Bicentennial Heritage Festival
Thank you for joining us Saturday, March 26, 2022, as we celebrated the 200th anniversary of Key West with a free all day Heritage Festival and Drone 'silent' fireworks display at the beautiful Truman Waterfront Park.
As part of the City of Key West -- Government’s celebration of 200 years, the Key West 200th: Heritage Festival & Drone Fireworks was Saturday, March 26, 2022 at the Truman Waterfront. From 4 pm to 9 pm the park will come alive with vendors, artists, conch cuisine, adult beverages, kid's activities and continuous entertainment. The evening caps off with a 15-minute silent drone fireworks show set to music.
There will be great local food available including sushi, seafood, Cuban, sandwiches, gelato, hot pretzels and more and plenty of green space to spread a picnic blanket and enjoy the park. Lawn chairs are encouraged. Beverages will include 2 bars featuring Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, among other adult beverages, and the Coca-Cola Trailer offering soft drinks and water. Photo ops include exhibits by the Conch Republic Navy, Sushi's shoe from the annual 801 Bourbon Street New Year's Eve drop televised on CNN and a go-fast boat from the Race World Offshore Power Boat Races. The kid's zone will feature the Truman Waterfront splash park and playground, bounce houses from Four Star Rentals, Inc., a make a time capsule station by Art Teacher in Paradise and story teller Amy Andrade, eco-marine displays and goats from Island Farm Key West on Stock Island.
The AAG Live Key West/ Race World Offshore Mainstage will kick off at 4 pm with Mary Speer and friends performing with Rolando, Gina Maserati and Walter. At 4:45 pm Bellydance Of Key West - The Southernmost Shimmies under the direction of Judith Sahirah will belly dance across the stage. At 5 pm the one and only CW Colt will entertain with his keysie style originals like 'I'm a looney coconut', 'Chickens' and 'Key Western Cowboy'. From 6 to 6:30 pm expect a cameo appearance from the gals at 801 Bourbon bar and iconic Mallory Square performer Will Soto with his unique highwire and comedy act.
The featured performance by Glass Cats, presented by Mile 0 Fest Key West and RokIsland Fest, takes stage at 6:30 pm. Key West's hottest new band incarnation, this experimental jam-based, funky soul-filled group will have the audience out of their seats. The four-piece band consists of Myles Mancuso on guitar and vocals, Mark King on bass and vocals, Michael Wingate on keys and vocals, and Evan Valentine on drums and vocals. At 7:45 pm Fire Dancers Jenna & David will help close out the show.
A special pre-drone presentation by Bicentennial Chair Paul Menta, introductions of invited Bahamian officials and a rendition of The Star Spangled Banner by legendary soul singer Robert Aubrey, will lead into the Drone Sky Concert scheduled to start somewhere around 8:30 pm by Sky Elements Drones. Similar to a fireworks show in scope, this pet-friendly, silent and completely ecofriendly presentation is the first of its kind in Key West. It will include 150 drones 150' in the sky over the waters of the Navy Mole featuring custom created configurations representing some of the most recognized symbols in our conch community. The show will be set to music and simulcast on 104.9 Barefoot Radio.
The Heritage Festival is free to attend. Locals are encouraged to come hang out with friends and family and enjoy the sunset on this once in our lifetime historic day. Parking is limited so guests should plan to take the free Duval Loop, bike or ride share to the Truman Waterfront.
The 200th Heritage Festival is just one of several events scheduled for the bicentennial week-long celebration. The Flag Ceremony and Time Capsule dedication will be held Friday, March 25 at 3:30, which is thought to be the actual bicentennial date, at Mallory Square. The Bicentennial Gala fundraiser at the Oldest House & Gardens Key West is 6 pm Friday and tickets are still available.
