Press Releases

Divers should pack their pumpkin carving tools when they gear up for the 21st annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest Saturday, Oct. 5, in Key Largo waters.

Runners of all ages are attracted to a unique scenic bridge race above the Upper Florida Keys and the eastern edges of the Florida Everglades. The annual First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run is scheduled Saturday, Nov. 9.

While the Florida Keys stone crab harvest runs from Oct. 15 to May 15, November’s annual Stone CrabClaw Eating Contest is an undisputed highlight of the seven-month season. The much-anticipated munch-a-thon is to draw amateur eaters and their fans Saturday, Nov. 9. 

The Florida Keys & Key West, with community efforts to sustain precious natural resources through the Connect & Protect initiative, continue to unveil ways to preserve the Keys’ environment and connect visitors who love the outdoors to the island chain’s unmatched beauty.

Female anglers can learn, network and enjoy lighthearted tournament competition during the annual no-experience-necessary "Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!" girls getaway scheduled Friday through Sunday, Oct. 18-20, in Islamorada.

Through Oct. 13, visiting families can explore Florida Keys attractions, tours, watersports and other offerings with a value-added program that provides free admission for children age 12 or younger. Called Kids Free Florida Keys, the program was created by the Key West Attractions Association.

When rock icons Mick Jagger and David Bowie performed “Dancing in the Street,” the lyrics didn’t mention Key West’s Masquerade March. But they should have, because each year several thousand masked and costumed revelers dance, promenade and strut their stuff in the madcap march along the island’s scenic streets.

Revelers can showcase their most creative masks and outrageous headdress regalia at the 37th annual Headdress Ball slated for Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Key West Amphitheater located at Truman Waterfront Park.

Known as a haven for sun-seekers, Key West might seem an unusual place for creatures of the dark to congregate — except, that is, during the annual Zombie Bike Ride. Thousands of “the bicycling dead” are to prowl the island’s Atlantic Ocean shoreline and streets Sunday, Oct. 20, during the eerie yet oddly lighthearted event.