Playwright Tennessee Williams, novelist Ernest Hemingway, bird writer John James Audubon, and President Truman: some of the historical luminaries to hail from this area. Their residences have since been turned into museums and are must-see places for visitors. Aspiring artists are drawn to Keys for the free-spirited lifestyle represented by Keys. Evidence of that spirit is found in the many festivals and events featured on Key West’s cultural calendar.

Key West abounds in cultural activities. It offers the opportunity to visit art galleries, attend a community play, enjoy an outdoor festival or attend a symphony orchestra. Broadway musicals hit sold-out theaters in Key West.

Waterfront Playhouse, Marathon Community Theatre, Red Barn Theatre, Waldorf Plaza, Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, Founder’s Park, and Tavernier are regular venues for plays and musicals.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church, Big Pine Key, and the grounds of historic Fort Zachary Taylor near the Truman Waterfront host operas and other musical performances.

Artists of various shades come to Key West for the spectacular sunsets and impressive wildlife. Once this is done, they amuse the crowd. After sunset, jugglers, mimes, musicians and street performers show off their skills and wow onlookers.

Key West celebrates events like Earth Day weekend with renowned experts in the field. Events like art shows and book launches are not uncommon. Poetic writing workshops and poetry and haiku contests are also part of the cultural calendar.

Here true architectural and botanical treasures are valued. This is evident even in a small street where the locals have faithfully restored old wooden houses. The look of these homes is further enhanced by the use of lush tropical trees and flowers. Walking along streets lined with palm trees, you will come across gingerbread mansions and tin-roofed snail houses. It’s almost like going back in time.