In the Florida Keys & Key West, fall means warm days, balmy breezes and a calendar filled with island festivals, culinary experiences and outdoor adventures.
Through Oct. 31, Keys Season, a new initiative from Visit Florida Keys & Key West, offers deals and savings from participating lodging partners, restaurants, watersports operators and attractions. The program gives travelers another reason to plan a fall escape while exploring the island chain.
Fall also brings an array of events and experiences to the Florida Keys & Key West, including:
Swim for Alligator Lighthouse
Sept. 12 | Islamorada, Fla.
Adventure seekers take on one of the Florida Keys’ most iconic athletic challenges during the eight-mile Swim for Alligator Lighthouse, which draws participants from around the world. Swimmers compete individually or as part of two-, three- or four-person teams, with kayakers providing support along the course. Learn more.
Conch Scramble Charity Golf Tournament
Sept. 25 – 26 | Islamorada, Fla.
Only in the Florida Keys can a golf tournament swap golf carts for boats. The island-style event features floating greens, boat-bound foursomes and biodegradable golf balls, plus creative costumes, decorated boats, food, festivities and awards. And sometimes, watching the action is even more fun than playing. Learn more.
Lower Keys Fall Migration Mania Birding & Nature Adventure
Sept. 27 | Lower Keys, Fla.
At the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, birders, butterfly enthusiasts, and nature lovers can explore one of the Lower Keys’ premier wildlife habitats during the peak of fall migration. Learn more.
Taste the Keys
Oct.1 – 31 | Upper Keys / Key Largo, Fla.
Taste the Keys brings a month of culinary experiences to Key Largo and the Upper Keys each October. Participating restaurants serve specially priced prix-fixe menus inspired by local ingredients and island flavors, while chef-led events, tasting-and-cocktail trolley tours and the Signature Dish Showdown add to the lineup. Learn more.
Celebrate Sunset on the Old Seven Mile Bridge
Oct. 10 | Marathon, Fla.
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a sunset gathering at the historic Seven Mile Bridge. This uniquely Florida Keys event will bring residents and visitors together for an evening of local food, live music, history, culture, and community spirit. Learn more.
SOMO Half Marathon & 10K
Oct. 11 | Key West, Fla.
Runners and walkers are invited to experience the Conch Republic with a scenic race route along the waterfront. Learn more.
REEF Fest
Oct. 15 – 18 | Key Largo, Fla.
REEF Fest is a must-attend gathering for anyone who loves the ocean and all its creatures. The eco-conscious festival combines educational marine conservation programming with immersive outdoor adventures, social events and opportunities to connect with the underwater world. Learn more.
Fantasy Fest
Oct. 16 – 25 | Key West, Fla.
For more than four decades, Fantasy Fest has transformed Key West into a colorful hub of self-expression and island spirit. The world-famous, 10-day extravaganza features more than 60 events, including themed parties, masquerade balls, art walks, street fairs and the spectacular Fantasy Fest Parade along Duval Street. Learn more.
Trop Rock’N Duval
Oct. 28 – Nov. 1 | Key West, Fla.
Island music fans can experience five days of live performances during Trop Rock’N Duval. More than 60 artists perform across 23Key West venues, creating a walkable, island-wide celebration of the sounds inspired by life on the water. Learn more.
Race World Offshore Key West World Championship
Nov. 1 – 8 | Key West, Fla.
The waters surrounding Key West become a high-speed playground during the Race World Offshore Key West World Championship. As the season finale of offshore powerboat racing, the event attracts elite teams from around the world for a thrilling showcase of innovation, teamwork and raw horsepower. Learn more.
9/11 Exhibit, Army Knights and Drone Shows
Nov. 17 & 20| Islamorada & Big Pine Key, Fla.
Experience the Tunnel to Towers “Never Forget” traveling 9/11 exhibit, look to the skies for a U.S. Army Knights paratrooper drop-in and catch a spectacular drone show Nov. 17 at Founders Park in Islamorada. Learn more.
Key West Film Festival
Nov. 18 – 22 | Key West, Fla.
This 5-day event features premieres, filmmaker discussions, documentaries, feature films, student shorts, critics’ panels and awards presentations. Learn more.
Tour de Keys
Nov. 21 | Key Largo/Islamorada/Marathon/Lower Keys/Key West, Fla.
Join riders from across the country for a charity ride from either Key Largo (100 miles) or Marathon (50 miles) to Key West. Tour de Keys is a journey through paradise with purpose, benefitting MARC House, a Monroe County organization that supports adults with developmental disabilities. Learn more.
For a full list of events, visit visitfloridakeys.com.
