Festival to Showcase Stock Island’s Seafaring Heritage, Cuisine and Community

STOCK ISLAND, Florida Keys — The seafaring tradition, culinary riches and vibrant creative enterprises of Stock Island, the Florida Keys community adjacent to Key West, are to be on display Friday through Sunday, Dec. 8-10, for attendees of the I Love Stock Island Festival.

The hub of the Florida Keys commercial shrimping industry, Stock Island is defined by a rustic authenticity that flavors its colorful marinas, arts enclaves and waterfront bars and restaurants.

The family-friendly festival blends culinary events, live music, history and art studio tours, watersports offerings and other immersive experiences that showcase the island and its eclectic working waterfront.

Scheduled highlights include Friday’s ticketed event “Taste of Stock Island,” a guided exploration of local cuisine beginning at 4 p.m. Traveling via trolley, guests stop at selected Stock Island restaurants to savor small plates and beverage pairings at each location.

Friday also features the Stock Island Lighted Boat Parade at Stock Island Marina Village. The event inaugural event has ample free parking with a pre-party beginning at 6 pm highlighted by a dockwalk of decorated boats in slips, concessions, beverages and entertainment. The parade begins at 7 pm and can be viewed from the Village or Safe Harbor Marina. An after party at Hogfish Bar and Grill features Howard Livingston starting at 8 pm.

Art lovers, history fans, foodies and families can spend Saturday enjoying free “Discover Stock Island” excursions by trolley. Local galleries, restaurants and attractions will stage open houses for attendees, who can search for “treasure” prizes as they explore. A vendor village will include many artisans for holiday shopping at Stock Island Marina Village and a traditional shrimp boil will be the highlight at Ocean’s Edge Resort & Marina.

Sunday’s schedule features the second annual Stock Rock & Roll Bike Ride, a free self-paced cycling exploration of the island’s eateries, bars, attractions and emporiums set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guided history tours will be offered at 10 and 11 a.m., departing from We Cycle at 5160 Overseas Highway.

The festival’s other enticements include food truck feasts, art studio showcases and festive holiday brunches at popular Stock Island restaurants. Lodging accommodations and slip rentals are available right in Stock Island at the brand-new Perry Hotel at Stock Island Marina Village and Ocean’s Edge Resort, Hotel & Marina. Space can also be reserved at Leo’s Campground & RV Park and Boyd’s Key West Campground.

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