Key West to Celebrate Tropical Heat Aug. 14-17

SPECIAL TO KONK LIFE

Key West is known for its year-round subtropical weather, but temperatures are predicted to rise dramatically Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 14-17. The cause is the annual gay Tropical Heat celebration, an adventurous long weekend of all-male all-adult fun, a presentation of Gay Key West and the Key West Business Guild. 

Tropical Heat offers four days of sizzling happenings in the island city whose openness and respect for diversity have made it a world-renowned gay vacation destination. The festival’s intriguingly decadent events range from drag shows to pool parties to late-night gatherings at island clubs.

The heat wave begins at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 14, with a kick-off party with Manhunt, a noted online gay dating service, at Island House, 1129 Fleming St.

On subsequent days, festival attendees can try naked paddleboarding with Nomadic SUP, compete for “best dressed” at a tropical toga get-together at Equator Resort, 818 Fleming St.; bid and buy at the Silver Key Lingerie underwear auction (a repeat of last year’s highly popular event,) turn up the heat at late-night parties at Saloon One, 504 Petronia St. (known for their fetish parties), and Bourbon St. Pub, 724 Duval St. (you don’t want to miss the famous foam party)  and much more.

A variety of land-based and on-the-water activities are offered each day. They range from clothing-optional snorkel and kayak tours with Key West’s Blu Q to explorations of island museums and nature centers.

Nightly drag shows are staged at Aqua, 711 Duval St., and the 801 Bar, 801 Duval St. In addition, Saturday’s schedule features an acclaimed trolley tour showcasing Key West’s LGBT heritage and hotspots.

Sunday’s festival finale is an island city tradition: Tea dance at La Te Da, 1125 Duval St.

Tropical Heat VIP access passes are available for $149 per person in advance at www.tropicalheatkw.com which represents a $71 savings from the $220 price if one attended all of the events.  Alternatively, attendees can pay individual event admissions.

For more information visit the web site at: www.tropicalheatkw.com or call the Key West Business Guild at 305-294-4603.

 

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