June Events in the Florida Keys: Sunsets, Sea Life & Island Celebrations
FLORIDA KEYS (May 28, 2025) — The Florida Keys & Key West are turning up the tropical vibes this June with a stacked lineup of sunny celebrations, unique festivals, and a yacht’s worth of fishing tournaments. Whether you’re here for the solstice, the salt air, or to try out your best Ernest Hemingway impression, there’s something in the islands for everyone as spring turns to summer.
Here’s what’s happening up and down the island chain this June.
Summer Solstice Celebration at Mallory Square - June 1–20, Key West
Kick off summer the Keys way — with sunsets and street performers! From June 1 through the Summer Solstice on June 20, Key West’s iconic Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square features nightly performances, vibrant artists, and island-style fun starting at 7 p.m. Toast to longer days with a tropical drink in hand and let the magic of the sunset guide you into the evening. Learn more.
Coralpalooza™ 2025 – 10th Anniversary Celebration - June 5–7, Various Locations
Celebrate World Oceans Day by giving back to the sea. Coralpalooza™ 2025 invites divers and snorkelers to help restore coral reefs while learning about ocean conservation. This is reef-saving with a splash of adventure! If you don’t want to dive in, there are several family-friendly events taking place as well. Learn more.
REEF Ocean Exploration Center Grand Opening - June 7–8, Key Largo
Dive into the future of marine conservation at the new REEF Ocean Exploration Center (MM 98). This free, family-friendly event includes food trucks, hands-on activities, and exhibits that bring the magic of the sea right to your fingertips. Learn more.
Reef Relief: International Ocean Film Festival - June 7, Key West
Sit back, relax, and enjoy short films that make a splash, all while supporting Reef Relief’s mission to protect the ocean. Reception at 5 p.m., followed by screenings and a Q&A with filmmakers and conservationists. Learn more.
REEF Fish Out of Water 5K - June 8–14, Key Largo
Lace up or just cruise in your flip-flops. This flexible race along the scenic Overseas Heritage Trail benefits marine conservation efforts and features custom race swag. Bonus: post-run snacks and ocean views. Learn more.
I Love Stock Island Fest - June 11-15, Stock Island
Get ready to taste, toast and tour your way through the fun and up-and-coming community of Stock Island at the annual I Love Stock Island Festival. Enjoy five days of festivities showcasing the best of Stock Island’s culinary delights, artistic talents and local businesses. From delicious food tastings to refreshing cocktail toasts, and guided tours of the charming island, it’s sure to be a perfect celebration. Learn more.
College of the Florida Keys Swim Around Key West - June 14, Key West
It’s the ultimate swim for adventurous souls — a 12.5-mile loop around the island, with shorter races available. Dive into crystal-clear waters and compete solo or with a team in this one-of-a-kind open-water event. Learn more.
Free “Immerse Yourself!” Talk: Diving & Salvage Ops - June 18, Islamorada
Hear firsthand tales of daring dive missions and underwater recovery at the History of Diving Museum. The event starts at 7 p.m., both in person and online. Learn more.
Key West Pride: “Still Rising” - June 22–29, Key West
Pride in paradise! Celebrate love, inclusion, and island flair. From trolley bar crawls to sunset cruises, drag shows, pool parties, and a powerful “50 Years: The Stonewall Uprising” exhibit, Pride in the Keys is as vibrant as a rainbow over the Gulf. Learn more.
FISHING EVENTS
Cast your lines for the chance to win cash, support great causes and enjoy camaraderie in tournaments spanning the Keys.
Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce Dolphin Tournament (June 6-8): Anglers compete for over $35K in prizes, with a $20K bonus for dolphin (mahi) over 50 lbs. for the first 50 registered boats. Learn more.
Florida Keys Elks Ladies Dolphin Tournament (June 6-7): Ladies take the lead in this all-female mahi-mahi showdown with great prizes and a fun, supportive atmosphere in Tavernier. Learn more.
Ladies Tarpon Fly Tournament (June 10-12): A prestigious, all-release fly-fishing event connecting women from around the world during peak tarpon season. Learn more.
Father’s Day Dolphin Derby (June 13-14): Celebrate dad with fishing, fun, and big rewards. Kids 15 and under compete for rod & reel combos. Learn more.
Key West Gator Club Dolphin Derby (June 13-15): With $15K in guaranteed prizes, this event reels in both the fish and the good vibes — all for a great cause supporting local students. Learn more.
Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament (June 16-20): A premier fly fishing tournament limited to 25 invited anglers, held during prime tarpon migration. Hosted at the Lorelei Restaurant and Marina. Learn more.
University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame & Museum Celebrity Fishing Tournament (June 19-21): Join Hurricane sports legends to fish for dolphin and other species. Social events are open to the public and raise funds for the UM Sports Hall of Fame. Learn more.
VFW Fishing Tournament (June 20): More than $75K in cash and prizes are up for grabs — and this year, boats can fish both days without extra registration. Learn more.
Islamorada Fishing Club Captain’s Cup Dolphin Tournament (June 25-26): With a potential $25K grand prize, anglers compete for the combined weight of three mahi. Learn more.
Florida Keys PBA Charity Dolphin Tournament (June 27-29): Hosted at Oceans Edge Marina, this family-friendly tournament supports the Autism Society and Love Fund, with big cash prizes and a tuna rod-and-reel bonus. Learn more.
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Celebrate World Oceans Day by giving back to the sea. Coralpalooza™ 2025 invites divers and snorkelers to help restore coral reefs while learning about ocean conservation. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Photo Courtesy of the Coral Restoration Foundation™)
Celebrate World Oceans Day by giving back to the sea. Coralpalooza™ 2025 invites divers and snorkelers to help restore coral reefs while learning about ocean conservation. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Photo Courtesy of the Coral Restoration Foundation™)
“The Loud Mime,” aka Will Flederman, whose talents include squeezing their entire body through a small, gutted tennis racket, will appear as a featured performance artist during the June 1-20 “Summer Solstice Celebration” at Mallory Square in Key West. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Photo by Harry Purdy)
“Reidiculous Reid” Conklin, pictured in action during an audience participation stunt, is to team up with “Juggling Jase” Anderson for a collaborative act and demonstration on June 15 as a highlight of the June 1-20 “Summer Solstice Celebration” at Mallory Square. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Photo by Carol Tedesco)
Pride in paradise! Celebrate love, inclusion, and island flair at Key West Pride June 22-29. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Larry Blackburn/Florida Keys News Bureau)
Pride in paradise! Celebrate love, inclusion, and island flair at Key West Pride June 22-29. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Larry Blackburn/Florida Keys News Bureau)
Registration is open for the 39th Annual Father’s Day Dolphin Derby, set for Saturday, June 14. The popular Marathon tournament brings together families, friends and fishing fanatics for a laid-back celebration of dads and dolphinfish, with big prize payouts for anglers. Visit fathersdaydolphintournament.com. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Photo Courtesy of the Father’s Day Dolphin Derby)
Opening in June 2025, the Ocean Exploration Center represents REEF's commitment to connecting people to oceans. This 4,000-square foot facility will be a launchpad for inspiring future ocean stewards, pioneering research, fostering collaboration, and transforming marine conservation. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Photo Courtesy of The Reef Environmental Education Foundation)
ABOUT THE FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WEST
The Florida Keys & Key West is a premier getaway destination located at the southernmost tip of Florida and the continental United States. The Keys stretch over 125 miles connected by 42 bridges and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf. Discover the spectacular array of diverse activities offered in the Florida Keys like fishing, diving, natural wonders, fine dining and cultural heritage. From large resorts, secluded waterfront hideaways and courtyard guest houses, visitors can uncover the perfect place for their vacation. Restoration, renovation and preservation have become a way of life in the Florida Keys. Whether you’re driving or flying into the Keys, one thing is for sure: there’s simply no place quite like it. Want more reasons to visit The Florida Keys & Key West? Get inspired at visitfloridakeys.com and follow us @thefloridakeys on social media.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Mary B. Haban
Senior Director of Public Relations
Visit Florida Keys & Key West
(305) 394-3142
Visit Florida Keys & Key West PR Agency Team (TURNER)