Celebrate Key West’s favorite son with music, camaraderie and island spirit on Labor Day Weekend.
For fans of the late singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, this multi-day event from Aug. 28-Sept. 1 will feature a lineup of live performances, island experiences and signature gatherings, culminating in the Second Line Memorial Walking Parade and Party in the Park.
“We created this event to bring people together in the spirit of music, storytelling, and community, just as Jimmy did,” says festival organizer Paul Menta. “It’s an event made by friends, for friends, and every year, we aim to make it bigger and better while keeping the heart of Key West at its core.” Menta is teamed up with Jill Snodgrass and Sean Krikorian of Daily Plan-it for event coordination and Jordan Upchurch of Its Social Time to oversee the festival’s digital presence and engagement.
Festival Highlights
- Live music performances featuring Nadirah Shakoor & Friends, Will Kimbrough, Roger Bartlett, Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band, and other special guests
- Second Line Memorial Walking Parade, an island-style tribute down Duval Street leading into Party in the Park, where festivalgoers can enjoy food, artisan vendors, and an oceanfront concert
- Culinary events, literary panels, film screenings, and more throughout the weekend
- Exclusive meetups, contests, and afterparties
- Signature sunset sails and curated waterfront experiences
Beyond music, the festival weaves in experiences that could only happen in Key West. For example, Scott Atwell is to reveal the true story behind the colorful life of Phil Clark, the subject of Buffett’s classic song “A Pirate Looks at Forty,” in a panel discussion that debuts his book “Buffett Backstories: The Pirate Edition.” Two ticketed highlights round out the weekend. Friday’s Cheeseburger on the Beach Contest at Southernmost Beach Resort pairs delicious competition with live music from the Margaritas in Paradise tribute band. Saturday’s Milagro Margarita Bar Stroll is a lively tasting tour where 22 bars compete for the title of Key West’s Best Margarita.
For more information, visit Just a Few Friends Key West.
