CONNECT TO THE ARTS ANDCULTURAL EVENTS THIS WEEKNovember 5 - 12
THEATER
Key West High School Drama Club: Coming of Age
Friday and Saturday November 7 & 8, 6:30 p.m. Williams Hall 729 Fleming St., Key West
2025 Fall Showcase Fundraiser Coming of Age, explores the moments that shape us — stories of growth, change, and finding our place in the world — all told through the voices and talents of high school students from our Key West community. Enjoy two unforgettable evenings featuring a dynamic lineup of singing, short plays, dance, skits, poetry, live music, and more — all brought to life by the members of our Drama Club. Come support the arts and cheer on these talented students as they share their stories on stage. Bring your friends and family.
FILM
Key West Film Fest
Wednesday through Sunday, November 12 -16, various times Various locations, Key West
An annual celebration of contemporary cinema in a historically rich, artistically vibrant, and culturally diverse island community.
Screenings take place at historic and state-of-the-art venues across Old Town Key West — from the San Carlos Institute to the Tropic Cinema — offering an immersive and intimate experience for attendees. Beyond the films, festivalgoers enjoy after-parties, waterfront receptions, and networking opportunities that capture the laid-back yet sophisticated spirit of the island.
The 72 Hour Film Challenge — Screening Night (Sponsored By The Key West Film Festival)
Tuesday, November 11, 7 - 9 p.m. Williams Hall 729 Fleming St., Key West
Join us for the premiere screening of The 72 Hour Film Challenge— where creativity, caffeine, and chaos collide. Local filmmakers had just three days to write, shoot, and edit an original short film. Now it’s time to see their finished work on the big screen. Expect big laughs, wild twists, and plenty of Key West flair as we celebrate local talent and storytelling at its most daring.
Spotlight Series: The Bicycle Thief
Wednesday November 5, 6:15 p.m.
Presented by the Sons and Daughters of Italy Key West Lodge 2436, in partnership with the Tropic Cinema, this special evening supports the Lodge's Scholarship Fund for local high school seniors of Italian descent. Doors open at 5:30 PM, and guests will enjoy a complimentary Taste of Italy reception before the film begins.
Movies Under the Stars: War Games
Saturday, November 8, 6 p.m.
Movies Under the Stars: WarGames Join us for a fun, family-friendly night under the stars with a screening of the 1983 sci-fi thriller WarGames! Follow a curious teen computer whiz who accidentally hacks into a top-secret military system and nearly starts World War IIIuntil he learns the only winning move is not to play.
Spotlight Series: How Deep Is Your Love
Sunday November 9, 6 p.m.
Amid glowing sea creatures and uncharted landscapes, the film examines the delicate balance between discovery and exploitation, asking how far human curiosity should reachand what we risk losing in the process. This special screening is a fundraiser for the Key West High School Swim Team, with all ticket proceeds supporting pool fees and travel for away meets.
Saturday November 8, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden 5210 College Rd., Key West
Tails will be wagging at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden and maybe you will find your new best friend! This 3rd annual pet friendly event will introduce dog lovers to the benefits found at the Garden. There are 12 trails meandering through forests, meadows, and boardwalks that are perfect for your entire family. Highlights include: ~ Dog themed vendors ~ Dog Grooming ~ Dog Obedience Demonstration ~ Best in Show ~ Silly pet tricks ~ Playground & Crafts for the Kids ~ and Pet Safe Plant sale.
Daily 90 minutes prior to sunset The Dock at Mallory Square, Key West
Come watch the world-famous sunset! Meet the local makers & purchase local arts & crafts. Experience the music, mayhem & magic of our street performers and feast on freshly prepared food & drinks.
Friday November 7, 6 - 9 p.m. 500 block of Fleming to Grinnell, Key West
Celebrate with local business owners for First Fridays on Fleming - a monthly 'shop local' evening stroll along historic Fleming St in Key West. Vibrant boutiques, galleries, antique stores, artist studios, restaurants, a cocktail lounge, bookstore, yoga sanctuary & other creative businesses open their doors for trunk shows, book signings, openings, seasonal events, libations, tastings & live music.
ARTIST OPENINGS
First Thursdays at The Studios
Thursday November 6, 6 - 8 p.m. The Studios of Key West 533 Eaton St. Key West
Friends new and old are invited to join us for each month’s First Thursday Open House event, when we keep our lights on late and throw our doors open to celebrate the newest work in our galleries.
Thursday November 6, 4 - 6 p.m. Underwater Photography Gallery 22627 La Fitte Drive, Cudjoe Key
The exhibit features marine life of the Florida Keys, behavior and photography techniques. Mike and Suzanne Lombard have been diving and photographing underwater around the world for over 40 years. They support ocean conservation and recovery of threatened/endangered species such as manatees, turtles, sharks, dolphin, and other rare/ endemic aquatic life.
Saturday November 8, 6 p.m. Tropic Cinema Gallery 416 Eaton St., Key West
Solo exhibition by talented emerging Cuban artist Marlon Infante and Launch of the new edition of the magazine curated by Alaen Ledesma Fernández.
LITERARY
Keys Writers Meeting
Wednesday, November 5, 1 p.m. Big Pine Library Conference Room, Winn-Dixie Shopping Plaza, Big Pine Key
Explore writing in a fun, supportive environment with the Keys Writers Group! All styles and abilities are welcome. Participants may bring up to five pages, double spaced, to read aloud. If you can, bring 5-7 copies to share. The group offers feedback in a friendly, constructive way. Not ready to share? Come to a meeting to get acquainted and offer feedback. "Writers need readers!"
Key West Writers Guild
Saturday November 8, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. La Brisa Poolhouse 1901 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West
Key West Writers Guild Meets monthly for writers’ critiques, fellowship and provides workshops and advice for new writers. Newcomers welcome. 484-889-6182. Meeting location and/or Zoom link on Facebook.
Wednesdays & Fridays, 10 a.m. Departs from Key West Public Library 700 Fleming St., Key West
Join us each week for the Old Town Literary Walking Tour, a stroll through downtown Key West, illuminating stories of writers that have called our island home. Inspired by David A. Kaufelt’s original literary walking tour, our new tour features the former homes and favorite haunts of writers, including Tennessee Williams, Shel Silverstein, Elizabeth Bishop, and Robert Frost, and highlights tales of our lesser-known local talent. Sponsored by the Key West Literary Seminar.
Tours commence in front of the Monroe County Public Library and end near Greene and Elizabeth Streets in Key West. Tours last approximately 90 minutes. Please be on time and wear comfortable shoes.
Sunday November 2, 7 - 8 p.m. 327 Elizabeth St., Key West
The Key West Poetry Guild continues to host a monthly open mic for poets, at all stages of their careers, to share their original poems. The Open Mic is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend.
December Members’ Show Call for Artwork: Zest For Life!
Artwork Drop off: Thursday November 13 - Wednesday November 19 10a.m. - 4 p.m. (closed Sundays) Studios of Key West 533 Eaton St., Key West
We love a bit of lime or lemon zest on almost any dish. It’s that tiniest bit of flair that wakes up the rest of the flavors and makes you taste them all more fully. Key West, we like to think, serves a similar purpose, a splash of color at the tip of the country, here to pull you out of the doldrums. No wonder Key Lime Pie is our signature dessert! For the 100+ artists in our Winter Members Exhibition, zest is whatever enlivens the senses: a flash of light as the sun hits a palm tree; a crystalline moment captured in time; or an impromptu flourish as they try something new.
The Chain: Connection in the Florida Keys – Call for Submissions
Deadline: January 18, 2026 Palm Heart Press
We are seeking submissions of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction for an anthology that highlights the connections between community and the natural environment of the Florida Keys. Selected works will be published in the titled collection supported by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts.
Sunday, November 10, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sonny Mccoy Indigenous Park 1801 White St., Key West
The Key West Artisan Market is a unique open-air bazaar filled with artists, authors, chef-made cuisine, craftspeople, performers and fresh produce representing diversity, creativity, ingenuity and locally made products. Participants must live and also create/curate in the Keys in order to qualify. Each show offers a different theme and features one or more local charities.
MUSIC
Thomas Dolby: "The Iconic 80s" w/ Very Special Guest Gail Ann Dorsey
Friday November 7, 8 p.m.
The list of breakthrough innovations in Thomas Dolby's 35 year career is continuous. As an early MTV icon he blazed a trail for electronic music with his imaginative videos. The same year as his own record reached the top of the pop/dance charts, he co-wrote and produced the first ever platinum-selling rap 12” single Magic’s Wand by Whodini.
Wheeland Brothers
Saturday November 8, 8 p.m.
The Wheeland Brothers are two Southern California surfers who grew up where the concrete meets the sand. Their playful pursuit of life invites listeners to join in on the stoke, all the while blending infectious good-time-energy with peaceful introspection. Their sound is a signature blend of surf rock, reggae, hip hop and acoustic pop.
Sunday November 9, 5 p.m. Helmerich Theater, Studios of Key West 533 Eaton St., Key West
Experience the magic of the Southernmost Youth Orchestra! Join us for an inspiring performance by a talented group of young local string musicians. Under the direction of Irie Monte, these passionate performers bring energy, heart, and vibrant sound to every note. From classical favorites to contemporary selections, this concert showcases the rising stars of our southernmost community.
It's time to renew your membership or join. 100% of your membership supports the artists & arts organizations living and working in the Florida Keys. Thank you for supporting our vibrant, diverse creative communities.
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