CONCH REPUBLIC INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION 2022 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CONCH REPUBLIC INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION 2022 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

“Official Conch Republic Citizen Passports, Merchandise & Event Tickets” available in our online Store, at www.ConchRepublic.com

DAILY

2:00 PM – 9:00 PM CONCH REPUBLIC “OFFICIAL” MERCHANDISE BOOTH & WELCOME CENTER at Ocean Key Resort and Spa, Zero Duval Street. THIS is the place to visit to pick up your “OFFICIAL Conch Republic” Citizen Passports, Merchandise, Event Tickets, and Complimentary CRIC 2022 Program Guide.

FRIDAY, APRIL 15^TH

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM 5^TH Annual CRIC 2022 OPENING “BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS” at Two Friends Patio Restaurant, 512 Front St. Join members of the CR High Command, VIPs, and Dignitaries for this scrumptious breakfast. For more info, visit: TwoFriends.com. Order from Menu (Cash Bar.)

NOON – 1:00 PM RAISING OF THE COLORS at Mallory Square, 400 Wall St. This light-hearted ceremony celebrates the 40th anniversary of our island nation’s independence, and includes CR Pledge of Allegiance, Battle Hymn & Conch Shell-Horn Salute.

Stop by the CRIC 2022 Party Bus for refreshments, and “OFFICIAL Conch Republic” Citizen Passports, Event Tickets, Merchandise and Complimentary Program Guides. For more info, visit: ConchRepublic.com. FREE.

6:00 – 8:00 PM CONCH REPUBLIC ROYAL FAMILY ELECTIONS AND INVESTITURE PARTY at Southernmost House Hotel, 1400 Duval St. Party with Island Royalty and enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. Cast your vote for your favorite candidate. Votes are only $1 – so vote often!

Hosted by the Southernmost House Hotel, proceeds benefit Wesley House Family Services Conch Republic Foster Children’s Fund.

TO SIGN UP to run for Conch Republic Royalty, VOTE for your favorite candidate, or DONATE, visit: WesleyHouse.org/RoyalFamily. FREE (Cash Bar.)

6:15PM—8:15PM PIRATE SAIL ABOARD JOLLY II ROVER, 631 Green St. Take to the sea for a sunset sail with pirates. Soft drinks & water provided. For more info, visit: SchoonerJollyRover.com . COST: $85 / $45 Kids under 13 / FREE Kids under 3. Limited seating. BYOB. Tickets available online March 20.

7:00 PM – LATE CRIC 2022 KICK-OFF PARTY & CONCH SHELL BLOWING CONTEST hosted by Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley, “Official Party Headquarters,” 202 William St. Party with Pirates & CR Dignitaries and learn ‘real history’ behind our Secession! For more info, visit: SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar.) 

SATURDAY, APRIL 16^TH 

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM 2^ND Annual CONCH REPUBLIC CONCHY BEACH CLEANUP at Higgs Beach. Meet at Salute! On The Beach, 1000 Atlantic Blvd. Join the CR Green Ops & Key West Ploggers and help Keep the Conch Republic Beautiful! FREE.

10:00AM – 5:00 PM 40^TH Annual CONCH REPUBLIC ART & CRAFT FAIR ON DUVAL, between Eaton & Greene. Purchase one-of-a-kind artworks from local artists and stop by the CRIC 2022 Bus! Booth rentals benefit KWHS students pursuing advanced Art degrees.) For more info, visit: SunsetCelebration.org. FREE.

10:30 AM FURY’S ULTIMATE ADVENTURE H2.O, 631 Greene St. Includes snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing & more! Breakfast, lunch & unlimited refreshments. For more info, visit: FuryCat.com. COST: $199.95 / 11+ years, $139.95 / Kids 4-10, FREE /Kids Under 3. Limited seating. *Tickets available online March 10.

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM CONCH CRAWL BAR STROLL & DISTILLERY TOUR through Old Town. Learn how rum & whiskey are distilled and visit historic, storied saloons. Tickets includes Conch Crawl tee-shirt (while supply lasts) and a drink at each stop.

Participating bars include Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, Island Dogs, Rock House Live, Irish Kevin’s, Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon, Willie T’s, Hero’s Bar & Liberty Lounge, 801 Bourbon Bar and Rum Bar at the Speakeasy Inn.

Meet at CRIC 2022 Merchandise Booth, Zero Duval St. to pick up your tickets. Sponsored by Key West First Legal Rum Distillery and Fourth & Pride Vodka. COST: $40/$35 in advance, if purchased by April 10. *Tickets available online March 20. 

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM **NEW EVENT!** I LOVE STOCK ISLAND ART EXHIBIT, sponsored by Key West Absinthe House, 6404 Front St., Stock Island.  Purchase original works of art by local artists. *Stay tuned for more details. FREE (Cash Bar.)

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM 40^TH Annual CONCH REPUBLIC DRAG RACES ON DUVAL at Bourbon Street Pub. Don your high heels & best frock and enter… or witness this “Only in Key West’ event! Cheer on the hottest drag queens as they go heel to heel for a series of races & obstacle courses. FREE. SIGN UP AT EVENT ONLY.

6:00 PM – 10 PM The 2^ND Annual CONCH REPUBLIC WEARABLE ART FASHION SHOW BENEFIT, Key West Theater, 512 Eaton St. (benefits Wesley House Conch Republic Foster Children’s Fund.) This is where the latest fashion trends are made. See our Conch Republic Fashion Icons, Key West Style.

Our Super Models walk the runway in the best Conch Republic Lifestyle Couture and Costume. Rub elbows with Influencers at this renown event during CR fashion week. Most designs will be available for sale! Limited seating, prices to fit every Fashionista range! COST: $50 to $150. *Fashion Show Tickets now available at TheKeyWestTheater.com.

6:00 PM- 9:00 PM CLASSIC SHRIMP BOIL AT THE HOGFISH BAR & GRILL, 6810 Front St., Safe Harbour Marina, Downtown Stock Island. Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere with waterfront dining, and Cayo Hueso Brewing’s El Hemingway & Coconut Coma Beer. For more info, visit: HogfishBar.com. COST: $65 (Cash Bar.) Tickets available online March 20.

SUNDAY, APRIL 17^TH 

10:30 AM FURY’S ULTIMATE ADVENTURE H2.O 631 Greene St. Includes snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing & more! Breakfast, lunch & unlimited refreshments. For more info, visit: FuryCat.com. COST: $199.95 / 11+ years, $139.95 / Kids 4-10, FREE /Kids Under 3. Limited seating. *Tickets available online March 20.

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM EASTER BRUNCH AT YELLOWFIN BAR & KITCHEN, Oceans Edge Marina Resort, 5959 Peninsular Ave., Stock Island. Enjoy a fabulous brunch with bottomless, nonalcoholic beverages, Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s, RAW BAR STARTERS include shrimp cocktail, gulf oysters, snapper & ceviche.

MENU includes lots of delicious entrees, including Omeletes, Waffles, Traditional & Crab Eggs Benedict, Salads, Seafood, Prime Rib, Caramel Pork Belly and more! For more info, visit: OceansEdgeKeyWest.com. Seating limited, and reservations required. COST: $60. *Tickets available online March 20.

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM **NEW EVENT!** ADULT EASTER ‘EGG’STRAVAGANZA hosted and sponsored by The Gardens Hotel, 512 Angela St. Join ‘Queen Kate’ for this ‘not for the kiddies’ party, which includes the annual Carrot Toss, Champagne “Bubbly Hunt” through lush tropical gardens (1:30PM) and Easter Bonnet & Outfit Contests (2 PM.)

Prizes will be awarded for ‘Best Female, Male & Couple Easter Outfit & Bonnet. At 3 PM, we will join the 2^nd Annual CR Easter Stroll on Duval to La Te Da’s Famous Tea Dance. For more info, visit: GardensHotel.com. Space limited, reservations suggested. FREE (Cash Bar.)

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM YO HO HO! AND A BATTLE OF RUM! at the Rum Bar Garden, at the Speakeasy Inn, 1117 Duval St. Brands competing include Key West First Legal Rum Distillery and Key West Trading Co.‘s Temple Pent’s Revenge. *Stay tuned for details. FREE (Cash Bar.)

3:00 PM 2^ND Annual Conch Republic EASTER STROLL ON DUVAL starts with Pre-Stroll festivities at The Gardens Hotel, 512 Angela St. or Curry Mansion Inn, 511 Caroline St. Wearing your Easter finest, come early and enjoy pre-stroll festivities, then follow the Easter Bunny and CR Secretary of State, CDRE James Gilleran, CRN, down Duval Street to LaTeDa’s famous Tea Dance! FREE.

5:00 PM – 8 PM JAZZ IN THE GARDENS HOTEL, 526 Angela St. The d’vine Wine Gallery, set amongst an enchanting tropical garden, is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while listening to great live music with world renowned jazz artists. For more info, visit: GardensHotel.com. FREE (Cash Bar.)

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM SUNSET SNORKEL SAIL with Sunset Watersports, 200 William St. Enjoy snorkeling at the reef and a relaxing sunset sail with complimentary beverages. For more info, visit: SunsetWatersportsKeyWest.com. COST: $59.95 / $39.95 Kids under 12. Limited seating. *Tickets available online March 20.

6:30 PM – 8:30 PM SUNSET CRUISE aboard the ARGO NAVIS, Zero Margaret St. Enjoy an enchanting sunset sail aboard this sleek luxury Catamaran, the last ship built in Key West. For more info, visit: ArgoNavis.com. COST: $111. Limited seating. *Tickets available online March 20. Use CRIC10!

MONDAY, APR 18^TH

5:00PM-7:00PM **NEW EVENT!** CONCH REPUBLIC K-9 MUSTER. LAUNCH OF NEW MILITARY DIVISION hosted by Andy’s Cabana, 308 Petronia Street.Bring your furry best friend, learn how to enlist your dog  in the NEW CR Military K-9 Unit, and take home freebies for your puppy! Pirate Radio Key West ‘Live Remote.’ FREE (Cash Bar.)

6:30 PM – 10 PM **NEW EVENT!” TALL TALES & SEA STORIES with CR First Sea Lord, ADM Finbar & Friends hosted by Absinthe House Key West, 6404 Front St., Stock Island. Learn pirate lore, and stories about smugglers and rum runners who sailed the Florida Straits during the 19^th & 20^th Centuries.

Live music and specialty cocktails featuring Death in the Afternoon Absinthe and Temple Pent’s Revenge. Proceeds benefit Flagship WOLF Preservation Society. For more info, visit: FlagshipWOLF.com. Seating is limited, and reservations suggested.  COST: $20 (Cash Bar.) Tickets available online March 20.

TUESDAY APRIL 19^TH

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM WHERE IN THE WORLD WINE TASTING at Hugh’s View, The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St. Calling all Wineaux’s! Can you identify different grapes and regions of wines? Go to new heights enjoying wines from around the world on the scenic rooftop of Hugh’s View. Enjoy the beautiful setting and great wines as we compete for prizes at this fun blind tasting competition.  For more info, email [email protected].   COST: $75. Limited tickets, available online March 20.

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM CONCH REPUBLIC MILITARY MUSTER & CONCH-TAIL PARTY aboard USCGC INGHAM Museum Ship, Truman Waterfront. Bend elbows with CR Military Admirals, Generals, Ambassador & Island Dignitaries. Sip Truth Serum and be the first to enjoy an “Auborne Skies.”

The CIA-Sshhh! Cuties in Action and 82nd Auborne will be aiding and abetting on behalf of the Wesley House CR Foster Children’s Fund by serving up delicious “C-Rations.” Live Entertainment, 50/50 Raffle, Cash Bar. For more info, email: [email protected]. COST: GEN ADM: $20 / $15 in Uniform. VIP Diplomatic Reserved Seats (includes CR pin): $60 / $50 in Advance if purchased by April 11. VIP Tickets available online March 20.

6:30 PM – 8:30 PM WIND & WINE SUNSET SAIL aboard Danger Charter’s historic Schooner DANGER, docked at Opal Resort & Marina, 245 Front St. Enjoy a relaxing sail and toast the sunset with fine wine. For more info, visit: DangerCharters.com . COST: $95. Seating limited. *Tickets on sale March 20. 

8:00 PM – 9PM MANDATORY CAPTAINS’ MEETING CR INDEPENDENCE BOAT PARADE, hosted by Schooner Wharf Bar, “Official Party Headquarters,” 202 William St. FREE

Meet with event organizers to review pre-parade staging and line up and pick up complimentary CR flags from Secretary of State, CDRE James Gilleran, CRN. FREE (Cash Bar.)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20^TH

ALL DAY BAREFOOT BILLY’S WATERSPORTS JET SKI ISLAND TOUR AND SUNSET SAIL For more info, visit: BarefootBillys.com  

3:00 PM – 5:00PM 2^ND Annual CONCH REPUBLIC “ART OF WINE” Gallery Tour & Wine Stroll begins at Gingerbread Square Gallery, 1207 Duval St. Brought to you by GRAND VIN to benefit Sister Season, “Locals Helping Locals.”

Stroll down Duval Street visiting fabulous galleries and enjoying delicious wines.  Limited tickets, reservations suggested.   COST: $50. Tickets available online March 20. 

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM **NEW EVENT!** HOT HAVANA NIGHT hosted and sponsored by Smokin’ Tuna, 4 Charles St. Rum Tastings, Live Music & Silent Auction. Mingle with the cast of PeaceVision’s 2022 PBS documentary, “Cuba Reframed – The Power of Connection.”  Enjoy a delicious Roast Pork dinner, with all the trimmings (also vegetarian option,) delectable desserts, and live entertainment. Sponsors include Key West First Legal Rum Distillery and Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shoppe.

Proceeds benefit TREE Institute Int’l & Flagship WOLF Preservation Society. For more info, visit: TreeInstititute.org, FlagshipWOLF.com, and SmokinTunaSaloon.com . Seating limited, and reservations suggested.  COST: $60 / $50 in advance if purchased by April 11. Tickets available online March 20.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21^ST

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM PARADE PRE-PARTY at Southernmost House Hotel, 1400 Duval St. Enjoy celebratory libations with a spectacular ocean view. Sponsored by Southernmost House and Key West First Legal Rum Distillery. For more info, visit:  www.ConchRepublic.com. FREE (Cash Bar.)

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM “CONCH REPUBLIC – THE MUSICAL! Presented by the Fringe Theater at The Armory, 6oo White St. Opening Night! Learn the history behind the birth of the CR. This rollicking musical chronicles Key West’s strange-but-true 1982 “secession” from the United States to form the independent Conch Republic.

Show runs April 21-24. Limited seating, reservations suggested. For more info, visit: FringeTheater.org. COST: $35 & $65 (Cash Bar.) Tickets available online March 20.

8:00 PM – 9:00 PM WORLD’S LOOOOONGEST PARADE on Duval. This world-famous quirky and colorful parade celebrates Conch Republic Independence and runs from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Come early and meet parade participants and their unique & quirky modes of transport. FREE.  REGISTER YOUR float, marching unit, or vehicle and join the Parade! Parade Entry Forms available online.

9:00 PM – LATE PARADE AFTER-PARTY & AWARDS CEREMONY.’ Schooner Wharf Bar, “Official Party Headquarters,” 202 William St. Dance to great live music under the stars, mingle with Conch Republic VIPS, CR High Command, Pirates, and Patriots. Parade prizes for Best “Conch-cept,” Most Original & Most Creative parade entries. For more info, visit SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar.)

FRIDAY, APRIL 22^ND

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM CONCH REPUBLIC 40^TH ANNIVERSARY INDEPENDENCE BOAT PARADE, in Key West Harbor. Register your vessel and deck it out with colorful Conch Republic flags and celebrate 40 Years of FUN-Dependence at sea! Best viewing at Ocean Key Resort & Spa Sunset Pier, Zero Duval St., or at Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, 411 Wall Street.

REGISTER YOUR VESSEL IN THE CR INDEPENDENCE BOAT PARADE! Boat Parade Entry Forms available online.

7:00 PM 40^TH Annual THE CONCH REPUBLIC NAVAL PARADE, in Key West Harbor. Watch the majestic Conch Republic Naval Fleet and Privateers sail past Ocean Key House Resort & Spa Sunset Pier and Mallory Square Sunset Celebration. Cheer them on, as they ready themselves for the Re-enactment of the Conch Republic Great Sea Battle. FREE.

7:00 PM 40^TH Annual REENACTMENT OF THE GREAT SEA BATTLE OF THE CONCH REPUBLIC, in, alongside, and above Key West Harbor is not to be missed. This large scale, hilarious harbor battle pits the CR’s Military Forces (Air Force, Army and Navy) and CR Privateers of all shapes and sizes, against their valiant foe, non-other than a United States Coast Guard Cutter.

The good-natured foes represent the USCG Cutter Diligence, attacked April 23, 1982, by the Schooner Western Union, the first Flagship of the Conch Republic. Best free viewing is at Ocean Key Resort & Spa Sunset Pier (Cash Bar) and Mallory Square Sunset Celebration. FREE.

8:00 PM – LATE  40^TH Annual “SURRENDER CEREMONY & VICTORY PARTY” CONCH REPUBLIC SEA BATTLE at Schooner Wharf Bar, “Official Party Headquarters,” 202 William St. After the Great Battle, join the CR Military & ‘Coasties’ for a Tongue-in-Cheek Surrender Ceremony of the US Coast Guard to the CR Armed Forces – “A Farce to be Reckoned With!” For more info, visit: SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar.)

SATURDAY, APRIL 23^RD

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM CONCH CRAWL & PUP STROLL

Take your favorite furry friend for a stroll and visit some of Old Town’s favorite watering holes. Participating bars include Ocean Key Resort & Spa Sunset Pier, Island Dogs, Rock House Live, Willie T’s, Hero’s Bar & Liberty Lounge, 801 Bourbon Bar and Rum Bar. Meet at the CRIC 2022 Merchandise Booth, Zero Duval St. Sponsored by Key West Legal Rum Distillery and Fourth & Pride Vodka. COST: $40/$35 ADVANCE. Tickets available online March 20.

NOON – 1 PM 40^TH ANNIVERSARY INDEPENDENCE CEREMONY at Mallory Square, 400 Wall Street. The 23rd of APRIL, the Conch Republic’s own 4th of July, is Bastille Day & Cinco de Mayo all rolled into one.

Stop by the CRIC 2022 Party Bus for refreshments, and “OFFICIAL Conch Republic Merchandise and Complimentary Program Guides. FREE.

1:00 PM – 6:00 PM 40^TH Annual “CONCH REPUBLIC BLUE RIBBON BED RACES” on Duval. Said to be “The most fun you can have with your clothes on!” this zany race takes place on Duval between Olivia and Southard. Put together your own team and decorate a bed to compete for prizes in this hilarious race.

Come early and meet the teams and stroll the crazy, colorful beds competing for the “BLUE RIBBON.” Proceeds benefit Key West’s Sister Season, “Locals Helping Locals. Registration at 1 PM, Race at 3 PM, Awards Ceremony at 6 PM. For more info, visit: SisterSeason.org. ENTRY FEE Starts at $200. *SIGN UP NOW!

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM 40^TH CONCH REPUBLIC INDEPENDENCE DAY PARTY at Southernmost House Hotel, 1400 Duval St.. Celebrate 40 Years of INDEPENDENCE with CR Military Brass and Dignitaries. FREE (Cash Bar.)

7:00 – 8:00 PM 37^TH Annual “SCHOONER WHARF WRECKERS CUP RACE SERIES” CAPTAINS’ MEETING at Schooner Wharf Bar, “Official Party Headquarters,” 202 William St., Key West Historic Seaport. Mandatory meeting for April 24 race in the Sail Loft. To sign up, or for more info, visit: SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar.)

7:00 PM 37^TH Annual PIRATE BALL & COSTUME CONTEST at Schooner Wharf Bar, “Official Party Headquarters,” 202 William St. Yo Ho Ho! And a Bottle of Rum – It’s a Pirate’s Life for You! Witness swashbuckling sword play, enjoy sea shanties. Live Music, food & drink, For more info, SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar.)

SUNDAY, APRIL 24^TH 

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM KEY WEST ARTISAN MARKET, Higgs Beach, 1801 White St. Local artisan culinary, textile, jewelry, wood artists, crafters, curiosities, 104.9 The X Key West variety show, Local Author’s Nook, fresh produce and fresh food. Showcases island living and local charities. Please BYOB (bring your own bags.)  For more info, visit: KeyWestArtisanMarket.com  FREE.

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM BRUNCH AT YELLOWFIN BAR & KITCHEN, Oceans Edge Marina Resort, 5959 Peninsular Ave., Stock Island. Enjoy a fabulous brunch with bottomless, nonalcoholic beverages, Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s, RAW BAR STARTERS include shrimp cocktail, gulf oysters, snapper & ceviche.

MENU also includes lots of delicious entrees, including Omelets, Waffles, Traditional & Crab Eggs Benedict, Salads, Seafood, Prime Rib, Caramel Pork Belly and more! For more info, visit: OceansEdgeKeyWest.com. Seating limited. Reservations required. COST: $60. *Tickets available online March 20.

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 37^TH Annual SCHOONER WHARF WRECKERS CUP RACE SERIES to Sand Key Lighthouse with the Schooner Wharf Wreckers Fleet…or enter your own vessel in the final race of the 2020 season!

Enjoy a delightful afternoon at sea on the waters off Key West aboard a majestic schooner, sloop, or multi-hull. This “all-in-fun race series” recalls the tradition of the wreckers during the 1800’s. Best viewing for Race Start is at Mallory Square. For more info, visit: SchoonerWharf.com.

5:00 PM – 8 PM JAZZ IN THE GARDENS HOTEL FOR THE CONCH REPUBLIC, 526 Angela St. The d’vine Wine Gallery, set amongst an enchanting tropical garden, is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while listening to great live music with world renowned jazz artists. For more info, visit: GardensHotel.com. FREE (Cash Bar.).

7:00 PM 37^TH Annual SCHOONER WHARF WRECKERS CUP RACE SERIES AWARDS PARTY & CEREMONY Schooner Wharf Bar, “Official Party Headquarters,” 202 William St. View video of the race while enjoying a BBQ dinner and live music. Prizes given to the first-place finishers in each of six classes: Schooner, Classic, Multihull, Mono-hull (29′ and Under, 30′-40′ and 40′ and Over.) For more info, visit: SchoonerWharf.com.

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM “CONCH REPUBLIC – THE MUSICAL! Presented by the Fringe Theater at The Armory, 6oo White St. Closing Night! Learn the history behind the birth of the CR. This rollicking musical chronicles Key West’s strange-but-true 1982 “secession” from the United States to form the independent Conch Republic.  Show runs April 21-24. Limited seating, reservations suggested. For more info, visit: FringeTheater.org. COST: $35 & $65 (Cash Bar.) Tickets available online March 20.

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