CONNECT TO THE ARTS ANDCULTURAL EVENTS THIS WEEKFebruary 18 - 25
Connections Project Pop-Up Key West Art & Craft Festival
Saturday & Sunday, February 21 - 22, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Key West Art & Craft Festival Truman Waterfront Park, 21 E Quay Road, Key West
The
Connections Project: A Mosaic of Keys Artists 2026 is a fabulous blend
of what we've done in past years with some fresh ideas! Stop
by our tent this weekend at the Key West Art & Craft Festival at
the stunning Truman Waterfront Park. Art lovers chose a canvas (there
are plenty to choose from made by Keys' artists!) Donate $100 to
our Grants programs and go home with a unique piece of artwork!!
Thank you to Royal Furniture & the Community Foundation for their
continued support of this project.
Thursday February 19, 5 - 7 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.
Friday February 20, 5 - 7 p.m. Key West Collective 720 Caroline St., Key West
He
paints in real time as the island shifts around him. Out of that
practice grew his “nocturnes” or night scenes of Duval and familiar
corners where neon and moonlight transform the city into a cinematic and
mysterious version of itself. Of note is his celebrated Sloppy Joe’s
painting, which was turned into the iconic establishment’s own postcard.
Costa Vida Design Pop-Up Exhibition and Artist Reception
Sunday February 22, 5 - 7 p.m. Hale Gallery 81888 Overseas Highway Unit 2, Islamorada
Michaelynn
Vandiver is a silversmith and fine art photographer whose work is
shaped by a life spent moving between landscapes and cultures. From
Texas and Los Angeles to Europe, the Florida Keys, Costa Rica, and back
again, her creative path reflects a deep connection to place, process,
and the natural world. Having left one paradise for another and returned
once more, she is now reunited with family and friends in the Keys,
creating jewelry inspired by the textures and stories of the places she
has called home.
A
seven-piece SoCal band who burst onto the club scene in 2017, selling
out countless local venues before starting a nationwide Yacht Rock craze
and being noticed by the legendary Jimmy Buffett, who signed them to
his own Mailboat label prior to their new deal with Earache/Universal
Records.
The Old Fashion Rocking Original Music Show feat. Jack Wolf, DeAngelo Nieves, Matt Backer & more!
Thursday February 19, 7 p.m.
The
Cayo Hueso Original Music series celebrates their 4th concert season
with the 4th Old Fashion Rocking Original Music Show! Please join us for
an evening of awesome original music and the stories behind the songs
featuring Jack Wolf, DeAngelo Nieves and Matt Backer. Bubba Lownotes
will be opening this show and friends from Nashville, Brian Ashley Jones
and Melanie Jean will treat us to a couple of songs too!
Carson Lowe Single Release
Friday February 20, 8 p.m.
Carson
Lowe celebrates the release of his new song “The Poets” with a special
one-night show that goes deeper than a typical concert. Carson will
perform his upcoming album Somewhere Along The Road start to finish,
inviting the audience into the full journey of the record as it was
meant to be heard.
Glamour,
gossip, movies and music. Become a Hollywood insider for the evening,
enjoying the songs and backstories of the music that made the movies…and
some that almost didn’t. Darcy Cooke performs well-loved tunes that
made their fame in the movies.
From Baroque to Beyond: The Music Room Youth Classical Concert Directed By Robin Kaplan
Sunday February 22, 5 p.m.
Talented
young musicians from The Music Room take center stage in this inspiring
evening of classical performance. Directed by Robin Kaplan, the concert
showcases the next generation of performers—bringing fresh passion,
precision, and joy to timeless works by great composers.
South Florida Symphony Orchestra: RIMSKY-KORSAKOV & MOZART with the Florida premiere of Had to Be
Saturday February 21, 7:30 p.m.
The
familiar meets the new in this South Florida Symphony Orchestra
standout program, featuring the anticipated Florida premiere of GRAMMY
nominee Nathalie Joachim’s Had to Be, an intimate exploration of memory
and identity, performed by rising cellist Seth Parker Woods. Also making
its SFSO premiere is Carlos Simon’s Four Black American Dances, a
vibrant work filled with cultural reverence. Completing the program led
by Key West native, Maestra Sebrina Alfonso, Mozart’s “Haffner” symphony
bursts with celebratory energy and elegant precision, while the
crowd-pleasing Capriccio espagnol by Rimsky-Korsakov sparkles with
irresistible Spanish rhythms.
Women of Americana: A Celebration of American Music
Sunday February 22, 7:30 p.m.
Join
us for a heartfelt celebration of early folk, country, gospel, and
Western swing music with Women of Americana! This isn’t just a
concert—it’s an exuberant exploration of this singular American genre
that planted the roots of American music. Featuring vocalists and
instrumentalists Cristina Vane and Brennen Leigh, the show includes
songs made famous by iconic artists like Brandi Carlile, Emmy Lou
Harris, Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton and more. Accompanying
video projections make this concert a multi-media event, coinciding with
the upcoming Semi-quincentennial (250th anniversary of the United
States’ founding). Women of Americana will entertain and inspire
audiences at a historic moment in our nation’s history.
Tennessee Williams Theatre 5901 College Rd., Key West
Monday February 23, 7:30 p.m. Marathon High School Performing Arts Center 350 Sombrero Beach Rd., Marathon
Tuesday February 24, 7:30 p.m. Coral Shores High School Performing Art Center 89901 Old Hwy., Tavernier
Now
entering their second decade, the United States-based Hermitage Piano
Trio has solidified its place as one of the world’s leading piano trios,
garnering multiple GRAMMY® Award nominations. Award-winning
Jamaican-American violist Jordan Bak has achieved international acclaim
as a trailblazing artist, praised for his radiant stage presence and
fearless power.
Mondays, 8:30 - 11:30 p.m. William Weech American Legion 803 Emma St., Key West
Accomplished
Key West Pianist Larry Smith has taken up residency in the newest
historic music venue in town, creating a Jazz Lounge at the William
Weech American Legion at 803 Emma Street on Monday nights.
Sundays, 5-7 pm The Gardens Hotel 526 Angela St., Key West
Jazz Society
Thursdays, 4 p.m. Hemingway Social Club 201 Simonton St, Key West
FESTIVALS, FUNDRAISERS & CULTURAL EVENTS
Music, Poetry and More to Mark “Arts Builds Community” Program
Thursday February 19, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Eco Discovery Center Truman Waterfront Park, Key West
The
History of Diving Museum and local performing artist Adrienne Z, in
collaboration with students from Coral Shores and Marathon High Schools,
is set to celebrate “Art Builds Community” with musical
performances for the Marathon Chamber of Commerce “Business After
Hours.” The evening will include a performance by Adrienne Z and
blackout poem readings by students from Marathon High.
One Love, One Night
Friday February 20, 6 - 9 p.m. Grimal Grove 258 Cunningham Ln, Big Pine Key
Grimal
Grove invites you to take a step into the sounds and tropical
vibrations of Jamaica. Featuring a curated menu by award winning chef
and One Love food truck owner Clive Thompson. Chef Clive’s philosophy is
to follow the motto of “One Love” in all we do: One Love in preparing
the food, One Love in serving our guests, One Love for our environment
and community. In addition to traditional Jamaican fare, Reggae Lou
& The Kind Budz will be jamming reggae rhythms throughout the
evening.
Join
us for an evening of live music, dancing, free drinks and free
appetizers as we celebrate the incredible work being done to renew our
coral reefs. Take this opportunity to get to know Reef Renewal USA
better and learn more about the innovative coral restoration efforts
happening right here in the Florida Keys. Made possible by the
generous support of our partners: First Horizon Bank and Aquarium
Encounters.
Saturday & Sunday February 21 - 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. & 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Sun.) Founders Park 87000 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada
The
Upper Keys Rotary Gigantic Nautical Market is an all outdoor boat show,
nautical market, and food truck rally with a beach! Here you will find
new and used boats, fishing gear, dive gear, clothing, marine equipment,
marine products, electronics, dock equipment, nautical arts and crafts,
antiques, and so much more! There’s fun for the whole family! It’s a
Boat Show with a Beach!
Saturday & Sunday February 21 - 22, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Turman Waterfont Park, Key West
Key
West's largest outside art show is sponsored by the Key West Art
Center, a non profit community arts organization and the oldest art
gallery in Key West This will be the third year the combined art
& craft show will be on the Quay in beautiful Truman Waterfront Park
in Old Town Key West. Over 100 artist vendors.
It’s For The Birds Annual Benefit
Sunday, February 22, 3 - 6 p.m. West Martello Tower 1100 Atlantic Blvd., Key West
It’s
For The Birds is a community event with nearly 300 supporters coming
together celebrating The Key West Wildlife Center. Over the years
the benefit has grown to include wonderful Silent and Live Auctions
featuring art, charters, unique experiences, and more. We are also
excited to provide a special food selection, enhanced Wine Wall,
expanded education, and much more … all beginning with a refreshing
signature welcome drink.
Sunday February 22, 6 p.m. Truman Little White House 111 Front Street, Key West
Waterfront Playhouse presents an Immersive Experience of Gargantuan Bedazzlement Benefitting the Christopher Ewell Legacy Fund. Enjoy
the sights and sounds of an evening in Montmartre. The Moulin Rouge
comes to life with entertainment, dining, and conviviality at the Moulin
Rouge Bal Royale.
February 26, 6 - 8 p.m. Florida Keys History & Discovery Foundation 82100 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada
We’re
throwing a full-on Hoedown to support the Florida Keys History &
Discovery Foundation, and you’re invited! Enjoy great music, food
trucks, line dancing, western games, and good company..all for a great
cause.
Mondays through March 9, 6 p.m. Aqua Bar and Nightclub 711 Duval St., Key West
This
FUN-Raiser supports our esteemed Waterfront Playhouse. A dozen or
so vocalists are giving of their time and talent for this wonderful
Cause! Guest Judges, and singers, weekly themes, hilarity and
super talent await you every single week.
ART STROLLS
Walk on White
Thursday February 19, 6 - 9 p.m. White Street Gallery District White St., Key West
Enjoy
exhibition opening receptions, open artist studios, pottery-throwing
demos, locally-made art, special events, promotions, and complimentary
libations from local galleries, studios, and over 25 art-loving
businesses in the White Street Gallery District.
J.H. Allen, fresco artist
Thursday February 19, 6 - 8 p.m. Studio 12 600 White Street Historic Armory building, Key West
Meet the artist and view current artwork in an informal setting with refreshments and wine.
Man
on the Run captures Paul's transformative decade in the wake of The
Beatles break-up. Through stunning archival footage, Linda McCartney's
exceptional photographs, and interviews with Mick Jagger, Chrissie
Hynde, Sean Ono Lennon, Mary and Stella McCartney, all the living Wings
members, and of course Paul himself, the film examines this time through
a uniquely vulnerable lens.
MOVIES UNDER THE STARS: Uncle Buck
Saturday February 21, 6:45 p.m.
Join
us for a fun-filled evening under the stars with a screening of the
classic 1989 comedy Uncle Buck! When a family emergency strikes, the
only person available to babysit is the wildly inappropriatebut
well-meaningUncle Buck.
SPOTLIGHT SERIES BLACK HISTORY MONTH: 42
Sunday February 23, 2 p.m.
The
Spotlight Series is helping us shine a light on stories that matter.
Our February Spotlight Series celebrates Black History Month by pairing
film with community impact.
42
is based on baseball player Jackie Robinson, the first black athlete to
play in Major League Baseball (MLB) during the modern era.
The Shipwreck, Secret War and Stolen Jade with Author John Christopher Fine
Wednesday February 18, 7 p.m. History of Diving Museum 82990 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada
In
this presentation, John will take us through the story of the SS
Springfjord, a ship sunk by the CIA as part of a coup designed to
overthrow the elected government of Guatemala. The program will also
cover the destruction of a protected biosphere by organized criminals to
steal jadeite, the most valuable gemstone in the world found now only
in quantity in Guatemala.
Saturday February 21, 12:30 p.m. Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden 5310 College Rd., Key West
Chris
Rackley, the Garden’s terrific nursery manager, is ready to explain Key
West’s native plants and trees and help you design the perfect garden
and landscape for our tropical ecosystem.
Friends of the Library Speaker Series: A Feast of Words and Flavors with Ruth Reichl
Monday February 23, 6 - 8 p.m. Key West Library Palm Garden 700 Fleming St., Key West
This
is the only event in the series that requires at ticket for every
attendee for the free Talk Only, or for the Talk and Gala Fundraiser.
The
Friends of the Key West Library are delighted to welcome Ruth
Reichl—beloved writer, editor, and culinary icon—as our Gala Guest of
Honor. Former restaurant critic for The New York Times and Los Angeles
Times, and longtime Editor in Chief of Gourmet magazine, Ruth has
transformed the way Americans think about food.
Delicate Balance of Nature Lecture Series: The Pink Wave with Jerry Lorenz
Monday February 23, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park 102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo
In
late August 2023, Hurricane Idalia made landfall as a category 3
hurricane in the big bend region of Florida. Along with the devastation
typical of such storms, Idalia also brought along hundreds of American
Flamingos that were unceremoniously scattered across the eastern US as
far north as Wisconsin to Pennsylvania. In this presentation, Jerry
Lorenz presents not only the fate of these flamingos but also the
convoluted history of this iconic and once abundant species in Florida;
how and why it was largely extirpated in the United States more than a
hundred years ago and why, until recently, the State of Florida
considered it to be non-native species. He also explains why it finally
seems to be re-establishing a resident population in the state centered
here in Florida Keys, Florida Bay and the Everglades.
Tuesday February 24, 6 p.m. Mel Fisher Museum 200 Greene St., Key West
A
lecture by Matthew Lawrence, a maritime archaeologist based at Florida
Keys National Marine Sanctuary's Key Largo office. He has worked for the
Office of National Marine Sanctuaries since 2002. Until his transfer to
the Florida Keys sanctuary in 2017, he served as an archaeologist and
the maritime heritage coordinator for Stellwagen Bank National Marine
Sanctuary offshore of Massachusetts.
Tuesday February 24, 5 p.m. Studios of Key West 533 Eaton St., Key West
Roxana
Saberi is an award-winning journalist, author, and former CBS News
correspondent. Saberi, whose reporting spans global conflict zones and
major human rights stories, will speak about the courage, clarity, and
ethical responsibility required in modern journalism, as well as her own
journey as an American political prisoner in Tehran’s notorious Evin
prison.
Wednesday February 18, 1 p.m. Big Pine Library Conference Room Winn-Dixie Shopping Plaza
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.
“A Gathering of Geezers” - Book Signing Event
Sunday February 22, 3:30–5:30 p.m. Grand Vin 1107 Duval St., Key West
Grand
Vin presents four well-known local characters for your
perusal. Along with wine and copies of their books, literary
connoisseurs will have the opportunity to chat with these venerable
local personalities. Behind these treasured literary contributions
lurk: Mr. Michael Haskins – Award-winning author of the 18-year
“Mick Murphy Mystery Series.” An ardent and diligent curmudgeon—and a
living author—he now flourishes quietly up in the bush. Capt. Reef
Perkins – Adventurer, husband of Roberta, and author of the poignant
memoir “Sex, Salvage and Secrets” (among others). Also alive. Mr.
Mac McCausland – An artist in many forms; designer of the cover of the
novel “Tortuga Triangle” and co-founder of the OMO Society (Odd Men
Out). Capt. Arnaud Girard d’Albissin – Sailor, salvor, miner, and
freshly minted poet, debuting his recent work, “Poems of a Key West Love
Story.” (His resistance to being classified as a “geezer” is duly
noted.)
Feel the Spirit: Generative Poetry Weekend at the Elizabeth Bishops House
Friday - Sunday February 20 -22, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Feb. 20 evening) Elizabeth Bishop House 624 White St., Key West
Get into the spirit of creativity with a group of poets writing and sharing work in the newly restored Bishop House. Led
by multi-genre author Rosalind Brackenbury, former poet laureate of Key
West, this weekend intensive will leave you with a batch of new poems
and refreshed ideas about what to do next.
Annual Tennessee Williams Poetry and Short Story Contests
Deadline: March 1, Midnight
Drawing
inspiration from the 2026 Festival theme, all contest submissions must
reference Williams’s seminal work “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” in some
manner. Writers are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly.
References may include the play itself, Williams during the
writing process, one or more of its characters, or actors and actresses
associated with the stage or film adaptations.
Opens Wednesday February 18 - 20, 7 p.m. Fringe Theater 600 White Street at the Key West Armory
This
poignant and deeply intimate play premiered off-broadway in 2023 at
Signature Theater in NYC. Witty and deeply human. It explores the
emerging friendship of a professor and her student Max. Their love of
words bind them in a wide and voracious conversation that
eventually tests poetry's capacity to put to words the ineffable.
Based on a true story. An Outer Critics Circle Nominee. Featuring
Wende Shoer and Thomas Masat.
And the World Goes Round: The Songs of John Kander & Fred Ebb
Opens Wednesday Feburary 24 - March 21, Tuesdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm Red Barn Theatre 319 Duval Street (rear), Key West
“And
The World Goes Round” is a unique evening of the duo’s work – a clever
collage of love songs, torch songs, and witty comic numbers
cherry-picked from their top shows. But while it is a musical revue, the
show – originally conceived by director Scott Ellis, choreographer
Susan Stroman, and librettist David Thompson –is something far more
unique.
This
exhibit is an exciting experience, kicking off I.CARE's Annual Trash
Debry in Islamorada. It marks the beginning of an incredible event
dedicated to action, stewardship, and community engagement. Opening on
April 16, this hybrid at exhibition and advocacy initiative aims to
transform awareness into action.
Calling All Artists, 31st Annual Judged Art Show: Tropical Pallet
Delivery Deadline February 21 & 22, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Artists in Paradise Gallery 221 Key Deer Blvd., Big Pine Key
Painting,
photography, mixed media and 3D accepted. The requirements are: all
artwork shall be created within the last year. It shall be original and
not have won any previous awards. Entries shall be ready to hang, no saw
tooth hangers, no nails, string or staples showing. Mats shall be
fresh, clean and unspotted. Artists may enter up to 2 pieces of original
art.
Call for Artists and Writers: Culture Magazine 2027
Deadline: February 28, 5 p.m.
The
Florida Keys Council of the Arts invites visual artists and writers to
submit artwork and articles for Culture 2027 Magazine, a publication of
the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and the Cultural Umbrella
of the Florida Keys & Key West.
Call to Visual Artists
Artwork
selected for the cover will receive $1,200 for one-time usage in
Culture Magazine 2027. (Additional artwork chosen for the magazine will
receive a caption with artists' name.) Artists may submit up to three
images by completing the online application. Please name your uploaded
files as instructed in the application.
Two
Florida Keys writers will be selected and paid a $1,200 each for
research, writing, related photography and any necessary revising (based
on recommendations from the committee) of an article of approximately
1,200 words. Articles assigned will be factual, informational and
primarily designed to introduce visitors to the art, culture and
heritage of the Florida Keys.
Writers may choose from these topics:
1. The Keys Music Scene - an overview of all genres playing in diverse venues.
2.
The Art of Keys Cuisine and Culture - how Island culture influences the
signature dishes in our causal and fine dining spots throughout the
Keys - hidden treasures and decades long favorites.
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.
"The Annex" - 804 White St. & "By the Bay" 3340 N. Roosevelt Blvd. #2, Key West
Classical
ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, tap, Latin, hip-hop, musical
theatre and more for children and adults, beginner to professional. Home
of the CoffeeMill Young Dance Collective student dance company
(performing group). Year ‘round workshops.
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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