CONNECT TO THE ARTS

THIS WEEK

July 30 - Aug 6

FILM

Porcelain War

Sunday, August 3 - 9, Various times

Tropic Cinema

416 Eaton St., Key West

Amidst the chaos and destruction of the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine, three artists defiantly find inspiration and beauty as they defend their culture and their country. In a war waged by professional soldiers against ordinary civilians, Slava Leontyev, Anya Stasenko, and Andrey Stefanov choose to stay behind, armed with their art, their cameras, and, for the first time in their lives, their guns. Despite daily shelling, Anya finds resistance and purpose in her art, Andrey takes the dangerous journey to get his young family to safety abroad, and Slava becomes a weapons instructor for ordinary people who have become unlikely soldiers. As the war intensifies, Andrey picks up his camera to film their story, and on tiny porcelain figurines, Anya and Slava capture their idyllic past, uncertain present, and hope for the future.

Click HERE for more information..

ART STROLLS

First Fridays on Fleming

Friday, August 1 , 6 - 9 p.m.

500 block of Fleming to Grinnell St., Key West

Vibrant boutiques, galleries, antique stores, artist studios, restaurants, a cocktail lounge, bookstore, yoga

Click HERE for more information.

THEATER

Beehive- The 60's Musical

Through August 2, 7 p.m.

Fringe Theater Key West

600 White St. (The Armory Bldg.), Key West

Step back in time and relive the unforgettable sounds of the 1960s with Beehive: The 60s Musical. This is a high-energy celebration of the iconic music that helped to define an era. This toe-tapping, hand-clapping musical revue brings you the unforgettable hits that helped to change the world. The show includes 40 classic chart-toppers from Leslie Gore, the Shirelles, the Supremes, Tina Turner, and more.

For more information, click HERE.

FESTIVALS & FUNDRAISERS

The MINI Music Fest

Wednesday, July 30 - Sunday August 3, Various times

Various Locations, Key West

Welcome to the Mini Music Fest, where Florida's Mini Lobster Season merges with the vibrant sounds of Nashville.

Click HERE for more information.

10th Annual Jerry Garcia Birthday Bash

Thursday, July 31, 5 p.m. - Late

Green Parrot Bar

601 Whitehead St., Key West

Join Reef Relief and The Grateful Diver for an unforgettable evening packed with live music by The Happy Dog, rocking the house all night long. Enjoy the good vibes while taking part in amazing raffles, including a 50/50 cash raffle, and don’t miss your chance to bid on thousands of dollars’ worth of silent auction items. Every dollar raised helps support Reef Relief’s vital mission: protecting our precious coral reef ecosystems through marine science education and conservation.

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

Fantasy Fest 2025

Annual Poster & T-Shirt Artwork Call for Artwork

Calling all artists, dreamers, and creatives!

Open through Friday, August 1, 5 p.m.

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts and Fantasy Fest 2025 “BEDTIME STORIES AND MAGICAL MONSTERS” requests artists to submit their vision of this year’s theme for the Annual Fantasy Fest Poster and T-shirt. Winning selections that best represent the 2025 theme will become the official Fantasy Fest poster OR the official T-shirt.

Click HERE for details and online applications.

Questions email director@keysarts.com.

EXHIBITION: FEATURED ART OF THE MONTH

Rooster Round Up Returns!

Through July 31

Key West Art Center & Gallery

301 Front St., Key West

Swing by the gallery to check out a vibrant collection of rooster-themed artworks showcased right in our window—bringing a burst of color and local flair to your stroll downtown. There's a rooster for every occasion or decor.

This fun and festive exhibition celebrates creativity and the quirky spirit of the Keys. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy these bold, lively pieces from our talented local artists—no entry needed, just stop by and say hello!

Click HERE for more information.

LECTURES

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 information

LITERARY

New Art Book Club to Begin End of July via ZOOM

Starts End of July

Florida Keys

We are beginning with a biography about Monet. It's a contemporary book that refers to never-before-published letters and documents that piece together the life of this important artist. The book club is open to anyone, and we will meet via Zoom at the end of July (the date has not yet been confirmed). It is a dense book filled with context for a very complete understanding of the artist and all the forces that helped shape him.

Email depaulaart@gmail.com or bethkaminstein@gmail.com for more information, time, location and zoom link.

Latitude 25 Writers Group Meeting

Wednesday, July 30, 5 p.m.

Key Largo Library

101485 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo

Founded in 1978 by a few locals, Latitude 25 is the oldest literary group in the Upper Keys. Our mission is to encourage writers with positive feedback in a casual atmosphere. Our motto is "Leave your ego at the door."

Call Linda at 305-304-9436 for more information..

Key West Poetry Guild Meeting

Sunday, August 3, 7 p.m.

327 Elizabeth St., Key West

The KWPG Monthly Open Mic is open to all Poets interested in sharing original poetry. Bring original poems to read or come to listen.

Click HERE for more information..

Keys Writers Meeting

Wednesday, August 6, 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!"

ARTIST MARKETS

Waterfront Farmers Market

Thursday, July 31 (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, August 1 (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!

For more information, click HERE.

Open Air Market

Saturday, August 2, (Every Saturday), 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Mile Marker 27.5, Ramrod Key

(next to Boondocks)

This Open-Air Market brings together local artisans, handcrafted jewelry, unique creations, fresh organic produce, vibrant greens, and beautiful flowers—all in one place.

For more information, click HERE.

Florida Keys Farmers Market

Sunday, August 3 (Every Sunday), 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Islamorada Gardens Plaza

81001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada

Each week features a rotating line up of chefs, artists, craftsman and vendors passionate about creating unique products and experiences for you to enjoy! Find Artisan cheeses, select meats, fresh and local seafood, delicious baked goods, farm stand fresh juices, natural and organic produce, local art, plants, orchids and so much more!

For more information, click HERE.

MUSIC

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

DANCE

Learn to Dance with Lucy & Friends

Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m, Thursdays: 6 p.m.

Swing, Latin & Ballroom

Williams Hall, 729 Fleming St Key West

Fridays, 7 p.m.

Salsa & Salsa Rueda

CoffeeMill Dance Studio

804 White St, Key West

Private lessons for all occasions

CoffeeMill Dance Studio

For information and private lessons call or text Lucy at 305.745.5578.

Click HERE for more information and for up-to-date calendar.

ARTIST CLASSES

Quilting with Margo Ellis

Wednesdays, First Class starts July 9, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.

(every Wednesday for 4 weeks)

Williams Hall

729 Fleming St., Key West

4 week classes for all levels of quilters. Class project varies and/or get help with your own projects and ideas. Machine and tools provided. Fabrics and notions extra.

Click HERE for more information and to register.

Workshops

Dates and Times vary

Florida Keys Watercolor Society

The mission of the Florida Keys Watercolor Society is to promote the fine art of water based painting through fellowship and education within its membership base. The Shows, Workshops, and Paint-Outs offered by the FKWCS invite its participants to immerse themselves in the joy and rewards associated with the water based medium.