6 Reasons to Visit Key West This March
From flowers to food to fish, here are six wonderful reasons to kick off Spring in Key West in the month of March.
Key West is an excellent March destination, with consistently sunny, warm weather and low humidity, making it perfect for water sports and exploring outdoors. March offers the best of both worlds, with lingering winter charm and the start of spring, bringing lively, packed scenes to Duval Street. Here are a few things on offer this year:
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. Multiple local FL vendors will be there, including Quest Orchids.
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 first timers to transform the iconic conch shell into a musical instrument, celebrating the playful, communal spirit of the Conch Republic.
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 kids’ area with a rock-climbing wall, bungee jumping, obstacle courses, Jenga, face painting, and other activities. 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, and takes place at Marathon Community Park.
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.
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.
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 activities in the Florida Keys, including 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 @thefloridakeys on social media.
