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Key West Lobsterfest 2016

July 31, 2016 by

Key Wes Lobsterfest 2016The dates of August 11 – 14, 2016 should have lobster lovers excited. That is because spiny lobster season is now open and in celebration Key West will host the annual Lobsterfest event. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this popular festival celebrating the lobster, benefitting the Key West High School Scholarship Fund.

Not only do the locals love to attend, but Lobsterfest draws about 20,000 visitors each year as well. So, if you have not already booked your hotel rooms, you better do it now!

The highlight of this event would have to be the local chefs creating delicious recipes with the spiny lobster for us to sample and enjoy. But there are many other events happening during this festival as well:

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11th, 2016

  • LOBSTER BOIL AT THE SUNSET TIKI BAR & GRILLE @ 617 FRONT ST.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12th, 2016

  • REEF & RITAS  3 HOUR CATAMARAN SAIL AND SNORKEL TRIP SPONSORED BY MARGARITA LIFE.
  • DUVAL CRAWL JUST $20 FOR THE T-SHIRT, LANYARD & DRINK SPECIALS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13th, 2016

  • STREET FAIR – ART, CRAFTS, MERCHANDISE AND OF COURSE, LOTS OF LOBSTER!
  • FREE CONCERT INTERSECTION OF DUVAL ST. AND GREENE ST

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14th, 2016

  • LOBSTER BRUNCH – A SUMPTUOUS BRUNCH WILL BE SERVED AT THE KEY WEST MARRIOTT  BEACHSIDE

And when you have had enough lobster (is that even possible?) visitors can enjoy so many other fun aspects of the island. We have several beaches, fun fishing charters, snorkeling trips to the gorgeous reef, and plenty of museums about Key West’s rich history.

It is hot outside, so please remember to wear hats, lots of sunscreen, and drink plenty of water while you are walking around Duval Street.

Before deciding where you are going to eat (besides at Lobsterfest), be sure to read my restaurant reviews; check out our restaurant review section of this blog as well as our previous restaurant reviews.

For more information about the fun side of Key West… things to do and see in our island city, go to our Key West Web Site.

Feel free to Email Me if you have any questions about Key West!!

Island Genn
Key West Concierge

 

 

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Conch Republic

April 6, 2015 by

conch-republic-logoYou may have heard Key West referred to as the Conch Republic. That is because in 1982, Key West seceded from the United States.

What prompted this move was a roadblock set up by the US Border Patrol on US1 in Florida City, blocking the only way to get to the Florida Keys via vehicle. Delays getting into the Keys were starting to effect the economy of the islands when people decided to cancel their vacations to the area because they wanted to avoid the hassle. After petitions from Florida Keys government officials to the United States Federal government to remove the road block were denied, Keys community leaders determined that a roadblock separating Monroe County from the rest of Florida was basically the same as a road block between the United States and Mexico or Canada. So, they decided that seceding from the United States was their best option.

Then Key West Mayor Dennis Wardlaw was chosen as the Prime Minister of the new Conch Republic. On April 23rd he read aloud the Conch Republic Proclamation of Secession in the middle of Clinton Square. Afterwards he declared war on the United States by throwing stale Cuban bread at the federal agents that were in Key West to monitor the secession situation. A Conch Republic Military was even formed from locals with boats and planes.

After this stunt, the United States government did finally remove the road block, although the secession was never formally addresses by anyone.

So nothing ever really became of the Conch Republic. But in the 1990s Conch Republic Days began as a way to draw tourists to the area celebrating the islands’ attempts at secession from the great nation of the United States. Events for this week long celebration held each April include a drag race, a bed race, a car show, a music festival, parades, a craft show, and the famous Bloody Battle. You can even buy a Conch Republic Passport (which is not good for anything other than a silly souvenir).

April 17 – 26, 2015 is when this year’s celebration of the Florida Keys secession from the United States will be celebrated. So come on down and join in on the wacky fun!

 

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Lobsterfest 2013

May 24, 2013 by
Lobsterfest 2013

Lobsterfest 2013

With Memorial Day upon us, summer is now knocking on our door. And one of the best things about summer in Key West is the opening of lobster season which is celebrated through Lobsterfest, the biggest event of the summer! August 8 through the 11th, lobster lovers will come to Key West by the thousands to join the celebration and enjoy some sweet Florida lobster. Restaurants like Bagatelle and Shor that are sponsoring the event will have booths set up during the street fair or specials in the restaurant to showcase this tasty crustacean.

Schedule of Events

 

Thursday August 8th 8pm

 

Key West Lobster Boil at the Sunset Tiki Bar & Grille – 617 Front St.
Each guest will receive over a pound of the boil including lobster, shrimp, andouille sausage, sweet corn on the cob and new potatoes. The sides will be Cuban bread and fresh tossed salad with choice of dressings. A variety of drink specials will be offered as well as live entertainment. The cost is just $22 per person. For reservations email phil@sunsettikibar.com.

Friday August 9th, 8pm-?

 

Kick-Off Party Rick’s/Durty Harry’s Entertainment Complex 202 Duval St.
Jam with the “Durt Bags” on the main stage in Durty Harry’s or dance to the hottest music on the deck in Rick’s Upstairs.

**8th Annual** Lobsterfest Duval CrawlTM
Immediately following sunset, join hundreds of party people for a stroll down Duval Street. Everyone receives an Official Lobsterfest T-Shirt and souvenir lanyard, plus 2 for 1 Coronas and 3 Olives cocktails! Proceeds benefit Key West High School Scholarship Fund. Purchase tickets from the Ship to Shore store at the Rick’s/Durty Harry’s Entertainment Complex, 202 Duval St. 11am til 2am Daily. Arrive early to avoid the crowd! T-shirts are available August 6th.

Saturday August 10th, Noon-11pm

 

**18th Annual** Street Fair 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 blocks of Duval St.
Art, crafts, merchandise and of course, lots of lobster!

Saturday, August 10th, 1pm – 10:30pm

 

Free Concert intersection of Duval St. and Greene St.
Scheduled acts to be announced.

Sunday, August 11th, 11am – 4pm

 

Lobster Brunch 
A sumptuous brunch will be served at the Double Tree – Grand Key Resort 3990 S. Roosevelt Blvd. Reservations are suggested! Call (305) 293-1818.

For more information about things to do and see in our island city, go to our Key West Web Site. You can also visit our Key West Events Calendar to see more details on other upcoming special events.

And for restaurant reviews check out our restaurant review section of this blog as well as our restaurant reviews at www.gotothekeys.com.

Island Genn – Your Key West Concierge

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Key West Holiday Events

December 22, 2011 by

There are a few things happening on our island this week and next. Some are holiday related and others are not. But they are all interesting! Definitely something for everyone happening this time of year!

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