The Conch Connection

Every March, Key West trades a little of its tropical color for shamrock green. The island's original St. Patrick's Day Bar Stroll is not a newly invented pub crawl or a generic ticketed party dropped into Old Town. It is a homegrown Key West tradition with roots stretching back to 1979, a collectible shirt, a changing route and more than four decades of stories.

For visitors from Southwest Florida, Key West Express makes it possible to begin the celebration with a Gulf crossing instead of a long drive. Because the stroll continues into the afternoon and participating venues change from year to year, an overnight stay is the most relaxed way to enjoy it without watching the clock.

Some Key West bars are places to grab a drink. Irish Kevin's is a place where the room itself becomes part of the show. Live performers, sing-alongs, quick-witted crowd interaction and a steady stream of Duval Street energy have made this Old Town stop memorable since it opened in July 1998.

Whether you stop in for an afternoon set, return after dinner or make it part of a longer evening downtown, Irish Kevin's offers the kind of shared experience people often remember long after their Key West trip. Travelers arriving aboard Key West Express can reach the heart of Old Town without bringing a car onto the island, making it easy to include Duval Street in a day trip or overnight getaway.

Dixie Roadhouse is a fantastic place to go with friends or to make new ones!

If you find yourself visiting Southwest Florida and are looking for fun things to do, you just might want to check out the Dixie Roadhouse. Enjoy country music, live entertainment, a great dance floor and a super charged, high-energy atmosphere, then Dixie is the place for you!

AQUA Bar and Nightclub, Key West

A visit to Key West is incomplete without taking in a Drag Show!

Shows at Aqua are fun, sharp, sometimes raunchy and a classic part of the Key West experience. Either grab a seat up by the stage or in the shadows in the rear, you are bound to have a roaring good time. The dynamic, high-energy cast create a fascinating and memorable  evening,  as they perform to famous tunes and outlandish celebrity impersonations!

Looking for a change of pace during a Southwest Florida getaway? Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee brings gaming, dining, live entertainment and an on-site hotel together in one destination.

The property is located at 506 South 1st Street in Immokalee. Whether you are stopping in for a few hours or staying overnight, a little planning can make the visit easier—and help you avoid relying on an old promotion or entertainment schedule. 

St. Patrick's Day feels different in Southwest Florida. Instead of piling on winter layers, revelers reach for sunscreen, green shirts and a spot near the music. Fort Myers brings the Irish-pub energy, Naples fills downtown with a long-running parade, and Key West adds the kind of tropical personality that can turn a traditional holiday into an island getaway.

For travelers ready to carry the celebration across the Gulf, Key West Express connects Fort Myers Beach with Key West—giving the holiday a decidedly Floridian twist before you ever reach Duval Street.

October 22-31, 2027

What Is Key West Fantasy Fest?

Every October, Key West transforms into one of the most exciting destinations in Florida during Fantasy Fest. This annual 10-day celebration is famous for its elaborate costumes, lively parades, themed parties, live entertainment and unmistakable island spirit.