CONNECT TO THE ARTS ANDCULTURAL EVENTS THIS WEEKNovember 5 - 12
THEATER
Key West High School Drama Club: Coming of Age
Friday and Saturday November 7 & 8, 6:30 p.m. Williams Hall 729 Fleming St., Key West
2025
Fall Showcase Fundraiser Coming of Age, explores the moments that shape
us — stories of growth, change, and finding our place in the world —
all told through the voices and talents of high school students from our
Key West community. Enjoy two unforgettable evenings featuring a
dynamic lineup of singing, short plays, dance, skits, poetry, live
music, and more — all brought to life by the members of our Drama
Club. Come support the arts and cheer on these talented students as
they share their stories on stage. Bring your friends and family.
FILM
Key West Film Fest
Wednesday through Sunday, November 12 -16, various times Various locations, Key West
An
annual celebration of contemporary cinema in a historically
rich, artistically vibrant, and culturally diverse island
community.
Screenings
take place at historic and state-of-the-art venues across Old Town Key
West — from the San Carlos Institute to the Tropic Cinema — offering an
immersive and intimate experience for attendees. Beyond the films,
festivalgoers enjoy after-parties, waterfront receptions, and networking
opportunities that capture the laid-back yet sophisticated spirit of
the island.
The 72 Hour Film Challenge — Screening Night (Sponsored By The Key West Film Festival)
Tuesday, November 11, 7 - 9 p.m. Williams Hall 729 Fleming St., Key West
Join
us for the premiere screening of The 72 Hour Film Challenge— where
creativity, caffeine, and chaos collide. Local filmmakers had just three
days to write, shoot, and edit an original short film. Now it’s time to
see their finished work on the big screen. Expect big laughs, wild
twists, and plenty of Key West flair as we celebrate local talent and
storytelling at its most daring.
Spotlight Series: The Bicycle Thief
Wednesday November 5, 6:15 p.m.
Presented
by the Sons and Daughters of Italy Key West Lodge 2436, in partnership
with the Tropic Cinema, this special evening supports the Lodge's
Scholarship Fund for local high school seniors of Italian descent. Doors
open at 5:30 PM, and guests will enjoy a complimentary Taste of Italy
reception before the film begins.
Movies Under the Stars: War Games
Saturday, November 8, 6 p.m.
Movies
Under the Stars: WarGames Join us for a fun, family-friendly night
under the stars with a screening of the 1983 sci-fi thriller WarGames!
Follow a curious teen computer whiz who accidentally hacks into a
top-secret military system and nearly starts World War IIIuntil he
learns the only winning move is not to play.
Spotlight Series: How Deep Is Your Love
Sunday November 9, 6 p.m.
Amid
glowing sea creatures and uncharted landscapes, the film examines the
delicate balance between discovery and exploitation, asking how far
human curiosity should reachand what we risk losing in the process.
This special screening is a fundraiser for the Key West High School Swim
Team, with all ticket proceeds supporting pool fees and travel for away
meets.
Saturday November 8, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden 5210 College Rd., Key West
Tails
will be wagging at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
and maybe you will find your new best friend! This 3rd annual pet
friendly event will introduce dog lovers to the benefits found at the
Garden. There are 12 trails meandering through forests, meadows, and
boardwalks that are perfect for your entire family. Highlights include: ~
Dog themed vendors ~ Dog Grooming ~ Dog Obedience Demonstration ~ Best
in Show ~ Silly pet tricks ~ Playground & Crafts for the Kids ~ and
Pet Safe Plant sale.
Daily 90 minutes prior to sunset The Dock at Mallory Square, Key West
Come watch the world-famous sunset! Meet the local makers & purchase local arts & crafts. Experience the music, mayhem & magic of our street performers and feast on freshly prepared food & drinks.
Friday November 7, 6 - 9 p.m. 500 block of Fleming to Grinnell, Key West
Celebrate
with local business owners for First Fridays on Fleming - a monthly
'shop local' evening stroll along historic Fleming St in Key West.
Vibrant boutiques, galleries, antique stores, artist studios,
restaurants, a cocktail lounge, bookstore, yoga sanctuary & other
creative businesses open their doors for trunk shows, book signings,
openings, seasonal events, libations, tastings & live music.
ARTIST OPENINGS
First Thursdays at The Studios
Thursday November 6, 6 - 8 p.m. The Studios of Key West 533 Eaton St. Key West
Friends
new and old are invited to join us for each month’s First Thursday Open
House event, when we keep our lights on late and throw our doors open
to celebrate the newest work in our galleries.
Thursday November 6, 4 - 6 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.
Saturday November 8, 6 p.m. Tropic Cinema Gallery 416 Eaton St., Key West
Solo
exhibition by talented emerging Cuban artist Marlon Infante and Launch
of the new edition of the magazine curated by Alaen Ledesma Fernández.
LITERARY
Keys Writers Meeting
Wednesday, November 5, 1 p.m. Big Pine Library Conference Room, Winn-Dixie Shopping Plaza, 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!"
Key West Writers Guild
Saturday November 8, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. La Brisa Poolhouse 1901 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West
Key
West Writers Guild Meets monthly for writers’ critiques, fellowship and
provides workshops and advice for new writers. Newcomers welcome.
484-889-6182. Meeting location and/or Zoom link on Facebook.
Wednesdays & Fridays, 10 a.m. Departs from Key West Public Library 700 Fleming St., Key West
Join
us each week for the Old Town Literary Walking Tour, a stroll through
downtown Key West, illuminating stories of writers that have called our
island home. Inspired by David A. Kaufelt’s original literary walking
tour, our new tour features the former homes and favorite haunts of
writers, including Tennessee Williams, Shel Silverstein, Elizabeth
Bishop, and Robert Frost, and highlights tales of our lesser-known local
talent. Sponsored by the Key West Literary Seminar.
Tours
commence in front of the Monroe County Public Library and end near
Greene and Elizabeth Streets in Key West. Tours last approximately 90
minutes. Please be on time and wear comfortable shoes.
Sunday November 2, 7 - 8 p.m. 327 Elizabeth St., Key West
The
Key West Poetry Guild continues to host a monthly open mic for poets,
at all stages of their careers, to share their original poems. The Open
Mic is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend.
December Members’ Show Call for Artwork: Zest For Life!
Artwork Drop off: Thursday November 13 - Wednesday November 19 10a.m. - 4 p.m. (closed Sundays) Studios of Key West 533 Eaton St., Key West
We
love a bit of lime or lemon zest on almost any dish. It’s that tiniest
bit of flair that wakes up the rest of the flavors and makes you taste
them all more fully. Key West, we like to think, serves a similar
purpose, a splash of color at the tip of the country, here to pull you
out of the doldrums. No wonder Key Lime Pie is our signature dessert!
For the 100+ artists in our Winter Members Exhibition, zest is whatever
enlivens the senses: a flash of light as the sun hits a palm tree; a
crystalline moment captured in time; or an impromptu flourish as they
try something new.
The Chain: Connection in the Florida Keys – Call for Submissions
Deadline: January 18, 2026 Palm Heart Press
We
are seeking submissions of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction for an
anthology that highlights the connections between community and the
natural environment of the Florida Keys. Selected works will be
published in the titled collection supported by the Florida Keys Council
of the Arts.
Sunday, November 10, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sonny Mccoy Indigenous Park 1801 White St., Key West
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. Participants must live and also create/curate in the Keys in
order to qualify. Each show offers a different theme and features one or
more local charities.
MUSIC
Thomas Dolby: "The Iconic 80s" w/ Very Special Guest Gail Ann Dorsey
Friday November 7, 8 p.m.
The
list of breakthrough innovations in Thomas Dolby's 35 year career is
continuous. As an early MTV icon he blazed a trail for electronic music
with his imaginative videos. The same year as his own record reached the
top of the pop/dance charts, he co-wrote and produced the first ever
platinum-selling rap 12” single Magic’s Wand by Whodini.
Wheeland Brothers
Saturday November 8, 8 p.m.
The
Wheeland Brothers are two Southern California surfers who grew up where
the concrete meets the sand. Their playful pursuit of life invites
listeners to join in on the stoke, all the while blending infectious
good-time-energy with peaceful introspection. Their sound is a signature blend of surf rock, reggae, hip hop and acoustic pop.
Sunday November 9, 5 p.m. Helmerich Theater, Studios of Key West 533 Eaton St., Key West
Experience
the magic of the Southernmost Youth Orchestra! Join us for an inspiring
performance by a talented group of young local string musicians. Under
the direction of Irie Monte, these passionate performers bring energy,
heart, and vibrant sound to every note. From classical favorites to
contemporary selections, this concert showcases the rising stars of our
southernmost community.
It's
time to renew your membership or join. 100% of your membership supports
the artists & arts organizations living and working in the
Florida Keys. Thank you for supporting our vibrant, diverse
creative communities.
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