Signs in Key West, Florida
Key West is often dubbed “Key Weird” with good reason. Throughout the past century, the island has spawned its own unique way of life that might seem downright bizarre to outsiders and mainlanders. Nowhere is this more evident than in its annual event calendar. Here are just a few of our favorite Key West festivals for 2015:
Annual Key West Historic House & Garden Tours
Key West was once the country’s richest zip code. Today, many of its original million-dollar homes still stand and open their doors every year to interested travelers. During the Annual Key West Historic House & Garden Tours, a number of private homes around the island invite visitors in to tour their remarkable restorations and renovations. Many feature significant art and antique collections that reveal a great deal about Key West’s history. For 2015, tickets are $30 with tours taking place in Feb 13-14 and March 13-14.
Conch Shell Blowing Contest
The conch shell is an icon of Caribbean life and it’s almost as emblematic of Key West as well. Historically, “the far-reaching sounds from conch shells were used by the Calusa Indians for communication, by sailors as fog horns, and by early Key West citizens to signal salvagers that a sinking ship was spotted offshore.” Every year, thousands gather to celebrate this natural icon with the island’s Conch Shell Blowing Contest. At the annual “Conch Honk”, as it’s known locally, contestants can enter and compete for free — amateurs are welcome and there’s no experience necessary. Free for children and adults on March 7, 2015 at noon, at the Oldest House, 322 Duval Street.
Annual Old Island Days Art Festival
Art and culture buffs will appreciate Key West’s Annual Old Island Days Art Festival. For 2015, the festival celebrates its 50th anniversary with a two-day event with more than 100 juried professional and college artists scheduled to share their works in a variety of media including paintings, photography, and sculpture. Several downtown blocks are closed off and the works are placed among the island’s most scenic, historical sites including the Mel Fisher Museum, Little White House, and the Audubon House. Free, open air show held on Feb 21-22, 2015.
National Sword Swallower’s Day
It seems there’s a day of the year to celebrate everything, so why not sword swallowing? Every year, the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Key West Odditorium celebrates this lost art on National Sword Swallower’s Day. At least two dozen professional sword swallowers will be in attendance this year to perform their own unique acts, take photos and sign autographs for fans. Free admission on Feb 28, 2015.
Curious how to get around Key West? Short of a rental car, the Key West Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour is one of the best ways to sightsee on the island. For less than $30 per day, visitors can visit twelve of the island’s most notable landmarks, including Mallory Square, Duval Square, and the historic waterfront among others.
See all that Key West has to offer with these tours!
-Contributed by Mike Richard
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