Womenfest Key West welcomes all LGBTQ women
Key West is internationally known as a queer mecca, attracting more than 250,000 visitors annually to this top LGBTQ vacation town. But in September the girls take over!
If you missed Pride (again), and lockdown has kept you away from the ladies for far too long, don’t miss this year’s Womenfest! Rejoin humanity for an endless summer and head south to a gathering that proves we are “One Human Family” — Key West’s official philosophy — where acceptance and fun in the sun with your favorite babe and beverage is a way of life on this part of the Florida Keys island chain. For 20 years, Key West’s Womenfest has attracted thousands of lesbians, bi and queer women, transwomen, and allies to gather for a five-day festival celebrating all women. The event offers a wide range of activities for those who want to socialize, soak up some sun, then party and dance the night away.
Here is a taste of the shedule so far:
Wednesday, September 1st
6-8 pm — Welcome Party @Alexanders featuring Sister Funk. Free drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Sponsored by Fourth and Pride Vodka.
9 pm — Drag Show featuring the Aquanettes @Aqua Nightclub
Thursday, September 2nd
12 pm-4 pm — Ultimate Beach Bash and Cornhole Tournament @Higgs Beach. Music by Party 105.7 Live broadcasting with Laurie T. Happy Hour menu for all Womenfest party goers! Register at Eventbrite.
9 pm —THURSGAYS Dance Party featuring dancers! @Sidebar
10 pm-2 am —“Poke Her” @Poké in the Rear. Come as you are! Clothing optional dance party. Entry is $20 per person; includes a clothing check. Cash bar. Tickets HERE.
Friday, September 3rd
12 pm-4 pm — All Welcome Pool Party @Bourbon St. Pub with DJ Rude Girl- clothing optional.
5 pm-7 pm — Speed Dating – Location to be determined. Are you single and ready to mingle? Here is your chance to meet your Ms. Right or Ms. Right Now! Cash bar and light appetizers provided. Join us, it’s just $20 to participate. Register HERE. This event is first-come, first-served.
7 pm-9 pm — “Real Women Do Drag” @Marylin’s $10 entry to benefit the Key West Business Guild. We can’t let the guys have all the fun!! Have you ever wanted to dress in drag and show off your talents? Here is your chance!! Kings, Bio, whatever your heart feels. There are only 6 spots for this amazing lifetime opportunity. 1st. 2nd, & 3rd place prizes.
9 pm — “Outside the Box” Dance Party @Sidebar with DJ Mira & DJ Citizen Jane
Saturday, September 4th
12 pm-3 pm – KAT and Megan “Are You Wet” Pool Party featuring DJ Rude Girl @ Alexander’s Guesthouse – clothing optional.
6:30 pm-8:30 pm – Women’s Only Sunset Sail aboard the SV Argo Navis – a 75ft long, 35ft beam, luxury catamaran, and the last boat built in Key West, Florida. Enjoy included unlimited beer, wine, champagne, and passed appetizers. The cost is $75+tax, per person. Book HERE early to secure your spot. Limited seating! Check-in at 6:15 pm.
9 pm –All White Party featuring DJ Mira & DJ Citizen Jane @Sidebar
Sunday, September 5th
12 pm- 3 pm “50 Shades of Pink” Drag Brunch @Mangoes. Special guest appearances to be announced soon! Secure tickets early HERE.
4:30 pm-6:30 pm – Tea Dance @La Te Da
8 pm – Final Dance @Sidebar
Here are some additional things to do while in Key West:
Visit one of the numerous museums honoring the cultural diversity, natural beauty, and fascinating history of the Keys: Ernest Hemingway, Key West Butterfly Conservatory, Little White House, Key West Aquarium, Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, Key West Firehouse Museum, Key West Light House, Key West Ship Wreck Museum, Audubon House, Oldest House and Garden Museum, USCGC Ingham Museum, Tennessee Williams Exhibit.
Walk, bike, or drive around the islands and discover more: Key West Food Tours, Up the Keys Eco Tour, Fort Zachary State Park, West Martello Tower, A & M Scooter Rental, Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden, Key West Cemetery, Key West Adventures, Papa’s Pilar Rum Distillery, Ghost Hunt, Old Town Trolley Tours, Conch Tour Train, Haunted Key West, Ghosts and Mysteries, Ghosts and Gravestones, D’vine Wine Gallery, Perky’s Key West Excursions.
Surrounded by water choose from fun sailing and diving activities: SV Argo Navis, Danger Charters, Island Vibe Charters, Fury, Sunset Watersports, Cruisin’ Tikis, Java Cat, Schooner America, Sunset Sail Key West, Classic Harbor Lines, Fish N Chicks, Jolly Rover II.
Where to Stay: Alexander’s Guesthouse – Key West’s Premier Resort
This charming LGBTQA guesthouse is one of our favorites when visiting and is one of the official host hotels for Womenfest. It’s not a traditional hotel, it’s a guesthouse so it’s important to think of it as your home away from home.
Alexander’s is located only a few blocks from the city’s famous Duval Street, a short walk will take guests to the hottest LGBTQ night spots in Key West’s “Pink Triangle”.
This lovely 3-story Conch-Style house dating to 1902 is located on a quiet, tree-shaded street in the heart of Key West’s “Old Town.”
The property is listed in the National Historic Register and has been lovingly restored with modern design flourishes while retaining its beautiful original features such as original pine floors and stately windows. Decorated with a tropical elegance and fun accent pieces, it boasts a homey atmosphere while also being hip.
Visit the website for availability and bookings.
Download the LGBTQ Key West destination guide here.
Here’s a fun video made by the girls at 27travels:
