CONNECT TO THE ARTS

THIS WEEK

OCTOBER 16-23

ART STROLLS

Walk on White: Season Kick-off

Thursday, October 17, 6-9 p.m.

White Street Art District

White Street between Southard and United, Key West

Art lovers can explore an array of offerings at more than 20 destinations showcasing the works of painters, photographers, sculptors, ceramic and mixed media artists, and artisan jewelry makers while enjoying beautiful island architecture, exhibit openings, creative demonstrations, musical, literary and performance offerings, libation and food samples and the pleasure of connecting with community.

Click HERE for more information.

Morada Way Arts & Cultural District Art Walk

Thursday, October 17, 6-9 p.m.

MM 81.5, Islamorada

Keys-inspired fine artists, vendors, residents, and visitors congregate on Morada Way in Islamorada to celebrate Art & Culture in the stunning Florida Keys. Originating in 2011, this event allows emerging artists, musicians, chefs, and local retailers to showcase their creativity.

Click HERE for more information.

THEATER

Rocky Horror Show

Tuesday through Friday, October 15 - 25, 8 p.m.

Waterfront Playhouse

407 Wall St., Key West

Kicking off our 86th season is an encore production of the incredibly popular Fantasy Fest production that has delighted audiences for years (and which Tom Thayer will return to direct).

For more information, click HERE.

Bum Farto: The Musical

Thursday through Saturday, 17-19 & 21-26, 4:30 & 6 p.m.

San Carlos Institute

516 Duval St., Key West

Bum Farto the Musical brings to life one of Key West’s most infamous and colorful characters. Bum Farto, the fire chief who mysteriously vanished in 1976, is reimagined as a charismatic anti-hero in this wildly entertaining musical. With a story spilling over with Key West’s eccentric charm, director Pamela Stephenson Connolly crafts a tale as quirky and captivating as the island itself.

Packed with unforgettable tunes, high-energy dance numbers, and a cast of colorful characters, this show brings the island’s freewheeling spirit to life. From start to finish, Bum Farto the Musical takes you on a rollercoaster ride through his outrageous life and its outward ripples. You can’t help but be drawn into the madness, laughing along as Bum Farto’s escapades unfold into hilarious drama.

For more information, click HERE.

SMUGGLERS’ TALES

A Reincarnation of Anne Bonny, Mary Read and Grace O’Malley

Thursday, October 17, 7pm

Helmerich Theater

Studios of Key West

533 Eaton St., Key West

Join us for an exciting installment of La Cucaracha Chronicles’ Smugglers’ Tales series, where we delve into the lives of modern female smugglers. Moderator Tony Yaniz will lead a candid conversation with three real-life smugglers and a law enforcement official. As with previous installments, their stories will be completely uncensored—what’s shared in the theater stays in the theater!

For more information, click HERE.

Star Wars Strips

Friday through Thursday, October 18 - 24, 8 p.m.

Key West Theater

512 Eaton St, Key West

In a galaxy far, far away… Key West Burlesque presents their most epic show ever, "Star Wars Strips: A Burlesque Parody". A night of lightsabers and laughs that puts a cheeky twist on your favorite and unforgettable characters, the production follows the storylines of episodes 4, 5 and 6: “A Nude Hope”, The Empire Strips Back” and “Return of the Hot Guy” from the ultimate cinematic universe. Disclaimer: This is a parody production.

For more information, click HERE.

The Addams Family: A New Musical

October 24 - 27 & November 1 - 3, 7 p.m.

Coral Shores High School Performing Arts Center

89901 Old Hwy, Tavernier

THE ADDAMS FAMILY, a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family– a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough,

For more information, click HERE.

ARTS COUNCIL

Meet Key West Artist Theresa Chiechi Poster Signing Party

Tuesday, October 22, 3-5 p.m.

Tropicado at La Concha

430 Duval St., Key West

Celebrate with Theresa Chiechi, the winning artist of the poster & t-shirt design for Fantasy Fest 2024 with live music and wine tasting at La Concha’s new Mojito Bar.

Click HERE for more information on Fantasy Fest schedule.

Members Show 2025:

CALL FOR ARTISTS

Art drop offs

Key West

Monday - Wednesday, October 28-30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Gato Building 2nd. Floor

1100 Simonton St., Key West

Upper Keys

Saturdays, November 9 & 16, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Kona Kia

97802 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo

This season's show is open to all current members, who are encouraged to share a work or two that expresses our love of the beauty of the Keys theme: Then & Now - Artists of the Keys.

We will feature our Member artists' works along with precious artworks we are honored to share that we have received over the years from estates and families of the Keys.

Click HERE for the direct submission link.

FESTIVALS AND FUNDRAISERS

Reef Fest 2024: A Celebration of Ocean Conservation

Friday through Sunday, October 17 - 20, times vary

REEF Campus

98300 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo

REEF Fest includes diving, snorkeling, kayak eco-tours, ocean-themed seminars, and social events. Since 2015, REEF has hosted REEF Fest each fall in the Florida Keys. Divers, snorkelers, and ocean lovers attend REEF Fest to celebrate their love of marine life and learn about the latest in conservation.

Click HERE for more information.

Witches in the Hammock

Friday & Saturday, October 18 - 19, 6:30 - 9 p.m.

Crane Point Museum

5550 Overseas Hwy., Marathon

Tis the season to walk with witches. Take a torch walk on the nature trails to someplace haunted. Watch the witches dance, visit with Casper the Friendly Ghost, enjoy the kids costume contest and hayrides, and find food including hot dogs, chili dogs, corn dogs and roasted corn. 5550 Overseas Hwy.

Click HERE for more information.

Native Plant Sale

Saturday, October 19, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Conservation Day: Native Plant Sale, Nature is Art Children’s Workshop and a Composting Workshop.

Screaming Green Halloween

Saturday, October 26, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

This highly anticipated and attended event offers our community ‘a safe Halloween’ in a fun way learning to save the environment with examples of recycled items for costumes, & decorations. Arts, crafts, games, and candy stations are placed throughout the garden, so kids trick-or-treat in costume while exploring the Garden! 2 costume competitions (5 and under & 6 – 12) with prizes.

Key West Botanical Garden Society

5210 College Rd., Key West

Click HERE for more information.

FANTASY FEST 2024 Kicks Off

Friday, October 18 - 27, various times

various venues, Key West

This outrageous 10-day costuming and masking celebration features flamboyant masquerade competitions, and over 30 cleverly themed Parties and performances. Togas, Tutu’s, Body Paint and Burlesque, Halo’s, and Homemade Bikinis. Join the fun!

See full schedule HERE.

Goombay Street Festival

Friday & Saturday, October 18 - 19, Noon - Midnight

Bahama Village Neighborhood

Whitehead St., Key West

This exuberant street party showcases island arts and crafts, music and food in the heart of Key West’s historic Bahama Village neighborhood. The festival’s main entertainment stage is located at the corner of Petronia and Emma Street and features nonstop musical entertainment ranging from reggae to soca. This is a family-friendly event. Noon to midnight; FREE.

Click HERE for more information.

Zombie Bike Ride

Zombieland

Sunday October 20, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Zoombie Ride

Sunday October 20, 6 p.m.

Fort East Martello

3501 South Roosevelt Blvd., Key West

Join in the fun early as we gather at Zombieland in Fort East Martello starting at 2 PM for the newly-expanded Kids Zone with bounce houses and more! Body painting, food vendors and a full bar is on the grounds of the starting area.

The Main Event: Hop on your bike and join the thousands of costumed zombies at 6 PM when the zombie invasion heads down A1A to downtown Key West for the FREE Zombiefest Dance Party at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater presented by Rams Head. The unearthly antics culminate in the ZombieFest After Party at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, 21 E. Quay Road. Admission is free and scheduled attractions include food vendors, a full bar, and three huge bands — Electric Kif, Sueñalo and Afrobeta — rocking the Zombie Stage.

Click HERE for more information.

Pet Masquerade

Wednesday, October 23, 6 p.m.

Coffee Butler Amphitheater

Truman Waterfront Park, 21 Quay Rd., Key West

Join us for our famous Pet Masquerade Event. You will see a carousel of frisky pets and playful owners performing for fame, fortune and prizes. Think you and your furry, feathered or slithery friend have the purrfect outfit? Four categories to enter including Junior, Pet/Owner Lookalike, Most Exotic, Best Theme Adaptation, as well as Overall Winner/Best in Show-$25 each entry; benefits the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Animal Farm.

Click HERE for more information.

A Very Pinfish Halloween Bash

Saturday, October 19, 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Pinfish

91214 Overseas Highway , Tavernier

Have a frightfully fun time at Pinfish starting at 3 p.m. with a costume contest for the kiddos. Dress them up in the cutest or creepiest attire for a chance to win prizes. Then, after the sun sets and until 10 p.m., it's time for the adults-only Haunting Bash, with costume contests, bowl-offs, happy hour brews, spooky menu specials, plus the chance to challenge the staff at games for wicked prizes.

Click HERE for more information.

Alien Invasion Halloween Party

Saturday, October 19, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Islamorada Brewery & Distillery

82229 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada

Prepare for a night that's out of this world at a cosmic celebration featuring a costume contest where the best alien outfits will win stellar prizes. Sip on specialty shots and galaxy-inspired drinks and dance to futuristic beats and Halloween hits on the space-themed dance floor.

Click HERE for more information.

Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest

Saturday, October 19, 12:30 p.m.

Amoray Dive Resort

104250 Overseas Highway, Key Largo

Divers are provided with cleaned pumpkins, then must carve out a creative jack-o-lantern while submerged in the ocean off Key Largo. The theme for this year's contest is "Creatures From the Black Lagoon." Carvers of the top 3 pumpkins, chosen by the Amoray dive captain and mate, are to receive prizes.

Click HERE for more information.

Tribute to the Buena Vista Social Club Featuring Cortadito

Saturday, October 19, 6 p.m.

The Florida Keys Brewing CO. Yard

81611 Old Highway Islamorada

Enjoy this live musical tribute to the Buena Vista Social Club and their distinctive brand of Cuban Country by the group Cortadito from Miami. Community Arts & Culture presents the evening, free of charge, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and "La Hispanidad," the shared culture and identity among people who speak Spanish.

Click HERE for more information.

Key West Sunset Celebration

Daily one hour prior to sunset

The Dock at Mallory Square, Key West

A nightly arts festival of arts and crafts exhibitors and psychics, street performers, food carts, and of course the thousands of tourists from around the world who visit this Key West art show.

Click HERE for more information.

CALL TO ARTISTS

60th annual Key West Art & Craft Festival Seeks Artists

Open through November 11. 5 pm

Calling all Artists! Apply for the 60th annual Key West Art & Craft Festival to be held February 22-23 on the Quay at Historic Truman Waterfront Park. Sponsored by the Key West Art Center Applications accepted through ZApplication.

Click HERE for more information. For online application, click HERE.

Questions? Contact the Art Center 305-294-1241 or Susann D’Antonio 305-304-6005.

Grants for Monroe County Artists & Arts Organizations

Open through November 30, 5 pm

Florida Keys Council of the Arts

Artists In Schools Grant

INNOVATION and COLLABORATION equals EDUCATION. Awards of $2,000 available for teaching artists.

Click HERE for online application.

Special Project Grant

CREATIVITY and SUPPORT equals NEW OPPORTUNITY

Awards of $2,000 available for a project that has a beginning, middle and end.

Click HERE online application.

Questions email director@keysarts.com.

Call to Artists: Anne McKee Artist's Fund Auction

Open through October 31

The Anne McKee Artists Fund of the Florida Keys, Inc. announces a Call to

Artists for the 2025 Fine Art Auction. The auction and tropical gala will be held on Friday, February 21st at The Studios of Key West. The auction will also feature a Tribute to Anne McKee, who passed away this year at the age of 100.

Each participating artist receives 50 percent of the proceeds from the sale of their work, while the McKee Fund receives the remainder to award to other Keys visual, literary and performing artists for select projects.

Only 40 entries will be accepted due to space and time limitations. The Anne

McKee Artists Fund of the Florida Keys, Inc., in its sole discretion, determines

whether art submitted will be accepted for auction.

Click HERE for more information and to apply.

Call to Artists:Gardens - Winter Members’ Exhibition

Drop off: Thursday through Tuesday, Nov 14-19, 10 a.m. - 4p.m.

The gardens we live with are an expression of who we are as much as the clothes we wear: wild or restrained; moody or ebullient; carefully nurtured or joyfully haphazard. Each is a product of the soil from which it arises, touched by inspiration. Of course, our gardens in the Keys are stocked with shapes and colors you won’t find anywhere else – especially in December! Our annual winter exhibition is a cornucopia of ideas and images that grew in the minds of our members, or blossomed before their eyes.

Click HERE for more information and to apply.

ARTIST RECEPTIONS

IN CONVERSATION WITH...Sharon McGauley

Wednesday, October 16, 5:30 p.m.

Jag Gallery

1075 Duval Street, C23, Key West

JAG's series of gallery talks continues as we host our featured artist, Sharon

McGauley, currently on view with new works in our first exhibit of the new season, WELCOME BACK! No stranger to the Key West art community, Sharon was one of the original founders of the former Lemonade Stand Art Studio and today her work is found in prominent international public and private collections. Come chat it up with Sharon on Wednesday!

Click HERE for more information.

GALLERY TALK: Guy Hermelin

Thursday, October 17, 5pm

SANGER GALLERY

Studios of Key West

522 Eaton St., Key West

Guy discusses his body of work currently on view in the Sanger Gallery with Michael Ross, Director of Exhibitions & Education.

Experience the vibrant fusion of colorful abstract paintings, fashion illustrations, wearable art, and elaborate costumes. He’s been in the gallery crafting a spectacular 10×10 foot carnival costume in preparation for this year’s Fantasy Fest! See the progress he’s made so far and return all month to keep up with it.

Click HERE for more information.

"Dry Tortugas: Stronghold of Nature" Book Signing with Ian Wilson-Navarro

Saturday, October 19, 6-8 p.m.

Hale Gallery

In the Ocean Sotheby's Building

81888 Overseas Hwy Unit 2, Islamorada

"From star-studded nights to fish-filled waters, nesting terns to hatch ling sea turtles, and the varied moods of historic Fort Jefferson through looming storms to tranquil sunsets, photographer Ian Wilson-Navarro shares a diverse view of one of the most remote and mysterious locations in Florida.

Click HERE for more information.

Margs & Makers: Meet the Artists

Monday, October 21, 12 - 5 p.m.

Sacred Space

529 Southard St., Key West

Enjoy Dulce Vida snazzy margaritas while you meet more than 5 different local artists at this all female gallery. We will have Ashli Tillett Designs, Drifting Through, Washed Ashore Seaglass, pottery by Wildflower Art and Zen Jewelry by Karen Moore popping up in the gallery. You will have the chance to meet each of the artists and shop their new work during this fun event!

Weekly Classes

Visit Sacred Space for full schedule of classes.

Sign up for classes HERE.

Underwater Photography Gallery

Thursday October 24, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Underwater Photography Gallery

22627 La Fitte Drive, Cudjoe Key

The exhibit features marine life of the Florida Keys, behavior and photography techniques. Mike and Suzanne Lombard have been diving and photographing underwater around the world for over 40 years. They support ocean conservation and recovery of threatened/endangered species such as manatees, turtles, sharks, dolphin, and other rare/ endemic aquatic life.

Click HERE for more information.

ARTIST MARKETS

Waterfront Farmers Market

Thursday, October 17 (Every Thursday), 2-7 p.m.

Farmer's Market

Truman Waterfront Park, Key West

(end of Southard Street)

Culinary, beverages, produce, seafood, apparel, gifts, and art.

For more info contact Sean@dailyplan-it.net

Island Home: Local Artisan & Gourmet Market

Friday, October 18 (Every Friday), 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Island Home

88720 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier

Pick up and indulge in Artisan Breads, Local Honey, Nut Butters, Homemade Jams, Oils, Spreads, Dried Fruits & Veggies, Baked Goods, and more!

Key West Artisan Market Kicks Off

"Welcome to the Party"/Zombie Watch Party” Fantasy Fest Edition

Sunday, October 20 (Every Sunday through April), 10 a.m. - 2p.m.

Higgs Beach at the Key West Wildlife Center parking lot

1801 White St., Key West

The Key West Artisan Market kicks off its 12th season with the "Welcome to the Party" Fantasy Fest edition Sunday, October 20, 2023, in the parking lot at Sonny Mccoy Indigenous Park, 1801 White Street. This unique show will be from 10 am to 2 pm with all the regular artists and vendors and again from 5 pm to 7 pm with a selection of food and beverage to support the throngs of viewers lined up to watch the Zombie Bike Parade.

The Key West Artisan Market is a unique open air bazaar filled with artists, authors, chef-made cuisine, craftspeople, performers and fresh produce representing diversity, creativity, ingenuity and locally made products. Each week offers a different theme and features one or more local charities.

Click HERE for more information.

LECTURES

Guiding Star: The Legacy of Jose Wejebe

Rescheduled to Wednesday, October 23, 6 p.m.

Florida Keys History & Discovery Center

82100 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada

We will welcome Krissy Wejebe, daughter of Jose Wejebe and founder of The Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation as our first lecture speaker of the season!

Doors open at 5 pm for our opening reception of the "Guiding Star: The Legacy of Jose Wejebe" exhibit from The American Museum of Fly Fishing. The lecture begins at 6 pm.Join us as Krissy shares her father's inspiring story.

Click HERE for more information.

Our Magnetic Sun

Thursday, October 17, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Curry Hammock State Park

56200 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Explore the sun's mysteries with ranger Libby Elliott. She'll guide attendees through activities to learn about our magnetic sun, including safe telescope viewing of the sun.

Click HERE for more information.

Happy Hour with the Historan: Building the Over-Sea Railroad

Thursday, October 17, 5 p.m.

Comedy Club

218 Whitehead St., Key West

The Key West Art & Historical Society is excited to offer a series of fun historical lectures entitled ‘Happy Hour with the Historian’. At the time, they said it couldn't be done and called it "Flagler's Folly," but it is one of the largest engineering feats the world has ever seen. The talk features a detailed look into the project, focusing on the grueling task of construction and the jubilation at its completion.

Click HERE for more information.

Smugglers' Tales - A Reincarnation of Anne Bonny, Mary Read and Grace O'Malley

Thursday, October 17, 7 p.m.

Studios of Key West

522 Eaton St., Key West

La Cucaracha Chronicles presents a new installment of the popular Smugglers’ Tales series, this time featuring the stories of female smugglers. Tony Yaniz moderates a freeform conversation between three female smugglers and a law enforcement official. As with previous Tales, their stories are completely uncensored – what’s told in the theater doesn’t leave the theater!

Click HERE for more information.

Art by Mario Sanchez

Mario Sanchez

Daily, 2 p.m.

Gallery on Green

606 Greene St, Key West

Mario Sanchez, 1908 American, whose art tells the unwritten history of Key West and in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian American art Museum, and the American of Folk Museum in New York.

Click HERE for more Sanchez images..

LITERARY

Keys Writers Meeting

Wednesday, October 16, 1 p.m.

Big Pine Library Conference Room

213 Key Deer Blvd, Big Pine Key

Explore writing in a fun, supportive environment with the Keys Writers Group! All styles and abilities are welcome. Participants may bring up to five pages, double spaced, to read aloud. If you can, bring 5-7 copies to share. The group offers feedback in a friendly, constructive way. Not ready to share? Come to a meeting to get acquainted and offer feedback. "Writers need readers!"

For information, call 305-849-0294 or email joan@vestaastrology.com.

Literary Seminar Writers' Workshops Program Accepting Applications

Now Open

Our Writers’ Workshop Program provides writers at all stages of development with opportunities to explore the craft of writing.

Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, Small Miracles: an Exploration of Short Story; Hilton Als, Key West and the Queer Home (all genres); Lynne Barrett, Plot and Structure, Structure and Plot (all genres); Malinda Lo, Developing the Young Adult Voice (fiction); Ange Mlinko, Writing Poetry Alongside the Iliad (poetry); Safiya Sinclair, The Intersection of Home, Memory and Imagery in Memoir (nonfiction).

Enrollment is typically limited to twelve participants per workshop to ensure individual attention.

For information and application link, click HERE.

FILM

Tropic Cinema

Sunday through Tuesday & Thursday through Saturday

various times

Tropic Cinema

416 Eaton St., Key West

Tropic Cinema offers a wide variety of films daily except for Wednesday with show times starting from midday through evening hours. In operation since 2004 it has become one of Key West’s most recognized landmarks.

Offering classic films and documentary series

For current movies information, click HERE.

MUSIC

Dead-Zep

Wednesday, October 16, 8 p.m.

It’s somewhat boggling to think of Jerry Garcia and Jimmy Page swapping riffs – the beatific Buddha and the slashing, edgy Page. But as veteran player of Grateful Dead music Waynard Scheller noticed one night, the chords of the Dead anthem “St. Stephen” merged seamlessly into “Whole Lotta Love.” Then he sat down and found lots of pairs of songs that fit together. And thus was born “Dead-Zep,” a new band formed from his Rainbow Full of Love to mash up the two repertoires.

For more information, click HERE.

An Evening with Nick Norman

Friday, October 18, 7 pm

A show-stopping vocalist and sharp songwriter, Nick Norman brings humor, heart, southern storytelling, and soulful swagger to the country genre. It's a sound that began taking shape in his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina, where Nick grew up listening to a soundtrack of home-state heroes — including Edwin McCain and Hootie & the Blowfish — and icons like Stevie Wonder and The Band.

For more information, click HERE.

Key West Theater

512 Eaton St, Key West

Key West Jazz Society Duo

Thursdays, 4-7 pm

Hemingway Social Club

201 Simonton St, Key West

Vintage and Latin Jazz with Channing (clarinet, sax, flute) and company.

For more information, click HERE.

Jazz In The Gardens on Sundays

Sundays, 5-7 pm

The Gardens Hotel

526 Angela St., Key West

ARTIST CLASSES

PAINTING CLASS: “Funky Flamingo"

Saturday, October 19, 1 - 3 p.m.

Big Pine Moose Lodge

3681 Wilder Rd, Big Pine Key

All materials and instruction included. Great addition to your tiki. Please sign up and pay at Artists in Paradise Gallery., or with Zelle to this number 305-394-7618. You will receive a text confirming your spot in class the day before. Thank you. All class samples are displayed at the gallery.