Key West’s hilarious Conch Republic Independence Celebration, which honors
our community’s “secession” from the US, happens on Friday, April 19 through
Sunday, April 28.
The birth of our “nation” began in March 1982 when the Feds put up a roadblock in Florida City so the Border Patrol could search every car leaving or entering the Keys for illegal drugs. Reports of this unprecedented action and the traffic jams that ensued circumvented the world. Community leaders soon realized that the Keys’ budding tourism was at stake. A failed injunction filed against the government’s blockade prompted Key West’s Mayor to proclaim: “We are going to secede.” And just like that, the Conch Republic was born.
On April 23, a new Conch Republic flag flew above Key West’s City Hall and also graced the 30’ mast of the Schooner Western Union. Armed with an arsenal of water balloons, Conch fritters and stale Cuban bread, the schooner set sail to attack the US Coast Guard Cutter DILIGENCE who then decimated the crew with water cannons
The Mayor (now the “Prime Minister” of the Conch Republic), immediately surrendered and demanded foreign aid from the US. The Feds ignored the demand but did remove the blockade. Today, the Conch Republic exists as a sovereign state of mind and signifies our vision of an America we are proud to be part of.
Conch Republic Independence Celebration Highlights
Please confirm details with event organizers or venues in case of changes or cancellations.
DAILY
2 – 7 pm Conch Republic Welcome Center
Visit the festival welcome center to get event tickets, Conch Republic Passports, and the location for “Official Conch Republic Merchandise.” Find it at the Conch Republic Seafood Co at 631 Greene St in Key West’s Historic Seaport.
Friday, April 19
Noon – 1 pm Conch Republic Raising of the Colors
& Opening Ceremony
The Republic High Command raises the colors of the Conch Republic Flag accompanied by the sounds of conch shell blowing and blustery speeches.
7 PM Conch Republic Independence Celebration:
Kick-Off Party
Enjoy great live music, a fun Conch Shell Blowing Contest and stories about how Key West’s Conch Republic was born. Festivities kick off at 7 pm at Schooner Wharf Bar in Key West’s Historic Seaport at 200 Williams St in Key West’s Historic Seaport. Info: 305-292-3302; schoonerwharf.com.
Saturday, April 20
1 PM Conch Crawl & Pub Stroll & After Party
Enjoy libations at seven different storied saloons in historic Old Town. The Crawl and Stroll begins at 1 pm from the 801 Bourbon Bar, 801 Duval St. followed by a lively After Party at Salty Frogs Bar & Grill, 407 Front St. Event tickets available online.
More info: 305-509-9775; conchrepublic.com.
(Rob O’Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau/HO)
2 PM Conch Republic Drag Race
This outrageous event features glamorous garbed female impersonators sprinting down Duval in six inch heels. Takes place on the 700 Block of Duval. Always draws
a huge raucous crowd!
Sunday, April 21
4 – 6 PM Conch Pool Crawl
Visit four fabulous Pool Bars for drinks and merriment. You’ll receive a commemorative souvenir cup to taste five premium tropical libations while you bask in the sun next to Key West’s most gorgeous pools. Takes place at the Keys Collection of hotels located along North Roosevelt Blvd: Fairfield Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, The Gates Hotel, 24º North Hotel. More info: 305-509-9775; conchrepublic.com.
5:30 – 8 PM Jazz in the Gardens
Enjoy terrific jazz amidst lush flora and fauna during this free hang that draws Key West’s top jazz cognoscenti. Full bar, champagne, and fabulous wines. This popular Sunday happening takes place from 5:30 – 8 pm at the Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela St. Info: 305-294-2661; gardenshotel.com.
Monday, April 22
6 – 8 PM Conch Republic Cock —Tail Party & Tour
Join the fun and frivolity as the Conch Republic enjoys a famous Key West sunset aboard the historic USCGC Ingham. Takes place from 6 – 8 pm on the US Coast Guard Cutter & Maritime Museum, Ingham located at the Truman Waterfront, 21
E Quay Rd. More info: 305-509-9775; conchrepublic.com.
Tuesday, April 23
5 – 8 PM Muster Conch — Tail Party &
Independence Ceremony
This one’s a secret. Tickets include reserved seating, C-Rations food package cash bar and live music by Tiki Man Radio or Aerospace Program Tent. Takes place from 5 – 8 pm. Register at form.jotform.com/TREETeam/ConchTailMuster.
5:30 PM Conch Republic Secession Ceremony
Hosted by Conch Republic dignitaries and military members, this colorful ceremony takes place at the Truman Waterfront Pier next to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter
Ingham museum ship. Includes live music and a cash bar.
Wednesday, April 24
6 – 10 PM Hot Havana Nights
The Cuban Party of the Year! Dance the night away with island music by Caribe of Key West; savor great food from Kaya Island Eats; and enjoy exotic drinks from the Backyard Bar! You’ll also have san opportunity to bid on fantastic Cuban art, crafts, jewelry and novelty items as well as trips to Cuba. Takes place at the Backyard Bar
at Kaya Island Eats, 610 Rear Duval St. Reserve your seats at form.jotform.com/TREETeam/hot-havana-2024. Call or go to website for late breaking event info:
305-509-9775; conchrepublic.com.
Thursday, April 25
6 – 8:30 PM Sunset Cruise Aboard the ARGO NAVIS
Take in a famous Key West sunset while enjoying fine wines, craft beers, artisan cheeses, a gourmet charcuterie, and small-batch chocolates on this luxury catamaran. Takes place from 6 – 8:30 pm. Departs from 0 Margaret St in the Historic Seaport. Info: 305-509-1771; sailargonavis.com.
Friday, April 26
7 PM Conch Republic Boat Parade
Fly your Conch Republic flag proudly on a cruise aboard one of Key West’s finest vessels as we salute the Maritime History of Key West. Participating vessels include; Danger Charters | Fury | Jolly II Rover | America 2.0 | Argo Navis | Barefoot Billy’s | Sunset Water Sports
9 PM Conch Republic Independence Celebration:
Post Parade Party
Follow the Conch Republic’s annual parade back to the Historic Seaport for a party that rocks the docks. Takes place at Schooner Wharf Bar in Key West’s Historic Seaport at the foot of Williams St. Info: 305-292-3302; schoonerwharf.com.
Saturday, April 27
5 – 10 PM First Annual Brawl On Duval
This amateur boxing tournament is sure to be a knock and benefits the Key West Police Activities League. Takes place on the 200 Block of Duval. More info: 305-509-9775; conchrepublic.com.
7 PM Conch Republic Independence Celebration:
Pirates’ Ball & Costume Contest
Arghh – don your best pirate threads and get ready for the biggest pirate bash in the Keys. Prizes for Best Wench, Best Buccaneer, and Cutthroat Surprise, along with additional prizes for Best Pirate Masks! Cash Bar and dancing with live music.
Takes place at Schooner Wharf Bar in Key West’s Historic Seaport at the foot of Williams St. Info: 305-292-3302; schoonerwharf.com.
1 PM Wrecker’s Cup Race Series
Watch the third leg of the spirited 7-mile race to Sand Key, where bragging rights are the top prize. The race kicks off at 1 pm, followed by an Awards Party & Ceremony at Schooner Wharf Bar in Key West’s Historic Seaport at the foot of Williams St. Info: 305-292-3302; schoonerwharf.com.
4 – 6 PM Conch Pool Crawl
Visit four fabulous Pool Bars for drinks and merriment. You’ll receive a commemorative souvenir cup to taste five premium tropical libations while you bask in the sun next to Key West’s most gorgeous pools. Takes place at the Keys Collection of hotels located along North Roosevelt Blvd: Fairfield Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, The Gates Hotel, 24º North Hotel. More info: 305-509-9775; conchrepublic.com.
5:30 – 8 PM Jazz in the Gardens
Enjoy terrific jazz amidst lush flora and fauna during this free hang that draws Key West’s top jazz cognoscenti. Full bar, champagne, and fabulous wines. This popular Sunday happening takes place from 5:30 – 8 pm at the Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela St. Info: 305-294-2661; gardenshotel.com.
