​KEY WEST, FL – Several thousand Jimmy Buffett fans promenaded along Key West’s Duval Street Sunday, Aug. 31, during a Second Line Memorial Walking Parade saluting the life and legacy of the late musical icon on the island that inspired his signature “trop-rock” sound.

Marchers wearing tropical shirts and flower leis bounced beach balls, blew bubbles, and waved huge banners bearing Buffett’s likeness during the exuberant procession that highlighted the Just a Few Friends celebration staged over Labor Day Weekend.

The parade was led by a group including Buffett’s youngest sister Lucy Buffett, a restaurateur and cookbook author; vocalist Nadirah Shakoor of his famed Coral Reefer Band; and Keys “trop-rock” musician Howard Livingston. Along the route, Shakoor and Livingston led march participants in a rousing version of Buffett’s best-known hit “Margaritaville.”

Buffett, who passed away Sept. 1, 2023, discovered Key West in the early 1970s and its influence is widely credited with inspiring many of his classic songs. He called the island home for many years and frequently referenced its characters, landmarks and laid-back attitude in his lyrics. His first Margaritaville Store and Margaritaville Café debuted there in the mid-1980s, cementing Key West’s status as a mecca for his fans.

“Key West is where Jimmy found his home in his heart, and where he found the niche of his creativity that spurred him into the masses,” said Lucy Buffett during the festival’s kickoff ceremony outside her brother’s Shrimpboat Sound recording studio.

“And that's why all of you all got touched — because of the life that he found when he got here,” she added to the assembled crowd.

Many participants in the Second Line Walking Parade were drawn by the chance to commemorate the role Buffett’s music played in their lives.

Christine and Scott Springfield, who dressed themselves and their 12-year-old Golden retriever Captain Jack in tropical garb for the march, came to celebrate the man whose music sparked a life change that made them Florida Keys residents.

“Jimmy is what inspired us to sell everything we had in Texas and buy a boat,” said Christine Springfield with a vivid smile. “Now we live on a boat in Marathon .”

The procession ended at Key West’s Truman Waterfront Park, where the free “Party in the Park” concert featured Shakoor, Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band, and others who learned from or performed with Buffett. Among the open-air gathering’s additional attractions were an artisan market and food court, full bars, art exhibitions, selfie stations and an interactive remembrance area. 

Other festival events included walking and trolley tours of Buffett’s favorite places; sailing adventures on the waters he loved; a Cheeseburger on the Beach Contest and Margarita Bar Stroll; concerts by Will Kimbrough, co-writer of Buffett’s posthumous hit “Bubbles Up,” and former Coral Reefer guitarist Roger Bartlett; and a new look at the real-life renegade behind Buffett’s iconic song “A Pirate Looks at Forty.”

Proceeds from the festival’s collectible event badges directly benefit three Key West organizations: Reef Relief, the Bahama Village Music Program, and the Key West High School Marching Band.

The 2026 Just a Few Friends celebration is scheduled for Sept. 3-7, again over Labor Day weekend.
​
“The greatest gift Jimmy ever gave me was bringing me to Key West,” said Lucy Buffett, who has owned a home on the island for many years. “And there's never any place I want to be on Labor Day weekend, ever again for as long as I have breath, except for Key West.”

​Five Days of Music, Memory, and Island Magic Begin Thursday, August 28

​KEY WEST, FL – This Labor Day weekend, Just a Few Friends returns to Key West for its second year of unforgettable events celebrating the life, music, and laid-back legacy of the island’s favorite son. From Thursday, August 28 through Monday, September 1, the island will come alive with music, parades, and heartfelt gatherings that capture the spirit of the man who helped put Key West on the map.
 
The weekend kicks off Friday morning with an all-volunteer effort led by Plogging the Keys and the City of Key West to pick up trash from the Historic Waterfront. At 11 am, a Proclamation Ceremony at Shrimp Boat Sound Studios, where Vice Mayor Donie Lee will officially declare August 30 Jimmy Buffett Day in Key West. The Key West High School Marching Band, one of the festival’s charity beneficiaries, will perform, and Lucy Buffett will accept the proclamation on behalf of her brother.
 
On Sunday, August 31, the festival reaches its emotional peak with the Second Line Memorial Parade, starting at 5:00 p.m. in the 100 block of Duval Street. Fans in tropical wear, with instruments, bubbles, and placards in hand, will march through Old Town and arrive at Truman Waterfront Park for the free Party in the Park, presented by The Greeen House. The concert lineup features local trop rock musician Jocky Jord, Nadirah Shakoor, longtime Coral Reefer vocalist, Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band, and special guest Lucy Buffett, who will greet the crowd following the parade. Festival goers can enjoy food trucks, bars, local artisans, interactive photo ops, the Greeen Bar hospitality tent, and the Friends of Bubba Memorial Wall, where attendees are encouraged to light a free candle and leave photos or mementos honoring the man who inspired the celebration.
 
Other highlights include:

• Friday’s Cheeseburger on the Beach Contest with Landshark at the Southernmost Beach Resort
• Saturday’s Milagro Margarita Bar Stroll with two routes and 21 bars
• Two Sunset Pier concerts—Roger Bartlett & the Nautical Wheelers on Saturday and Will Kimbrough, Bubbles Up collaborator, on Monday
• A “Pencil Thin Mustache” contest at the infamous Chart Room at the Pier House on Monday
• Throughout the weekend, festivalgoers can also enjoy sunset cruises, brunches, tiki boat tours, walking and trolley tours, a 5K fun run, movie nights, author talks and book signings, pool parties, and more.

 
Collectible souvenir Event Badges are still available for a $45 donation and unlock access to both Sunset Pier concerts, exclusive areas at Party in the Park, a pool party at Margaritaville Resort and special offers from local businesses. Guests may order online now and pick up their badges by showing a receipt at Key West First Legal Rum during regular hours. Badge proceeds benefit Reef Relief, Bahama Village Music Program, and the Key West High School Marching Band.
 
“This event is about remembering and celebrating a lifestyle that’s uniquely Key West,” said co-organizer Paul Menta. “It’s music, friends, and sunshine—what more do you need?”
 
More than a tribute, Just a Few Friends is a community-driven celebration that brings locals and visitors together during one of Key West’s historically quietest weekends. Dozens of businesses—from bars and hotels to musicians, artisans, and nonprofit organizations—benefit directly and indirectly from the added foot traffic, bookings, and charitable contributions. As the summer season winds down, this event helps keep the island’s creative energy—and its economy—alive and thriving.
 
Find the full schedule and badge info at www.justafewfriendskeywest.com.

KEY WEST, FL – On Sunday, August 31, the iconic Truman Waterfront Park will become the vibrant heart of the Just a Few Friends celebration during the second annual Party in the Park, presented by The Greeen House. This free, family-friendly gathering follows the spirited Second Line Memorial Parade, uniting music lovers, locals, and island dreamers for an evening of connection, reflection, and celebration under the setting sun.
 
The parade begins in the 100 block of Duval Street, where fans gather with instruments, placards, bubbles, and tropical attire. Together, they’ll wind through Old Town—singing, toasting, and honoring the legacy of Key West’s favorite son—before arriving at Truman Waterfront Park for the evening’s main event.
On stage, Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band, Nadirah Shakoor, and Jocky Jord will perform heartfelt tributes to the music that shaped multiple generations. Appearances by Lucy Buffett and other special guests add warmth and authenticity, making the night feel less like a concert—and more like a reunion of kindred spirits.
 
The evening includes a pop-up Key West Artisan Market, food trucks, Milagro Margarita bars, and selfie stations, plus the “Greeen Bar” hospitality area offering a high-spirited welcome from the title sponsor. Over 400 chairs will be available to rent (cash only), or guests can bring their own. Free water stations will be provided by the Aqueduct Authority, and a fully air-conditioned City Bus Lounge offers a place to chill out.
 
At the heart of the celebration is the Friends of Bubba Memorial, an interactive remembrance area where guests are invited to bring a photo, note, or small memento to honor the man whose music inspired a movement. Free candles will be available, and all items collected will become part of a special commemorative exhibit.
 
Guests with official event badges receive access to a dedicated bar and priority area with first dibs at chair rentals, while those with Ultimate Friend Badges enjoy premium lounge seating and exclusive perks. Event badge donations directly to the Florida Keys Community Foundation benefit Reef Relief, the Bahama Village Music Program, and the Key West High School Marching Band.
 
After the main event, the celebration continues at the official after-party hosted by The Backyard Bar at Kaya Island Eats, where Caribbean steel pan music and Buffett-inspired favorites will keep the vibe alive. There’s no cover, and the kitchen stays open until 10 PM.
 
Transportation is easy with the Duval Loop Shuttle running late into the night for just $1, offering safe and convenient rides to and from the event. Guests can also rent bicycles from Eaton Bikes.
 
This is just one event of many during the Labor Day weekend. For more information, a full schedule, or to secure a badge, visit: www.justafewfriendskeywest.com

KEY WEST, FL – On Sunday, August 31, the iconic Truman Waterfront Park will become the vibrant heart of the Just a Few Friends celebration during the second annual Party in the Park, presented by The Greeen House. This free, family-friendly gathering follows the spirited Second Line Memorial Parade, uniting music lovers, locals, and island dreamers for an evening of connection, reflection, and celebration under the setting sun.
 
The parade begins in the 100 block of Duval Street, where fans gather with instruments, placards, bubbles, and tropical attire. Together, they’ll wind through Old Town—singing, toasting, and honoring the legacy of Key West’s favorite son—before arriving at Truman Waterfront Park for the evening’s main event.
On stage, Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band, Nadirah Shakoor, and Jocky Jord will perform heartfelt tributes to the music that shaped multiple generations. Appearances by Lucy Buffett and other special guests add warmth and authenticity, making the night feel less like a concert—and more like a reunion of kindred spirits.
 
The evening includes a pop-up Key West Artisan Market, food trucks, Milagro Margarita bars, and selfie stations, plus the “Greeen Bar” hospitality area offering a high-spirited welcome from the title sponsor. Over 400 chairs will be available to rent (cash only), or guests can bring their own. Free water stations will be provided by the Aqueduct Authority, and a fully air-conditioned City Bus Lounge offers a place to chill out.
 
At the heart of the celebration is the Friends of Bubba Memorial, an interactive remembrance area where guests are invited to bring a photo, note, or small memento to honor the man whose music inspired a movement. Free candles will be available, and all items collected will become part of a special commemorative exhibit.
 
Guests with official event badges receive access to a dedicated bar and priority area with first dibs at chair rentals, while those with Ultimate Friend Badges enjoy premium lounge seating and exclusive perks. Event badge donations directly to the Florida Keys Community Foundation benefit Reef Relief, the Bahama Village Music Program, and the Key West High School Marching Band.
 
After the main event, the celebration continues at the official after-party hosted by The Backyard Bar at Kaya Island Eats, where Caribbean steel pan music and Buffett-inspired favorites will keep the vibe alive. There’s no cover, and the kitchen stays open until 10 PM.
 
Transportation is easy with the Duval Loop Shuttle running late into the night for just $1, offering safe and convenient rides to and from the event. Guests can also rent bicycles from Eaton Bikes.
 
This is just one event of many during the Labor Day weekend. For more information, a full schedule, or to secure a badge, visit: www.justafewfriendskeywest.com
​

KEY WEST, FL – Restaurateur and author Lucy Buffett, sister of the late singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, will join his Coral Reefer Band vocalist Nadirah Shakoor and musical friends Sunday, Aug. 31, to lead a memorial second-line parade on the island that inspired Buffett’s trop-rock sound. 
 
Staged on Key West’s famed Duval Street, the march highlights the annual Just a Few Friends celebration of Buffett’s music and the carefree lifestyle he enjoyed in his longtime island home. 
 
The festival is scheduled Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, saluting Buffett while encouraging fans to immerse themselves in the place where he penned his most enduring songs.  
 
Lucy Buffett, known as both LuLu and the “crazy sista” of the Buffett clan, is the owner of three successful “LuLu’s” restaurants and authored books including “Crazy Sista Cooking: Cuisine and Conversation with Lucy Anne Buffett” and “LuLu’s Kitchen: A Taste of the Gulf Coast Good Life.”
 
At 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29, she will accept a proclamation from Key West city officials designating Jimmy Buffett Day on the island. Open to the public, the proclamation ceremony takes place outside the late singer’s Shrimpboat Sound recording studio in the Key West Historic Seaport. 
 
With Shakoor and trop-rock all-star Howard Livingston, Lucy Buffett is to lead Sunday’s Second Line Memorial Walking Parade that typically draws thousands of her brother’s colorfully dressed “Parrot Head” fans. Participants can expect live music, impromptu singalongs and a joyful tropical tribute. 
 
The parade starts at 5 p.m. in the 100 block of Duval Street, and proceeds along Duval to Truman Waterfront Park for the night’s Party in the Park. 
 
The open-air party features nonstop live music, an appearance by Lucy Buffett, an artisan market and food court, full bars, interactive art exhibitions and selfie stations. Highlighting the entertainment is to be a soulful performance by Shakoor — former lead singer for the Grammy-nominated group Arrested Development and longtime member of Buffett’s Coral Reefers — and tunes by island troubadour Livingston and his Mile Marker 24 Band.
 
Other festival events include walking and trolley tours of Buffett’s favorite places; a Cheeseburger on the Beach Contest and Margarita Bar Stroll; concerts by his musical cohorts Will Kimbrough and Roger Bartlett; and a new look at the real-life renegade behind Buffett’s “A Pirate Looks at Forty.” 
 
For details, festival badges and ticketing, visit www.justafewfriendskeywest.com.
 
“All events not affiliated with or endorsed by Jimmy Buffett’s Estate or Margaritaville Enterprises”​

Labor Day Weekend Tribute Features Musical Friends and Immersive Experience

KEY WEST, FL – Fans of the late singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett can celebrate his legacy over Labor Day Weekend in Key West, his former home and the island that inspired his most enduring songs, during the immersive Just a Few Friends festival. Set for Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, the gathering is part memorial, part music festival, and a unique opportunity to experience the place where Buffett developed his famed “trop-rock” sound.

The five-day gathering offers attendees a chance to walk the same streets Buffett sang about, visit the bars and marinas where his stories began, and hear the musicians who knew him best perform in intimate settings.

“This is about more than music,” said co-organizer Paul Menta. “We honor Jimmy’s memory by immersing people in the island he loved — the people, the history, the sunsets, the flavors. It’s a celebration of the way of life he enjoyed here and made his own.”

The heart of the weekend is Sunday’s Second Line Memorial Parade, a jubilant procession that winds down Key West’s Duval Street and ends at Truman Waterfront Park. There, the free “Party in the Park” concert will carry the tribute past sunset with Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band, vocalist Nadirah Shakoor from Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, and a stage full of his musical friends.
​
Concerts also are scheduled starring former Coral Reefer guitarist Roger Bartlett & the Nautical Wheelers on Saturday evening, and Buffett’s “Bubbles Up” co-writer Will Kimbrough Monday night. Both take place at the Ocean Key Resort’s Sunset Pier overlooking Key West Harbor.
Beyond music, the festival weaves in experiences that could only happen in Key West. For example,  Scott Atwell is to reveal the true story behind the colorful life of Phil Clark, the subject of Buffett’s classic song “A Pirate Looks at Forty,” in a panel discussion that debuts his book “Buffett Backstories: The Pirate Edition.” 
Sailing adventures on schooners, luxury catamarans and floating tiki boats offer a taste of the island from the water, while guided walking and trolley tours spotlight Buffett’s favorite places in Key West. 
Festival attendees can also enjoy book signings, brunches, a 5k race, pool parties, a waterfront cleanup, and even a mustache look-alike contest at the legendary Chart Room Bar where Buffett hung out and Clark poured drinks.
Two ticketed highlights round out the weekend. Friday’s Cheeseburger on the Beach Contest at Southernmost Beach Resort pairs delicious competition with live music from the Margaritas in Paradise tribute band. Saturday’s Milagro Margarita Bar Stroll is a lively tasting tour where 22 bars compete for the title of Key West’s Best Margarita.
While the festival typically draws visitors from across the country, its heart remains local. Proceeds from collectible Event Badges directly benefit three Key West organizations: Reef Relief, the Bahama Village Music Program, and the Key West High School Marching Band. Last year the badges raised more than $34,000, with every dollar going back into the community.
For Jimmy Buffett fans who want to do more than listen, Just a Few Friends offers the chance to become immersed in the island that gave birth to a state of mind. Details, badges and ticket information are available at www.justafewfriendskeywest.com.
“All events not affiliated with or endorsed by Jimmy Buffett’s Estate or Margaritaville Enterprises”

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.