2025 Schedule
Celebration Schedule & Pocket Guide
Celebration Schedule
DAILY
Key West Historic Seaport, foot of Elizabeth & Greene. Stop by and get your Celebration Pocket Guide and to purchase Official Conch Republic Passports, T-shirts, Flags and Souvenirs.
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 the Jolly II Rover, Spirit of Independence and America 2.0, and Luxury Catamaran Argo Navis. *Get Tickets online!
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, kayaking, and playing in the water.
FRIDAY, APRIL 18th
10th Annual CONCHY BEACH CLEANUP 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
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 Captain Finbar, three of the saltiest characters who once called Key West home. COST: $49. Advanced reservations required. For more info, visit: IslandAudioTours.com *Get Tickets online!
OPENING CEREMONY & RAISING OF THE COLORS at Mallory Square, 400 Wall St. Lighthearted Ceremony with CR Military & Island Dignitaries at Mallory Square celebrates the official start of our 43rd Independence Celebration. Festivities include the CR Pledge of Allegiance & Battle Hymn, Conch Shell-Horn Salute. Live music with CR Royal Minstrel, Sir CW Colt. FREE.
7:00 PM
KICK-OFF PARTY & CONCH SHELL BLOWING CONTEST hosted by Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley, CRIC 2025 Party HQs, KW Historic Seaport, 202 William St. Party with Pirates & Island Dignitaries. Dance Under the Stars and learn the ‘real history’ behind our Secession! Visit SchoonerWharf.com for more info. FREE (Cash Bar).
SATURDAY, APRIL 19th
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
4th Annual STOCK ISLAND EARTH DAY CLEAN-UP at Bernstein Park, 6751 5th St. Clean-up runs all morning – so stop by when you can. Vests, pokers, and buckets provided. Adults must accompany children for cleanup. Sponsored by I Love Stock Island and Stock Island Association. FREE
8:00 AM
26TH Annual EARTHDAY 5K benefits CR Marine Army Mangrove Cleanups, Truman Waterfront Park, foot of Southard.
10:00AM – 6:00 PM
41st 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 includes libations at 8 historic saloons (including 801 Bourbon Bar, Kaya Island Eats, Hanks Hair of the Dog, Willie T’s, Rick’s Downstairs, Irish Kevin’s, Mango’s and Salty Frog’s). Sponsored by KW Trading Co., KW First Legal Rum Distillery, Mutiny Island Vodka, and Liquor Split.
Crawl tickets include EIGHT drinks (one at each stop.) After Party and…a complimentary Collectible Conch Crawl T-shirt (while supply lasts.) For more info email: [email protected].
EARLY BIRD Advanced Tickets $45. Rain or Shine. Proceeds benefit TREE Institute, CR CIA (Shhhh! Cuties in Action) and Flagship WOLF Preservation Society. *Get Tickets online!
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
43rd 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.
SUNDAY, APRIL 20th
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
KW ARSTISAN MARKET-EASTER EDITION at Higgs Beach, b1801 White St. Shop local artists & specialty foods. Enjoy live music and Easter Egg Hunt. For more info, visit Facebook.com/KeyWestArtisanMarket FREE.
HIGH NOON 12:00 PM
COW KEY BRIDGE HOP BOVINES & BUNNIES ZERO K, Pre-Race Registration Party starts at 10AM. Awards Ceremony 1:30 – 3:30PM 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] FREE
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).
MONDAY, APRIL 21st
CONCH REPUBLIC MUSICAL MILITARY MUSTER MONDAY & CONCH-TAIL PARTY, Kaya Island Eats, 610 Duval St. C-rations included. Tickets are available on ConchRepublic.com. Info: [email protected].
Sponsored by Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, KW Trading Co, Mutiny Island Vodka.
MANDATORY CAPTAINS’ MEETING FOR CR NAVAL PARADES at Schooner Wharf Bar, Historic Seaport, 202 William St. Show your Conch Republic Patriotism and enter your vessel in our CR Naval Parades on April 23 and April 25. FREE (Cash Bar) *Get Sign Up Form online!
TUESDAY APRIL 22nd
HOT HAVANA NIGHT DANCE PARTY WITH CARIBE OF KW 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. For more info, visit ConchRepublic.com.
Early bird tickets starting at $20 *Get Tickets online!
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23rd
“OLD MAN & THE SEA – RETURN TO CUBA” DIRECTOR’S CUT by MDF at Tropic Cinema 416 Eaton St. Filmed on location in Key West, aboard WOLF in the Florida Staits and in Cuba, Matt Dean’s documentary won the 2018 KW Film Festival’s ‘Best Florida Feature Award’ and follows Capt. Finbar on his first visit back to Cuba in 50 years. For more info, email [email protected] Admission FREE. Donations to Flagship WOLF Preservation Society welcome.
43rd Annual INDEPENDENCE DAY CEREMONY at Mallory Square, honors the founding of our Tiny Island Nation. Join CR Prime Minister Emeritus and former Key West Mayor, Dennis Wardlow, CR Speaker of the House Paul Menta, CR Secy of State CMDR James Gilleran and other island dignitaries for the CR Pledge of Allegiance. FREE
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
CAPTAIN FINBAR’S CROSSING THE BAR FAREWELL SALUTE & DINNER at Sunset Pier, Ocean Key Resort & Spa, Zero Duval St. Join us to celebrate our dear friend Finbar’s amazing 83 years on planet earth, 43 years of service to the CR and 50+ years dedication to the KW maritime community. Enjoy live music, CR Military Salute, Silent Auction, and 21 Conch Shell Salute. Party is FREE (Cash Bar)
Dinner tickets are $45 and include seating for Ceremony at 4:45-5:15PM. Toast at 7:30 PM. For more info, email [email protected] *Get Tickets online!
7:30 PM – 8:00 PM
WORLD’S LARGEST VIRTUAL TOAST TO LONG LIVE THE CONCH REPUBLIC at Sunset Pier, Ocean Key Resort & Spa Zero Duval St. Join CR Speaker of the House and RUM Administrator and other island dignitaries for a Toast to ‘Long Live the Conch Republic.’ Come early and celebrate ADM Finbar’s 43 years of service to the Conch Republic. FREE (Cash Bar)
Want to participate in the Toast and can’t attend? Sign up to LIVESTREAM the Toast & Rum Salute from wherever you are – at home, your favorite bar, restaurant or on the beach or on the water. The Conch Republic is a State of Mind! Help us break the WORLD’s RECORD for the Largest Livestream Virtual Toast!
SIGN UP $10. Proceeds benefit Flagship WOLF Restoration efforts so she can continue to offer Youth Sail Training and Humanitarian Missions of Mercy. For more info, email [email protected]. COST: $10. *Get SIGN UP LINK online!
THURSDAY, APRIL 24th
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
“CUBA REFRAMED – THE POWER OF CONNECTION” presented by PeaceVision & Dreamtime Entertainment at Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St. Filmed on location in Key West, aboard WOLF in the Florida Staits and in Cuba, follows WOLF crew on their 2019 trip to Cuba and provides insight into and share the perspective of the people who inhabit the eighth largest island nation in the world today. FREE Proceeds benefit Flagship WOLF Restoration efforts so she can once again offer Youth Sail Training and Humanitarian Missions of Mercy. For more info, email [email protected].
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
PARADE PRE-PARTY, at Mansion by the Sea’s Seaside Café, 1400 Duval St. Join us to celebrate 43 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 and Seaside Café. For more info, visit: ConchRepublic.com. FREE (Cash Bar)
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
43rd Annual WORLD’S LOOOOONGEST PARADE on Duval – From the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. This world-famous, quirky, and colorful parade celebrates Conch Republic Independence. Come early and meet parade participants and their unique & quirky modes of transport. FREE. REGISTER YOUR float, marching unit, or vehicle and join the Parade! *GET YOUR Parade Sign Up Form online
SCHOONER WHARF PARADE AFTER-PARTY, at Schooner Wharf Bar, KW Historic Seaport, 202 William St. Dance to great live music under the stars, mingle with Conch Republic VIPS, CR Military Brass, Pirates and Patriots. Parade prizes for Best “Conch-cept,” Most Original & Most Creative parade entries. For info, visit SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar)
FRIDAY, APRIL 25th
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 *Get Tickets online!
42nd Annual CR INDEPENDENCE NAVAL PARADE in Key West Harbor, alongside Mallory Square. Join the parade! Register your vessel and deck it out with colorful Conch Republic flags and celebrate 43 Years of FUN-Dependence at sea! Best viewing at Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, Opal Resort & Marina, and Ocean Key Resort & Spa Sunset Pier. FREE (Cash Bar)
**REGISTER YOUR VESSEL IN THE CR INDEPENDENCE BOAT PARADE! Enter your vessel in the parade online / Get Sign Up Form.
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 “SURRENDER CEREMONY & VICTORY PARTY” at Schooner Wharf Bar, KW Historic Seaport, 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!” For more info, visit: SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar)
SATURDAY, APRIL 26th
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, “Locals Helping Locals.” Registration is 1-3 PM, Race at 3 PM, Awards Ceremony at 6 PM. For more info, visit: SisterSeason.org **REGISTER YOUR float and join the Bed Races! SIGN UP ONLINE!
2nd Annual Ricky Jackson‘s BRAWL ON DUVAL, (Greene & Duval.) Exhibition Fighting Event, Greene & Duval. Enjoy Boxing, Kickboxing, Wrestling and Jiu Jistu – and support the KW PAL (Police Athletic League.) VIP Tickets for Ringside & Balcony Seating are available. For tickets and more info, visit: BrawlOnDuval.com
“SCHOONER WHARF WRECKERS CUP RACE” 40th ANNUAL CAPTAINS’ MEETING at Schooner Wharf Bar, “Official CRIC 2025 Party Headquarters,” KW Historic Seaport, 202 William St. Mandatory meeting for April 28 race in the Sail Loft. Sign up, or for info: SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar).
40th Annual SCHOONER WHARF PIRATE BALL & COSTUME COMPETITION at Schooner Wharf Bar, 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 27th
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
“SCHOONER WHARF WRECKERS CUP RACE” 40th Annual 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).
40th Annual SCHOONER WHARF WRECKERS CUP RACE AWARDS PARTY, 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)
