January may be a dead month in other parts of the country, but not here in the Florida Keys where there is always something going on. From festivals and concerts to theater, cabaret, gallery openings, and exhibits, there are a whirlwind of activities to keep you occupied.
Please confirm details with event organizers or venues in case of changes or cancellations.
ONGOING
Daily
Mario Sanchez Original Works & Lecture
Key West: Learn about the real “Old Key West” from Mario Sanchez, Florida’s most important folk artist. Nance Frank has curated multiple exhibits of famed Cuban artist, Mario Sanchez with catalogues for his exhibit presented by The American Folk-Art Museum, The Museum of the City of New York as well as Cuba’s National Museum. Her daily presentation about Sanchez’s life and work is absolutely fascinating. Takes place daily at 2pm at Gallery on Greene, 606 Greene St. Info: 305-304-2323; galleryongreene.com.
Daily
Historic Marker Tours
Key West: Discover a little piece of paradise during this self-guided tour which explores Key West’s 120 Historic Markers in the Largest Historic District of Frame Buildings in the United States. See photos and listen to the history and stories these buildings have to tell.Presented by the Key West Art & Historical Society. Info: 305-295-6616; kwahs.org.
Daily
Green Pineapple Key West Yoga
Key West: Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned practitioner, this Hatha-based yoga studio offers daily classes designed for every skill level. Based on the foundations of traditional yoga practices, classes include Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Gentle, Breath and Mindful Movement, Pilates, and Meditation. The Green Pineapple Yoga Shala also offers workshops to feed your body, mind, and soul. Private or Group Classes are also available. Come early or stay after class for a fresh juice, a cup of tea, or a super healthy Zen-Bite in the plant-based Wellness Cafe. Find it nestled inside The Green Pineapple Wellness Center, 1130 Duval Street, Key West. Info: 305-509-7378; greenpineapplewellness.com
Nightly
Key West Sunset Celebration
Key West: Each evening, about two hours before sunset, flocks of people gather at Key West’s Mallory Square and on the pier behind the Opal Resort & Marina on Front Street to watch the sun slowly sink into the Gulf of Mexico and to revel in the colorful street performers, local artists, psychics and food vendors who have made Key West’s Sunset Celebration a world-famous, multicultural happening.
ONGOING
Christopher Peterson’s Eyecons
Key West: Often compared to the legendary Jim Baily, master of impersonations, Christopher Peterson is, without a doubt, one of North America’s foremost female impressionists — both visually and vocally. His hit show, EYECONS, is one of the hot-test tickets in town, and you’ll be amazed by the way he transforms himself into more than a dozen famous women right before your very eyes with the help of his “magic closet.” Catch him in the Crystal Room Cabaret at La Te Da, 1125 Duval St, Key West. Tickets and info: 305-296-6706; lateda.com.
ONGOING
Randy Roberts Live!
Key West: Spotlighted on television’s hit series “America’s Got Talent,” Randy Roberts shines in this live, multi-media tribute to some of the world’s most beloved per-formers. His uncanny impersonations of Cher, Better Midler, and Mae West are spot-on, and he’ll have you rolling in the aisles when he performs a titillating strip-tease as the bawdy Gypsy Rose Lee. But nothing compares to “Consuela,” Roberts’ self-created character, which can only be described as Ann-Margaret, Liza Minnelli, and Joan Rivers, all rolled into one powerhouse performer. Catch this fantastic show at La Te Da’s Crystal Room Cabaret, 1125 Duval St, Key West. Tickets and in-fo: 305-296-6706; lateda.com.
Nightly
Cabaret @ d’vine Wine Gallery
Key West: This is a great hang if you want to kick back with a fine glass of wine and settle in for an intimate cabaret performance by some of Key West’s favorite performers like classical guitarist Matteo Jampol (Fri) and pianist Bobby Green (Sat and Sun). Takes place from 5 – 7 pm at The Gardens Hotel and Cottages, 526 Angela St. Info: 305-294-2661; gardenshotel.com.
Nightly
Jazz at Tavern N’ Town
Key West: Key West’s top talent, including “Island Chanteuse,” Carmen Rodriquez, and Michael Thomas, perform nightly from 5-7 pm during Key West’s best Happy Hour. Takes place at Marriott Beachside Resort, 3841 N Roosevelt Blvd. Info: 305-296-8100; tavernntown.com.
Nightly
Aquaplex
Key West: With five venues all under one roof, Key West’s state-of-the-art entertainment complex is where it’s all happening. SideBar, a world-class dance club with high-tech lighting and an industrial vibe, connects each venue, including a lovely outdoor garden bar called the Back Bar. Then, Poké in the Rear is a fun back-yard Hawaiian eatery that’s open until 11pm; the 22 & CO bar known for its tutu-wearing clientele, neon flamingo décor, and unique glittering cocktails. There is the original Aqua Nightclub, renowned for its outrageous drag shows. What more could you ask for? You can find the Aquaplex at 711 Duval St. Info: 305-294-0555; aquakeywest.com.
Wednesday – Saturday
Cabaret in The Gardens
Key West: Key West’s Gardens Hotel is one of the most beautiful boutique hotels on the island, and every Weds through Sat from 5 – 7pm, you can enjoy outstanding, live piano music in the Hotel’s intimate Cabaret. Full bar and stellar wines are the coup de gras. Find it at 525 Angela St. Info: 305-294-2661; gardenshotel.com.
Every Third Wednesday,
Immerse Yourself!
Key West: On the third Wednesday of every month, the History of Diving Museum stages its fascinating “Immerse Yourself!” presentation series, featuring various guest speakers who cover topics from all aspects of the diving industry and marine environment. Free admission. It takes place at 7pm at the History of Diving Museum, 82990 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada. Info: 305-664-9737; divingmuseum.org.
Fourth Wednesday
Potluck in the Courtyard
Key West: The Studios of Key West hosts this casual potluck to celebrate the most recent artists, coming from near and far, who share their work and aspirations from their time here. Please bring an appetizer, salad, main dish, dessert or snack and TSKW will supply the drinks. Takes place from 6 – 7pm under the covered courtyard at the Carriage Trade Artist Residency House, 529 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; TSKW.org.
Every Thursday
Glow Hours on Hugh’s View
Key West: This weekly rooftop Happy Hour comes with the best views in town. Hugh’s View sits on the roof of The Studios of Key West and boasts panoramic vistas across the rooftops of Old Town, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic. Takes place weekly from 6 – 8pm at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; TSKW.org.
First Thursday
Art & Shopping Walk
Key West: Grab a pair of comfortable shoes and stroll this collection of great galleries, unique boutiques and design studios, spanning from Studios of Key West at Eaton and Simonton, to Guild Hall Gallery on Duval and all the galleries and boutiques in the neighboring 500 Block of Fleming. Takes place from 6 – 9pm.
Third Thursday
Walk On White Gallery Walk
Key West: One of Key West’s original art walks includes exhibitions and receptions at galleries and shops along White St from Southward to United. Takes place from 6pm – 9pm.
Third Thursday
Morada Way Arts & Cultural District Art Walk
Islamorada: Fine arts, live music and “culinary art” are the hallmark of this festive monthly event which happens along the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District. Takes place from 6 – 9pm on Old Hwy, MM 81.5, Oceanside. Info: 305-664-2471; moradaway.org.
First Fridays
Upper Duval Street Stroll
Key West: Galleries, boutiques and cafes open late for exhibitions and receptions on Duval St from Truman to United. Starts at 6pm.
Every First Friday
First Fridays on Fleming
Key West: “The Fabulous 500 Block of Fleming Street” showcases boutiques, galleries, and eateries with all kinds of cool events, including jewelry trunk shows, art openings, book signings, tastings, and libations. It takes place from 6 – 9 pm. Info: 305-304-9001; shoplocalkeywest.com.
Every Third Saturday
Native Plant Sale
Key West: Peruse over 2,000 native, rare, and endangered plants from the Keys, Cuba, and the Western Caribbean at this terrific monthly plant sale. From 9 am-Noon at the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden, 5210 College Rd. Info: 305-296-1504; keywest.garden.
Second Saturday
I Love Stock Island Art Stroll
Key West/Stock Island: Over 10 local artists at several different locations showcase sculptures, woodworking, mosaics, screen printing, soaps, fabric art and more. Takes place from 11am – 5pm at the Stock Island Arts District. Info: 305-731-5780: ILoveStockIsland.org.
Every Sunday
Jazz in The Gardens
Key West: Enjoy some hot jazz amidst lush flora and fauna during this free hang that draws Key West’s top jazz cognoscenti. Full bar, champagne, and fabulous wines. Takes place from 5:30 – 8 pm at the Gardens Hotel, 526 Angel St, Key West. Info: 305-294-2661; gardenshotel.com.
Now – January 15
Diva! Live from Hell by Monahan & Oyen
Key West: The high school drama club president literally kills for a role and finds himself starring in a “flaming hot” cabaret presented nightly – live from hell. Wickedly fun. Takes place at the Key West Armory, 600 White St. Info: 305-731-0581; Tickets at fringetheater.org.
Now – January 16
Pollinators: Original Works by Tropical Botanic Artists
Islamorada: This new arts-meets-nature exhibit by members of the Tropical Botanic Artists collective includes original illustrations of birds, butterflies, moths, bees, wasps, even aquatic zooplankton, with plants they pollinate. See it Wed – Sun from 10am – 5pm at the Keys History & Discovery Museum, on the grounds of the Islander Resort, 82100 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada. Info: 305-992-2237; KeysDiscovery.com.
January 6 – 27
South of Southernmost by Mark Hedded
Key West: Ballast Key is a backcountry island seven miles west of Key West. Donated to the National Wildlife Refuge system by the late David Wolkowsky, it is now a backcountry research station. “South of Southernmost” is a photography project that documents the arc of the island’s story as it reorients from the human to the wild. Takes place in the Sanger Gallery at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; tskw.org.
January 7
Culinary Conch Cuisine
Key West: Enjoy cooking demos celebrating the cuisine of Key West dating back to the early settlers, learn how to prepare rock candy with Bahamas’ Village Candy Girls, and join Chef Martha of Williams Hall, who shows you how to prepare fresh conch. Tickets are $65, and seating is limited. Hosted at both the Oldest House at 322 Duval Street and at Williams Hall at 729 Fleming Street. Tickets and info: 305-294-9501; oldesthousekeywest.com. Also available at the Oldest House Museum store.
January 8
Brew on the Bay
Key Largo: This Craft Beer & Home Brewers tasting event features over 30 microbrews. Takes place at Rowell’s Marina, mile marker 106.8 bayside. Proceeds benefit the Rotary Scholarship Foundation. Info: 305-587-1888; keylargorotary.org.
January 8 – 9
Annual Florida Keys Celtic Festival
Marathon: Break out your kilts and dancing shoes because this festive Gaelic celebration will have you kicking up your heels. Enjoy top acts by international Celtic bands, Celtic vendors, Celtic food and beer, highland athletics, and a children’s glen. The Festival begins on Sat, January 8, from 10am – 8pm and continues on Sun, January 9, from 11 am – 5pm at Marathon Community Park, MM 49. Tickets and info: 941-625-8544; floridakeyscelticfestival.com.
January 12 – 29
Matilda
Key West: Based on the 1988 children’s novel of the same name, this heartwarming story centers on Matilda, a precocious 5-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis, who loves reading, overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school, and helps her teacher to reclaim her life. On stage at the Waterfront Playhouse, 310 Wall St. Info and tickets at 305-294-5015; waterfrontplayhouse.org.
January 14
Baygrass Bluegrass Festival
Islamorada: Enjoy a blend of the best of traditional Bluegrass with the next generation of Bluegrass and some tasteful variations of the genre. The outdoor fes-tival features two days of live music on the shores of Florida Bay. Takes place at Founders Park. Info: 305-394-2765; keysice.com.
January 14 – 27
RokIsland Fest
Key West: Some of the world’s greatest rock bands descend upon the island for this much anticipated inaugural event. Takes place at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater on the Truman waterfront. Tickets and info: rokislandfest.com.
January 15 – 16
Annual Big Pine & Lower Keys Nautical Expo
Big Pine: Get great deals on all things nautical as well as on local arts and crafts, clothing, and jewelry. Live music, food, and beverages, too. Free admission and parking. Takes place from 8am – 2pm at the Lower Keys Chamber, MM31, Oceanside grounds. Info: 305-872-2411; lowerkeyschamber.com.
January 15 – 16
62nd Annual Key West Home Tours
Key West: The annual Key West Home Tours™ is one of America’s oldest and longest-running home tours and features five lovely homes and gardens on each day’s hosted tour. Each stop reflects the varied tastes and originality of its owners. Takes place from 2 – 4pm. Tickets and schedules are available online at OIRF.org. Info: 305-294-9501.
January 19 – 22; January 26 – 29
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Key West: Shakespeare’s frolic reimagined and directed by Richard Ericson. Takes place on Hugh’s View rooftop terrace at The Studios of Key West, 529 Eaton St. Info: 305-296-0458; TSKW.org.
January 19 – April 13
Dive Into Art: Fanta-Sea
Islamorada: This wonderful themed exhibit focuses on “fantastical” art showcasing works by local and middle school students. Underwater fantasy themes include Mermaids, Atlantis/Sunken Cities, Seafaring, Ocean Mythology/Sea Monsters, Literature/Fairytales, Surrealism and Deep Sea Diving. Takes place daily from 10am – 5pm at The History of Diving Museum 82990 Overseas Hwy, (MM83) Islamorada. Info: 305-664-9737; divingmuseum.org.
January 25 – 29
Annual Mile 0 Festival
Key West: This island-wide music festival boasts the best in Red Dirt and Americana, with 80 artists performing 100 shows. Opening Party kicks off on Tuesday, January 25, with a free concert on Duval Street. Subsequent concerts take place on numerous stages throughout Key West. Info: mile0fest.com.
January 26 – 30
Key West Food & Wine Festival 2022
Key West: As one of the nation’s Top 10 Food & Wine events, this festival attracts thousands of culinary explorers from around the country. Over 20 unique events are showcasing a diverse collection of wines and inventive cuisine. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the local culinary arts community and enjoy waterfront tastings, winemaker/chef collaborations, and lots of funky local happenings. Info: 305-292-1622; KWFoodWineFest.com.
January 29 – 30
Annual Key West Craft Show
Key West: This juried, nationally recognized outdoor craft festival attracts over 100 fine and skilled artists who showcase their beautiful pottery, fabric, glass, wood, jewelry, and other colorful handmade works. Takes place from 10am – 5pm along Whitehead St from Greene St. to Eaton and on Caroline St. at Truman Annex in Key West. Info: 305-294-1243.
January 30
Annual Schooner Wharf Wrecker’s Cup Race
Key West: This is the first leg of the spirited 7-mile race to Sand Key, where bragging rights are the top prize. The race kicks off at 1 pm with an Awards Ceremony at 7pm. Takes place at Schooner Wharf Bar in Key West’s Historic Bight. Info: 305-292-3302; schoonerwharf.com.
January 30
Annual 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. Takes place from 4 – 7pm at the Opal Resort & Marina, 245 Front St. Info: 305-294-9526; masterchefsclassic.com. Tickets: keystix.com.
