The life and legacy of Jimmy Buffett will be honored Sept. 3-7 in Key West, where the singer-songwriter developed the “tropical rock” style and carefree persona that made him a world-renowned musical icon.
“Just a Few Friends Key West” will feature events including a “second line” memorial walking parade, a come-one-come-all Party in the Park, concerts by Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band members and other musical friends, beach parties, insiders’ tales at the Chart Room Bar where he first performed locally, margarita-making classes, showcases by tribute bands, themed walking and trolley tours, on-the-water adventures, and other activities that recall the Key West lifestyle he sang about.
The events are not affiliated with or endorsed by Jimmy Buffett’s Estate or Margaritaville Enterprises.
Buffett, who died Sept. 1, 2023, discovered the island in the early 1970s and lived here during some of his most productive musical years. Key West — and its characters, landmarks and freewheeling vibe — helped inspire some of his most enduring songs, including the classic hit “Margaritaville.”
Many of his lyrics reference Key West locales like Fausto’s Food Palace, Blue Heaven restaurant and legendary bars Captain Tony’s and the Chart Room. In the mid-1980s, Buffett launched the original Margaritaville Store in the island’s Land’s End Village — and what began as a laid-back waterfront enterprise grew into an empire.
“Just a Few Friends” begins Thursday, Sept. 3, with events including Tales from the Chart Room, a “Cheeseburger Beach Battle” competition and oceanfront concert, and an after-party at the Margaritaville Café starring Coral Reefer vocalist Nadirah Shakoor.
Friday, Sept. 4, includes the City of Key West’s “Jimmy Buffett Day” proclamation ceremony outside his Shrimp Boat Sound recording studio — and a behind-the-scenes look at filmmaker Michael Kirk’s documentary-in-progress on the famed studio. That evening, Gary and the Landsharks — who backed Buffett during his surprise 1998 Duval Street concert — will return to recreate the spirit of that performance following a Bubba Look-Alike Showdown, where contestants can channel Buffett’s signature look and stage presence for a chance to win a $1,000 prize.
Saturday, Sept. 5, features a waterfront sunset concert by surf-rock storytellers the Wheeland Brothers, sunset sails, and two margarita bar strolls — one on Duval Street and the other in the colorful Historic Seaport district. Each tour features 10 bars eager to prove they make the island city’s best margarita.
The festival highlight is the Second Line Memorial Walking Parade, a procession for fans of Buffett’s music and fun-loving attitude. Beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, in the 100 block of Duval Street, the march features strolling musicians, colorfully garbed participants, giant Buffett photo banners and impromptu singalongs.
Marchers will proceed up Duval Street, stop at the original Margaritaville Store and Margaritaville Café and finish at the Truman Waterfront Park for the Party in the Park celebration.
Set for 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday, the free-admission gathering features nonstop live music by performers including longtime Coral Reefer Mac McAnally; Will Kimbrough, co-writer of Buffett’s posthumous hit “Bubbles Up”; and Florida Keys trop rocker Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band. Among other planned attractions are a pop-up food court, artisan booths and sunset viewing from the park.
The festival concludes on Labor Day — Monday, Sept. 7 — with events including two performances by Kimbrough, a “pencil thin mustache” contest, sailing cruises and a waterfront sunset concert by Cayman and the Mango Men that evokes the spirit of Key West’s Buffett era.
In the true spirit of Buffett’s commitment to giving back, the festival supports the Key West community. Souvenir badge contributions have raised more than $75,000 for local causes the past two years, with proceeds benefiting Reef Relief, the Bahama Village Music Program and scholarships for local students through the nonprofit Community Foundation of the Florida Keys.
More information is at justafewfriendskeywest.com.
