There’s never a dull moment down here in Paradise because there is always something going on. Here’s a month-by-month calendar of major food-related events that have become longstanding traditions.
JANUARY
Key West Food & Wine Festival
Key West: Celebrate the local culinary arts community and enjoy lots of lively events all over the island, including a Welcome Beach Party, Wine Dinners, Shrimp Boil, Wine & Food Seminars, Bad Ass Brunches, “Duval Uncorked,” Neighborhood Wine Strolls, Grand Tasting, and much more. Info: 305-292-1622.
Uncorked Food & Wine Festival
Key Largo/Islamorada: Culinary experts step up to the palate for ten glorious days of food, wine, and spirited events. You can enjoy wine tastings and dinners, cooking demos, food and wine pairing classes, art and wine shows, a Gospel Brunch, and the Florida Keys’ famous “Chopped” Charity Event. Info: 305-522-1300; floridakeysuncorked.com.
Baygrass Bluegrass & Craft Beer Festival
Islamorada: This weekend-long festival kicks off, mid-January “downtown” Islamorada on Fri, with a celebration along the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District. On Sat, a fun Pickin’ Party & BBQ starts at 5 pm in Founders Park. The main concert, which happens on Sun, from 11 am – 8 pm, features a terrific blend of excellent Bluegrass music as well as a Craft Beer Garden and arts & crafts vendors. Info: baygrassbluegrass.com.
Florida Seafood Festival
Key West: Lots going on for both adults and kids from feasting on fresh local seafood and shopping for marine-related crafts, to face-painting, kids’ hands-on activities, raffles, and live music. Takes place on Sat from 11 am – 8 pm and on Sun from 11 am – 5 pm in Bay View Park at 1320 Truman Ave. Info: 305-619-0039; floridakeysseafoodfestival.com.
Master Chefs Classic
Key West: Local chefs go head to head as they compete for Best of the Best in Appetizer, Entree, and Dessert categories as they provide a fantastic array of incredible food for those who are lucky enough to snag tickets. This event always sells out early and is a fundraiser for the MARC House. The event takes place from 4 – 7 pm at Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina, 245 Front St. Info: 305-294-9526; masterchefsclassic.com.
FEBRUARY
Food Truck Festival
Key West: The Key West Art & Historical Society plays host to this family-friendly musical feast that showcases the grooving tunes of local and international acts as well as top-notch food trucks. Takes place from noon – 7 pm at Fort East Martello parade grounds.
Valentine’s Day Champagne & Aphrodisiacs Sunset Sail
Key West: Celebrate Valentine’s Day aboard the romantic Schooner America 2.0. with an oh-so-special Champagne and Aphrodisiacs Pairing Sunset Sail. You and your true love can sail along Key West’s beautiful turquoise green waters, sipping delicious champagnes and sparkling wines from around the world paired with a titillating selection of gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Ooh-La-La! Find it on the docks behind Schooner Wharf Bar in Key West’s Historic Seaport. Info and reservations: 305-293-7245; sail-keywest.com.
Wesley House Valentine’s Day Gala
Key West: This heartfelt block party doubles as a fundraiser for Wesley House Family Services and includes top entertainers, the island’s largest silent auction, open bar, dancing, and a lavish buffet dinner. Takes place from 6:30-9:30 pm at Key West’s historic Curry Inn, 511 Caroline St., Key West. Reservations and info: 305-809-5000. keystix.com.
MARCH
Original Marathon Seafood Festival
Marathon: The signature culinary and family event celebrates the Keys’ bounty with all kinds of gourmet delicacies from the waters of the Florida Keys. Live music, an open-air art show, and lots of vendor booths make for a delectable weekend. Open Sat from 10 am – 9 pm and on Sun from 11 am – 5 pm. Takes place at Marathon Community Park, MM 49, Oceanside. Info: 305-743-5417; floridakeysmarathon.com.
Islamorada Seafood Fest & Art Show
Islamorada: This lively, hometown festival is a local favorite and always draws fun crowds who take to the street for a day of yummy fresh seafood, culinary delights, fine art, crafts, and jammin’ entertainment. Takes place from 11 am – 5 pm in the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District at MM 81 on Old Hwy., Islamorada. Info: 305-664-8120.
Key Colony Beach Day
Key Colony Beach: This old fashioned, annual event draws a local island crowd who gather for a lazy day of good food, drinks, and music. Start with the Shriners’ Pancake Breakfast at 8 am, stroll the art and crafts booths, try your luck at the world-famous barracuda races, or bet on your favorite plastic ducky in a “swim” against all the odds across the 7th Street Canal. Free admission and parking. It takes place from 8 am – 4 pm at City Hall Park, Key Colony Beach. Info: KCBCA.org
APRIL
Florida Keys Island Fest
Islamorada: Two full days of music, food, and fun including one of the largest crafts shows in the Keys, live entertainment, sandcastle-building, kids’ activities, and the annual “Taste Of Islamorada” — a local chefs’ competition which happens on Sunday. Free admission. Takes place from 10 am – 5 pm at Founder’s Park, MM 87, Bayside, Islamorada. Info: 305-664-4503; islamoradachamber.com.
Taste of Key West
Key West: Over 50 top area restaurants and 100+ vineyards present mouthwatering samples of their cuisine to benefit AIDS Help, Inc. Food and wine tickets cost $1 with “tastes” ranging from $3 – $8. The culinary celebration takes place from 6 – 9 pm at the Truman Waterfront Pier (end of Southard St.) overlooking Key West Harbor. Free admission. Info: 305-296-6196.
MAY
Key West Whiskey Fest
Key West: Enjoy this new celebration dedicated to top class whiskeys. Highlights include a big kick-Off Party, a wide range of tastings, Whiskey Walks, Workshops, Brunches and much more. Info: 305-509-9775; keywestwhiskeyfest.com.
JUNE
Mango Fest Key West
Key West: It’s four days of “Mango Madness” during this tasty annual event that includes mango tasting, mango trees, and mango daiquiris. The culinary competitions between local chefs and residents alike showcases the colorful abilities of what the mango, also known as the king of fruit, has to offer. The Vendor Village gives art collectors and foodies the experience of a festival atmosphere. Music is provided along with live radio broadcasts. It takes place from 10 am to 3 pm at Bayview Park, 1400 Truman Ave. Info: 305-809-3874; mangofestkeywest.com.
JULY
Key Lime Festival
Key West: A crazy “Mile High” pie-eating contest, Key Lime Pie Hop, Key Lime Rum Sampling, Cooking Lessons, and other tasty temptations are all on the menu for this wacky, 4th of July weekend event that kicks off with a Key Lime Sip & Stroll. Complete event schedule at keylimefestival.com.
Hospice & VNA July 4 Picnic
Key West: This annual family-friendly, beachside picnic is also a fundraiser for Monroe County’s Hospice with an endless supply of hot dogs and hamburgers, top entertainment, silent auction, children’s activities, and a giant fireworks display off the White Street Pier by Higgs Beach. VIP seating on the beach available. Takes place on the lawn and beach of the historic Casa Marina Resort, 1500 Reynolds St. Info: 305-294-8812.
Mini-Lobster Season
Every Mini Lobster season, the coastal areas of Florida are flooded with lobster hunters trying to get their share of this year’s bounty. There are two Florida Lobster Seasons, the two-day mini-season, and the eight-month regular lobster season. The mini lobster season is always the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July.
AUGUST
Key West Lobsterfest
Key West: It’s a weekend of “Lobstermania” when approximately 10,000 pounds of succulent, locally caught lobster is grilled, sautéed, stuffed and deliciously prepared to celebrate the bounty of the Keys lobster season. Lots of activities all weekend long. Info: 305-294-2000; keywestlobsterfest.com.
Key West Brewfest
Key West: More than 150 beers and craft brews are on tap at this “tasty” annual event that includes beer dinners, beer brunches, Happy Hour parties, pool parties, late-night parties, seminars, and the Signature Tasting Festival Event on Saturday. Info: 800-354-4455; keywestbrewfest.com.
NOVEMBER
MaRrVelous Pet Rescues “Spay-ghetti & No Balls Holiday Gala”
Key Largo: This fun annual dinner, auction and mega dance party benefits MarrVelous Pet Rescues, dedicated to uniting pets with loving homes and families. Takes place at 6:30 pm on the waterfront at the beautiful Snook’s Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki, MM 99.9 Bayside, Key Largo. Tickets are EXTREMELY limited and not sold at the door. Info and tickets: 305-453-1315; spayghetti.com.
Taste of The Islands
Marathon: This award-winning event draws several thousand attendees and features local restaurants, live entertainment, vendors, and artists, a tribute to veterans, fashion show, kids’ activities, plus live and Chinese auctions. Takes place from 11 am – 5 pm at Marathon Community Park, MM 49, oceanside, Marathon. Info: 305-923-9976.
Key Largo Chamber Of Commerce Cook-Off
Key Largo: This legendary culinary competition challenges both professional and amateur cooks and chefs, as well as young aspiring chefs to create their very best soups and chowders, appetizers, main dishes, sides, and salads, as well as desserts. Takes place from 6 – 8:30 pm at the Holiday Inn, MM100, Oceanside in Key Largo. Tickets: Key Largo Chamber of Commerce. Info: 305-451-4747; keylargochamber.org.
DECEMBER
“I Love Stock Island” Festival
Key West: Celebrate Stock Island’s culture and heritage with three great days of the very best Stock Island has to offer, including music, foodie events, wine, beer & rum pairings, history & art studio tours, water sports, and fresh straight-off-the-boat seafood! Takes place on Stock Island. Info: 573-680-5468; ilovestockisland.org.
Florida Keys Holiday Festival
Islamorada: A 35’ holiday tree blows magical snow at this festive extravaganza, which includes a parade, caroling, holiday gift bazaar, delicious food, Vino Village, live music, and a silent auction of masterpiece ornaments created by local artists. Takes place from 4 – 10 pm at Founders Park, MM 87, Bayside. Info: 305-664-4503; islamoradachamber.com.
Noche Buena – Christmas Eve Feast
Key West: Why go to a restaurant on Christmas Eve when you can enjoy a real Key West family dinner? “Noche Buena” is a long-celebrated tradition in Latin communities and is proudly celebrated in Key West by local families. Local resident Wayne Garcia and his family will be serving up a traditional menu of Roast Pork, Black Beans and Rice, Plantains, and postre. Takes place from 6 – 10 pm in Lily’s Garden at the Oldest House Museum, 322 Duval St. Info: 305-294-9501; oirf.org.
Gingerbread House Making Party
Key West: Get your gingerbread on during this free, hands-on event that takes cookie making to a whole new level. Takes place from 11 am – 3 pm in Lily’s Garden at the Oldest House Museum, 322 Duval St. Info: 305-294-9501; oirf.org.
