JUST A FEW FRIENDS, KEY WEST RETURNS LABOR DAY WEEKEND 2025 WITH NEW EXPERIENCES AND VIP HOTEL PACKAGES

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.