Key West Mermaid Festival to make inaugural splash July 5-7
Better grab your fins and shells: the inaugural Key West Mermaid Festival will celebrate all things mermaids July 5-7, 2019.
This three-day family-friendly festival will promote ocean awareness and safe swimming in mermaid tails. A percentage of the event’s ticket sales will go to the Key West-based Reef Relief.
“Mermaids are definitely surfacing everywhere these days. Becoming a mermaid makes dreams come true for so many, young and old alike,” said Kristiann Mills, founder of the Key West Mermaid Festival. “‘Mermaiding’ is also an excellent form of fitness and a great social activity that has brought together an entire community of ocean-minded people across the globe.”
The festival kicks off on Friday, July 5, with a complimentary Meet the Mermaids pool party from noon to 6 p.m. at Havana Cabana Resort, 3420 N. Roosevelt Blvd. “Swim with Mermaids” tickets are also available for $15, and offer one-on-one mermaid swim lessons.
Also on Friday from 6-10 p.m. is Under the Sea on The Green at Sunset Green Event Lawn, located between The Gates at 24 North hotels on 3280 N. Roosevelt Blvd. This display will feature mermaid- and ocean-inspired art.
On Saturday, July 6, the day will start with Breakfast with Mermaids, priced from $25-38 at Southernmost Beach Resort’s Sand Bar from 8 a.m. – noon. An eco-friendly Mermaid Fest Parade, free for all guests, will kick off at 11 a.m. and travel down Duval Street to Key West’s Truman Waterfront.
From noon – 6 p.m. will be Salty Saturday at the Truman Waterfront, where guests can enjoy ocean- and mermaid-inspired entertainment, vendors, and education. From 8 p.m. – midnight, guests ages 21 and older can enjoy an Ocean Blue Party at The Breakfast Club, Too on 610 Greene St., complete with “mermosas.” Reef Relief will also host an “ocean of treasures” silent auction.
On Sunday, July 7, Sunday Funday with Mermaids will be held at Lagerheads Beach Bar on 0 Simonton St. from noon – 6 p.m. Guests can mingle with mermaids and “Captain Shenanigans,” enjoy food and drink, face-painting, vendors and music.
To learn more about the first-ever Key West Mermaid Festival, visit KeyWestMermaidFestival.com/2019.
I am visiting family in Key West now. This tiny island is packed to the gill with people and cars. One festival after another, month after month. I don’t know how the eco system here can tolerate it much longer.
I agree. It used to be a quaint place to get away to but now it’s shoulder to shoulder tourists, overpriced everything and vehicles everywhere!
I remember when I first went there in 1977 it was an artist and hippie haven. So free and liberated. It’s changed. I have those great memories of a better time…
if you are looking for a quiet spot for a bite to eat or a drink, try Ocean Grill and Bar or Pasta gardens in Duvall Square, 1075 Duvall st to be exact, its a hidden gem back there.
I’ve lived here in Key West, for almost 25yrs & I’m thrilled about the success of this festival & others, like it. Key West is TOTALLY still, a quaint little island. If you want to avoid tourists & cars- all you have to is, get out of your car, hop on a bike & leave the tourist area! A 5min bike ride in any direction, will take you to a secluded beach or a quiet neighborhood. 😀
Remember: Key West’s residents depend on tourism. It’s our only source of income & festivals like this one, are great for The Island & it’s eco system. One of the reasons Key West Mermaid Festival is taking off with such a splash is, because they’re raising money for Reef Relief & cleaning up our local waters. If you want to do something good, join in the fun or, you could just donate, of course!