Florida Keys Ocean Festival to Celebrate Marine Environment Dec. 1

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — Attendees at the eighth annual Florida Keys Ocean Festival can celebrate the island chain’s vibrant marine environment outdoors in Islamorada with live music, artistry, kids’ activities, educational exhibits and more.

Presented by the Florida-based Mote Marine Laboratory, the family-friendly event is set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at the 45-acre waterfront Founders Park at mile marker 87. Admission and parking are free.

More than 50 exhibits are to spotlight the Keys’ conservation efforts and the work of nonprofit organizations. A number of marine artists, craftspeople and merchandise vendors plan to showcase their wares.

Children’s activities including fishing clinics are planned throughout the day.

People attending the lively open-air festival can explore touch tanks, see live animals, vie for raffle prizes and enjoy food, soft drinks and locally crafted beers and rums.

Keys favorite Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band are to headline the afternoon of scheduled live musical guests.

Proceeds and donations from the festival support Mote Marine Laboratory’s groundbreaking coral reef restoration and research programs.

Event information: moteoceanfest.org

Islamorada visitor information: fla-keys.com/islamorada or 1-800-FAB-KEYS