This is our second year attending this music and craft beer festival in Islamorada Key. If love…read morestring instruments this and bluegrass this is definitely one of the better Winter festivities to do. The weather was a little iffy today, given a large storm moved through in the morning, and the afterwards winds were still pretty heavy. It probably scared off folks as traffic heading down to the event was actually much better than expected. We found free parking next to the police station and walked to the event. The venue was similar to the previous year. Proceeds of our ticket purchase helped fund Arts and Music Scholarships for Upper Keys Youths as well as Islamorada Community Entertainment's mission. Entrance fee cost $37.50 per person but included a stainless steel pint cup which was definitely my sustainable than littering our oceans with plastic cups. While that decision may have increased the cost per ticket, I didn't complain. The beer vendors were plentiful and beers were $6 per ticket to fill our 8-10 oz pint cup or $25 for unlimited fills in a 4 oz cup glass mug. Among the list of beer Venders were Florida Keys Brewing, KeyBilly, Barrel of Monks, Twisted Trunk, Bangin Banjo, Due South, The Waterfront Brewery, TBC, Coppertail, Tampa Bay, just to name a few. I was already familiar with many of these and glad to be able to sample from a good selection of beer! For food, there was also a good selection: we ordered tacos, purchased kettle corn, and even had a gyro sandwich. Now talk about diversity. Additional vendors of note were the custom t-shirt printing tent which sold Baygrass event shirts, a honey bee farmer, jewelry, two string instrument vendors that sold high-end custom guitars and mandolins, and a local dive shop, and many more. We purchased the local event T shirt for $15. Sometimes I am a sucker for a nice T. I also didn't expect to but I ended up purchasing a custom ukulele from Jett Instrument Co maker Danny Goddard, who traveled all the way from Tallahassee to sell his instruments. After stopping by his tent at least three or four times and speaking with Danny, I learned the he took the same amount of time to produce his Uke's as he did his guitars. However, the guitars sell for 4-5 times what a Ukulele will fetch, which explained why the one we purchased was only the 2nd of 5 he has ever made. I saw several professional musicians drooling over the guitar and mandolins he had for sale. The ukulele was an exquisite instrument and his inlays of various shell was also remarkable. The event of the main stage was on a slice of beach which was situated next to two playgrounds for kids; the restrooms were also close, which was also very clever and thoughtful--this year extra portable potties had to be set up as the WC were out of order. Not a problem at all. We brought our own fleece blankets, beach chairs and were only feet from the stage. Perhaps the only down side to the entire event were the location of the beer vendors which were located closer to stage #2 which was on the grassy side, about a 2-3 minute walk. We purchased 10 beer tickets and really didn't get a chance to sit down longer than 5-10 minutes to enjoy the music the entire time. One beer was donated to the beach as it spilt chasing after Mayla, who at 18 months had many other other interests besides watching bluegrass. And each beer only lasted about 15-20 minutes, so up we were fetching the next one again. Also, one of my favorite bands The Coppetones played on Stage 2 and I had no idea so I completely missed their act. Wish the organizers had provided or posted performance and location information a bit better. I really didn't mind the walking though, ending up with well over 20k steps that day. All in all it was a successful and fun time. I'd encourage everyone to come next year. The drive back home was beautiful with the Super Moon shining low.

I'm having the time of my life. Planned to come here a month ago with the fam and almost didn't due…read moreto everyone being sick. We pulled together and made it. The sun is starting to peek through late afternoon cloud cover that has been the mainstay all day. The venue has 2 stages of bands, food trucks, merch, vendors and mingling with really fun people. One thing I'd recommend is more bathrooms! The lines out of the public restroom were unreal. Mayla is enjoying playing on her blanket and soaking up everything babies do. I'm really hoping she will love American like I do. Come check out this awesome little fest.

Attended the seafood festival on vacation, as we heard it was the 50th annual. It's mostly a social…read moreevent with vendors, marine apparel, etc. There's only one seafood tent. The good: -Admission is $5 -You can try different types of (mostly fried) seafood for a reasonable price. The not so good: -Mostly fried seafood and quality was average. Conch fritters had little conch meat in them. -We tried the lobsters and there were just ok -It can get warm under the tents, so plan for the heat. It seems like it would be hard to keep things hot or cold enough for food safety purposes, especially raw seafood.

This is on no way a seafood festival. We drove 3 hours under the guise of seafood vendors selling…read morevaried foods from fresh catch. This was a community festival with 95% of the tents selling keys-specific gear and goods (tshirts, jewelry, ocean art). The area for seafood was maybe tables. Disappointed in the whole experience. Luckily it was only $5 to get in but it's a waste and wrong to label this a seafood festival,

I really feel that this event needed a larger venue. It was extremely crowded, and I arrived around…read morenoon. The lines were very long, and I felt that some of the vendors were not even offering authentic Asian food. The large tent was especially packed, making it difficult to move around comfortably. It also didn't help that several cars were displayed inside, taking up a significant amount of space that could have been used for attendees and vendors. On top of that, the food was quite expensive. When I went to purchase a bottle of water, I was surprised to see a gratuity option added for card payments. Paying nearly $8 for a bottle of water felt excessive, especially considering how hot it was outside. Overall, I think the event had potential, but better crowd management, a larger venue, and more reasonable pricing would have made for a much better experience.

I've worked at several Asian festivals in my lifetime. As much as I wanted to like this one, it…read morefelt underwhelming. It was insanely cramped with people, and the hot humid weather did not help. The allotted area for the venue was too small for the amount of people attending. The lines to get food were long, and took a while to get the food. Most of the food tasted decent, but the restaurants that came with the food prepped already were cold and stale. So I would stick to those that cooked or grilled on sight. I also felt this year that most of the food was Americanized versions of the dishes. I'm also not sure why there were arepas there or Nashville's hot chicken. They had an indoor portion with some sellers of goods. I couldn't enjoy because it was too cramped.

Second time here. For some reason we didn't like it as much as last year. Food was good, but not…read moregreat. Didn't see any entertainment while we were there. I guess we were too early.

Great festival. Only thing is, when I see "seafood and music" I expect to see a lot of it. There…read morewere maybe 4-6 trucks of-seafood and the stage for music, but there was also a market set up too. I loved seeing all of the local stores and different products for sale, so no negativity with that, but just surprised it was there to begin with since it's a "seafood and music" festival!!!

Great Bar...Excellent ladies behind the bar. Wonderful view of the ocean. Lots of Fun!!read more

Yay!!! Here at a dive bar after dinner to listen to the band play on stage. Chilled out with…read morefriends in the sand next to the bay with drinks. The bartender was joking with us and looked like a local in the keys. Not a kids place. So glad we stopped here and will come again.

This was my second visit to the RBB festival. Like other festivals at Fruit & Spice Park, you can…read moreopt to try your luck parking on the swale of SW 248 St., or you can, for only $5 park in a field on the east side of the park with it's own entrance. You pay the $10 festival admission at the same time as the parking. It is much easier this way. The price of admission lets you see the whole park, if you're into horticulture. The fest itself takes up about half the park. There were several bbq vendors, as well as a Thai food booth and a conch fritter booth (George Mira's: very delicious). I enjoyed my first visit better; some of the things that changed were 1) there were only 2 bands, whereas before there'd been at least 5. One of the bands, Southern Stampede, featuring young guitar virtuoso AJ Gaytan, was great, and alone worth the price of admission. 2) There was only one one beer vendor, Exit One Taproom of Florida City. They were good, don't get me wrong, but you only got a small cup of craft beer for $6. Previously, some food vendors were allowed to sell more mainstream beer at a better price; I bet it's probably some dumb legal rule the Miami-Dade Parks Dept. thought up! Luckily, you ARE allowed (at least through the side entrance) to bring in a cooler, so I had plenty of Bud Light (my preferred choice if I'm going to be in the hot sun listening to music for awhile). 3) The prices of the ribs were high, as they were only selling full, or in some cases, half racks. I thought it'd be a cool idea to have, say, a sampler portion at a reasonable cost so you could pick and choose. I ended up choosing a known vendor, T&W Barbecue, with a smokey Georgia style full rack, as well as an order of redneck nachos, featuring wonderfully tender pulled bbq pork. 4) This is a family friendly event, but it'd be nice if they provided a separate play area. I was seated near the stage trying to enjoy the bands, but a lot of kids and parents were playing ball and blocking the view. For the life of me, I don't know why these parents were letting their kids within feet of PA speakers blasting high decibel music with no ear protection, but.... In any case, this is an enjoyable springtime festival that is worth a visit. Just bring cash for the bbq, and your own beer filled cooler, and you'll be fine!

I had a great time. Food was good and you could see the whole garden while still listening to the…read moremusic. $8 admission which was discounted on groupon. I recommend paying the full price if you can afford it, it goes to a good cause. They had a car show and I enjoyed the music. It reminded me a bit of chili cook-off but more family oriented and with better music and food. I will definitely go next year.

Marizel and her family are truly gifted seers, teachers, coaches and healers. They are warm and…read morebeautiful beings. I highly recommend The Witches Garden.

I was at their shop right before it closed and purchased crystals and reiki candles for my mother…read more She was really out of balance and had numerous medical evaluations with different specialists after being diagnosed with early breast cancer a few months prior, so I decided she should try crystals. I went to this shop for the first time and felt such serenity. I could have honestly been there all day. The owners were great. I told them I wanted to help my mother but didn't give them any details. They directed me to get the 7 chakra candles and crystals that were prepared with reiki by Armando. He instructed me how they should be used and it worked. My mother meditated with the candles and crystals on numerous occasions and not only did all her medical evaluations come back negative she's healthier than she's been in a long time. I feel that she is better not only because she has had a positive attitude and I gave her those candles with love but also because of how they were prepared. Thank you both so much!!!I'm hoping to see you both again and continue to learn from you. Kathy A.

WHAT A BLAST!!! Its similar to Mardi Gras but on a smaller scale but includes the same body…read morepainting and bead necklass wearing and throwing. This is a big October Halloween event in Key West and NOT for kids at all. Very cool parade on Duval Street. Most hotels mandate a 2 or 4 night minimum stay. Just be aware that restaurants and bars are extremely packed. A must try at least once for a really fun experience.

We ended up in Key West for Fantasy Fest by accident. We always go on vacation for my birthday,…read morewhich happened to be this week. I couldn't stop staring at people. Each night is a different theme nights. People dress up in risque costumes and body paint. They have parades and all sorts of things. I recommend coming to experience this at least once, unless you're a prude and easily offended. Then make sure you specifically do not come during this time.

5 stars bc I booked my first Key west trip not knowing we were going to be smack in the middle of…read morethe annual Lobster Fest! Started off with Lobster Tacos... Then went to the stand to pick up freshly squeezed sweet as hell lemonade! (It was just missing Tito's vodka) Stopped at the Lobster Roll truck (nothing much here... except the waffle fries were hot and thumbs up) Freshly made donuts!! On those conveyor machinery thing... yes! Get these!! Ordered the lobster tail on skewer came w potatoes and corn on the cob! Very good! Then for dinner hit up Bagatelle's stand for their tempura fried lobster tail drizzled in honey. I ordered the combo which came with lobster Mac n cheese and a corn on the cob! Yum!!!!!

LobsterFest 2016 was packed with hungry patrons trying to get their hands on Anything and…read moreEverything Lobster! While we only attended the Duval Crawl with Booths lining the street. There is no Ticket Purchase you just pay per Lobster Items you would like. Held in August expect the weather to be sweltering. Put so many people on one street with Grills Fired up, you get Even More Heat! We walked the Duval strip looking at each Booth's Menu that they providing searching for the "Perfect" pick. There is a lot of different Booths to choose from and stands where you can purchase Alcoholic Drinks. The problem was that just about everyone offered the same Lobster Dishes. The majority being Corn on the Cob- Grilled Lobster Tail- Baked Potato... It might just be me but no thanks when it is already as hot as a Lobster Tail outside and with limited table seating you are eating on the street curb. Lots of other vendors were there selling Art, Jewelry, Pet Accessories, Key West Local Creations, and More! Also, don't forget your Lobster Hats, Ears, and LobsterFest Shirts! BRING CASH as Most Vendors & Booths ONLY Accept Cash! Overall, our group of four was not overly impressed with LobsterFest. More of a you've been there and done that.. Now Let's Drink!!!

The music was amazing: Sean Heely Band, Albanach, and Screaming Orphans were fantastic. As well…read morethere were great food options and vendors. Take a camp chair.

Lots of great music & vendors that you would expect. If you go, bring your own chair. Also maybe a…read moreshade umbrella. Today was sunny & hot. If you're going for the Celtic music, it's a nice day. The organizers have done this on the cheap and it's a bit disorganized. First, parking is a bit of a walk. Those parking cars seemed more interested in chatting than being organizers. There's Zero assistance for handicapped & disabled. They could & should make a drop off close to the gate. No one seemed to care I had to walk a 1/2 mile w a cane. Vendors are on a distant periphery. It appears they were expecting more people but I'm not sure where they would have parked them. Would we go once? Yes. Second time. Um no.