Sadly,summer is drawing to a close for most places across the nation, but in beautiful Key West, there are still a boatload of balmy sunsets left before autumn rolls in. And keeping in theme with the changing of the seasons, and celebrating the end of yet another fabulous summer, why notbring celebrations to Key West? The locals know exactly what to do in Key West over the Labor Day holiday, and it involves indulging in a libation or two at a fabulous beer festival, so come on down and give yourself one last blast of sunshine and fun before you’re sucked back into the mundanity of life.
If you’ve just booked yourself some time in the Keys, and you’re wondering what to do in Key West over the labor day weekend, the Key West Brewfest has become a major attraction not only for resident Floridians, but for beer enthusiasts from around the nation. The event is held from August 29th - September 2nd, and this year, the Southernmost Hotel Collection has teamed up with the Key West Rotary of the Conch Republic to throw one heck of a brew party. All monies collected go to the Rotary Club to help support their charitable endeavors. Guests will find sumptuous beer brunches, dinners, happy hour parties, pool parties and late-night soirees. Beers range from truly unique brews such as Monk in the Trunk and Woodchuck Draft Cider. Be sure to arrive in time for the Pre-festival events beginning on Wednesday August 28 because you won’t want to miss the home brew contest at the Old Town Manor, or the rum dinner at the Rum Barrel.
Always wanted to learn how to brew your own beer? An oceanfront beer school and seminar featuring Brew guru Jim Brady will leave you wondering why you were ever concerned about what to do in Key West over the holiday. With over 150 different beers available to sample over the weekend, this is the perfect event for the die hard beer and cocktail enthusiast. The kick-off party is set to follow the ‘homebrew contest’ and seminar, starting somewhere around 5pm at the Smokin’ Tuna Saloon. A selection of live entertainment will keep your toes tapping, an impressive spread of international and local cuisine will keep you sated and the myriad industry reps milling about will keep you intrigued.
The event runs over a couple of days, so you can come down for the beginning, middle or make a weekend out of it. Aficionados come from all over the country dressed in head-to-toe region specific garb, so if you’re feeling up to it, don’t be afraid to get into the spirit of it. And if you don't want to spend the entire three days drinking and being merry, there are plenty of other activities around the island to keep you occupied. If ever you’ve had thoughts of spending Labor Day down south, but always wondered what to do in Key West over the holiday, this is the perfect way to celebrate the closing of yet another fantastic summer! Cheers!
