Key West Womenfest Returns September 2-6 with “Lost Women in the Arts” Theme

 Key West Womenfest, the ultimate celebration for women in paradise, returns Wednesday, Sept. 2 through Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, with the theme “Lost Women in the Arts” — a festival that invites women to reclaim and celebrate their creative power, individuality, and sense of belonging in the island’s legendary “One Human Family” spirit.

Events kick off 6:00 PM on Wednesday at Key West’s storied American Legion Post 168 on Emma Street, a National Register of Historic Places venue that has provided a stage for musical icons such as B.B. King, Etta James, and Otis Redding, along with many of Key West’s homegrown legends. Dance to live music, mingle with local artists, and enjoy raffles, live portraits, and plenty of opportunities to make new friends and reconnect with old ones.

Thursday, festival-goers can get competitive at the 6th Annual Cornhole Tournament and Indoor Games, attend a romantic Words and Wine Happy Hour featuring the love poems of Elizabeth Bishop, master stage-worthy moves at Drag King Bootcamp, cheer performances by acclaimed drag kings and bootcamp graduates, and sail into the sunset aboard the luxury vessel Argo Navis.

Friday brings activities that start early with a Plogging the Keys Waterfront Cleanup, and continue with a clothing optional sandbar snorkel trip onboard the Blu Q, a sparkling pool party at the Bourbon Street Pub, a tasty Key lime pie walking tour, a wildly outrageous Jell-O wrestling event, a live concert, and The Hush Hush Theatre presenting “PLAYGIRL,” an original, femme-focused cabaret featuring burlesque, comedy, drag, song and cirque.

On Saturday, trek out and discover compelling art and artists with the Lost Women, Found Art gallery trolley tour, make a splash at the official Womenfest Pool Party at the Lighthouse Hotel, and gussie up for the Womenfest ‘80s, ‘90s, and Today’s Prom, where attendees can channel the aura of their favorite era.

Sunday brings an uplifting morning at MCC Church with Rev. Gina Durbin, a wild and flavorful Drag Brunch at The Key West Cooking Show, food and games at Hot Dog Church, and the iconic Tea Dance at La Te Da.

“Womenfest has always been about creating a space where women can come together, celebrate who they are, and feel a genuine sense of community,” said Womenfest Executive Director Fritzie Estimond. “This year’s ‘Lost Women in the Arts’ theme allows us to have a lot of fun while also shining a light on women whose creativity, talent, and influence haven’t always received the recognition they deserved. From poetry and visual art to music, performance and drag, we’re celebrating the women who helped shape our culture and the women who are still shaping it today. That feels especially meaningful here in Key West, a place with such a rich creative history and long tradition of welcoming people exactly as they are.”

​Key West Womenfest is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and the Key West Business Guild. For ticket links and information, including an extensive list of available daily activities, visit www.gaykeywestfl.com/womenfest/