Forth Annual I Love Stock Island Festival Offers a Myriad of Events and Activities

The I Love Stock Island Festival is a city-wide event December 13-15 celebrating the heritage and history of Stock Island. Not limited to any one specific venue or happening, guests are invited to experience three full days of free & ticketed events showcasing Stock Island’s culinary, entertainment, artistic, cultural & historic gems.

The Festival kicks off Friday December 13 with ‘Food Truck Finds’ from 7 am to 4 pm where guests are invited to discover the flourishing food truck scene on Stock Island. These trucks and take-aways are hidden in plain sight all over the island and are excited to have guests try a special $5 sample to taste what they have to offer. Stops include Taco Express Key West on Cross Street next to the bus stop behind the Sandal Factory, Yahman’s Authentic Jamaican Jerk Shack at the end of Front Street, One Love Key West with Chef Clive at Stock Island Chevron, DeLuna’s Bar & Grill at Boyd’s Key West Campground, Until It’s Gone – Food Truck off Peninsular in KW Fisheries trap yard

The Jerk KW @ The Art Shack Key West 6404 Front Street. Stock Rock Cafe @ Cow Key Marina on 5th Ave. and The Oceans Edge Café/Starbucks at Oceans Edge Key West Resort and Marina.

Also tempting to foodies, Friday, the Taste of Stock Island ticketed event starts at 4 pm. Guests travel by trolley to seven or more stops for amazing small plate pairings. This is an intimate affair offering an authentic experience to meet the chefs, restaurant owners, artists and musicians that make Stock Island unique. Participating businesses include FishBusterz Retail Seafood Market, Roostica Wood-Fire Pizzeria, Stock Rock Cafe, DOLPHIN DELI, Hogfish Bar & Grill, El Mocho Restaurant, Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar, The Barrel House, Stock Island Yacht Club’s LL’s Test Kitchen, Oceans Edge Key West Resort and Marina Yellowfin Restaurant, The Jerk KW Caribbean Food Truck at The Art Shack Key West and Keys Fresh Seafood Market & (soon to open) The Docks Stock Island Restaurant with booze by with booze by Key West Distilling, Cayo Hueso Brewing, Key West Smuggler Whiskey

Taste of Stock Island guests will be finished just in time to enjoy the 3rd annual Lighted Boat Parade at Stock Island Marina Village presented by Sunset Watersports. This free event starts at 4 pm with happy hour at the Perry Hotel, parade at 7 pm and after party at Hogfish Bar & Grill at 8 pm. Guests will delight seeing the bright lights on everything from tri-masted schooners to dinghies to the Shrimp boats that call Stock Island home. Come early for great food at Matt’s, the Salty Oyster and the new Barrel House bbq joint as well as concessions and multiple bars throughout the property. Walk the docks to see spectacular decorations and lights on the boats and liveaboards who make Stock Island Marina Village home. Free parking and viewing events at Stock Island Marina Village and Safe Harbor with live music at Hog Fish Bar & Grill at the official after party. This is Stock Island can’t miss holiday tradition.

On Saturday December 14, visitors and locals alike are encouraged to Discover Stock Island and find a little bit of Old Key West. At 9 am, the ILSI Rooster Run 5k presented by FYT will offer a course that takes runners in and around our waterfronts, neighborhoods and businesses. T-shirts, medals and refreshments are offered to  participants. The Cuban Pig Roast: Chinabox Challenge II is open to amateur and professional chefs. Winners will receive trophies and bragging rights. Attendees will purchase $5 tasting ticket and vote for their favorite; judges will score and select the Judge’s Choice winner. Free guided tours by Up the Keys and Sunset Watersports will offer insights into all our businesses, restaurants, galleries and attractions. Other highlights include $10 mini mangrove kayak tours from Kayak Kings of Key West, $35 Sail General Patton’s When & If, holiday shopping at eclectic artist studios with the Arts Strolls and the Holiday mart at Stock Island Marina Village, brunch with Santa at the Stock Island Yacht Club.

Saturday evening there’s a free, family friendly Dive-In Movie showing the Grinch at Ocean’s Edge Resort and Marina and an adult party at The Art Shack with live music, libations and corn hole.

For the Stock Island Studio Tours Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, use the phone map to bike (or drive) to visit the many talented and eclectic artists that make Stock Island their home. Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm the famous Hogfish Bar & Grill will offer an amazingly delicious and affordable old time classic shrimp boil featuring Key West Pink Shrimp fresh off the shrimp boats, smoked sausage, new potatoes and sweet corn on the cob. Guests are invited to kick back and enjoy the freshest seafood, panoramic waterfront views and outdoor dining. Or for another ocean-side experience, hit the Brunch & Pool Party at Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen from 10:30 am to 2 pm. This smorgasbord features three amazing buffets, unlimited small plates, unlimited bloody mary’s & mimosas and live music. Then guests are invited to hang out at their gorgeous pool and soak in the view. It’s a great way to wind down from a full I Love Stock Island Festival.

Also on Sunday, Up the Keys van history tours will depart from Stock Island Marina Village at 11 and 12:30 pm; General Patton’s boat, the SV When & If, will offer discounted sailing excursions at 10 am, noon, 2 and 4:30 pm from Stock Island Marina Village and the Sherriff’s Animal Farm will be open for a free holiday open house, complete with Santa, from 1 to 3 pm.

Stock Island has always been the ‘working side’ of Key West. Many service businesses are located here along with the waterfront marine and commercial fishing, shrimp & lobster industries. It is home to more than 50 artists and craftsman. All of that together make Stock Island unique, authentic and charming. Many watersports and sport fishing charters operate from the marinas here. There are nineteen great places to eat for authentic seafood, Cuban and ethnic cuisine. The marinas are expanding and two new first-class hotels have been built. Bernstein Park underwent a $7.9-million restoration and is ready for visitors. Major road improvements are ongoing. There are so many good things happening, the I Love Stock Island Festival hopes to celebrate and encourage the community and visitors to come over and take a fresh look. For a complete schedule of events visit www.ILoveStockIsland.org

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