Key West Calendar: Cars, Chamber Music, Comedy and Pride
Here in Key West, the end of May means blooming frangipani trees, mango trees full of fruit, blossoming Royal Poinciana trees that look like umbrellas of fire across the island, and some incredible sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean. And the calendar of upcoming events is as healthy and lush as the foliage.
Royal Poinciana blooms make a blazing canopy above Key West rooftops. (Photo by Steve Smith)
For vintage car enthusiasts, May 25 kicks off the Southernmost Car Show and Festival Weekend. Presented by the First Class Petty Officer Association from Naval Air Station Key West, this annual benefit car show and festival is part of a commemoration of the 237th birthday of the U.S. Navy.
If you want to show your vehicle, you must register — and for attendees, the weekend will be a great time to see vintage cars, check out vendors’ wares, eat local delicacies, and enjoy the historic Truman Annex waterfront.
Shortly afterward, on June 6, the South Florida Symphony will celebrate Pride Month with a chamber music concert featuring Tchaikovsky’s String Quartet in D Major. Held at the acclaimed Tennessee Williams Cabaret Theatre, the event includes a pre-concert reception and a Meet the Musicians reception afterwards. Where else on an island can you hear symphonic musicians playing pieces by a reputedly gay composer?
And of course June 6 brings Key West’s annual Pride celebration. This 5-day Pride event includes a film festival, dance parties, Pride pageants, a street fair, and a parade down historic Duval Street.
Key West Pride includes a colorful grand parade along famed Duval Street.
Emmy Award-winning actor Leslie Jordan will present his hilarious new one-man show, and our Pride luncheon will showcase Erin Davies’ now famous “FagBug.” Plus, on Friday, the documentary of her 58-day tour around the nation will be presented at the Tropic Cinema with a meet-and-greet following the film.
During the event-filled week, you and your friends can take a 27-mile jet ski tour from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, snorkel the gin-clear Keys waters with the boys on Key West’s Blu Q snorkel, kayak, and island adventures (complete with lunch), and enjoy moonlight tea dance sailing and pool parties. Don’t forget the happy hours at Big Ruby’s and Alexander’s Guesthouse, where you can socialize and tour the properties.
Be sure to take a look at the Key West Pride website to plan your days when you’re here for our Pride. Imagine … a 5-day Pride event on 2-mile by 4-mile Key West, lying closer to Cuba than to Miami. There’s no better place to celebrate — so don’t miss the fun!
