Now Blooming: Spring Events Across the Florida Keys & Key West
FLORIDA KEYS (March 20, 2026) Spring in the Florida Keys & Key West brings warm breezes, turquoise waters and that easygoing island rhythm that makes it hard to keep track of time. The season also kicks off a colorful lineup of festivals and events celebrating everything from art, music and fresh seafood to conservation and endurance sports. And in true Keys fashion, things occasionally take a turn for the delightfully quirky. Whether a music lover, foodie, outdoor adventurer or culture seeker, there’s no shortage of reasons to head south this spring.
ONLY-IN-THE-KEYS CELEBRATIONS
Underwater Easter Egg Hunt April 4
Captain Spencer Slate of Captain Slate's Scuba Adventures trades his dive gear for a bunny suit every Easter to hide brightly colored hard-boiled eggs on a shallow reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Divers and snorkelers of all ages hunt for eggs…real ones, painted with nontoxic coloring to protect the marine environment. A specially marked golden egg earns its finder a prize basket of dive trips and gear. The annual fundraiser supports local children in need. Only 26 spots available with departure at 8:30 a.m. Rates: $120 with full gear, $100 tanks and weights only, $65 adult snorkeler, $55 child snorkeler. Booking and information: www.captainslate.com.
Easter Egg Roll at the Truman Little White House April 4
The Harry S. Truman Little White House hosts its 9th Annual Easter Egg Roll on the grounds of Florida's only presidential museum, 111 Front St., Key West. The free, family-friendly event includes patriotic crafts, photos with the Easter Bunny and a commemorative wooden egg for each child. The event runs 9 a.m.- noon and follows the tradition of the White House Egg Roll, which dates back to 1878. Learn more.
Conch Republic Independence Celebration April 17 – 26
Ever wondered what happens when a city “secedes” for fun? Key West’s legendary Conch Republic Independence Celebration commemorates the island’s playful 1982 declaration of independence with 10 days of quirky festivities. Highlights include the Great Sea Battle, the World’s Longest Parade and the Schooner Wharf Wreckers Cup Race. Expect irreverent humor, lively parades, fresh seafood, local music and plenty of island spirit. Learn more.
Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta May 22
Boats made of thin plywood and duct tape don't sound very seaworthy, but they're the only vessels allowed in the 34th annual Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta. The wacky Memorial Day Weekend regatta takes place off the Schooner Wharf Bar in the Key West Historic Seaport. Costumes and themed entries are encouraged, and many boats end up being more scenic than seaworthy. Learn more.
Truman’s Tropical Fruit Festival June 13
Sample the sweet flavors of the tropics at Truman’s Tropical Fruit Festival at the historic Harry S. Truman Little White House. Taste rare and exotic fruits, learn fascinating fruit lore, purchase tropical trees and enjoy local food, cocktails and family-friendly activities in a lush garden setting. Learn more.
CULTURE & COMMUNITY
Conch Delight – A Culinary Celebration of Conch Cuisine April 19
Take a step back in island time and relish the historic Keys conch culture and cuisine prepared by Chef Marin Liz. Feast on conch salad, woodfired chicken with mojo criollo, ropa vieja and traditional Key lime pie. The island-inspired dinner takes place in the historic Grimal Grove on Pine Island, surrounded by tropical fruit and breadfruit trees. Learn more.
30th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival April 29 – May 3
For those interested in the stories behind many popular country and pop songs, the five-day Key West Songwriters Festival offers performances and storytelling sessions from the writers who created them. Now marking its 30th year in 2026, the festival brings veteran Nashville songwriters and emerging artists together for performances and songwriter rounds at venues throughout Key West. Headlining artists this year include Ronnie Bowman, The Brummies, Chuck Cannon, Ashley Cooke, ERNEST and many more. Learn more.
Key West Pride June 3 – 7
Every June, Key West Pride transforms the island into a vibrant celebration of diversity, unity and love. The weeklong festival welcomes LGBTQ+ visitors, allies and locals with an exciting schedule of pool parties, drag shows, comedy nights, street fairs and sunset sail cruises. The festivities culminate in a colorful Pride Parade along Duval Street featuring Key West’s iconic 100-foot Sea-to-Sea rainbow flag. Learn more.
Summer Solstice Celebration June 8 – 21
Celebrate the longest days of the year at the Summer Solstice Celebration in Mallory Square. This nightly festival features live performances, artisan demonstrations and interactive experiences beginning each evening at 7 p.m., creating a festive waterfront atmosphere leading up to the summer solstice. Learn more.
ACTIVE ADVENTURE ON LAND & SEA
Spanish Fly Shark Tournament April 2-4
This third annual catch-and-release shark tournament, based out of the Key West Yacht Club, is focused on increasing knowledge of sharks in the Florida Keys and benefits the Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation. With both inshore and offshore divisions, the challenge is to be televised by Outdoor America. Learn more.
Florida Keys Lionfish Derby April 23 – 26
Divers and snorkelers lend a hand (or a fin?) in conservation efforts during the Florida Keys Lionfish Derby, hosted by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF). Participants help remove invasive lionfish from local waters while competing for prizes and supporting reef protection. It’s a hands-on way to experience the Keys’ incomparable marine ecosystem while making a positive impact. Learn more.
Tarponian Tournament April 25-29
Teams of anglers fish three nights at the major bridge channels in Marathon in this high-energy tarpon tournament. Organizers plan to present charitable donations at the tournament banquet to Marathon-based animal rescue organizations The Turtle Hospital and Dolphin Research Center. Call 267-210-1952.
I.CARE’s 4th Annual Trash Derby & Festival April 30 – May 3
This eco-minded event invites scuba divers and land lovers to help clean up the Florida Keys on land and underwater. Participants compete to collect the most land and shoreline trash and the most marine debris, then celebrate their efforts at the festival finale on May 3 at Founders Park in Islamorada. The closing celebration features live music, local food and family-friendly activities. Learn more.
Marathon Bull and Cow Dolphin Tournament May 1-3
The largest bull and cow dolphin fish (mahi-mahi) combined weight takes first place and a guaranteed prize of $20,000 in this popular annual contest, with cash prizes also awarded for largest bull dolphin, largest cow dolphin plus largest wahoo, blackfin tuna and tripletail. Learn more.
Key West Paddle Classic May 9
Grab a paddle and head for the turquoise waters of Key West for the 29th Annual Key West Paddle Classic. One of the East Coast’s premier paddle races, this beloved event welcomes both seasoned competitors and newcomers for a memorable day on the water. Participants can expect a rewarding course, affordable entry and plenty of camaraderie among fellow paddle enthusiasts. Learn more.
KEYS100 Ultramarathon May 16 – 17
For endurance athletes seeking the ultimate challenge, the KEYS100 Ultramarathon offers a breathtaking route from Key Largo to Key West. Runners can tackle the full 100-mile course or opt for 50-mile and 50K options, finishing just steps from the sand at Higgs Beach in Key West. Learn more.
Skippers Dolphin Tournament May 29-31
Headquartered at Skippers Dockside Restaurant in Key Largo, this tournament pays cash prizes of over $60,000, including a first-place prize of $20,000 as well as prizes for the top six teams and top lady and junior anglers. Learn more.
Coralpalooza June 4 – 6
Celebrate World Oceans Day in the Florida Keys by joining Coralpalooza, a hands-on coral reef restoration event. Participants head out on boat trips to help outplant corals, monitor reef health and learn about marine conservation, with evening social gatherings bringing the community together. Learn more.
CFK Swim Around Key West & Swim Meets June 12 – 14
Adventure seekers can dive into the 12.5-mile College of the Florida Keys Swim Around Key West, a spectacular 12.5 mile open-water challenge. The event also includes additional swim meets and spectator-friendly festivities celebrating the spirit of endurance and ocean adventure. Learn more.
50th Annual Swim Around Key West June 27
This historic 12.5 swim around the island of Key West is capped at 150 solo swimmers and ten teams each participating in two-person and three-person relays. The swim, timed each year to take advantage of the most favorable tidal currents, begins at 6 a.m. at Higgs Beach. Learn more.
High-resolution images, photo credits, and captions are available at this link.
###
Participants portraying Conch Republic “navy” members raise their hats during a mock sea battle reenactment along the Key West waterfront during Conch Republic Independence Celebration festivities in Key West. The annual 10-day festival, set for April 17-26, commemorates Key West’s 1982 symbolic secession with events including the Great Sea Battle, the World’s Longest Parade and the Schooner Wharf Wreckers Cup Race. (Johnny White/Florida Keys News Bureau)
Boats flying Conch Republic flags exchange water volleys with a U.S. Coast Guard vessel during the “Great Sea Battle” off Key West during Conch Republic Independence Celebration festivities. The annual reenactment playfully recalls the island’s 1982 protest against a federal roadblock, when Key West symbolically “seceded” before surrendering after one minute. This year’s celebration, set for April 17-26, features the Great Sea Battle, the World’s Longest Parade and other events. (Bill Klipp/Florida Keys News Bureau)
During a mock sea battle off Key West, a U.S. Coast Guard vessel sprays water toward a Conch Republic boat during Conch Republic Independence Celebration festivities. The annual reenactment playfully recalls Key West’s 1982 protest against a federal roadblock, when the island symbolically “seceded” before quickly surrendering. This year’s 10-day celebration, set for April 17-26, also features quirky contests, fresh seafood, local music and lively waterfront gatherings. (Mark Hedden/Florida Keys News Bureau)
Scuba divers from the Coral Restoration Foundation participate in coral reef restoration activities during Coralpalooza in the Florida Keys. The annual event, held in celebration of World Oceans Day, brings participants together for hands-on efforts including outplanting corals, monitoring reef health and learning about marine conservation. This year’s Coralpalooza, set for June 4-6, also features boat trips to restoration sites and community gatherings. (Photo courtesy of the Coral Restoration Foundation)
A scuba diver carries a crate of corals for outplanting during Coralpalooza in the Florida Keys. The annual event, held in celebration of World Oceans Day, brings participants to offshore sites to help restore reefs and learn about marine conservation. This year’s Coralpalooza, set for June 4-6, includes guided boat trips, coral planting activities and community gatherings. (Photo courtesy of the Coral Restoration Foundation)
A scuba diver removes marine debris from the ocean floor during a previous I.CARE Trash Derby in the Florida Keys. The eco-focused event invites participants to help clean nearshore and reef environments while raising awareness about ocean conservation. This year’s I.CARE Trash Derby and Festival, set for April 30-May 3, culminates with a community celebration featuring live music, local food and family-friendly activities at Founders Park in Islamorada. (Frazier Nivens/Florida Keys News Bureau)
A scuba diver removes a bundle of marine debris from the seafloor during a previous I.CARE Trash Derby in the Florida Keys. The annual cleanup brings divers and volunteers together to remove discarded traps, lines and other debris that can damage coral reefs. In recent years, participants have collected tens of thousands of pounds of debris from Keys waters. This year’s I.CARE Trash Derby and Festival, set for April 30-May 3, concludes with a community celebration at Founders Park in Islamorada. (Frazier Nivens/Florida Keys News Bureau)
Music fans gather on Sunset Pier at Ocean Key Resort for the kickoff concert of the Key West Songwriters Festival in Key West, Fla. The five-day festival will mark its 30th year when it returns April 29-May 3 with performances and songwriter rounds featuring veteran Nashville hitmakers and emerging artists at venues across the island. The event highlights the stories behind popular country and pop songs through live performances in waterfront and intimate settings. (Mark Hedden/Florida Keys News Bureau)
Country music duo LOCASH performs for a crowd gathered outside Sloppy Joe’s Bar during the 2025 Key West Songwriters Festival in Key West, Fla. This years festival, set to mark its 30th year, returns April 29-May 3 with performances and songwriter rounds featuring Nashville hitmakers and emerging artists at venues across the island. The event offers audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the stories behind popular country and pop songs. (Larry Blackburn/Florida Keys News Bureau)
A participant paddles a partially submerged homemade vessel during the Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta off Key West’s Historic Seaport. The annual event challenges entrants to race boats built from minimal materials such as plywood and duct tape, with many creative designs struggling to stay afloat. The 34th annual regatta, set for May 22, is part of Memorial Day Weekend festivities at the Schooner Wharf Bar and encourages costumes and themed entries. (Mark Hedden/Florida Keys News Bureau)
Street performer “Reidiculous Reid” Conklin balances on a rolling board during an audience participation act at Mallory Square in Key West, Fla., during Summer Solstice Celebration festivities. The nightly waterfront festival, set for June 8-21, features live entertainment, artisan demonstrations and interactive performances leading up to the summer solstice. Events begin each evening at 7 p.m. and showcase Key West’s signature sunset celebration atmosphere. (Carol Tedesco/Florida Keys News Bureau)
Children gather eggs during a past Easter Egg Roll at the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West, Fla. Families take part in this annual tradition on the grounds of Florida’s only presidential museum. The 9th Annual Easter Egg Roll is set for Saturday, April 4, from 9 a.m. to noon at 111 Front St., featuring patriotic crafts, photos with the Easter Bunny and a commemorative wooden egg for each child. Admission is free. (Johnny White/Florida Keys News Bureau)
Captain Spencer Slate, dressed as the Easter Bunny, places brightly colored hard-boiled eggs on a shallow reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary during a past Underwater Easter Egg Hunt in Tavernier, Fla. The eggs are prepared with nontoxic dyes to protect the marine environment. The 2026 event is set for Saturday, April 4, inviting divers and snorkelers to search for eggs, including a prize-winning golden egg. The annual fundraiser supports local children in need. (Frazier Nivens/Florida Keys News Bureau)
It’s the ultimate balancing act. Captain Spencer Slate dons a bunny suit and scuba gear as he holds a hard-boiled egg while diving in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary during a past Underwater Easter Egg Hunt. Eggs are colored with nontoxic dyes before being placed on the reef. The 2026 event is set for Saturday, April 4, where divers and snorkelers can search for eggs, including a prize-winning golden egg. The annual fundraiser supports local children in need. (Frazier Nivens/Florida Keys News Bureau)
Captain Spencer Slate, dressed as the Easter Bunny, displays a basket of brightly colored eggs while scuba diving in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary during a past Underwater Easter Egg Hunt. Real eggs, dyed with nontoxic coloring, are used during the annual tradition to avoid environmental impact. The 2026 hunt is set for Saturday, April 4, offering participants a chance to search for eggs, including a prize-winning golden egg. The annual fundraiser supports local children in need. (Frazier Nivens/Florida Keys News Bureau)
Dressed as a scuba-diving Easter Bunny, Captain Spencer Slate swims along a shallow reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary during a past Underwater Easter Egg Hunt. Divers follow as Slate transports eggs colored with nontoxic dyes to protect the marine environment. The 2026 event is scheduled for Saturday, inviting divers and snorkelers to search for eggs, including a specially marked golden egg. The annual fundraiser supports local children in need. (Mike Papish/Florida Keys News Bureau)
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)