Sun, Sea & Saluting our Service Members
Celebrate this Memorial Day Weekend in the Florida Keys
FLORIDA KEYS (May 16, 2025) — Memorial Day Weekend is right around the corner and the Florida Keys and Key West is the place to be. The iconic island chain offers a vibrant mix of sun-soaked festivities, meaningful tributes, and laid-back island experiences. From honoring America’s heroes to cheering on duct-taped dinghy races at the famed Minimal Regatta and enjoying fresh lobster by the beach, the Conch Republic sets the scene for a spirited start to the summer season.
Signature events taking place May 24–26, 2025, include:
Island Vibes & Beachside Beats
May 24, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday night in Islamorada brings a high-energy beach party under the stars at Island Grill, featuring two live bands, dancers, and full dinner service on the sand. With free parking and no cover charge, guests simply need to bring their crew and flip-flops. No reservations needed. Just a first-come, first-party kind of night by the ocean.
Sink Or Swim in Key West: Minimal Regatta
May 25, noon
Big laughs, bold costumes, themed designs, a barbecue feast, and live music? Yes, please. The Annual Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta has all it. And the Key West Historic Seaport is the place to be to cheer on the tenacious teams as they race their handmade boats crafted from plywood, 2x4s, and duct tape. Whether their vessels sink or float, the event guarantees a great time. Proceeds benefit the local American Legion, making it a fun-filled event with a charitable cause.
Beach BBQ Bliss
May 25, noon
In Key Largo, Florida’s only all-inclusive, luxury adults-only resort is heating things up with its annual Backyard Beach BBQ. Guests at Bungalows Key Largo can relax with a cocktail by the Sunset Pool, enjoy live music at Tiki Beach, or join the 2 p.m. Kayak Race. That evening, Executive Chef Juan Maradiaga serves a gourmet feast featuring pistachio-crusted snapper, and Maine lobster tails. The evening continues with a live Junkanoo band, a performance by Brothers of Others, and a DJ after-party hosted by Reggae Ronnie.
Pool Party in Marathon
May 25, 11 a.m.
Marathon’s elegant Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, Curio Collection by Hilton, is delivering a full day of festive fun in the Florida Keys. On Sunday, May 25 starting at 11 a.m., guests can dive into a lively pool party complete with a grill-out pig roast, live music, and signature cocktail specials. As part of the Celebrate at Faro Blanco offer, guests can also enjoy daily parking and a $15 daily resort credit.
Honor & Remember in Islamorada
May 26, 9 a.m.
The Matecumbe Historical Trust invites locals and visitors to a meaningful Memorial Day Service at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument. The ceremony includes patriotic music by The Two Big Brothers, guest speakers, and a dual wreath-laying sponsored by Centennial Bank and Daughters of the American Revolution. The service concludes with Taps and a benediction, offering a heartfelt tribute to those who served.
Salute to Service in Key West
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort is offering a special Salute to Service Package for military personnel, first responders, teachers, and healthcare workers. With up to 25% off nightly rates and discounts on watersports adventures, the package provides well-earned relaxation in the heart of the Keys. Valid ID is required at check-in to redeem the offer.
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Competitors cross the start line in their makeshift boats during the Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta Sunday, May 28, 2023, in Key West, Fla. Rules of the quirky regatta, a Memorial Day weekend tradition in the Florida Keys, required each team to build a boat from just a sheet of 4-by-8-foot plywood, two 8-foot-long two-by-fours, a roll of duct tape and a pound of fasteners. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Rob O'Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau)
Competitors navigate their makeshift boats during the Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta Sunday, May 28, 2023, in Key West, Fla. Rules of the quirky regatta, a Memorial Day weekend tradition in the Florida Keys, required each team to build a boat from just a sheet of 4-by-8-foot plywood, two 8-foot-long two-by-fours, a roll of duct tape and a pound of fasteners. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Rob O'Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau)
A contestant tries to stay afloat in the Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta Sunday, May 29, 2022, in Key West, Fla. Teams in the offbeat race competed in makeshift boats that were each built from a sheet of 4-by-8-foot plywood, two 8-foot-long two-by-fours, a pound of fasteners and a roll of duct tape. Using caulk to waterproof seams on entries was prohibited. The regatta is a Memorial Day Weekend tradition in the Florida Keys. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Rob O'Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau)
The Hurricane Monument in Islamorada, Florida Keys. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Brad Bertelli/Florida Keys News Bureau)
The Bungalows Key Largo. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY (Image courtesy of The Bungalows Key Largo)
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)