Key West, FL – The highly anticipated Just a Few Friends, Key West festival returns August 28 – September 1, 2025, bringing together music, camaraderie, and a celebration of the island spirit inspired by Key West’s favorite son.
 
This multi-day event will feature an exciting lineup of live performances, unique island experiences, and signature gatherings, culminating in the Second Line Memorial Walking Parade and Party in the Park on Sunday. This year’s festival introduces a new way for attendees to enhance their experience with the Latitude Adjustment Hotel Packages and the Ultimate Friend Badge, both offering exclusive perks and premium access to select events.
 
"We created this event to bring people together in the spirit of music, storytelling, and community, just as Jimmy did," said festival organizer Paul Menta. "It’s an event made by friends, for friends, and every year, we aim to make it bigger and better while keeping the heart of Key West at its core." Menta is teamed up with Jill Snodgrass and Sean Krikorian of Daily Plan-it for event coordination and Jordan Upchurch of Its Social Time to oversee the festival’s digital presence and engagement.
 
Festival Highlights
Attendees can enjoy a carefully curated schedule of events, including:

• Live music performances featuring Nadirah Shakoor & Friends, Will Kimbrough, Roger Bartlett, Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band, and other special guests
• Second Line Memorial Walking Parade, an island-style tribute down Duval Street leading into Party in the Park, where festivalgoers can enjoy food, artisan vendors, and an oceanfront concert
• Culinary events, literary panels, film screenings, and more throughout the weekend
• Exclusive meetups, contests, and afterparties
• Signature sunset sails and curated waterfront experiences

 
Event Badges Now Available
Limited-edition souvenir Event Badges are now on sale for $35 until June 1 ($45 after), through the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, with proceeds directly benefiting Reef Relief, Bahama Village Music Program, and the Key West High School Marching Band. Last year's activities raised more than $34,000. While the Second Line Parade and many other events are free to attend, badge holders who make this tax deductible donation receive exclusive perks, including early access, entry to a reserved viewing area at Party in the Park, special offers from sponsors and local businesses, and free admission to Sunset Pier concerts featuring:

• Roger Bartlett and The Nautical Wheelers: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett on Saturday
• Bubbles on the Breeze: Songs & Stories with Will Kimbrough on Monday

 
Latitude Adjustment Hotel Packages
New for 2025, the Latitude Adjustment Hotel Packages offer festivalgoers a seamless and enhanced experience with accommodations at some of Key West’s premier resorts. Packages include a three-to-five-night stay at one of the event’s partner hotels, first access to purchase special event tickets, and a collectible swag bag filled with exclusive offers from festival sponsors.
 
For those seeking an elevated experience, guests who book at Pier House Resort & Spa or Ocean Key Resort & Spa will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase the Ultimate Friend Badge, which is limited to just 50 attendees. This $500 badge provides priority access to select events, reserved seating at key performances, premium swag, and a higher charitable contribution to the festival’s supported organizations.
 
"We want this festival to be an experience that brings people together, not just for the music and events, but to share in the Key West way of life. That's why our charity contributions play such a big part of the celebration," Menta added. "Whether you're a longtime visitor or coming for the first time, you’ll feel like part of the island family."
 
Join the Celebration
With an expanded lineup, enhanced experiences, and a deep commitment to honoring Jimmy Buffett’s legacy, Just a Few Friends, Key West 2025 promises to be an unforgettable Labor Day Weekend celebration.
 
For event details, Event Badge purchases, and Latitude Adjustment Hotel Packages, visit www.justafewfriendskeywest.com.

Key West, FL – This week, the organizers of the Just a Few Friends Festival, held over Labor Day weekend, proudly presented checks totaling $34,000 to two local charities, thanks to the generosity of festival attendees who purchased souvenir badges. The proceeds from the event were managed by the non-profit Community Foundation of the Florida Keys and will benefit Reef Relief and the Bahamas Village Music Program.
 
Festival founders Paul Menta, Jordan Upchurch, Jill Snodgrass, and Sean Krikorian expressed their gratitude for the support from the guests. “It’s incredible to see how a first-year event can raise such significant funds. We are thrilled to be able to donate $17,000 to each charity,” said Menta. “Our goal is to continue helping the community and make even bigger contributions in the future.”
 
Reef Relief expressed profound appreciation for the donation. Dora DeMaria, Assistant Executive Director noted, “We are so grateful for the folks at Just a Few Friends and all of those who bought passes to support our mission. With this generous donation, we will be able to bolster our education and outreach programs.” Last school year alone, Reef Relief's education program reached over 15,500 students from 45 states and 20 countries, with over 250 children participating in their spring and summer camp programs. Since the beginning of September, they have already reached over 3,000 students through free marine science programs.
 
The funds from the festival will enable Reef Relief to continue offering quality marine science information to students worldwide, ensuring accessibility regardless of location or background. Additionally, proceeds will support camp expenses, allowing fees to remain low and affordable while also funding scholarships for local underprivileged youth. Funds will also engage volunteers in community projects, including marine debris removal and storm drain stenciling events.
 
The Bahamas Village Music Program, under the leadership of Executive Director Kawana Staffney-Ashe, will utilize their generous donation to support the establishment of a new music studio within the upcoming Frederick Douglass Community Center in Bahama Village, Key West, Florida. This state-of-the-art community center, which is set to open in January 2025, will feature a gym, classrooms, music rooms, and various other resources for the community.
 
The new studio will serve as a vibrant hub for recording, mixing, and other vital functions, equipping local artists with the necessary tools to flourish in the music industry. “It is crucial to help young students thrive and promote their musical talent,” Staffney-Ashe emphasized. “This donation will provide them with opportunities to express themselves and develop their skills in a supportive environment.” The mission of the Bahamas Village Music Program is to deliver high-quality music education to children who may otherwise lack access to private music instruction.
 
As the festival organizers reflect on the success of the inaugural event, they are already planning for future iterations that will aim to make an even greater impact on the community. The Just a Few Friends Festival stands as a testament to the power of community support and the positive change it can bring. Next year's festival is scheduled for August 29 through September 1, 2025.
 
For more information about the Just a Few Friends Festival and its charitable contributions, please contact Jill Snodgrass at 305.731.5780.
 
About Just a Few Friends Festival:
The Just a Few Friends Festival is an annual celebration in Key West, FL, that celebrates Jimmy Buffett's legacy by bringing together fans and community members to enjoy music, culture, and fun while raising funds for local charities. https://www.justafewfriendskeywest.com/
https://medium.com/@PRHORSE/jimmy-buffetts-very-second-key-west-memorial-parade-celebration-b98627b804af
 
About Reef Relief:
Reef Relief is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring coral reefs through education, advocacy, and community involvement. https://www.reefrelief.org/
 
About the Bahamas Village Music Program:
The Bahamas Village Music Program provides music education and opportunities for local youth, helping to foster creativity and talent in the community. https://bvmpkw.com/
 
About Community Foundation of the Florida Keys:
The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Florida Keys. By supporting local initiatives and charitable projects, the Foundation aims to strengthen the community and address pressing needs through strategic grantmaking. Their work empowers individuals and organizations to create positive change, fostering a vibrant and sustainable future for the Florida Keys. https://cffk.org/

In honor of Jimmy Buffett, Key West’s beloved icon and Trop Rock pioneer, the city will host "Just a Few Friends, Key West" from August 30th to September 2nd, 2024. This event celebrates Buffett’s lasting impact on the Conch Republic with themed events, brunches, sailing excursions, and live performances across the island.
 
"The response to this weekend of events has been incredible," said Jill Snodgrass, event organizer. "We’ve already raised over $10,000 for our charities, and many ticketed events have sold out. But there are still plenty of opportunities to join in the fun with lots of free events like the Proclamation Ceremony declaring August 30th Jimmy Buffett Day by the State of Florida, Party in the Park, the Pencil Thin Mustache contest, and the final night party at Sunset Pier featuring the Nautical Wheelers with former Coral Reefer guitarist Roger Bartlett," she noted.
 
The highlight will be the "Second Line Memorial Parade" on Sunday, September 1st starting in the 100 block of Duval Street promptly at 5 PM. Participants will march with the processional down Duval Street to Southard to the Truman Waterfront Park. Attendees can then enjoy the "Party in the Park," a free, picnic-style event featuring local and national talent, including Will Kimbrough, co-writer of Buffett's final release, "Bubbles Up," and local favorites like Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Big Band. The festivities include adult beverages, the Island Time Market & Food Court with delicious food and drink options, vendors and artists for shopping, iconic sunset views, and connecting with fellow attendees. Guests can also participate in lawn games, cool off with hydration options, strike a pose at selfie stations, join a lively conga line or limbo contest, and give back to charities.
 
Special commemorative Second Line parade badges are available for a $30 donation, with proceeds supporting the Bahama Village Music Program and Reef Relief through the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. A limited number of badges will be available for purchase in person, credit card only, starting Wednesday, August 28th, at the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, 105 Simonton Street from 11 am to 6 pm. Those unable to attend can participate virtually by tuning in online.
 
"This event is for everyone, whether you're a Key West local, a die-hard fan, or someone whose life was touched even a little by Jimmy Buffett," said Paul Menta, event co-creator. "It's about coming together to celebrate a man who meant so much to so many in our community and beyond. We wanted to create an all-inclusive experience where people can feel his spirit, share memories, and enjoy the island life he loved."
 
Participants are encouraged to visit the official event website for more information on the full lineup of activities, special offers, merchandise, and transportation options. The celebration is expected to draw thousands, and early planning is advised. For further details, visit justafewfriendskeywest.com. Note: All events are not affiliated with or endorsed by Jimmy Buffett’s Estate or Margaritaville Enterprises.

​Just a Few Friends, Key West is excited to announce that the limited edition souvenir badges for the Key West Labor Day Memorial Celebration have been mailed out. Thanks to the UPS Store in Big Pine and the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, nearly 1,000 badges have been processed and sent. Recipients should expect to see a blue envelope in their mailboxes within the next two weeks. Patience is appreciated as mail can take longer to arrive from the Conch Republic.
 
The organization extends its heartfelt gratitude to supporters whose badge purchases and contributions have helped raise almost $30,000. These funds are managed entirely by the Community Foundation and will benefit two notable non-profits: Reef Relief, dedicated to the stewardship of ocean resources, and the Bahamas Village Music Program, which provides music education to local youth.
 
While online donations for badges have closed, anyone interested in participating can still get a limited edition souvenir badge in person, while supplies last, at the Key West Legal Rum Distillery, located at 105 Simonton St, Key West. Badges are $30 each and can be purchased with cash or by check (made payable to CFFK) with all proceeds to the charities. Contributions are still being accepted for the charities online without badges.
 
Attendees are encouraged to personalize their parade lanyards with their name, city, number of shows attended, or any other creative touches. Wearing the badge throughout the weekend will grant access to special perks from event partners. Starting on August 29th, badge holders can access special offers and important information by scanning the QR code on the back of their badges. This QR code will also link to parade announcements, schedules, and virtual viewing options for those unable to attend in person.
 
The celebration will commence on Sunday, September 1 with the Second Line Memorial processional at 5 PM gathering in the 100 block of Duval Street. The procession will march up Duval to Southard Street, making stops at Sloppy Joe’s, Kilwins, The Greeen House and Big Cheezees to sing and celebrate along the way. Badge holders are invited to join the front of the march but everyone is welcome to participate or watch.
 
The parade will conclude at the Truman Waterfront, where the free Party in the Park will begin. Attendees can look forward to an evening featuring food trucks, bars, art vendors, free music, and stunning sunset views over the ocean. Will Kimbrough, long-time collaborator of Jimmy Buffett and the co-writer of Buffett's last single release, "Bubbles Up," will be performing on the Friends of Bubba stage along with some of the Keys' best local singer-songwriters, including CW Colt, Zack Seemiller, Caffeine Carl, Mike Stack, and Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Big Band who will sing original music and trop rock favorites.
 
Historic Tours is providing a trolley to follow behind the parade for participants with mobility issues. For convenient transportation around Key West, Eaton Bikes is recommended. Participants can decorate their bikes and join the march, then enjoy an easy ride home. Other transportation options from the Party in the Park include rideshares, taxis, or the free Duval Loop.
 
Event organizers advise visiting the official website for links to all events and special hotel rates. Early ticket purchases are recommended as many events are expected to sell out. More information can be found at www.justafewfriendskeywest.com.