Key West

Seafood lovers can savor dishes made with Florida Keys fish and crustaceans, and salute the local commercial fishermen who harvest them, at a flavorful Key West festival scheduled Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 14-15.

A classic holiday ballet, re-imagined to celebrate Key West's coral reef environment, seafaring heritage and even its free-roaming roosters, has debuted in the subtropical island city.

New Year’s Eve partiers unwilling to endure cold-weather festivities, such as the traditional “ball drop” in New York’s Times Square, can find exuberant celebrations and far warmer temperatures in the Florida Keys.

Sizeable king mackerel and adrenaline-fueled competition are the attractions for angling teams during the 2023 Key West Kingfish Mayhem tournament. The challenge takes place Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 12-15, with two divisions.

Athletes including American and international champions are to test their strength and stamina in Key West Saturday, Jan. 7, during the annual Pole Vault in Paradise competition.

An exploration of today’s Black literature and African-American literary history awaits audiences Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 12-15, during the 40th annual Key West Literary Seminar. Themed “Singing America: A Celebration of Black Literature,” the seminar brings together nearly two dozen dynamic contemporary authors, poets, journalists and scholars in an open-air subtropical setting.

Sunny, breezy subtropical holidays in the Florida Keys & Key West are filled with warmth and good cheer throughout the 125-mile-long island chain. From Key Largo to Key West, the 2022 holiday season features spirited events such as lighted boat parades, historic inn tours, only-in-the Keys frivolity, sparkling waterfront celebrations and other island festivities.

Critically acclaimed Americana artist Shakey Graves and other indie and folk-rock all-stars are to take center stage during the 2022 COAST is Clear Music & Arts Festival, a Key West grassroots gathering set for Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 1-4.

Santa might arrive by sailboat instead of sleigh, and balmy Key West has never seen snow, but visitors can immerse themselves in seasonal spirit and celebrations during the 2022 Key West Holiday Fest that runs through Dec. 31.