News

You may hear it on the coconut telegraph, but you can read about it from the Concierge in 25 words or less.

Key West Concierge

Ahoy, Mateys! The Conch Republic Turns 42, and Key West Is Throwing a Bash Fit for a Pirate

March 18, 2024 • KW Concierge

In the realm of quirky celebrations, Key West, Florida, is hoisting the colors for the Conch Republic's 42nd birthday with a bash that's as unconventional as its origin. From April 19 to 28, the island chain is set to come alive with over 20 colorful events that promise to blend a pirate's sense of adventure with a dash of island whimsy. This is not your average birthday party. A Little Rebellion...


Sofia Talvik's "Center of the Universe" Tour Hits the Florida Keys

March 18, 2024 • KW Concierge

Ready to embark on a musical journey that’s truly out of this world? Sofia Talvik, the siren of Swedish-American folk, is docking her “Center of the Universe” tour at the Key West Library this April. If you’ve ever wondered what it sounds like when the melancholy of the Swedish soul meets the heart of American folk, this is your chance to find out. Who’s Sofia? A tr...


A Dallas Angler Clinches Victory at the Prestigious March Merkin Permit Tournament

March 18, 2024 • KW Concierge

In an exhilarating turn of events deep in the Florida Keys, Robert Dougherty of Dallas, Texas, clinched victory at the 2024 March Merkin Permit Tournament, an event that wrapped up on March 14. Dougherty’s masterful catch-and-release of two permit fish, both reeled in on the nail-biting final day of the competition, scored a combined length of 130 centimeters. This impressive feat, measured ...


Marine Conservation to Highlight Mote’s Ocean Fest in Key West April 20

March 12, 2024 • KW Concierge

Just when you thought Key West couldn't get any more ocean-centric, the Mote Marine Laboratory is gearing up to make a splash with its 2024 Ocean Fest. Scheduled for April 20, smack-dab in the middle of the Florida Keys’ protected marine sanctuary, this shindig is more than just a nod to the big blue—it's a call to arms for ocean lovers and conservationists alike. And hey, it's free, s...


Mixing Art and History: Key West's Truman Little White House Brews Up TRU-ly Amazing Events

March 11, 2024 • KW Concierge

Just when you thought Key West couldn't get any more picturesque, the Harry S. Truman Little White House throws in a splash of paint and a dash of history to create something truly unique. In a blend that only the island can pull off, two TRU-ly Amazing Art events are set to offer creative spirits a once-in-a-lifetime experience — painting alongside a descendant of Truman himself. First up,...


Blowin' in the Wind: Key West's Annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest

March 10, 2024 • KW Concierge

It's not every day that you see folks trying to make music with a conch shell, but down in Key West, Florida, that's exactly the spectacle dozens gathered to witness at the annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest this weekend. The competition ended on a high note with a tie in the men's division between Peter Drake and Brian Cardis, proving that "pucker power" is no joke when it comes to playing tunes ...


Reel in the Excitement: Key West’s First Sailfish Tournament Makes a Splash April 11-13

March 06, 2024 • KW Concierge

Alright, fishing aficionados, mark your calendars! The Key West Sailfish Tournament, an epic battle of angling agility, is set to make its grand debut April 11-13. It's not just another fishing event; it's the inaugural quest for the high-flying sailfish, where teams will showcase their skill in a catch-and-release challenge that's all about points and prestige. Who's going to snag the biggest br...


Hook, Line, and Sinker: The Spanish Fly Shark Tournament is Making a Splash in Key West

March 01, 2024 • KW Concierge

In a thrilling nod to the legacy of a Florida Keys fishing legend, the inaugural Spanish Fly Shark Tournament is set to cast off April 5-7. This all-release contest, a tribute to the beloved charter captain and TV personality Jose Wejebe, isn't just a fishing tournament—it's a memorial on water. Organized by the Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation, it aims to challenge anglers, honor a local her...


Win a Dream Trip to the Florida Keys with "Cultural Heritage Quest"

February 26, 2024 • KW Concierge

Just when you thought the allure of the Florida Keys couldn't get any stronger, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council drops a bombshell of a giveaway. Picture this: a social media trivia contest that could land you a luxurious getaway to the heart of the Keys' rich cultural scene. Sounds too good to be true? Well, buckle up, because it's happening. Dubbed the "Florida Keys Cultural Herita...


Key West's Newest Nightlife Gem: The Birdcage Cabaret

February 22, 2024 • KW Concierge

In the vibrant heart of Key West's LGBTQ entertainment district, a new star is born on Duval Street. The Aquaplex, already a beacon of nightlife and entertainment, is setting the stage for a grand unveiling that's sure to captivate locals and visitors alike. Come Friday, March 1, The Birdcage Cabaret will fling open its doors, revealing a world where glitz meets glamour in an unforgettable show he...