It’s March in Key West, which is peak tourist month on the island. The weather is perfect, open-air concerts are commonplace, and sunny days are the usual forecast. Here’s a look at March 2020.

58th Annual Conch Blowing Contest

March 7
The Oldest House, 322 Duval St., Key West
Enjoy the Annual Key West Conch Shell Blowing Contest (unofficially known as the “conch honk”) at the Oldest House Museum at noon. The conch honk brings together all ages and abilities to have a go in a contest judged on loudness, duration and tone. Entries range from signal calls to all-out melodies. It’s entertaining, funny, free and part of what gives the island the reputation of “Key Weird.”

George Thorogood & the Destroyers

March 8
Sunset Green Event Lawn, 3820 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West
The much-celebrated George Thorogood and the Destroyers will grace Key West with a show of high-energy blues ballads as part of the bands' Good to Be Bad Tour. The band will play along with Nick Shnebelen, an upbeat blues rock musician from Kansas City. The open-air show begins at 7 pm; tickets ($65-$99) available online.

March Merkin Invitational Permit Tournament

March 9-12
Key West Yacht Harbor Marina on Stock Island
This charity flats-and-fly-only tournament has a twist for those who love to get technical - in addition to catch and release, anglers earn extra points for tagging their caught fish. Held at the Key West Yacht Harbor Marina on Stock Island.

St. Patrick's Day Bar Stroll

March 14
Venues across Old Town
Formerly known as the "Bar None Suds Run," this long-time St. Patty's gathering now walks instead of runs, which feels a lot better when you have a belly full of beer. Sign up for a t-shirt and drink tickets to take part the local St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Florida Keys and the Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys.

Key West Artisan Market

Sundays
Higgs Beach Dog Park, Key West
See what's going on at the weekly market! Food vendors, cold drinks and live music are regulars at this outdoor gathering. Runs Sundays from 10am to 2pm. The Key West Artisan Market runs through April, breaks for summer, and starts back up in November. 

First Fridays on Fleming

March 6
500 block of Fleming Street, Old Town, Key West
Shop local on Friday night along the fabulous 500 block of Fleming Street! Shop owners along this stretch showcase boutiques, galleries and eateries. Check out the wares from places like La Rubia Authentic Panama Hats, Key West Island Books, Key West Local Luxe Jewelry, Amanda Johnson Fine Art, Sea Store Antiques, and more.

Book your stay on the best island in the US. See the best rates at Gates Hotel Key West.