Turn Up the Heat This Spring in The Florida Keys & Key West
The Conch Republic comes alive with vibrant traditions and tropical vibes.
FLORIDA KEYS (Feb. 24, 2026) Spring comes alive in the Florida Keys & Key West this March with an exciting lineup of festivals and island traditions that can only be found in this tropical island chain. From a fiercely competitive conch shell competition to local seafood feasts, March 2026 offers something for any traveler in need of sunshine, unique culture, and pure island energy.
ONLY IN THE FLORIDA KEYS EXPERIENCES
Islamorada's Bacon, Beer & Seafood Festival - March 1
Savor the start of March at the Bacon, Beer & Seafood Festival in Islamorada. Hosted by the Islamorada Moose Lodge and Florida Keys Brewing Co., this flavorful fête serves up fresh seafood, crispy bacon bites, craft beer, cocktails, live music, and Junkanoo beats from 10am–6pm. With free parking and a $5 suggested donation benefiting local charities and Coral Shores Scholarships, it’s a delicious way to give back while soaking up the island vibes in the Florida Keys.
Key West Orchid Festival - March 6-8
Nature lovers unite! Immerse yourself in the vibrant Key West Orchid Festival at the Key West Garden Club. The event features stunning orchid displays, expert presentations, plant sales, and local art, creating a serene, colorful celebration of tropical beauty.
Conch Shell Blowing Contest - March 7
A beloved Key West tradition for decades, the Conch Shell Blowing Contest brings history and humor together at the lush garden of the Oldest House on 322 Duval Street. Open to all ages and free to attend, this quirky event invites both seasoned shell blowers and firsttimers to transform the iconic conch shell into a musical instrument, celebrating the playful, communal spirit of the Conch Republic.
34th Annual Florida Keys Island Fest - March 28-29
This signature spring festival at Islamorada’s Founders Park delivers two days of free waterfront fun with juried fine art, live music, local cuisine, family activities, and vintage cars. Highlights of the Florida Keys Island Fest include an Arts & Crafts Show with more than 100 artists, the Smoked Fish Dip Contest, the All-American Road Vintage Cruisers Car Show, and the whimsical “What Floats Your Boat?” homemade boat race.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY FUN RUNS
St. Paddy’s Island 5K/10K - March 13-16
Wear your best green outfit and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Islamorada-style during the St. Paddy’s Island 5K/10K along Old Highway, followed by a festive post-race party at The Florida Keys Brewing Company. Registration includes a beer and event swag.
Irish Kevin’s 13th Annual Shamrock Shuffle - March 14
This lively 5K/10K (plus kids’ 1K) in Key West starts and finishes on Duval Street and wraps up with a street party featuring live music, breakfast buffet, a free drink (21+), medals, and awards. The Shamrock Shuffle supports local charities and delivers guaranteed St. Paddy’s Day fun.
FOOD & DRINK FESTIVALS
The Original Marathon Seafood Festival - March 14-15
Savor the flavors of the Florida Keys with fresh local seafood, live music, and arts and crafts at the Original Marathon Seafood Festival. Celebrating its 50th year, the event is the oldest seafood festival in the Keys. The whole crew will love it, thanks to a kid’s area with rock climbing wall, bungee jumping, obstacle courses, Jenga, face painting, and other activities.
Taste of Key West - March 23
Taste of Key West is a lively waterfront festival showcasing the best of local restaurants, chefs, and beverage partners. Set against the stunning backdrop of Truman Waterfront Park, attendees sample dishes from Key West’s finest chefs and sip carefully curated wines, craft beers, and spirits, all in support of health, housing, and hope across the Florida Keys.
FISHING TOURNAMENTS
Jimmy Johnson’s “Quest for the Ring” Championship Fishing Week - March 3-7, 2026
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Quest for the Ring event features three tournaments packed into one unforgettable week, drawing anglers and fans from around the world.
March Merkin Invitational - March 9-12, 2026
During the March Merkin Invitational, fly-fishing enthusiasts experience world-class permit fishing in the breathtaking waters of the Florida Keys, combining competitive angling with camaraderie and coastal beauty.
Key West Sailfish Tournament - March 26-28, 2026
World-class teams converge on the sparkling blue waters of Key West and the lower Keys two days during the Key West Sailfish Tournament, battling it out for the top of the leaderboard and prize money bringing teams from all over Florida and beyond.
High-resolution images, photo credits, and captions are available at this link.
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Dozens of hopeful contestants blew the judges away at the 62nd Annual ‘Conch Honk’ Shell Blowing contest in Key West, Fla. on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Local “conch’s” and visitors gathered at the Oldest House Museum & Gardens for a day of fun, music, and laughter. (Mark Hedden/Florida Keys News Bureau) // HANDOUT - RIGHTS CLEARED //
(From left to right); Ethan Allen, Sophia Hodek, and Kellen Morley compete in the kids 11 and under category at the 62nd Annual ‘Conch Honk’ Shell Blowing Contest in Key West, Fla., on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Oldest House Museum & Gardens. (Mark Hedden/Florida Keys News Bureau) // HANDOUT - RIGHTS CLEARED //
The crowd drank in the sultry sounds of Jack Lindsey’s version of “Tequila” during the 62nd Annual Conch Honk Shell Blowing Contest in Key West, Fla., on March 8, 2025, at the Oldest House Museum & Gardens. His rendition helped him win first prize in the male category. (Mark Hedden/Florida Keys News Bureau) // HANDOUT - RIGHTS CLEARED //
A celebration of island creativity and coastal tradition unfolds during the 2025 Island Fest at Founders Park in Islamorada, Florida. Presented by the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, the annual spring festival features a juried art show, live music, local food and family activities. The 34th Annual Island Fest is scheduled for March 28 and 29, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Founders Park. (Islamorada Chamber of Commerce) // HANDOUT - RIGHTS CLEARED //
Rob Stober races his homemade vessel “Cranky” during the “What Floats Your Boat?” race at the 2025 Island Fest at Founders Park in Islamorada, Florida. The annual spring festival, presented by the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, features art, live music and family activities. The 34th Annual Island Fest is set for March 28 and 29, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Founders Park. (Islamorada Chamber of Commerce) // HANDOUT - RIGHTS CLEARED //
Homemade vessels launch into the water during the “What Floats Your Boat?” race at the 2025 Island Fest at Founders Park in Islamorada, Florida. The annual spring festival, presented by the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, features a juried art show, live music, local food and family activities. The 34th Annual Island Fest is scheduled for March 28 and 29, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Founders Park. (Islamorada Chamber of Commerce) // HANDOUT - RIGHTS CLEARED //
Fisherman Harry Lebo displays freshly prepared Florida lobster during a past Original Marathon Seafood Festival in Marathon, Florida. The annual community festival, founded in 1976, features locally caught seafood prepared by area fishermen and volunteers, along with live music, vendors and family activities. The 50th Annual Original Marathon Seafood Festival is set for March 14-15, 2026, at Marathon Community Park. (Mark Hedden/Florida Keys News Bureau) // HANDOUT - RIGHTS CLEARED //
Kevin Diaz rides a mechanical bull during the 2025 Original Marathon Seafood Festival in Marathon, Florida. In addition to locally caught seafood prepared by area fishermen and volunteers, the annual community event features live music, vendors and family activities. The 50th Annual Original Marathon Seafood Festival is scheduled for March 14-15, 2026, at Marathon Community Park. (Mark Hedden/Florida Keys News Bureau) // HANDOUT - RIGHTS CLEARED //
Attendees sample dishes from local restaurants during the 2025 Taste of Key West at Truman Waterfront Park in Key West, Florida. The annual waterfront food and wine festival supports AH Monroe and features cuisine, wine and craft beer tastings. Taste of Key West returns Monday, March 23, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Truman Waterfront Park. (Nick Doll/Florida Keys News Bureau) // HANDOUT - RIGHTS CLEARED //
Guests attend the 2025 Taste of Key West at Truman Waterfront Park in Key West, Florida. The annual waterfront food and wine festival supports AH Monroe, a nonprofit serving the Florida Keys with health care, housing and supportive services. Taste of Key West returns Monday, March 23, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Truman Waterfront Park, where local restaurants will offer small plates alongside wine and craft beer tastings. (Nick Doll/Florida Keys News Bureau) // HANDOUT - RIGHTS CLEARED //
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)