and have plenty of time to look around, absorb the atmosphere and we’ll board for the next stop. Tickets at ILoveStockIsland.org.
7pm Lighted Boat Parade
Vessels of all shapes and sizes – from tri-masted schooners to dinghies to the Shrimp boats light up the night and compete for great cash and prizes. Come early for great happy hour food at Matt’s & the Salty Oyster as well as concessions and multiple bars throughout the property. Walk the docks to see for spectacular decorations and lights on the boats and liveaboards who make Stock Island Marina home. Free viewing events at Stock Island Marina Village and Safe Harbor with live music at Hog Fish Bar & Grill at the official after party. Tons of space to spread out so bring your lawn chairs. Activities begin at 5 pm with an after party at Hogfish Bar & Grill from 8 – 11pm.
Saturday, December 14
9:30am Rooster Run 5K Walk/Run
The course takes you in and around our waterfronts, neighborhoods and businesses as you discover Stock Island in a whole new way. T-shirts, awards and beer for all participants. Start and finish at Bernstein Park just in time for party at Stock Island Marina Village. All ages, pet friendly. Registration at 8am. $25 entry fee. Register at ILoveStockIsland.org.
Noon – 5pm Cuban Pig Roast: Chinabox Challenge II sampling; 4 pm
Find out just who makes the best Cuban pork in the Keys. Tasting ballots are just $10 so you can vote for your favorite. Awards ceremony at 4pm. Proceeds benefit I Love Stock Island initiatives.
11am – 4pm Stock Island Arts District Art Stroll
Discover one of the Key’s hidden gems: The Stock Island Art District where you can explore a variety of eclectic shops and working studios with multiple artists and disciplines from sculptures to woodworking, mosaics to screen printing, and soaps to fabric art. Each location offers a Drawings for great art, free entry, free parking, delicious food & beverages.
Participating galleries and shops include:
•Collections Key West at Safe Harbor Marina;
•The Art Shack, 6404 Front Street
•The Shops at Perry Hotel, 7001 Shrimp Road
•The Stock Yard Studios, 5700 4th Ave
•The Studios at Stock Island Marina Village, 7005 Shrimp Road
•Washed Up Studios, 6475 2nd St.
•Yodanis Studios, 6310 2nd St.
10am, Noon, 2pm, 4:30pm Sail General Patton’s Boat the historic SV When & If
When General (Then Colonel) George S. Patton commissioned one of America’s greatest designers to build him a boat in 1939, he had the ultimate ambition in mind: “When the war is over, and If I live through it, Bea and I are going to sail her around the world.” “When and If” was a new idea: a yacht which would maintain all her classic beauty and hold her own in recreational racing whilst being sturdy, comfortable, safe and luxurious enough to take a family on the voyage of a lifetime. Long after the General’s untimely death in 1945, “When and If” sails on. Immaculately and lovingly restored at 76 years old this gorgeous sailing machine stands as a monument to the private ambition of a great war hero and the ingenuity of a great designer. Departs from Stock Island Marina. Limited seating. Reservations: SailWhenAndIf.com.
9am – 4pm Kayak the Mini Maze with Kayak Kings
Come out and enjoy getting out on the water and see the beautiful mangroves and marine life here on Stock Island for just ten bucks per person. Departs on the half hour from Cow Key Marina. No reservations needed, but please be here 10 minutes prior.
11am – 2pm Brunch with Santa at Stock Island Yacht Club and Marina
Stock Island Yacht Club and Marina hosts kids and kids at heart for a special brunch menu and photos with Santa. Lots of goodies to choose from including a Caesar Salad Station, Broccoli & Cheese Soup, Compressed Fresh Fruit, Eggs Benedict, Canadian Bacon, Poached Free Ranch Egg, Sautéed Baby Spinach, Hollandaise Sauce, Scrambled Eggs, Yukon Potato Hash-Yukon Potatoes, Peppers, Onions, Aromatic herbs, Biscuits & Pork Gravy, House Buttermilk Biscuits, Pork Gravy, Applewood Smoked Bacon & Local Sausage, Local Fish & Vegetable Quinoa-Fresh Local Fish, Roasted Vegetable Quinoa, Butternut Squash Puree, Key Lime Scampi, Macaroni & Cheese Bake, Grilled Joyce Farm Chicken, Balsamic Brussel Sprouts & Rice Pilaf, Romesco Assorted Cookies, Pastry’s & Desserts. AND 1 mimosa or Bloody Mary for guests over 21.
6 – 9pm Dive-In Movie: The Grinch
Enjoy this favorite Christmas classic on a blow up screen poolside. if they’d like or lounging in the pool area. Food & beverage available for purchase. Takes place at Ocean Edge Key West Resort & Marina.
7 – 11pm Smugglers Party at the Art Shack
Swing on by for live music, adult beverages and a great time at Stock Island’s newest party venue, art gallery & studios on Front Street. Takes place at the Art Shack, 6404 Front Street. More info at keywestsmuggler.com.
Sunday, December 15
11am – 5pm Shrimp Boil
Feast on an amazingly delicious and affordable old time classic shrimp boil featuring Key West Pink Shrimp fresh off the shrimp boats, smoked sausage, new potatoes and sweet corn on the cob. Kick back and enjoy the freshest seafood, panoramic waterfront views and outdoor dining. Reservations should be made in advance. Takes place at Hogfish Bar & Grill.
11am &12:30pm Stock Island Guided History Tour
Enjoy air conditioned comfort in the Up The Keys Tours vans for a one-of-a-kind ride around Stock Island. This one hour guided tour takes you all around Stock Island where you’ll learn about its storied history, colorful characters and see first hand the Key West of yesterday. Preregistration requested. Departs from Stock Island Marina Village/Salty Oyster.
11am – 4pm Stock Island Artist Studio Tours
Did you know more than 50 artists and craftsmen call Stock Island home? Everything from lighting designers to wooden boat builders, sail makers to soapers haver little studio spaces tucked into the nooks and crannies. You’ll get a behind the scenes look at the spaces, studios and shops that make up the eclectic Stock Island Arts District. Use your phone to bike (or drive) to visit our many talented artists that make Stock Island their home.
10am, Noon, 2pm, 4:30pm Sail General Patton’s Boat the historic SV When & If
When General (Then Colonel) George S. Patton commissioned one of America’s greatest designers to build him a boat in 1939, he had the ultimate ambition in mind: “When the war is over, and If I live through it, Bea and I are going to sail her around the world.” “When and If” was a new idea: a yacht which would maintain all her classic beauty and hold her own in recreational racing whilst being sturdy, comfortable, safe and luxurious enough to take a family on the voyage of a lifetime. Long after the General’s untimely death in 1945, “When and If” sails on. Immaculately and lovingly restored at 76 years old this gorgeous sailing machine stands as a monument to the private ambition of a great war hero and the ingenuity of a great designer. Departs from Stock Island Marina. Limited seating. Reservations: SailWhenAndIf.com.
1 – 3pm Christmas at the Sheriff’s Animal Farm
Here’s your chance to visit the furry, fluffy and feathered residents of Stock Island’s animal farm and petting zoo and get a photo taken with Santa. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm is located at the county’s detention center just northeast of Key West at 5501 College Road.
10:30am – 2pm Brunch & Pool Party
Don’t miss this great brunch featuring three amazing buffets, unlimited small plates, unlimited Bloody Mary’s & Mimosas, as well as some terrific live music. When you’re done, head over to the gorgeous pool and soak in the view. Takes place at at Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen.
6pm Lost Kitchen Spotlight Dinner: Chef Norman Van Aken
The Lost Kitchen Supper Club presents an evening with celebrity Chef Norman Van Aken, a James Beard Award semifinalist for the “Best Chef in America.” The menu includes Chef Norman’s Signature Cuisine. Full bar available. Doors open at 6pm for the meet and greet reception with passed hors d’oeuvres. Dinner served around 7. Tickets: Lostkitchenkeywest.com
