Key West was once the top gay and lesbian destinations in the country. Today, the island has become more open to people of all orientations, ages, and cultures but Key West still remains true and loyal to the group that really brought the city onto the contemporary vacation map. In June, Pride Fest is celebrated during a full week of fun, events, and celebration of diversity and the Key West gay culture. In September, the lesbian-oriented Womenfest takes place featuring art shows, sailing, snorkeling and a variety of other party and entertainment events that keep everyone on the island having the time of their lives!
Womenfest Keynote Events
This year, the lineup for Key West Womenfest is one of the best yet. The guest of honor is comedian Dana Goldberg who is performing at the Tropic Cinema on Eaton Street on Saturday and Sunday, September 11th and 12th. Dana Goldberg is one of the top rising comedians in the world of comedy and was ranked as one of the Top Five Funniest Lesbians by Curve Magazine. Her act has been called bold, confident, engaging and hilarious.
The headlining guest speaker for this year's Womenfest in Key West Florida is actress Kelly McGillis, most recognized for her role in the 1980s hit movie, Top Gun. Kelly McGillis will be honored by Womenfest for her humanitarian and LGBT-rights work. A special luncheon will be held in her honor, and she will close the event with a speech on her recent film and humanitarian work. McGillis is definitely no newbie to Key West, her and her former husband once owned a restaurant in Key West.
On the Wednesday and Thursday, the Tropic Cinema showcases the new film Hannah Free directed by Wendy Jo Carlton and produced by Tracy Baim. This will be the film's Florida debut. The film is a story about two young girls living in a traditional small town and how their lives take form as they grow up, one becoming an adventurous out lesbian and the other becoming a reserved but strong homemaker. Kelly McGillis will be on hand to introduce the film
Key West Activities During Womenfest
As you will soon find out, Key West Florida has an endless amount of Key West tours and activities for your enjoyment. Each of these activities has a unique Key West flavor to it. Many of the top tour operators that work with Best On Key West will be offering exclusive Womenfest trips. These include one of our favorite trips, the Jet Ski Island tour which takes you on a 27 mile guided journey all around the island of Key West. This is truly one of the most exciting and memorable Key West tours. You also cannot pass up a trip to get out in the water and explore the underwater world of the coral reef with a Key West snorkeling trip or a Key West scuba diving trip. To watch the unparalleled Key West sunset, you can do the Mallory Square thing but, at least one night, definitely try to get on one of the Key West sunset cruises. There is no better way to catch the sunset. The Wind and Wine tour is an excellent one that is working with Womenfest this year.
Check out the Key West Dive Center website for Key West diving trips and the Dry Tortugas Info website for Dry Tortugas excursions.
Key West Hotels During Womenfest
The best place to stay on any Key West Florida visit is in the Downtown/Old Town area. This is the area where you will see the historic streets lined with century-old mansions, most of which have been turned into Key West bed and breakfasts. Staying in a Key West bed and breakfast in Downtown gets you within walking distance to all the action including the great bars, Key West restaurants, and Key West attractions. Some of the best Key West hotels can be found on the accommodations page on Best On Key West. Check out the Wicker Guesthouse, the Chelsea House, and the Casa 325!
