Conch Republic Independence Celebration 2018

Join members of the High Command, Founding Fathers, VIPs and Dignitaries for a scrumptious breakfast at Two Friends Patio Restaurant, broadcast live on Pirate Radio. 512 Front Street. $20 (includes non-alcoholic beverages & shuttle to Ft. Taylor). For reservations, call (305) 296-3124.

9:15 AM: HTA Trolley from KW Historic Seaport to Two Friends

 9:30 - 11:30 AM: Breakfast

 11:30 AM: HTA Trolley from Two Friends to Fort Zachary Taylor

1 PM: HTA Trolley from Ft. Taylor to Caroline Street Parking Lot.

Signifying the Official Opening of the 2018 Conch Republic Independence Celebration Festival, the Raising of the Colors includes the Conch Republic Pledge of Allegiance, the Battle Hymn of the Conch Republic, a Conch Shell-Horn Salute, and live music provided by Conchelele Bob. At Fort Zachary Taylor. FREE WITH PARK ADMISSION (or if arriving via HTA Trolley from CRIC Opening Breakfast)

Take a step back in time and relive the glorious age of sail and seafaring adventure with Conch Republic Supreme Commander & First Sea Lord Admiral Finbar Gittleman! The flagship of the Conch Republic Navy, Schooner WOLF departs from KW Historic Seaport (E Dock). 201 William Street. Board 20 minutes prior to departure. BYOB. Book today! $50 Adults, $25 Kids under 12. Tickets and info: SailAway@schoonerWOLF.com or call (305) 296-9694.

Dance the night away to the Cayo Ritmo Band, a high energy mix of reggae, calypso, soca, rock, R&B, funk, and soul. The Conch Republic's Founding Prime Minister, Dennis Wardlow, will explain how our Sovereign State of Mind got its start back in 1982. Then, compete in (or simply watch!) a Conch Shell Horn-Blowing Contest, with prizes awarded for Longest, Loudest, and Most Musical Blows. Hosted by Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley, 202 William St. FREE www.SchoonerWharf.com

The Conch Republic CIA (Cuties In Action) and 82nd Aubornes have partnered with Keep Key West Beautiful to eradicate cigarette butts and other debris from our shores.The joint task force officially appropriated the stretch of beach between White & Reynolds Street piers (there's a bar in between) and will launch "Operation: Ain't No Butts About It" on Earth Day Eve. The public is invited to join the cause and participate. Higgs Beach, 1000 Atlantic Avenue. FREE

Local artists and craftsmen offer unique and handmade items you'll treasure! Sponsored by the Key West Cultural Preservation Society. Funds raised from booth rentals contribute to scholarships for KWHS seniors who will pursue college degrees in Art. Fair runs on Duval, between Greene & Eaton Streets.  FREE

Visit the Conch Republic Military Command Center on the corner of Duval & Greene.

Beach cleaning is thirsty business, and the Bloody Mary Happy Hour at Saluté! on the Beach is the perfect way to cool down. Get your creative juices flowing and unwind with island tunes by the Shanty Hounds while recycling beach booty into a fabulous beach bonnet - Best Hat wins a $50 gift certificate to Salute! Hosted by the Conch Republic CIA & 82nd Aubornes. 1000 Atlantic Avenue. FREE www.SALUTEontheBeach.com

Show your Community Unity at this free event at the new Key West Amphitheater. Featuring the KWHS Jazz Band, The Bahama Village Music Program's Steel Drum Band, Coffee Butler, and more local  performers. 

Family-friendly fun include a visit from Mo the Sloth and Chanel the Skunk of the MCSO's Animal Farm! 

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets; please leave coolers and pets at home. Benefits Michelle's Foundation. Sponsored by HTA, US1 Radio, KW Smuggler's Whiskey, and Tito's Vodka. 21 Quay Rd. FREE

Witness this "Only-in-Key West" event! Sanctioned by the CR's NHRA (or Natural Hot Rod Association), the 700 & 800 blocks of Duval heat up as the hottest drag queens in the land go heel to heel for a series of races and obstacle courses that benefit the Petronia Street Neighborhood Association. Races run between Petronia & Angela Streets  starting at 801 Bourbon Bar. Anyone in ladieswear and heels can enter. Sponsored by US1 Radio and Tito's Handmade Vodka. FREE ENTRY ***Signup at event only.***

Don't miss this popular South Florida-based latin/funk/electronica band perform at a famous local music venue! Official after-party for the Community Unity Concert at Truman Waterfront. Green Parrot Bar. 601 Whitehead Street. FREE www.GreenParrot.com

Vinyl collectors and crate-diggers are invited to come buy, sell, and trade your new and vintage albums. DJ Le Spam of the Spam Allstars will be spinning records all afternoon from his own extensive collection of Retro and Vintage Miami R&B, Old-School Reggae, Latin, African, and Brazilian recordings.  Benefits the Bahama Village Music Program. Sponsored by Dogfish Head Brewery, including a brand new Crosley turntable raffle. Green Parrot Bar, 601 Whitehead Street. FREE www.GreenParrot.com

Take a step back in time and relive the glorious age of sail and seafaring adventure with Conch Republic Supreme Commander & First Sea Lord Admiral Finbar Gittleman! The flagship of the Conch Republic Navy, Schooner WOLF departs from KW Historic Seaport (E Dock). 201 William Street. Board 20 minutes prior to departure. BYOB. Book today! $50 Adults, $25 Kids under 12. Tickets and info: SailAway@schoonerWOLF.com or call (305) 296-9694.

Always wanted to be a royal? Have a thing for crowns? Get voted into the Conch Republic Royal Family! Votes cost $1 each, and benefit the Conch Republic Foster Children's Fund for Wesley House. Funds are used to provide the kinds of items and experiences for kids in foster care that aren't covered by State funds, like prom dresses, sports equipment, and summer camp. Hosted by Rick's/Durty Harry's. 202 Duval Street. Royal costumes are encouraged! FREE www.WesleyHouse.org www.RicksBarKeyWest.com

Dance the night away to music by Miami's "Mojito Hot Salsa Band", enjoy a Cuban dance show, and compete for an authentic Cuban treasure at the silent auction! Admission includes a mojito, Cuban snack tray, raffle entry for a Cuban-made humidor, plus other surprises! Turtle Kraals Bar & Restaurant. 231 Margaret Street. Benefits TREE Institute's projects in Cuba. ADVANCE GENERAL ADMISSION $25 UNTIL 4/21/18 at noon. $35 AT THE DOOR. Limited Reserved Seating $125 for table for 4. www.keystix.com

Enjoy a special Monday-edition brunch in honor of Conch Republic Independence Day on the patio of this popular Bahama Village eatery that pairs an expansive bloody mary bar with both classic fare and inventive menu options. Hosted by Blue Macaw Island Eats & Bar. 804 Whitehead Street. ORDER FROM MENU. CASH BAR. www.BlueMacawKeyWest.com

Bring your furbabies and enjoy a frosty beverage to toast Conch Republic Independence Day and raise money for the Florida Keys SPCA! Pet costume contest will give awards for Cutest, Ugliest, Youngest, Oldest, and Best Superhero Dogs. Hosted by Mary Ellen's Bar and Restaurant, 420 Appelrouth Lane. Obvously, this event is pet-friendly! Suggested Donation $5, CASH BAR www.MaryEllensBar.com

Learn the moving story of Conch Republic First Sea Lord Admiral Finbar Gittleman and his beloved schooner, the Conch Republic Navy's Flagship WOLF, in this all-new documentary by director Matt Dean. Key West Theater. 512 Eaton Street. Tickets on Sale April 1st at www.MattDeanFilmStore.com

4 PM: Doors open; Premiere Screening and Reception. Q&A session w/ Admiral Finbar and Matt Dean to follow.

9 PM: Doors open; Encore Screening and Reception with Dessert Bar. Q&A session w/ Matt Dean to follow. 

This lighthearted, entertaining, and jovial ceremony will feature a Proclamation by the Prime Minister of the Conch Republic, a CR Military 21-Gun Salute, & 21-Conch Shell Horn-Blowing Salute at Sunset. Mallory Square, 400 Wall Street. FREE

Take a step back in time and relive the glorious age of sail and seafaring adventure with Conch Republic Supreme Commander & First Sea Lord Admiral Finbar Gittleman! The flagship of the Conch Republic Navy, Schooner WOLF departs from KW Historic Seaport (E Dock). 201 William Street. Board 20 minutes prior to departure. BYOB. Book today! $50 Adults, $25 Kids under 12. Tickets and info: SailAway@schoonerWOLF.com or call (305) 296-9694.

If you've lived in Key West for seven years, why not make it official? Become a true Freshwater Conch! If your canine companion been here a year, then in dog years, they're eligible too! Get a certificate proclaiming your Conch status to the world for just $19, & $10 for pets. Includes a celebratory glass of bubbly, and the opportunity to share why you came to paradise. Proceeds benefit the KWHS Band's Uniform Fund. Hosted by Bucky Montgomery at Smokin' Tuna Saloon, 4 Charles Street. FREE

Party with ambassadors, emmisaries, and diplomats at this fête hosted by the Conch Republic CIA... shhh! and the CR Military. Bend elbows with the High Command and all the Un-usual Suspects while raising your glass, and funds for the Conch Republic Foster Children's Fund. Admission includes C-Rations, 1st drink (beer, wine, or our signature cocktail: Truth Serum - shhh!), 50/50 raffle. The Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela Street. $10 ENTRY, CASH BAR

Email ConchRepublicDispatch@gmail.com for more info.

This is the mandatory captains' meeting for the annual re-enactment of the Conch Republic's Great Bloody Sea Battle. If you want to be in the Great Battle, you must attend the meeting. Vessels not registered will not be allowed to participate. No exceptions. Special flags will be issued to participating vessels that must be flown during the Battle. Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., on the Historic Seaport. FREE www.SchoonerWharf.com

Mandatory for All Great Bloody Sea Battle Participants.

Take a step back in time and relive the glorious age of sail and seafaring adventure with Conch Republic Supreme Commander & First Sea Lord Admiral Finbar Gittleman! The flagship of the Conch Republic Navy, Schooner WOLF departs from KW Historic Seaport (E Dock). 201 William Street. Board 20 minutes prior to departure. BYOB. Book today! $50 Adults, $25 Kids under 12. Tickets and info: SailAway@schoonerWOLF.com or call (305) 296-9694.

Conch Cars are one of the fun and unique parts of life in paradise, so show your local love by decorating your entry with Conch-Themed creativity! Awards will be given for Fastest, and Best in Show. Hosted by The Porch, 429 Caroline Street; benefits Southernmost Boys & Girls Club. 

$10 ENTRY FEE includes car kit with assembly instructions (available at The Porch during their normal business hours: 11am-LATE) 

Take a step back in time and relive the glorious age of sail and seafaring adventure with Conch Republic Supreme Commander & First Sea Lord Admiral Finbar Gittleman! The flagship of the Conch Republic Navy, Schooner WOLF departs from KW Historic Seaport (E Dock). 201 William Street. Board 20 minutes prior to departure. BYOB. Book today! $50 Adults, $25 Kids under 12. Tickets and info: SailAway@schoonerWOLF.com or call (305) 296-9694.

The World's Longest Parade festivities kick off at Southernmost House Hotel with a Conch Republic Raising of the Colors flag ceremony, conch shell-horn salute, and celebratory libations with a spectacular ocean view. 1400 Duval. Sponsored by Tito's Handmade Vodka. FREE ENTRY. CASH BAR

Sprint the length of paradise by running the length of the most famous street in Key West - Duval Street! Presented by  Local Awards & Engraving. Registration at Southernmost House, 1400 Duval Street, starting at 5 PM. 

$25 adult / $18 HS student (14-18) / $12 for 13 & Under. 

For more info, please email DuvalStreetMile@aol.com

Presented by US1 Radio, this world-famous parade celebrates Conch Republic Independence and runs from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico! Route travels down Duval Street from United Street, turns right onto Greene Street, then continues along Lazy Way Lane to finish at Schooner Wharf. As with all CRIC events, costumes are enthusiastically encouraged! FREE

Duval closes between United and South Streets at 5 pm for pre-party mustering. Participants line up at 7:30, and the parade rolls at 8!

& AWARDS CEREMONY

Don your pirate gear or favorite Schooner Wharf shirt and meet us on the corner of South and Duval at 7:45 to join our float! After the parade, we'll hand out Parade prizes given to Best "Conch-cept", Most Original, and Most Creative parade entries, and party with The Last Mangoes Band. A great opportunity to come get your "Caribbean On" --- dance to reggae, ska, soca, and calypso with us! Live music 'til midnight. Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St. FREE www.SchoonerWharf.com

Witness the spectacle of our island nation's most famous sea battle, reenacted each year to commemorate the secession and founding of the Conch Republic. This large-scale, hilarious harbor battle pits the Conch Republic's Air Force & Navy alongside private vessels of all shapes and sizes against none other than the United States Coast Guard. 

For non-combatants (landlubbers), there's great viewing all along Key West Harbor, from Margaritaville Resort to Mallory Square. Costumes encouraged! FREE

Cheer on First Sea Lord Admiral Finbar and his High Command aboard the Conch Republic Navy's Flagship Schooner WOLF, the CR Air Force, and even civilians in a southernmost state of mind, as they do breathtaking "battle" against the 'evil border patrol' (portrayed by the U.S. Coast Guard) in this zany, sometimes soggy, but always hilarious re-enactment - a beloved Conch Republic tradition. Minister of Munitions: Robin Smith-Martin of OurKeyWest.com. In Key West Harbor, at Mallory Square. FREE

The post-Great Bloody Sea Battle festivities kick off at 7 pm at Schooner Wharf, The Official Headquarters of Conch Republic Independence. A tongue-in-cheek Surrender Ceremony of the United States Coast Guard to the Conch Republic Armed Forces - "A farce to be reckoned with" - takes place at 9 pm. The popular and engaging Jeff Clark Band will provide live music until midnight. Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley, 202 William Street, on the KW Historic Seaport. FREE www.SchoonerWharf.com

Kicks off at the Key West Legal Rum Distillery, with stops at The Green Room, Tiki House, Smokin' Tuna Saloon, TBD Bar, Mary Ellen's, Bourbon Street Pub, and 801 Bourbon Bar. Sponsored by Key West Legal Rum Distillery, 105 Simonton Street. RSVP to info@conchrepublicdayskeywest.com or visit our merch booth at most CRIC events to reserve your spot! Check-in is 10 AM until 1 PM on the day of the crawl, in the Distillery's tasting room. Limited space available. $30 includes Conch Crawl Tee-shirt.

If you've lived in Key West for seven years, why not make it official? Become a true Freshwater Conch! If your canine companion been here a year, then in dog years, they're eligible too! Get a certificate proclaiming your Conch status to the world for just $19, & $10 for pets. Includes a celebratory glass of bubbly, and the opportunity to share why you came to paradise. Proceeds benefit the KWHS Band's Uniform Fund. Hosted by Bucky Montgomery at Aqua. 711 Duval St. FREE

Take a step back in time and relive the glorious age of sail and seafaring adventure with Conch Republic Supreme Commander & First Sea Lord Admiral Finbar Gittleman! The flagship of the Conch Republic Navy, Schooner WOLF departs from KW Historic Seaport (E Dock). 201 William Street. Board 20 minutes prior to departure. BYOB. Book today!  $50 Adults, $25 Kids under 12. Tickets and info: SailAway@schoonerWOLF.com or call (305) 296-9694.

Witness the swashbuckling sword play  and sea shanties of Key West's own Conch Republic Privateers. Compete in our Piratical Costume Competition - Prizes for Best Buccaneer, Best Wench, Best Bustier, and Cut Throat Surprise. The Happy Dog Band jams to live Woodstock-style music like Grateful Dead, The Beatles, and Crosby, Stills and Nash, from 7 pm 'til midnight. Enjoy an evening of unscripted & entertaining audience participation! Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St. FREE www.SchoonerWharf.com

Join CR Secretary of State Capt. Jim Gilleran to learn the pertinent details for the First Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration Regatta to Cuba. Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St. FREE www.AmigaTravel.com

Mandatory for All Regatta Participants.

Join members of the High Command, Founding Fathers, VIPs and Dignitaries for a breathtaking waterfront view and a plate of tasty galley fare at Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St. $15, or order from menu. For reservations, call (305) 292-3302. www.SchoonerWharf.com

The 12th annual Chicken & Waffles Jazz Brunch and Fats Navarro Tribute kicks off at 1 PM with The Green Parrot Jazz Allstars, with special guest, Key West's King of Soul, Robert Albury. GP's annual tribute to seminal bebop jazz trumpeter and Key West native, Theodore "Fats" Navarro, follows at 3 PM. Dizzy Gillespie called him "the best all-around trumpeter of them all." All brunch proceeds benefit the Bahama Village Music Program. Hosted by the Green Parrot. 601 Whitehead. www.GreenParrot.com

Last Wreckers Race of the season! A one-way, all-in-fun sail boat drag race to Sand Key, re-enacting the tradition of Key West Wreckers of the 1800's. Video of the race and prizes awarded in 6 classes at ceremony/party that evening, 7 pm. Visiting yachtsman and local captains are welcome to join the regatta. Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley, 202 William St. For more information, please visit www.SchoonerWharf.com or call 305-292-3302.

Mandatory Captains' Meeting is at 7 pm on Saturday, April 28th. 

At SALUTÉ! on the Beach. 1000 Atlantic Blvd. FREE ENTRY. CASH BAR www.SALUTEontheBeach.com

The First Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration Regatta to Cuba will consist of private vessels making their way through the Florida Straits to Havana, Cuba. While there, participants will engage directly with the Cuban People and learn about the vibrant history of this unique island nation. Presented by Amiga Travel. For registration info, contact Capt. Jim Gilleran (305) 304-2400, or visit www.AmigaTravel.com. Amiga Travel is an OFAC-Compliant, Florida Licensed Seller of Travel.