Arts & Culture

Visitors can experience sights, sounds and flavors recalling Key West’s Bahamian heritage at the family-friendly Goombay Festival scheduled Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18-19.

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.

The colorful history of Key West incorporates shipwreck treasures and artifacts, renowned artists and eccentrics, pioneering women, a cigar-making heyday and a vibrant past as a bustling seaport. The area’s cultural and historic richness is preserved, spotlighted and celebrated in the island city’s many museums.

The subtropical island of Key West, renowned for its all-welcoming diversity, is to host thousands of women during the annual Womenfest celebration scheduled Wednesday through Sunday, Sept. 4-8.

In tune with one of most off-key celebrations on the planet, revelers are to gather in Key West to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Fantasy Fest, the island’s internationally renowned masking and costuming festival. Scheduled Friday, Oct. 18, through Sunday, Oct. 27, the exotic extravaganza features masquerade balls, costume competitions, street fairs, performance art, glamorous galas and an over-the-top grand parade. 

The subtropical island of Key West, internationally known as a top LGBTQ destination, is to welcome visitors to a long weekend of all-male adult activities Wednesday through Sunday, Aug. 14-18, during the annual Tropical Heat celebrations.