Key West

New Year's Eve revelers in subtropical Key West enjoyed six offbeat warmer-weather takeoffs on New York City's traditional Times Square "ball drop" — including the 20th annual "drop" of a female impersonator called Sushi in a super-sized red high heel.

Canines had a doggone good time in Key West Sunday ,  when the annual Key West Dachshund Walk kicked off New Year’s Eve celebrations in the island city’s historic Old Town. 

A long roster of leading Americana and “Red Dirt” musical acts, performing in a subtropical waterfront setting, await music lovers Wednesday through Saturday, Feb. 7-10, at Key West’s inaugural Mile 0 Fest.

From beachside fireworks to wacky takeoffs on the traditional ball drop in New York's Times Square, the Florida Keys offer visitors a wealth of ways to welcome 2018. And because "winter" in the subtropical island chain means balmy breezes rather than blizzards, revelers can leave heavy coats and boots behind as they head out to celebrate wearing light dresses or shorts and sandals. 

Teams of women and girls from around the world are to meet for adrenaline-packed sporting events and activities Monday through Monday, Jan. 22-29, during the 27th annual Kelly McGillis Classic International Women’s & Girls’ Flag Football Championship.

Angling teams targeting kingfish can vie for more than $30,000 in cash prizes during the 2018 Key West Kingfish Mayhem tournament slated for Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 11-14.

Providing visitors year-round entertainment, special events and festivals in the Florida Keys & Key West focus on the area’s colorful history, artistic culture and quirky ambiance, as well as celebrating the island chain’s underwater paradise, outdoor adventures and tasty cuisine.

The Florida Keys & Key West offer a variety of new and enhanced attractions, accommodations, tours and cultural offerings to entice, intrigue and entertain visitors. Explore the winter 2017-18 highlights here.


 

Key Largo and Key West were least impacted by Hurricane Irma, as were hotels and businesses on the bayside or gulfside in Islamorada and Marathon. Most tourism infrastructure is largely restored. Visitors can anticipate memorable, quality vacation experiences in most areas of the destination.

Awards and prizes await winning Florida Keys culinary artists at the annual Master Chefs Classic, but the real winners are the event attendees who sample and savor the dishes presented for judges’ consideration.