This annual event is a Key West tradition; a 10 day event is filled with fun, sun, and quirkiness.
We've listed the daily events, but be sure to check out the calander for daily specific events.
36TH ANNIVERSARY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS • 2018
What's happening Friday? April 20th OPENING BREAKFAST
- 9:30 - 11:30 AM: Breakfast at Two Friends Patio, meet High Command, Founding Fathers, VIPs and Dignitaries. Broadcasted LIVE on Pirate Radio. Two Friends Patio is located at 512 Front Street. $20 (includes non-alcoholic beverages & shuttle to Ft. Taylor). For reservations, call (305) 296-3124.
Transportation to breakfast and flag raising below:
- 9:15 AM: HTA Trolley from KW Historic Seaport to Two Friends
- 9:30 - 11:30 AM: Breakfast
- 11:30 AM: HTA Trolley from Two Friends to Fort Zachary Taylor
- 1 PM: HTA Trolley from Ft. Taylor to Caroline Street Parking Lot.
- 12 PM - 1 PM: CONCH REPUBLIC MILITARY RAISING of the COLORS: Official Opening of the 2018 Conch Republic Independence Celebration Festival, the Raising of the Colors includes the Conch Republic Pledge of Allegiance, the Battle Hymn of the Conch Republic, a Conch Shell-Horn Salute, and live music provided by Conchelele Bob. At Fort Zachary Taylor. FREE WITH PARK ADMISSION (or if arriving via HTA Trolley from CRIC Opening Breakfast)
- 6 PM - 8 PM: TALL SHIP SUNSET SAIL ABOARD CR FLAGSHIP WOLF: Take a step back in time and relive the glorious age of sail and seafaring adventure with Conch Republic Supreme Commander & First Sea Lord Admiral Finbar Gittleman! The flagship of the Conch Republic Navy, Schooner WOLF departs from KW Historic Seaport (E Dock). 201 William Street. Board 20 minutes prior to departure. BYOB. Book today! $50 Adults, $25 Kids under 12. Tickets and info: SailAway@schoonerWOLF.com or call (305) 296-9694.
- 7PM _ LATE: THE OFFICIAL CONCH REPUBLIC DAYS KICK-OFF PARTY: The Caribbean Queen Junkanoos - a movable feast of traditional Bahamian drums, cowbells, whistles, and horns with colorful costumes - will parade through from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. Then dance the night away to the Cayo Ritmo Band, a high energy mix of reggae, calypso, soca, rock, R&B, funk, and soul. Compete or enjoy the Conch Shell Blowing Contest; prizes awarded for Longest, Loudest, and Most Musical Blows. Hosted by Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley, 202 William Street. FREE www.SchoonerWharf.com
SATURDAY, APRIL 21st
- 9 AM - 11 AM: BEACH CLEANUP: The Conch Republic CIA (Cuties In Action) and 82nd Aubornes have partnered with Keep Key West Beautiful for the chief purpose of eradicating cigarette butts and other debris from our shores.The joint task force officially appropriated the stretch of beach between White & Reynolds Street piers (there's a bar in between) and will launch "Operation: Ain't No Butts About It" on Earth Day Eve. The public is invited to join the cause and participate. Higgs Beach, 1000 Atlantic Avenue. FREE
- 10 AM - 5 PM: CONCH REPUBLIC ART & CRAFT FAIR ON DUVAL STREET: Local artists and craftsmen offer unique and handmade items you'll treasure! Sponsored by the Key West Cultural Preservation Society. Benefits KWHS seniors who will pursue college degrees in Art. Fair runs on Duval, between Greene & Eaton Streets. FREE ENTRY. Visit the Conch Republic Military Command Center on the corner of Duval & Greene.
- 11 AM - NOON: BEACHCOMBER HAT CONTEST: Beach cleaning is thirsty business, and the Bloody Mary Happy Hour at Saluté! on the Beach is the perfect way to cool down. Get your creative juices flowing and unwind with island tunes by the Shanty Hounds while recycling beach booty into a fabulous beach bonnet - Best Hat wins a $50 gift certificate to Salute! Hosted by the Conch Republic CIA & 82nd Aubornes at Higgs Beach. 1000 Atlantic Avenue. FREE www.SALUTEontheBeach.com
- NOON - 8 PM: COMMUNITY UNITY CONCERT: Show your Community Unity at this free event at the new Key West Amphitheater. Featuring the KWHS Jazz Band, The Bahama Village Music Program's Steel Drum Band, and more local favorite performers. Family-friendly fun activities include a visita from Mo the Sloth and Chanel the Skunk of the MCSO's Animal Farm! Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets; please leave coolers and pets at home. Benefits Michelle's Foundation. Sponsored by HTA, US1 Radio, and Tito's Vodka. 21 Quay Rd. FREE ENTRY
- 2 - 5 PM: THE GREAT CONCH REPUBLIC DRAG RACES ON DUVAL: Come out and witness this zany Key West tradition! Benefits the Petronia Street Neighborhood Association. Races run between Petronia and Angela Streets on Duval, starting at 801 Bourbon Bar. Sponsored by US1 Radio and Tito's Handmade Vodka. FREE ENTRY ***Signup at event only.***
- 9 PM - LATE: SPAM ALLSTARS: Don't miss this popular South Florida-based latin/funk/electronica band perform at a famous local music venue! Official after-party for the Community Unity event at Truman Waterfront. Green Parrot Bar. 601 Whitehead Street. FREE ENTRY www.GreenParrot.com
SUNDAY, APRIL 22nd
- 2 - 5 PM: VINYL RECORD FAIR: Vinyl collectors and crate-diggers are invited to come buy, sell, and trade your new and vintage albums. DJ Le Spam of the Spam Allstars will be spinning records all afternoon from his own extensive collection of Retro and Vintage Miami R&B, Old-School Reggae, Latin, African, and Brazilian recordings. Benefits the Bahama Village Music Program. Sponsored by Dogfish Head Brewery, including a brand new Crosley turntable raffle. Green Parrot Bar, 601 Whitehead Street. FREE ENTRY www.GreenParrot.com
- 6 - 8 PM: TALL SHIP SUNSET SAIL ABOARD CR FLAGSHIP WOLF: Take a step back in time and relive the glorious age of sail and seafaring adventure with Conch Republic Supreme Commander & First Sea Lord Admiral Finbar Gittleman! The flagship of the Conch Republic Navy, Schooner WOLF departs from KW Historic Seaport (E Dock). 201 William Street. Board 20 minutes prior to departure. BYOB. Book today! $50 Adults, $25 Kids under 12. Tickets and info: SailAway@schoonerWOLF.com or call (305) 296-9694.
- 8 - 10 PM: THE CR ROYAL FAMILY ELECTION & INVESTITURE PARTY: Benefits the Conch Republic Foster Children's Fund for Wesley House. Hosted by Rick's/Durty Harry's. 202 Duval Street. FREE www.WesleyHouse.orgwww.RicksBarKeyWest.com
- 7 - 10 PM: HOT HAVANA NIGHT: Dance the night away to music by Miami's "Mojito Hot Salsa Band", enjoy a Cuban dance show, and compete for an authentic Cuban treasure at the silent auction! Admission includes a mojito, Cuban snack tray, raffle entry for a Cuban-made humidor, plus other surprises! Turtle Kraals Bar & Restaurant. 231 Margaret Street. Benefits TREE Institute's projects in Cuba. ADVANCE GENERAL ADMISSION $25 UNTIL 4/21/18 at noon. $35 AT THE DOOR. Limited Reserved Seating $125 for table for 4. www.keystix.com
MONDAY, APRIL 23rd
- 10 AM - 2 PM: BLOODY MARY BRUNCH: Enjoy a special Monday-edition brunch in honor of Conch Republic Independence Day on the patio of this popular Bahama Village eatery that pairs an expansive bloody mary bar with both classic fare and inventive menu options. Hosted by Blue Macaw Island Eats & Bar. 804 Whitehead Street. ORDER FROM MENU. CASH BAR. www.BlueMacawKeyWest.com
- 2 - 6 PM: BARKS & BREWS BLOCK PARTY: Bring your furbabies and enjoy a frosty beverage to toast Conch Republic Independence Day and raise money for the Florida Keys SPCA! Hosted by Mary Ellen's Bar and Restaurant, 420 Appelrouth Lane. Pet friendly! FREE ENTRY. CASH BAR www.MaryEllensBar.com
- 4 & 9 PM: "OLD MAN & THE SEA: RETURN TO CUBA" WORLD PREMIERE: Learn the moving story of Conch Republic First Sea Lord Admiral Finbar Gittleman and his beloved schooner, the Conch Republic Navy's Flagship WOLF, in this all-new documentary by director Matt Dean. Key West Theater. 512 Eaton Street. Tickets on Sale April 1st at www.MattDeanFilmStore.com
- 4 PM: Doors open; Premiere Screening and Reception. Q&A session w/ Admiral Finbar and Matt Dean to follow.
- 9 PM: Doors open; Encore Screening and Reception with Dessert Bar. Q&A session w/ Matt Dean to follow.
- 7 PM: CONCH REPUBLIC INDEPENDENCE DAY SUNSET CEREMONY: This lighthearted, entertaining, and jovial ceremony will feature a Proclamation by the Prime Minister of the Conch Republic, a CR Military 21-Gun Salute, & 21-Conch Shell Horn-Blowing Salute at Sunset. Mallory Square, 400 Wall Street. FREE
TUESDAY, APRIL 24th
- 1:30 - 3:30 PM: TALL SHIP SAIL ABOARD CR FLAGSHIP WOLF: Take a step back in time and relive the glorious age of sail and seafaring adventure with Conch Republic Supreme Commander & First Sea Lord Admiral Finbar Gittleman! The flagship of the Conch Republic Navy, Schooner WOLF departs from KW Historic Seaport (E Dock). 201 William Street. Board 20 minutes prior to departure. BYOB. Book today! $50 Adults, $25 Kids under 12. Tickets and info: SailAway@schoonerWOLF.com or call (305) 296-9694.
- 6 - 8 PM: CONCH REPUBLIC MILITARY MUSTER: Party with ambassadors, emmisaries, and diplomats at this fête hosted by the Conch Republic CIA... shhh! and the 82nd Aubornes. Bend elbows with the High Command and all the Un-usual Suspects while raising your glass, and funds for the Conch Republic Foster Children's Fund. Admission includes C-Rations, 1st drink (beer, wine, or our signature cocktail: Truth Serum - shhh!), 50/50 raffle. The Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela Street. $10 ENTRY, CASH BAR. Email ConchRepublicDispatch@gmail.com for more info.
- 9 - 10 PM: "GREAT BLOODY SEA BATTLE" Captains' Meeting: This is the mandatory captains' meeting for the annual re-enactment of the Conch Republic's Great Bloody Sea Battle. If you want to be in the Great Battle, you must attend the meeting. Vessels not registered will not be allowed to participate. No exceptions. Special flags will be issued to participating vessels that must be flown during the Battle. Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., on the Historic Seaport. FREE www.SchoonerWharf.com. Mandatory for All Great Bloody Sea Battle Participants.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25th
- 1:30 - 3:30 PM: TALL SHIP SAIL ABOARD CR FLAGSHIP WOLF: Take a step back in time and relive the glorious age of sail and seafaring adventure with Conch Republic Supreme Commander & First Sea Lord Admiral Finbar Gittleman! The flagship of the Conch Republic Navy, Schooner WOLF departs from KW Historic Seaport (E Dock). 201 William Street. Board 20 minutes prior to departure. BYOB. Book today! $50 Adults, $25 Kids under 12. Tickets and info: SailAway@schoonerWOLF.com or call (305) 296-9694.
- 4 - 9 PM: CONCH SPIRIT PINEWOOD DERBY: Conch Cars are one of the fun and unique parts of life in paradise, so show your local love by decorating your entry with Conch-Themed creativity! Hosted by The Porch, 429 Caroline Street; benefits Southernmost Boys & Girls Club. $10 ENTRY FEE includes car kit with assembly instructions (available at The Porch during their normal business hours)
THURSDAY, APRIL 26th
- 1:30 - 3:30 PM: TALL SHIP SAIL ABOARD CR FLAGSHIP WOLF: Take a step back in time and relive the glorious age of sail and seafaring adventure with Conch Republic Supreme Commander & First Sea Lord Admiral Finbar Gittleman! The flagship of the Conch Republic Navy, Schooner WOLF departs from KW Historic Seaport (E Dock). 201 William Street. Board 20 minutes prior to departure. BYOB. Book today! $50 Adults, $25 Kids under 12. Tickets and info: SailAway@schoonerWOLF.com or call (305) 296-9694.
- 6 - 7:30 PM: "WORLD'S LONGEST PARADE" PRE-PARTY: The World's Longest Parade festivities kick off at Southernmost House Hotel with a Conch Republic Raising of the Colors flag ceremony, conch shell-horn salute, and celebratory libations with a spectacular ocean view. 1400 Duval. Sponsored by Tito's Handmade Vodka. FREE ENTRY. CASH BAR
- 7 PM: THE DUVAL STREET MILE: Sprint the length of paradise by running the length of the most famous street in Key West - Duval Street! Presented by The Key West Southernmost Runners. Registration at Southernmost House, 1400 Duval Street, starting at 5 PM. $25 adult / $18 HS student (14-18) / $12 for 13 & Under. For more info, please visit www.southernmostrunners.com
- 8 PM: THE CONCH REPUBLIC "WORLD'S LONGEST PARADE": Presented by 104.1 FM, US1 Radio, this world famous parade celebrates Conch Republic Independence and runs from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico! Route travels down Duval Street from United Street, turns right onto Greene Street, and then continues along Lazy Way Lane to finish at Schooner Wharf Bar. FREE. Duval closes between United and South Streets at 5 pm for pre-party mustering. Participants line up at 7:30, and the parade rolls at 8!
- 9 PM - LATE: "WORLD'S LONGEST PARADE" AFTER PARTY & AWARDS CEREMONY: Don your pirate gear or favorite Schooner Wharf shirt and meet us on the corner of South and Duval at 7:45 to join our float! After the parade, we'll hand out Parade prizes given to Best "Conch-cept", Most Original, and Most Creative parade entries, and party with The Last Mangoes Band. A great opportunity to come get your "Caribbean On" --- dance to reggae, ska, soca, and calypso with us! Live music 'til midnight. Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St. FREE www.SchoonerWharf.com
FRIDAY, APRIL 27th
- 6 PM: “GREAT BLOODY SEA BATTLE” NON-COMBAT SHORE PARTY: Witness the spectacle of our island nation's most famous sea battle, reenacted each year to commemorate the secession and founding of the Conch Republic. This large-scale, hilarious harbor battle pits the Conch Republic's Air Force & Navy alongside private vessels of all shapes and sizes against none other than the United States Coast Guard. Watch from the safety of the best seats in town, at Margaritaville Resort. 245 Front Street. FREE
- 7 PM: CR NAVAL BOAT PARADE & “GREAT BLOODY SEA BATTLE": In Key West Harbor, from Margaritaville Resort to Mallory Square. FREE
- 9 PM: SEA BATTLE SURRENDER CEREMONY & VICTORY PARTY: The post-Great Bloody Sea Battle festivities kick off at 7 pm at Schooner Wharf, The Official Headquarters of Conch Republic Independence. A tongue-in-cheek Surrender Ceremony of the United States Coast Guard to the Conch Republic Armed Forces - "A farce to be reckoned with" - takes place at 9 pm. The popular and engaging Jeff Clark Band will provide live music until midnight. Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley, 202 William Street, on the KW Historic Seaport. FREE www.SchoonerWharf.com
SATURDAY, APRIL 28th
- 11 AM - 3 PM: CONCH CRAWL, RUM SALUTE, BAR & DISTILLERY STROLL: Kicks off at the Key West Legal Rum Distillery, with stops at The Green Room, Duval Station, TBD Bar, Mary Ellen's, and 801 Bourbon Bar. Sponsored and hosted by Key West Legal Rum Distillery, 105 Simonton Street. Registration opens at 10 AM in the Distillery's tasting room. Limited space available. $30 includes Conch Crawl Tee-shirt.
- 3 - 7 PM: DUVAL STATION HAPPY HOUR EVENT: Happy hour specials at the newest watering hole on Duval. Benefits Michelle's Foundation. 203 Duval Street. CASH BAR
- 6:30 - 8:30 PM: TALL SHIP SUNSET SAIL ABOARD CR FLAGSHIP WOLF: Take a step back in time and relive the glorious age of sail and seafaring adventure with Conch Republic Supreme Commander & First Sea Lord Admiral Finbar Gittleman! The flagship of the Conch Republic Navy, Schooner WOLF departs from KW Historic Seaport (E Dock). 201 William Street. Board 20 minutes prior to departure. BYOB. Book today! $50 Adults, $25 Kids under 12. Tickets and info: SailAway@schoonerWOLF.com or call (305) 296-9694.
- 7 PM: PIRATES’ BALL & COSTUME CONTEST: Witness the swashbuckling sword play and sea shanties of Key West's own Conch Republic Privateers. Compete in our Piratical Costume Competition - Prizes for Best Buccaneer, Best Wench, Best Bustier, and Cut Throat Surprise. The Happy Dog Band jams to live Woodstock-style music like Grateful Dead, The Beatles, and Crosby, Stills and Nash, from 7 pm 'til midnight. Enjoy an evening of unscripted & entertaining audience participation! Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St. FREE www.SchoonerWharf.com
SUNDAY, APRIL 29th
- 9 - 10 AM: CR INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION REGATTA Captains' Mtg: With CR Secretary of State Capt. Jim Gilleran at Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St. FREE www.AmigaTravel.com. Mandatory for All Regatta Participants.
- 10 AM - NOON: CONCH REPUBLIC INDEPENDENCE DAYS WRAP BRUNCH: With the CRIC High Command, Founding Fathers, VIPs, & Dignitaries at Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St. $TBD www.SchoonerWharf.com
- 1 - 5 PM: CHICKEN & WAFFLES BRUNCH / FATS NAVARRO TRIBUTE: The 12th annual Chicken & Waffles Jazz Brunch and Fats Navarro Tribute kicks off at 1 PM with The Green Parrot Jazz Allstars, with special guest, Key West's King of Soul, Robert Albury. GP's annual tribute to seminal bebop jazz trumpeter and Key West native, Theodore "Fats" Navarro, follows at 3 PM. Dizzy Gillespie called him "the best all-around trumpeter of them all." All brunch proceeds benefit the Bahama Village Music Program. Hosted by the Green Parrot. 601 Whitehead. www.GreenParrot.com
- 1 PM: WRECKERS' RACE SAIL TO SAND KEY LIGHTHOUSE: Last Wreckers Race of the season! A one-way, all-in-fun sail boat drag race to Sand Key, re-enacting the tradition of Key West Wreckers of the 1800's. Video of the race and prizes awarded in 6 classes at ceremony/party that evening, 7 pm. Visiting yachtsman and local captains are welcome to join the regatta. Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley, 202 William St. For more information, please visit www.SchoonerWharf.com or call 305-292-3302. Mandatory Captains' Meeting is at 7 pm on Saturday, April 28th.
- 8 PM: FULL MOON PARTY: At SALUTÉ! on the Beach. 1000 Atlantic Blvd. FREE ENTRY. CASH BAR www.SALUTEontheBeach.com
MONDAY, APRIL 30th - SATURDAY, MAY 5th
- CR INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION REGATTA TO CUBA: Presented by Amiga Travel. For more information, contact Capt. Jim Gilleran (305) 304-2400 or visit www.AmigaTravel.co
