Ensconce yourself within the ocean-inspired design of our rooms while looking out over the harbor and pools from your private balcony.
March 06, 2025
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, and a quirky festival celebrating conch history, the island has something for everyone. You won’t want to 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 a one-of-a-kind 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 The Marker Key West Harbor 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 8, 2025, 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 our sister property, Southernmost Beach Resort, where they 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.
Les Greene & The Swayzees Concert & Pool Party | March 16
Get ready for an afternoon of sun-soaked fun and soulful music for a great cause! Join us at The Marker Key West on Sunday, March 16th, for the Les Greene & The Swayzees Concert & Pool Party, benefiting the victims of the California wildfires.
Les Greene is renowned for his dynamic live performances. Whether commanding the stage with his soulful voice and blistering guitar solos or leading his tight-knit band, The Swayzees, through a funky groove, Les is a consummate entertainer. His boundless energy and magnetic stage presence will captivate you. His live shows are a testament to the transformative power of music—creating a shared experience that brings people together and leaves them uplifted and inspired.
The concert and party are free to attend, but we’re accepting $10 donations to support Les’s LA friends, neighbors, and the victims of the California wildfires. Learn more
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 If you’re visiting Key West during the 30th Annual Taste of Key West, you’re in for a culinary experience like no other. It’s your chance to do your own taste test from the best restaurants, cafes, food shacks, and more—all in one place. Fresh seafood? Check. Caribbean-inspired dishes? Yep. Sweet tropical desserts? Absolutely.
Guess what? We’ll be there serving up our tasty tacos! So, if you’re attending, make sure to stop by, say hi, and grab a bite. 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 be sure to get there early to experience it all! Photo credit:
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 cargoes. 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. The Schooner Wharf Bar is just steps from our resort, so you can easily enjoy the race, food, drinks, and great company throughout the day.
Don’t miss this fun celebration of Key West’s maritime history and an exciting day on the water! Photo credit: Schooner Wharf Bar.
Yappy Hour Benefiting Florida Keys SPCA & Pasadena Humane Society | April 11
Calling all dog lovers! Yappy Hour returns to The Marker Key West Harbor Resort on April 11 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for a fun, social gathering benefiting the Florida Keys SPCA and Pasadena Humane Society. Enjoy drink specials, raffle prizes, and the opportunity to meet adoptable pups needing a home. Best of all, $1 from every drink goes to help animals in need. Learn more.
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!
4th Annual Charity Rubber Ducky Hunt | April 19
Join us at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort on April 19 at 2:00 p.m. for the 4th Annual Charity Rubber Ducky Hunt! For just $5, grab a rubber ducky from a pool of over 500 and see if you’re one of the 100+ instant winners. Enjoy a fun afternoon with a DJ, food and drink specials, and the chance to give back to the community—100% of all donations go directly to the Key West Police Love Fund.
It’s a great way to enjoy the day while supporting an amazing cause! Learn more.
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. 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 event 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. See you soon! #lovethemarker
Local Events
February 25, 2025
In March 2025, these legendary pilots will return for the NAS Key West Southernmost Air Spectacular—a family-friendly event that offers breathtaking aerial displays while celebrating our island’s rich naval heritage.
Local Events
January 21, 2025
Key West buzzes with energy and celebration all year long. From legendary festivals to quirky local traditions, there’s always something happening. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another unforgettable adventure, 2025 is brimming with can’t-miss events that showcase the very best of Key West.
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