2026 Schedule
Celebration Schedule & Pocket Guide
Celebration Schedule
DAILY
* Denotes Tix available online DEC 1
SAIL ABOARD MAJESTIC HISTORIC SCHOONERS aboard Danger Charters, Sunset Sail Key West’s sloop High Tide, and Cruisin’ Tiki’s — shallow draft vessels – ideal for snorkeling, kayaking.*
DAY & SUNSET SAILS, SNORKEL TRIPS & ALL-DAY ADVENTURES AT SEA & IN THE WATER aboard Danger Charters and Sunset Sail Key West fleet of shallow draft vessels ideal for snorkeling and kayaking. Enjoy a Tiki Boat Adventure. Join the CR Marine Army for a Saturday Mangrove Clean Up. . . *Get Tickets YEAR-ROUND online!
Spend the day on the water with the CR Marine Army for their Saturday Clean Ups or Private Charter and help clean up the Mangroves. *Learn more about the CR’s CRMA’s weekly Mangrove clean-ups online!
SPECIAL EVENTS AT UNIQUE & HISTORIC VENUES
FRIDAY, APRIL 17th

CRIC 2026 HQ & WELCOME CENTER at the Key West Historic Seaport, foot of Elizabeth & Greene. Stop by and get your Celebration Pocket Guide, stock up on T-shirts, Flags and Souvenirs.purchase an Official Conch Republic Passport and become a Conch-stituent!
SAIL ABOARD MAJESTIC HISTORIC SCHOONERS, including Danger Charter’s Danger’s Prize, Danger’s Pearl, and Sarah; Sunset Sail Key West’s When & If and Malabar X, Jolly II Rover, Spirit of Independence and America 2.0; sail the Luxury Catamaran Argo Navis.
DAY & SUNSET SAILS, SNORKEL TRIPS & ALL-DAY ADVENTURES AT SEA – ON & IN THE WATER aboard Danger Charters, Sunset Sail Key West’s sloop High Tide, and Cruisin’ Tiki’s — shallow draft vessels – ideal for snorkeling, kayaking.*

11th Annual CONCHY BEACH CLEANUP AT HIGGS BEACH with KW Ploggers, Keep Key West Beautiful, CR Green Ops, and CR Aerospace Program. Meet at KW Bocce Court parking lot, 1801 White Street, across from the Atlantic Ocean. FREE.
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
LEGENDS OF KEY WEST & The CONCH REPUBLIC OLD TOWN WALKING TOUR with Island Audio Tours Magic Frank and Josh. Learn the real stories behind Captain Tony, Mel Fisher and Captain Finbar, three of the saltiest characters who once called Key West home. COST: $49. Advanced reservations required. For more info, visit: legendsofkeywestwalkingtour.carrd.co *Get Tickets online!


OPENING CEREMONY & RAISING OF THE COLORS at Mallory Square, 400 Wall St. Lighthearted Ceremony with Conch Republic Military & Island Dignitaries at Mallory Square celebrates the official start of our 44TH Independence Celebration. Festivities include Color Guard, Conch Republic Pledge of Allegiance and Battle Hymn, Conch Shell-Horn Salute & Live music with CR Royal Minstrel, Sir CW Colt. FREE


7:00 PM
42ND SCHOONER WHARF KICK-OFF PARTY & CONCH SHELL BLOWING CONTEST hosted by Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley, CRIC 2026 Party HQs, KW Historic Seaport, 202 William St. Party with Pirates & Island Dignitaries. Dance Under the Stars. Learn the ‘real history’ behind our Secession! Conch Shell contest at 9PM. FREE (Cash Bar) Info: SchoonerWharf.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 18th
8:00 AM
26th Annual EARTH DAY 5K starts at Truman Waterfront Park, foot of Southard St., and benefits the Conch Republic Marine Army’s Ocean & Mangrove Clean Up program. Sign up online.
10:00AM – 3:00PM
OCEAN & MANGROVE WEEKLY CLEANUP WITH THE CR MARINE ARMY leaving from Perry Hotel Marina, 7001 Shrimp Road, Stock Island, and Isla Bella Resort, 1 Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon. Join the CR Marine Army for their weekly clean up, dedicated to helping preserve our natural ecosystem and surrounding waterways, and restoring the mangrove habitats of the Florida Keys.
Everything provided – just bring your enthusiasm & sunscreen. FREE Weekday Private Charters are also available. To sign up or book a charter, visit ConchRepublicMarineArmy.org.
10:00AM – 6:00 PM
42nd Annual CONCH REPUBLIC ART & CRAFT DUVAL STREET FAIR between Eaton & Greene. Purchase one-of-a-kind artworks from local artists you will treasure for a lifetime. For more info, visit: SunsetCelebration.org FREE


CONCH CRAWL PUB STROLL ON DUVAL includes libations at EIGHT historic saloons (including 801 Bourbon Bar, Doc’s on Duval, Mango’s, Hank’s Hair of the Dog, Irish Kevin’s, and After Party at Salty Frog’s.) Sponsored by Mutiny Island Vodka, KW Trading Co., KW First Legal Rum Distillery, Mutiny Island Vodka, and Papa’s Scooters, tickets include …a complimentary Collectible Conch Crawl T-shirt (while supply lasts.)
Proceeds benefit the Conch Republic Military Forces. For more info email: [email protected] Tickets $50 ($60 if reserved no later than April 1.) Rain or Shine.*
Proceeds benefit CR Military Forces. EARLY BIRD Advanced Tickets available March 13. Rain or Shine.


44th Annual CR DRAG RACES ON DUVAL at Bourbon Street Pub, 724 Duval St. Don your high heels & best frock and enter… or cheer on the hottest drag queens as they go heel to heel for a series of races & obstacle courses. For more info, call: 305 747 0343. **FREE. SIGN UP AT EVENT ONLY.


Conch Republic Rum Launch Party at the Bali Bar, 325 Duval Street Join Co Secretary of State and enjoy music with Sir CW Colt, Minstrel of the Conch Republic, Rum Tastings, Pirate Mischief and Silent Auction benefitting Samuel’s House. Sponsored by Key Wrst Trading Company and Smuggler Premier Spirits. FREE (Cash Bar)
SUNDAY, APRIL 19th

KW ARSTISAN MARKET at Higgs Beach, 1801 White St. Shop local artists & specialty foods. Enjoy live music and Easter Egg Hunt. For more info, visit Facebook.com/KeyWestArtisanMarket FREE.

HIGH NOON
COW KEY CHANNEL BRIDGE ZERO-K – “ELSIE IN WONDERLAND” Meet at the Key West side of the bridge. Pre-Race Registration Party starts at 10AM. Open to all ages. Awards Ceremony 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM at KW Power Squadron, 5205 College Road. Proceeds benefit MCSO Animal Farm & Petting Zoo. Learn more about the race and Volunteer opportunities at phantompress.com/cow or email Reverend Gweko at [email protected]. Sign up form online.



JAZZ IN THE GARDENS, at The Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela St. The d’vine Wine Gallery, set amongst an enchanting tropical garden, is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while listening to great live music with world-renowned jazz artists. For more info, visit: GardensHotel.com. FREE (Cash Bar).


CONCH DELIGHT CULTURAL DINNER UNER THE STARS at Grimal Grove, 258 Cunningham Lane Big Pine Key. Enjoy Cuban, Bahamian and Caribbean cuisine by classically French-trained chef, Martin Liz, a conversation with historian Cori Convertito, PhD and music by Caribe of KW. Dinner Tix $115. [email protected]
MONDAY, APRIL 20th

CONCH REPUBLIC MILITARY MUSTER Key West Cultural Center and Veterans Museum (formerly American Legion Post 168) 8o3 Emma St. Come join the Conch Republic Military Forces for their annual Independence Celebration meeting featuring ALL seven CRMF branches – decked out in full regalia.
If you aren’t already a member of the CRMF, this is your chance to pick a branch, sign up, and get sworn in. Attendees are requested to bring a pot-luck food contribution and there will be a cash bar. COST: $20 and includes a 44th Conch Republic Independence Celebration commemorative pin you can wear on your uniform. Attendees are welcome to stick around after the Muster to enjoy the KWCCVM’s jazz night.

TUESDAY APRIL 21st

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
SUNSET CONCH-TAIL PARTY, SILENT AUCTION and TOAST at Ocean Key Resort & Spa Sunset Pier, ZERO Duval St. Join the CR Military Forces, Pirates and Island Dignitaries for Conch-Tails and delicious food with a breathtaking harbor view.
Win raffle prizes, enjoy live music with Reggae Lou Band with special guest star CR Minstrel Sir CW Colt, and Toast to 44 Years of FUN-dependence (7:30 PM.) Sponsored by Ocean Key Resort & Spa Sunset Pier, Mutiny Island Vodka & Key West First Legal Rum Distillery. Proceeds benefit the Conch Republic Military Forces – Defending the Conch Republic from Key to Shining Key. COST: $60 / $50 if tickets are purchased by April 10. (Cash Bar)*


MANDATORY CAPTAINS’ MEETING FOR CR NAVAL PARADES at Schooner Wharf Bar, CRIC 2026 Party HQs, Historic Seaport, 202 William St. Show your Conch Republic Patriotism and enter your vessel in our CR Naval Parade on April 24. FREE (Cash Bar) Register your boat online at ConchRepublic.com.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22nd

HOT HAVANA NIGHT DANCE PARTY at Kaya Island Eats, 618 Duval St. Salsa the night away and enjoy RUM cocktails. Bid on authentic Cuban Treasures. Win a trip to Cuba! Enjoy Cuban Cuisine and cigars under the stars.
Sponsored by The Backyard Bar at Kaya and Rent KW Vacations. Proceeds benefit TREE Institute Int’l.
12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Community Blood Drive Sponsored by the Conch Republic Aerospace Program (C.R.A.P.) at Key Plaza, N. Roosevelt. FREE
THURSDAY, APRIL 23rd

TRUMAN WATERFRONT FARMERS MARKET – CONCH REPUBLIC EDITION at Truman Waterfront Park foot of Southard St. KW’s Farmer’s Market offers fresh produce, specialty foods, and unique handmade arts & crafts. Info: visit: Facebook.com/KWFarmersMarket FREE


44th Annual INDEPENDENCE DAY CEREMONY at Mallory Square, honors the founding of our Tiny Island Nation. Join Conch Republic dignitaries Prime Minister Emeritus and former Key West Mayor, Dennis Wardlow, Speaker of the House Paul Menta, Secy James Gilleran and the Military High Command for 21 Conch Shell Salute, Color Guard presentation and CR Pledge of Allegiance. FREE

PARADE PRE-PARTY at Mansion by the Sea’s Seaside Café, 1400 Duval St. Join us to celebrate 44 Years of FUN-Dependence, and mingle with Admirals, Pirates and Parade Participants. Enjoy live music and celebratory libations with a spectacular ocean view. Sponsored by The Mansion on the Sea, Seaside Café and The Greeen House. For more info, visit: ConchRepublic.com. FREE (Cash Bar)

43rd Annual WORLD’S LOOOOONGEST PARADE on Duval – From the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Sponsored by The Greeen House, this world-famous, quirky, and colorful parade celebrates Conch Republic Independence. Come early and visit our Celebration Tent for Conch Republic flags and other items. Meet parade participants and their unique & quirky modes of transport. Sponsored by The Greeen House. FREE. REGISTER YOUR float, marching unit, or vehicle and join the Parade! Parade Entry Forms are available online DEC 1.


Annual SCHOONER WHARF PARADE AFTER-PARTY,at Schooner Wharf Bar, CRIC 2026 Party HQs, KW Historic Seaport, 202 William St. Dance to great live music under the stars, mingle with CR VIPS, CR Military Brass, Pirates and Conch-Stituents.
Info: SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar)
FRIDAY, APRIL 24th
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
MALLORY SQUARE CLEAN UP, 400 Wall Street. Join members of KW Ploggers, Keep Key West Beautiful, CR Green Ops, and CR Aerospace Program for their weekly clean up. FREE
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
10th LEGENDS OF KEY WEST & The CONCH REPUBLIC Old Town Walking Tour with Island Audio Tours Magic Frank and Josh. Learn the real stories behind Captain Tony, Mel Fisher and Capt Finbar, three of the saltiest characters who once called Key West home. COST: $49. Advanced reservations required. For more info, visit: IslandAudioTours.com

43rd Annual CR INDEPENDENCE NAVAL PARADE in, alongside & above Key West Harbor, the Battle is a highlight of our celebration. This large scale, hilarious harbor battle pits the CR’s Military Forces (Air Force, Army & Navy) and CR Privateers of all shapes and sizes against their valiant foe, none-other than the US Coast Guard.
The good-natured foes represent the USCG Cutter Diligence, attacked April 23, 1982, by the Schooner Western Union, the first Flagship of the Conch Republic. The best free viewing is at Mallory Square (where CR Land Forces are set up), Ocean Key Resort & Spa Sunset Pier and Opal Resort & Marina,. FREE (Cash Bar)


43rd Annual REENACTMENT OF THE GREAT SEA BATTLE OF THE CONCH REPUBLIC. In, alongside and above Key West Harbor, the Battle is a highlight of our celebration. This large scale, hilarious harbor battle pits the CR’s Military Forces (Air Force, Army, and Navy) and CR Privateers of all shapes and sizes against their valiant foe, none-other than the United States Coast Guard.
The good-natured foes represent the USCG Cutter Diligence, attacked April 23, 1982, by the Schooner Western Union, the first Flagship of the Conch Republic. The best free viewing is at Mallory Square, Opal Resort & Marina, Ocean Key Resort & Spa Sunset Pier. FREE (Cash Bar)

9:00 PM
42nd Annual SCHOONER WHARF “SURRENDER CEREMONY & VICTORY PARTY” Schooner Wharf Bar, at CRIC 2026 Party HQ, 202 William St. After the Great Battle, join the CR Military & ‘Coasties’ for a Tongue-in-Cheek Surrender Ceremony of the US Coast Guard to the CR Armed Forces – “A Farce to be Reckoned With!” Info: SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar)

SATURDAY, APRIL 25th

OCEAN & MANGROVE WEEKLY CLEANUP WITH THE CONCH REPUBIC MARINE ARMY leaving from Perry Hotel Marina, 7001 Shrimp Road, Stock Island,and Isla Bella Resort, 1 Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon. Join them for their weekly clean up, dedicated to helping preserve our natural ecosystem & surrounding waterways, and restoring the mangrove habitats of the Florida Keys.
Everything provided – just bring your enthusiasm & sunscreen. FREE (space limited – reservations required) Visit ConchRepublicMarineArmy.org to learn more.
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
OCEAN FEST – A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION, Truman Waterfront, foot of Southard. Underwater and outdoor enthusiasts, eco-travelers and families join to celebrate the marine environment. Explore conservation and environmental exhibits, meet Mote scientists and others with organizations from around Florida. Enjoy a fun day of crafts, games, music, food, local brews. Proceeds and donations from the festival support Mote Marine Laboratory’s coral reef restoration and research programs. For more info, visit https://mote.org. FREE


43rd Annual Julie Hansen Memorial BED RACES ON DUVAL 801 Duval St. (between Olivia & Southard.) Said to be “The most fun you can have with your clothes on,” this zany race takes place on Duval between Olivia and Southard. Put together your own team and decorate a bed to compete for prizes in this hilarious race.
Come early to meet the teams and stroll the crazy, colorful beds competing for the ‘BLUE RIBBON.’ Proceeds benefit Key West’s Sister Season Fund, “Locals Helping Locals.” Registration is 1-3 PM, Race at 3 PM, Awards Ceremony at 6 PM. Entry forms online. For more info, visit: SisterSeason.org

42nd ANNUAL “SCHOONER WHARF WRECKERS CUP RACE” CAPTAINS’ MEETING at Schooner Wharf Bar, CRIC 2026 Party HQs, KW Historic Seaport, 202 William St. Mandatory meeting for April 26 race in the Sail Loft. Info and Sign up: SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar).

42nd Annual SCHOONER WHARF PIRATE BALL & COSTUME COMPETITION at Schooner Wharf Bar, CRIC 2026 Party HQs, KW Historic Seaport, 202 William St. Yo Ho Ho! And a Bottle of Rum – It’s a Pirate’s Life for You! Witness swashbuckling sword play, enjoy sea shanties. Live Music, food & drink. For more info, SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar)

SUNDAY, APRIL 26th
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
KEY WEST ARTISAN MARKET – CONCH REPUBLIC EDITION at Higgs Beach, 1801 White St. Where the locals meet! Shop local artists, specialty food vendors, and enjoy live music by the Shanty Hounds. For more info, visit Facebook.com/KeyWestArtisanMarket FREE


42nd Annual SCHOONER WHARF “WRECKERS CUP RACE” 2026 SEASON Race to Sand Key Lighthouse with the Schooner Wharf Wreckers Fleet. Or enter your own vessel in the final race of the 2025 season! Enjoy a delightful afternoon at sea on the waters off Key West aboard a majestic schooner, sloop, or multi-hull. This ‘all-in-fun race series’ recalls the tradition of the wreckers during the 1800s. Best viewing. for Race Start is at Mallory Square. For more info, visit: SchoonerWharf.com.

JAZZ IN THE GARDENS, The Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela St., 526 Angela St. The d’vine Wine Gallery, set amongst an enchanting tropical garden, is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while listening to great live music with world-renowned jazz artist Scott Marischen. For more info, visit: GardensHotel.com. FREE (Cash Bar).

42nd Annual SCHOONER WHARF “WRECKERS CUP RACE” 2026 SEASON AWARDS PARTY, Schooner Wharf Bar, CRIC 2026 Party HQs, KW Historic Seaport, 202 William St. View video of the race while enjoying a BBQ dinner and live music with race participants. For more info, visit: SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar)
Long Live the Conch Republic… We Seceded Where Others Failed!


