Key West Spring Festival & Events
Spring is here, and Key West is buzzing with exciting festivals and events you won’t want to miss. From the thrilling Southernmost Air Show featuring the Navy’s Blue Angels to the culinary extravaganza at Taste of Key West, a quirky festival celebrating conch history, and even a Circus of the Sea, the island has something for everyone. Don’t miss the action-packed Wreckers Cup Race or the Key West Songwriters Festival, an unforgettable celebration of music and the artists behind the songs. These events are part of what makes Key West so unique—offering an unmatched blend of history, culture, music, art, and fun that you can’t find anywhere else. Here’s your ultimate guide to the must-attend events in Key West this season, along with exciting happenings right here at Southernmost Beach Resort. Photo credit: Taste of Key West.
Conch Shell Blowing Contest | March 8
Join us for a true island tradition at the 62nd Annual Key West Conch Shell Blowing Contest. Watch contestants of all ages try their hand at creating music with fluted conch shells—a unique celebration of the Keys’ rich cultural heritage. This free event is fun for the whole family, so come join in the festivities!
The Key West Conch Shell Blowing Contest will take place on Saturday, March 8th, from 10:30 AM–2:00 PM at the Oldest House Museum and Garden. The event is free and open to all ages. Registration begins at 10:00 AM, with the contest starting at noon. Contestants can sign up online at oirf.org, or in person at the Oldest House Museum until 11:45 a.m. before the contest.
If you miss this year’s Conch Shell Blowing Contest, don’t worry! You can still enjoy the fun at right here at Southernmost Beach Resort, where we host a Ceremonial Conch Shell Blowing Contest where you can test your skills. This fun event is held Thursday to Sunday, at 4:00 PM at the Pineapple Pool Bar. It’s a great way to connect with Key West’s lively spirit and try your hand at blowing the iconic shell.
30th Annual Taste of Key West | March 24
If you’re visiting Key West during the 30th Annual Taste of Key West, you’re in for a culinary experience like no other. This event gives you the chance to taste your way through the best restaurants, cafes, food shacks, and more—all in one place. Fresh seafood? Check. Caribbean-inspired dishes? Absolutely. Sweet tropical desserts? You bet!
Southernmost Beach Cafe will be there serving up their delicious ceviche! If you’re attending, be sure to stop by and say hello. With wines from around the globe and local craft beers, you’re in for a treat. The event starts at 6 p.m. at Truman Waterfront Park, so make sure to get there early to savor it all!
NAS Key West Southernmost Air Spectacular | March 29-30
Prepare for a jaw-dropping experience as the Blue Angels return to Key West for the NAS Key West Southernmost Air Spectacular! This high-flying event is an absolute must-see, with the Navy’s elite pilots performing gravity-defying stunts in their powerful F/A-18 Super Hornets over the stunning waters of the Florida Keys. The sky will come alive with action so close, you’ll feel the roar of the engines. It’s an unforgettable display of skill, power, and precision that you won’t want to miss.
In addition to the Blue Angels’ breathtaking aerial maneuvers, the event will showcase a variety of military and civilian aircraft, as well as interactive exhibits, a kids’ zone, and local food vendors. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or just looking for an adrenaline-packed day, this spectacular event promises fun for the whole family.
Don’t miss your chance to witness the U.S. Navy’s 250th Anniversary celebration under the theme AIR | LAND | SEA, featuring thrilling displays of power across all three domains.
Free General Admission: A day of unforgettable excitement for the whole family. (There are also reserved seating upgrade options!)
For more details on the upcoming event and to secure your tickets, please visit NAS Key West Southernmost Air Spectacular 2025 Key West Air Show.
Learn more about the Blue Angels and Key West here.
Schooner Wharf Bar: Wrecker’s Cup Race | March 30
Get ready for a day of exciting action at the 40th Annual Schooner Wharf Bar Wrecker’s Cup Race on March 30!
This all-in-fun race series recalls the tradition of the wreckers in the Key West of the 1800s. Vessels laden with rich cargoes from Gulf and Caribbean ports often became victims of storms and the unmarked reefs off Key West.
The first wrecker to reach the site had the responsibility to save the passengers and crew- but they also won the right to salvage the cargo. Some historians have written that it was not unusual for 20 or 30 boats to race to a wreck.
The race kicks off at 1 p.m., with the awards ceremony following at 7 p.m. at Schooner Wharf Bar. Don’t miss this fun celebration of Key West’s maritime history and an exciting day on the water! Photo credit: Schooner Wharf Bar.
Circus of the Sea| April 13th
The Southernmost Beach Resort proudly presents Circus of the Sea! We couldn’t be more excited to welcome this talented family of acrobats to Key West as part of our lineup of new and thrilling events.
Join us on Sunday, April 13th, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM for a one-hour, pirate-themed acrobatic and aerial show that will captivate both the young and the young at heart. Enjoy incredible aerial stunts, trampoline tricks, hilarious skits, face-painting, drinks, snacks, and so much more. It’s an afternoon packed with fun for the whole family!
Tickets: $30 (Admission includes access to the Pineapple Pool for a pre-show pool party!)
Get Tickets here.
Conch Republic Independence Celebration | April 18-27
Celebrate Key West’s unique history at the 43rd annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration. This quirky 10-day festival honors Key West’s symbolic secession from the United States in 1982. From parades and reenactments to lively parties, it’s a celebration you won’t forget. Make sure to check out the Bed Races on Duval Street and the Naval Battle in Key West Harbor, where schooners and water cannons battle for “independence.”
Learn more about Conch Republic Days here!
29th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival | April 30 – May 4
The 29th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival runs from April 30 to May 4, bringing together over 150 top BMI-affiliated songwriters to showcase their hits and introduce fresh new tunes. This five-day celebration spans multiple venues across the island, including poolside performances right here at our resort and at South Beach. Don’t miss the annual free block party at Main Stage Duval Street on Saturday, May 3—talent to be announced soon!
Catch incredible performances from Nashville hitmakers like Nate Smith, Chase Matthew, Chuck Cannon, Bob DiPiero, Rebecca Lynn Howard, and more. Plus, discover rising stars like Matt Castillo, Bre Kennedy, Jackson Nance, and DJ Smoke. Whether you prefer intimate acoustic sets or full-band performances, this festival has something for every music fan, with unforgettable stories behind the songs.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of the largest songwriters festival of its kind, right here in Key West—an experience you won’t forget!
Learn more about the Key West Songwriters Festival.
Looks like Key West is the place to be this spring—whether you’re here for the festivals, live music, or unique island experiences, there’s something for everyone. We can’t wait to see you at Southernmost Beach Resort for an unforgettable spring getaway! #somolife