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Key West Rum Fest

August 10 - August 16

Key West Rum Fest 2026 — August 10–16

The Florida Keys’ Key West Rum Fest returns August 10–16, 2026, with a week of global rum tastings, live music, culinary events, and island excursions. Proceeds benefit MARC Inc., a Keys-based nonprofit serving adults with developmental disabilities. Set against the backdrop of Key West’s tropical island culture, the festival pairs premium rum tastings from around the world with live performances, food-driven experiences, and themed excursions. Every ticket supports MARC Inc.’s mission to provide programs and services for adults with developmental disabilities in the local community.

Key West Rum Fest 2026 — Schedule of Events

Subject to change and errors and omissions – confirm on the official website for the event!

Monday, August 10

  • Day Trip to Bahamas — Roundtrip from Key West airport. Arrive by 7 AM, return by 6 PM. Passport required. (Waitlist only — text Neil at 910-599-6430)

Tuesday, August 11

  • Day Trip to Cuba — Roundtrip from Key West airport. Arrive by 7 AM, return by 6 PM. Visit the Hemingway home, the original Pilar boat, and Hemingway’s favorite bars. Passport required. (Waitlist only)

Wednesday, August 12

  • Day Trip to Cuba — Same itinerary as Tuesday; lunch and “other goodies” included
  • Sunset Trip, 6:30–8:30 PM — Leaves Garrison Bight. Daiquiri bar with Neil and Jess (Coasting Cocktails), visit to the site of Hemingway’s bar at Cottrell Key, rum & ice cream, custom hat for each attendee, dolphin viewing. Tank-top dress code. Available only via Water Package.

Thursday, August 13

  • Day Trip to Cuba (waitlist only)
  • 5-Course Luncheon & RUMposium — At Casa Marina Hotel, with rum ambassadors Ian Burrell, Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, and Ed Hamilton
  • Reggae Pool Party, 2–4 PM — More details to come. No tickets necessary.
  • Meet the Owners, 4:30–5:30 PM — SALT Gallery, 209 Simonton St (next to Pilar Distillery). Neil’s new artwork on display and for sale. No tickets.
  • Sunset Sail Kickoff — Check-in 5:30 PM, boarding 6:00 PM. Meet at First Legal Distillery for a tour and complimentary piña colada, then walk to board the Fury (corner of Greene & Elizabeth, by Conch Republic Seafood Co.). Sunset sail with First Legal Rum Distillery and the Cory Heydon Band.
  • After Party at Tiki House, 9 PM — Featuring Worthy Park Rum. 21+. No tickets needed.

Friday, August 14

  • Day Trip to Cuba (waitlist only)
  • Sandbar Trip, 9:30 AM–1:30 PM — Leaves Garrison Bight. All cocktails included; live music by Dawson Wright with Key West Cocktail Cruises. Sponsored by Bombarda Rum. More info coming soon.
  • Rum Fest Book Signing — Time TBA. With rum authors Ian Burrell, Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, and Shawn Martin. Rum tasting with Down Island. Free admission.
  • “Landsharks at Lagerheads” — Cliff Cody, 2–2:30 PM — Live at Lagerheads Beach Bar
  • Mojito Pool Party, 3–6 PM — Marker Resort Pool Bar, custom mojito sponsored by Nauti Beach. Free admission; donations accepted for MARC House.
  • Meet & Greet Jesse Rice Concert, 3:30–5 PM — Key West Theater, max 60 people
  • Papa’s Pilar Rum Dinner — Time TBA. Tropical flavors and rum culture, tickets via Hyatt Centric.
  • Cliff Cody and Sharese (Local Artists) — Doors 7 PM, ends ~10 PM. Opener: Dawson Wright. Includes the 2026 Rum Cake Competition (call/text Neil to enter).
  • After Party at Sloppy Joe’s, 10 PM — 21+, no tickets needed

Saturday, August 15 (National Rum Day)

  • Sandbar Trip, 9:30 AM–1:30 PM — Leaves Garrison Bight. All cocktails included; live Dawson Wright music with Key West Cocktail Cruises. Sponsored by Marsh House Rum. More info coming soon.
  • Rum Lunch, 11 AM–1 PM — Hot Tin Roof. Agricole class with Ed Hamilton. $100 includes gratuity.
  • Grand Tasting, 2:30–5:30 PM — Key West Theater (3:30 entry for general admission). 40+ vendors. 100% of proceeds benefit MARC House.
  • Jesse Rice in Concert with Full Band — Berkley Lindley 7–7:15 PM, Dawson Wright 7:15–8:05 PM, Jesse Rice 8:05 PM onward
  • Saturday Night VIP After Party, 10:30 PM–close — Live music by Jesse Rice
  • “After-After Party” — Time and location not published. Word of mouth only; reach out to Neil.

Sunday, August 16

  • Rum Brunch with Bahama Bob, 11:45 AM–2 PM — Hot Tin Roof. Rum cocktails sponsored by Rhum Clement.
  • Going Away Party, 1–4 PM — Southernmost Beach Resort @ Pineapple Pool. No tickets necessary.

Details

Venue