Local News

Fantasy Fest celebrates ‘Musical Icons & Iconic Musicals’

Fantasy Fest, Key West’s annual multiday costuming party in paradise, welcomes revelers for this year’s Oct. 16-25 extravaganza. The 2026 Fantasy Fest theme, “Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals” invites fantasy-makers to style themselves at the center of a Ziegfeld extravaganza,…

Nothing like your first: New award winners highlight Best of Marathon

For some, walking to the podium at the Best of Marathon Awards is an annual ritual. But there’s nothing that can replace the first time you hear your name called to thunderous applause – and quite frankly, for us as hosts, it’s one of the best parts of our night. The 2026…

Run and walk on Islamorada’s scenic Old Highway returns Saturday, Oct. 3

Events season in the Upper Keys gets underway on Saturday, Oct. 3 with a run and a stroll on the scenic Old Highway in Islamorada. Dubbed the Old Highway 5k Run/Walk, the race is back for a third year. The run and walk was organized by Baptist Health South Florida for a number of…

Do your best Dolly Parton: Dive Bar hosts look-alike contest and fundraiser Sept. 25

“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” — Dolly Parton Well, Dolly, we poured ourselves a cup of ambition and heard you loud and clear. And there’s no better place to do it than Dive Bar, 320 Grinnell St. On Friday, Sept. 25 (9-2-5 — get it?), Dive Bar will host the […]

Want to sell your stuff to the undead at Key West’s ZombieFest?

The Key West Art & Historical Society is accepting vendor applications for ZombieLand, the family-friendly party before the annual Zombie Bike Ride, one of the most events of Fantasy Fest. ZombieLand will take place on Sunday, Oct.18, from 2 to 6 p.m., on the parade grounds of…

Paddle at Pennekamp State Park celebrates America’s 250th in the Florida Keys

America’s 250th celebration continued in the Florida Keys on Sept. 12, as community members and visitors enjoyed some paddling and other festivities at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for The state park in Key Largo lifted its fees for the day, as people perused the many…

Nominations open at noon on Sept. 17 for Best of Upper Keys

A celebration of the community’s best from Key Largo to Islamorada will be on display during the fifth annual Best of Upper Keys. Nominations in more than 80 categories open when the clock strikes noon on Thursday, Sept. 17. People can visit keysweekly.com once a day to write in…

Exclusive: Fantasy Fest Feature — Who came up with this year’s popular theme?

Editor’s Note: T-minus 40 days until the 2026 Fantasy Fest parade. Join the Keys Weekly each week for exclusive Fantasy Fest features highlighting the people and projects behind the island’s biggest annual party. Fantasy Fest is an endless showcase of local creativity — a…

Read-a-thon proceeds support new playground at Islamorada’s St. James Children’s Center

School staff, students, parents, alumni and local officials gathered for a recent ribbon-cutting to introduce a colorful and inviting new outdoor play space at St. James Children’s Center in Islamorada. The new space in the rear of the school building includes a playhouse, tree…

Just a Few Friends festival fills Key West with music & memories

Before his death on Sept. 1, 2023, Jimmy Buffett reportedly told friends and family to “keep the party going. Play the music.” And Key West has done exactly that in the three years since the singer/songwriter succumbed to a rare form of skin cancer known as Merkel cell carcinoma…

THIS SATURDAY: America 250 Florida Keys Pennekamp Paddle Day - FREE

Good Health Clinic’s Big Kahuna Reveal set for Oct. 10 with a ‘Mo’Rockin’ theme

Good Health Clinic’s 2026 Big Kahuna Reveal & Celebration will take place Saturday, Oct. 10, at Founders Park Beach in Islamorada. This year’s theme — “Mo’Rockin’ Moroccan Night for Health” — invites guests into a desert-inspired affair where old-world intrigue meets a touch of…