By George Fontana
Welcome to 2026, Key West. If you were expecting a little downtime after the winter holiday season, think again. The new calendar is only a day old, and is already filled with a dizzying array of Key West’s cultural offerings — art, theater, dance, literature, music, museums and festivals that pack our little island.
- The short documentary-in-progress based on the life and work of local artist Eric
Anfinson recently premiered at The Studios of Key West. Veteran filmmakers Cassidy
Rast and Odin Wadleigh have created a compelling and insightful portrait of Anfinson
and the art he has created in Key West for the last 25 years.
A native of Austin, Minnesota (the proud home of Spam, the iconic mystery meat), Anfinson was a high school jock until a traumatic football injury left him paralyzed and facing an uncertain future. Then a figure drawing class changed his life; art became his obsession. The film, “Eric Anfinson: His Life and His Art,” is in the editing stage and will be entered this year into film festivals around the world. A full-length documentary is also planned.
- The 43rd annual Key West Literary Seminar, Jan. 8-11, ranks among the top of many
“can’t miss” lists for Key West residents and visitors. The acclaimed annual seminar returns this year to its previous venue at the San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval St. This year’s theme, timely and relevant as always, is “Pay Attention: The Novel” aka “The Long Form in a Time of Short Attention.” The roster of writers who answer questions, lead panel discussions and relax over cocktails, includes Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Russo, former U.S. poet laureate and crowd favorite Billy Collins and celebrated writer and long-time Key West resident Joy Williams.
- Local theater is in overdrive. The Waterfront Playhouse continues its Spotlight
Series with performances of “What The Constitution Means to Me” Jan. 1-4, followed Jan. 15-18 by “Tuesdays with Morrie,” adapted from Mitch Albom’s best-selling book of the same name. “Tuesdays” brings the audience along as a journalist visits his former professor, who’s facing the devastating disease of ALS but still has lessons to teach — and learn. The Waterfront Playhouse season continues Jan. 29-Feb. 14 with “Almost Maine” a series of vignettes that consider the joys and sorrows of love in the fictional town of Almost, Maine against the backdrop of the Northern Lights. All shows start promptly at 7:30 p.m.
- The Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St., will be sold out for each performance of “The
Queens of Country: Patsy! Dolly! Loretta!” by vocalist Christine Mild. Jan. 7-10 at 7:30 p.m.
- Fringe Theater, located in the historic Armory building, 600 White St., presents “70
Girls 70” Jan. 21-31. Senior citizens embark on a crime spree, stealing furs to save their New York City apartment building from greedy developers. Rebecca Tomlinson, Fringe managing artistic director: “This is a gem of a show that allows us to showcase many of the island’s veteran performers. This show reminds us it’s never too late to take center stage.”
- Tennessee Williams Theater, at the College of the Florida Keys, has a packed and
eclectic schedule this season. Impromptu Classical Concerts presents two mainstage chamber music performances: The Ulysses (String) Quartet on Jan. 4 and violin prodigy Yevgeny Kutik on Jan. 18. Both concerts begin at 4 p.m.
- Also at Tennessee Williams Theater, South Florida Symphony, founded by and under
the baton of Key West’’s own Maestra Sebrina Alfonso, takes the main stage on Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 and Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major fill out the bill. The next night, Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m., brings another popular, home-grown musical group, Paradise Big Band under the direction of Joe Dallas Jr. “Swinging Forever” encapsulates the band’s musical groove.
- Classical guitarist Martina Bevis shares the stage on Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. with local
musicians Lynn-Marie Smith on piano and John Griffin on cello.
- Calling all singers. Keys Choral Arts will begin rehearsals for its 2026 spring season.
Membership sign-ups, music distribution and the first rehearsal will take place Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 6:15 p.m., at Grace Lutheran Church, 2713 Flagler Ave. Rehearsals take place every Tuesday and new singers will be accepted through Jan. 20.
“We are a true community choir and open to anyone interested in singing high-quality choral music,” said artistic director Tim Peterson. For more information, contact Peterson at 561-445-1709 or keyschoralarts@gmail.com.
- This list, while certainly not comprehensive, should keep us all busy for the next
few weeks. Happy New Year, Key West. I’ll save you a seat at the show.
