Event Dates
From: Friday, April 18, 2025
To: Friday, April 25, 2025
Celebrate a unique event during the Conch Republic Days celebration as lavish “dragsters” entertain audiences.
Celebrate a unique event during the Conch Republic Days celebration as lavish “dragsters” entertain audiences while attempting to outpace their rivals.
- Visiting Key West? Stay at The Capitana, a boutique hotel racing the beachfront just a 9-minute drive to the gay bars of Duval Street with an outdoor pool, fitness centre and stylish rooms, rated “Superb” by guests.
The Drag Race
- Saturday 19th April, 2025 – The annual Conch Republic Drag Race is a playful parody of auto racing, but instead of high-speed cars, think high-heel shoes.
- Add some spectacular drag attire, lipstick, wigs, and race-mandated footwear, and you have a zany race in the heart of the gay entertainment district.
- The event takes over the famous 700 block of Duval street, home to Key West’s bustling gay nightlife scene.
- The event runs from 2 pm to 6 pm, with trials at 3 pm and then qualifying heats and finals.
- The event continues its spoof of a speed race with pit crews, chequered flags and DJs playing revving engines.
- Racers navigate various hazards on the track, including tires and perilous obstacles, as crowds gather to cheer on their favourite competitor.
- Stay close to downtown at the H2O Suites, rated “Superb” by gusts with modern design and high-end amenities. Highly recommended.
The Annual Conch Republic Days Celebrations
- Friday 18th April – Friday 25th April, 2025 – Conch Republic Drag Race Key West is part of the Conch Republic Days celebration, commemorating the Florida Keys’ symbolic 1982 secession from the United States and the formation of the independent republic.
- Events include the World’s Longest Parade” leaving Duval Street from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, and a choreographed sea battle featuring tall ships.
- The wearable art fashion show is another rather glamorous event.
Gay Key West – Where to stay?
Most of the gay bars in town are clustered along colourful Duval Street. Check out our Gay Guide to Key West.
The following hotels are all close to the gay bars and beaches:
Duval Gardens, Truman Hotel, The Gardens Hotel, Paradise Inn
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
The Paradise Inn is our favourite place to
stay in Key West. Great location & service
For further information and advice on
Conch Republic Celebration visit The Website
Most of the gay bars in town are clustered along colorful Duval Street, in the historic district, which is also home to dozens of fun shops and inviting restaurants.
526, Angela Street, Key West, Monroe County, Florida, 33040
This adult-only hotel offers two outdoor pools. Duval Street is a 1-minute walk away, and Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is 3 minutes’ drive from the hotel. A private balcony or patio with property views is provided in all rooms at The Gardens Hotel Key West. A flat-screen cable TV, ironing facilities, and a refrigerator
Douglas House, 419, Amelia Street, Key West, Monroe County, Florida, 33040
Located just 2 minutes’ walk from the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, this adult-only inn features free parking and a shared outdoor swimming pool. Free Wi-Fi is also available. A microwave, refrigerator and coffee-making facilities come standard in each room
819 Simonton StreetKey West, FL 33040
Paradise Inn - Adult Exclusive is located in Key West and features landscaped grounds with brick paths and a lotus pond with koi and tropical turtles. A complimentary continental breakfast is served in the lobby.
611 Truman AveKey West, FL 33040
This trendy Key West boutique hotel features an outdoor pool and modern rooms equipped with iPod docking stations and flat-screen TVs. South Beach - Key West is 0.8 km away from the property.
1 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, 3 bedrooms, a TV with cable channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 4 bathrooms with a shower.
Key West, Florida 33040
This Air conditioned holiday home includes a living room with a TV with satellite channels, a kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, as well as a coffee machine and a washing machine. A Swimming pool & Free WiFi
Key West, Florida 33040
This Air conditioned holiday home has a living room with satellite TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, 2 bedrooms and a bathroom with shower. A swimming pool and a Barbecue. Free WiFi
Key West, Florida 33040
The holiday home includes a Living room with TV, a kitchen with a dishwasher and a coffee machine. There is a bathroom with a shower and hairdryer. A Private swimming pool and a barbecue. Free WiFi
724 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040
The Bourbon St. Pub has been known world over for its Hot Men and Boys. And you can catch them each and every night on top of the bar for your viewing pleasure, starting at 10 PM.
The hottest men and boys come from all over the world to perform for you. Many of these hot guys want to come to the island for a vacation and while here make some extra money!
801 Duval Street Key West, FL 33040
Gay Cabaret bar, Drag shows & karaoke very popular and always busy
711 Duval Street Key West, FL 33040
Gay Night club and bar with Drag shows
801 Duval Street Key West, FL 33040Gay
Gay Male Leather & Levi Bar -with a Back Room. Everyone is welcome!
1125 Duval Street Key West, FL 330403
La Te Da, a Key West landmark with a piano bar, terrace bar, and cabaret. The best live entertainment on the island!
900 Simonton Street Key West, FL 33040Fun
Happy Hour noon till 8pm daily. Karaoke nightly from 9:30 with pool table
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Key West that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants, bars & fun
High heels eclipse high octane, and lipstick is mandatory (though tiaras are optional).