Womenfest, one of the country’s largest annual gatherings of LGBTQ women is happening in Key West through Sunday, Sept. 8, featuring a colorful roster of female festivities ranging from women-centric bike tours to watersports, saucy soirees and even a gala prom night.
Themed “Fire & Ice Fantasy” for 2024, Womenfest has been a signature event presented by the Key West Business Guild for more than 20 years. A September tradition for singles, couples and groups of women, the festival spotlights the inclusive atmosphere and attractions that have made Key West an internationally known lesbian and gay vacation destination.
The schedule includes a brunch and a “beach bash” on Thursday, Sept. 5 overlooking Key West Harbor. The Women, Words & Art poetry reading and art exhibition happens at 6 p.m. that evening at the Little Room Jazz Club, 821 Duval St., while a sunset sail aboard the luxury vessel Argo Navis features drinks and appetizers.
Attendees can explore Old Town Key West and learn about the island’s influential women on a Key Lime Bike Tour on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 6 and 7. The tours begin at 9:30 a.m. and end with a slice of Key lime pie.
Friday’s other attractions include a clothing-optional sandbar and snorkel trip on the Blu Q catamaran and a 5:30 p.m. ’90s female alt-rock show by Marjory Lee & The Misspellings.
Saturday night brings Womenfest’s highlight event: the “Fire & Ice Fantasy Prom,” complete with all the trappings — and a Key West twist. Attendees will dress in prom attire, from gowns to tuxedos and everything in between, and dance the night away to tunes spun by the DJ Rude Girl. Hosted by the American Legion Post 168, 803 Emma St., the gala also will feature a live performance by the all-female soft-rock band Antigone Rising.
“We have chosen this event to be our premier event for Womenfest because many of us share the sentiment that we never got to celebrate prom as our true selves,” said Fritzie Estimond, Womenfest coordinator and associate director of the Key West Business Guild. “Whether it was due to suppressing our identities to avoid public scrutiny, or attending while suppressing our true selves, this event is for those girls.”
Womenfest participants can end their weekend the “Key West way” with two island city traditions slated for Sunday, Sept. 8. The adults-only Mangoes Sunday Drag Brunch starts at noon at the restaurant at 700 Duval St. And no one should miss the original Sunday Tea Dance at La Te Da, 1125 Duval St., with DJ Rude Girl.More information is at gaykeywestfl.com/womenfest/.
