2023 Schedule of Events

Conch Republic Days
April 21 thru 30 2023
41st Anniversary

Conch Republic Citizen Passports available here. Merchandise & Event Tickets are available at our online store

Daily
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
CONCH REPUBLIC “OFFICIAL” MERCHANDISE BOOTH & WELCOME CENTER at Thompson Plaza, Key West’s Historic Seaport, foot of Greene & Elizabeth streets.

ALL DAY/EVERY DAY!
SAIL ABOARD MAJESTIC KEY WEST HISTORIC SCHOONERS, CATAMARANS AND SLOOPS, including Conch Republic Flagship Wolf, Danger, When & If, Jolly II Rover & America 2.0, High Tide, Fury, and the Luxury Catamaran Argo Navis. DAY SAILS, SUNSET SAILS, SNORKEL TRIPS & ALL-DAY ADVENTURES AT SEA

APRIL 18-30
CONCH REPUBLIC – THE MUSICAL at the Little Jazz Room, 821 Duval St., $30-$85. (No show April 24) Limited Seating Tickets available here

SATURDAY, APRIL 1st
3:00 PM EASTER BONNET MAKING PARTY at The Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela St. Create a stunning mens and ladies chapeau for the Easter Stroll! Hats, ribbons, feathers, and flowers supplied to make your special Easter Bonnet with Floral Designer Dan Ward. To reserve your space, get a ticket here. COST $25

SUNDAY, APRIL 9th
2:00 PM EASTER STROLL
Wear your Easter finest and gather at the Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela St., for a Prescco hunt, games and contests for best hat and best couple. Then stroll in your Easter finest down Duval Street to 801 Bourbon Bar, 802 Duval St., for a free well cocktail with your bunny bucks. Arrive at LaTeDa, 1125 Duval St., at 4:00 PM for the Tea Dance and Easter Bonnet Contest. Prizes! (Cash Bar)

FRIDAY, APRIL 21st
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM RAISING OF THE COLORS at Mallory Square, 400 Wall St. Hear messages from our fearless leaders and the Blowing of the Sacred Conch Shell by the Conch Republic Jesters Guild. FREE

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM 3rd annual CONCH REPUBLIC CONCHY BEACH CLEANUP WITH KW PLOGGERS at Higgs Beach. Meet at Salute! On The Beach, 1000 Atlantic Blvd. FREE 

7:00 PM CONCH REPUBLIC DAYS 2023 KICK-OFF Party & CONCH SHELL BLOWING CONTEST hosted by Schooner Wharf Bar, “Official Party Headquarters,” 202 William St., Key West Historic Seaport. FREE (Cash Bar)

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CONCH REPUBLIC – THE MUSICAL! Presented by the Fringe Theater at The Armory, 6oo White St. Tickets, $35 & $65, available here (Cash Bar)

7:00 PM -9:00 PM – PUBLIC SCREENING of  ‘ADVENTURES OF THE CONCH REPUBLIC’ LOCATION – Last Chance Bar, 35800 S Dixie Hwy., Florida City, FL 33034. Come see the documentary, have a beer and meet skeeter’s family. Q&A after the show. hear all the details ofthe upcoming Hollywood film based on the documentary. Tickets available to the public at the theater, 6:00 PM, day of the show

SATURDAY, APRIL 22ND
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – EARTH DAY CLEANUP ON STOCK ISLAND
Volunteers are given bags and bright tags to mark them when they are filled. Bags are picked up throughout the morning all around the island and dropped at Bernstein Park in a central location for removal at the end of the event. High school students will earn community service credits, elementary school children will be involved as part of science and math classes from the various schools in KeyWest and on Stock Island. Younger children are encouraged to come with their families. Visitors are welcome to join in this wonderful service to our island! Sponsored by the Stock Island Association. Donations of gloves, trash bags, grabbers and buckets are welcomed. Contact: Jo Anne Ellis, 917-680-2079 email: [email protected]

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM CONCH CRAWL BAR STROLL & DISTILLERY TOUR through Old Town. Includes drinks at each stop, and FREE Event T-shirt. COST: $40/$35 in Advance, if purchased by April 20. Stops include: 801 Bourbon Bar, Willie T’s, Rick’s, RockHouse Live, Island Dogs, The Empourium. Liquor Sponsors: Key West Trading Co., First Legal Rum Distillery, Mutiny Vodka. Click here for tickets.

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM 40TH ANNUAL CONCH REPUBLIC DRAG RACES ON DUVAL at Bourbon Street Pub. Don your high heels & best frock and don’t forget the lipstick! Participate as a racer or bare witness this “Only in Key West” event! Cheer on the hottest men in drag, queens and questionable characters as they go heel to heel for a series of high stakes in high heels races & obstacle courses. No Entry Fee! Signup is at the event the day of the race. For more info, visit: www.ConchRepublic.com. FREE.

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM The 3rd annual CONCH REPUBLIC WEARABLE ART FASHION SHOW at Key West Theater, 512 Eaton St. (benefit for Wesley House CR Foster Children’s Fund). Bid on the latest Conch Republic Designers’ Couture and Costume Creations as our Super Models walk the runway. Tickets range from $30 to VIP $100. (Limited seating available). Tickets are available here, or you may purchase them in person at the Key West Theater Box Office.

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM – VIP SCREENING OF “ADVENTURES OF THE CONCH REPUBLIC” LOCATION: Last Chance Bar 35800 S Dixie Hwy., Florida City, FL 33034 Come see the documentary to hear stories told by the founders of the Conch Republic. Have a beer and meet Skeeter’s family. Q&A after the show. Hear all the details of the upcoming Hollywood film based on the documentary. Tickets available to the public at the Last Chance Bar, 6PM day of the show. To benefit Conch Republic Foster Children’s Fund.

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CONCH REPUBLIC – THE MUSICAL! Presented by the Fringe Theater at The Armory, 6oo White St. Tickets, $35 & $65, available here (Cash Bar)

SUNDAY, APRIL 23rd
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – SECESSION RE-ENACTMENT
Step back in time to 1982 where it all started with former Mayor Dennis Warlow, local businessman Ed Swift, former Chamber President Virginia Panaco, along with others as they recreate the famous secession. Bring your camera, your conch fritters and your stale Cuban bread as you relive the glorious birth of the Conch Republic. Don’t miss this rare chance to witness history in the re-making! LOCATION: Former Chamber of Commerce Building 401 Wall St. Key West, FL 33040. Open to the public. FREE

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – JAZZ AT THE GARDENS HOTEL FOR THECONCH REPUBLIC DAYS JAZZ IN THE GARDEN – 526 Angela St. For more info, visit: GardensHotel.com FREE (Cash Bar)

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CONCH REPUBLIC – THE MUSICAL! Presented by the Fringe Theater at The Armory, 6oo White St. Tickets, $35 & $65, available here (Cash Bar)

MONDAY, APRIL 24th
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM  – 2nd Annual CONCH REPUBLIC K-9 MUSTER – Hosted by The Empourium, 628 Duval St. Pirate Radio Key West Live Remote. FREE (Cash Bar)

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – 3rd annual BLIND WINE TASTING – at The Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela St. Can you name the grape and the country for wines from around the world? Blind taste several wines at this fun event at the beautiful Gardens Hotel. Prizes! Wines provided by Break-Thru Beverage $30 per person. Click here for tickets.

TUESDAY APRIL 25th
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM CONCH REPUBLIC MILITARY MUSTER & CONCH-TAIL PARTY Benefit for Wesley House CR Foster Children’s Fund. Southernmost Point Bar 1327 Duval Street. Join the legions of the Conch Republic Military for fun and merriment. GEN ADM: $20 / $15 in Uniform. VIP Diplomatic Reserved Seats (includes CR pin): $60 / $50 in Advance. Click here for more information.

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CONCH REPUBLIC – THE MUSICAL! Presented by the Fringe Theater at The Armory, 6oo White St. Tickets, $35 & $65, available here (Cash Bar)

9:00 PM MANDATORY CAPTAINS’ MEETING CR INDEPENDENCE BOAT PARADE, hosted by Schooner wharf bar, “Official Party Headquarters,” 202 Willian St, Key West Historic Seaport. FREE (Cash Bar.)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26th
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM  3RD ANNUAL CONCH REPUBLIC “ART OF WINE Gallery Tour & Wine Stroll begins at Gingerbread Square Gallery, 1207 Duval St. Benefits Sister Season Fund. Fine wines provided by The Saint Hotel. COST $40.

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM  HOT HAVANA NIGHT DINNER & BENEFIT Hosted by Smokin’ Tuna, 4 Charles St. Dance the night away to the Latin music of Caribe Key West. Savor Authentic Cuban Food and Libations, Bid on Cuban Treasures. Relax and Enjoy the Outdoor Cigar Bar Lounge with our custom cigar roller., Win a Trip to Havana!   Sponsored by Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, The Key West Citizen & Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shoppe, proceeds benefit TREE Institute Int’l Cuba Program & Flagship WOLF Preservation Society Humanitarian Relief Missions. Email: [email protected] to learn more. Click here for tickets.
Limited early bird tickets start at $15.00 for bar seating and $45.00 for table seating (includes Cuban Dinner and Rum & Set Ups!) Cash Bar. Tickets go on sale March 15. www.ConchRepublic.com.

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CONCH REPUBLIC – THE MUSICAL! Presented by the Fringe Theater at The Armory, 6oo White St. Tickets, $35 & $65, available here (Cash Bar)

THURSDAY, APRIL 27th
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM PARADE PRE-PARTY a Southernmost House Hotel, 1400 Duval St. FREE (Cash Bar)

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CONCH REPUBLIC – THE MUSICAL! Presented by the Fringe Theater at The Armory, 6oo White St. Tickets, $35 & $65, available here (Cash Bar)

8:00 PM – 9:00 PM WORLD’S LOOOOONGEST PARADE on Duval (from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico!) FREE

9:00 PM – LATE PARADE AFTER PARTY & AWARDS CEREMONY Schooner Wharf Bar, “Official Party Headquarters,” 202 William St., Key West Historic Seaport. FREE (Cash Bar.)

FRIDAY, APRIL 28TH
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM VIP VIEWING PARTY – CR INDEPENDENCE NAVAL PARADE & GREAT SEA BATTLE – OPAL KEY RESORT

5:30 PM – RACE WORLD OFFSHORE and THE CONCH REPUBLIC KICK-OFF PARTY- On Marathon for the 7-Mile Grand Prix Race featuring the Conch Republic Cup at The Marathon Key Aquarium. For more information, go to www.raceworldoffshore.com (FREE) (Cash Bar.)

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CONCH REPUBLIC – THE MUSICAL! Presented by the Fringe Theater at The Armory, 6oo White St. Tickets, $35 & $65, available here (Cash Bar)

7:00 PM 41st 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, non-other than a United States Coast Guard Cutter.  The good-natured foes represent the USCG Cutter Diligence, attacked on Apr. 23, 1982, by the Schooner Western Union, the first Flagship of the Conch Republic. Sponsored by AAG Live, best free viewing is at Ocean Key Resort & Spa Sunset Pier, Opal Resort & Marina, and Mallory Square Sunset Celebration. FREE (Cash Bar) 

7:00 PM 40th annual CONCH REPUBLIC INDEPENDENCE NAVAL PARADE, in Key West Harbor. Watch the majestic Conch Republic Naval Fleet and Privateers sail past Ocean Key House Resort & Spa Sunset Pier and Mallory Square Sunset Celebration. Cheer them on, as they ready themselves for the Re-enactment of the Conch Republic Great Sea Battle. FREE. 

8:00 PM – “GREAT SEA BATTLE SURRENDER CEREMONY & VICTORY PARTY” at Schooner Wharf Bar, “Official Party Headquarters” 202 William St., Key West Historic Seaport. FREE

SATURDAY, APRIL 29TH
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM  CONCH REPUBLIC ART & CRAFT FAIR ON DUVAL, between Eaton & Greene. Benefits KW High School Senior Art Scholarships. FREE

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Annual “CONCH REPUBLIC BLUE RIBBON BED RACES” This fun-filled bed race takes place on Duval Street between the 900 block at Olivia St. and the 500 block at Southard Street. Teams often represent local hospitality businesses and decorate a bed to compete for prizes in this hilarious race. Come early to meet the teams and get a closeup look at these colorful, creative beds competing for the “Blue Ribbon.” Proceeds benefit Key West’s Sister Season Fund. For more info and bed team sign-ups visit www.SisterSeason.com.

5:30 PM – RACE  WORLD OFFSHORE and THE CONCH REPUBLIC RACERS AND FANS PARTY Held at Sunset Grill in Marathon mingle with the Race Teams. The Conch Republic Jesters Guild Will be providing Fire Performances (Yes, we said fire!)

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – BED RACES AWARDS CEREMONY Immediately following the races on Duval Street.

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CONCH REPUBLIC – THE MUSICAL! Presented by the Fringe Theater at The Armory, 6oo White St. Tickets, $35 & $65, available here (Cash Bar)

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM 38th annual “SCHOONER WHARF WRECKERS CUP RACE SERIES” CAPTAINS’ MEETING at Schooner Wharf Bar, “CR Official Party Headquarters,” 202 William St. FREE (Cash Bar)

7:00 PM 38TH Annual PIRATE BALL & COSTUME CONTEST at Schooner Wharf Bar, “CR Official Party Headquarters,” 202 William St., Key West Historic Seaport. FREE (Cash Bar.)

SUNDAY, APRIL 30TH
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM  RACE WORLD OFFSHORE CONCH REPUBLIC CUP – View the season kick-off of the Powerboat Race Season on the 7-Mile Bridge in Marathon. This is the first ever running for the Conch Republic Cup tickets at raceworldoffshore.com 

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM KEY WEST ARTISAN MARKET, Higgs Beach, 1801 White St. FREE.

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 38th Annual SCHOONER WHARF WRECKERS CUP RACE SERIES – to Sand Key Lighthouse with the Schooner Wharf Fleet.

6:00 PM-LATE – RACE  WORLD OFFSHORE AWARDS CEREMONY at  Fara Blanco Resort in Marathon. The Conch Republic Jester’s Guild will Blow the Sacred Conch Shell to signify the end of the races. The first ever Conch Republic Cup will be awarded at this time. For more info go to raceworldoffshore.com.

7:00 PM 38TH Annual SCHOONER WHARF WRECKERS CUP RACE SERIES AWARDS PARTY & CEREMONY Schooner Wharf Bar, “CR Official Party Headquarters.” FREE (Cash Bar.)

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CONCH REPUBLIC – THE MUSICAL! Presented by the Fringe Theater at The Armory, 6oo White St. Tickets, $35 & $65, available here (Cash Bar)