What To Do This Weekend in the Florida Keys: November 6-8, 2026
Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8, 2026
This weekend is a great time to visit the Florida Keys, especially Key West. The Race World Offshore World Championship is bringing powerboat racing, waterfront viewing, live entertainment, art, food and community events to the island.
I've included activities from Key Largo to Key West, with confirmed dates where available.
Friday, November 6
Friday opens Race World Offshore weekend with powerboat racing on the Key West waterfront and a pair of evening celebrations on Fleming Street and Duval Street.
1. Race World Offshore Championship
Major eventWhere: Truman Waterfront, Key West.
Time: Racing begins at approximately 10 a.m.
What to expect: High-speed offshore powerboats, waterfront spectators, race village activities and racing-team excitement.
Why go: This is one of the signature sporting events in the Florida Keys.
You can also watch from designated waterfront viewing areas. Check the official race organizer for access, ticketing and race-day changes.
Source: Race World Offshore official schedule.
2. First Fridays on Fleming
Time: 6–9 p.m.
Location: Fleming Street, Key West.
What to expect: Local artists, independent shops, galleries and neighborhood creativity.
Admission: Free to explore participating venues.
A nice alternative to the busy race crowds if you want a more local cultural experience.
Source: Florida Keys official event calendar.
3. Duval Street Race Week Block Party
Time: 6–10 p.m.
Location: Duval Street, Key West.
What to expect: Race-week festivities, entertainment and a lively downtown atmosphere.
My suggestion: Enjoy the race during the day, explore Fleming Street in the early evening, then head toward the Duval Street celebration.
Source: Race Week event schedule.
4. Forward-Facing Sonar in Florida Bay
Time: 5:30–8 p.m.
Location: Safe Harbor Angler House, Islamorada.
What to expect: An educational presentation about forward-facing sonar technology and its real-time underwater imaging capabilities.
Best for: Fishing enthusiasts, anglers and boating technology fans.
Source: Official Florida Keys tourism calendar.
Saturday, November 7
Saturday combines a morning community race in Key West with marine education in Key Largo, an anniversary celebration and a special dinner, plus more racing action on the water.
5. 34th Annual Zonta ABC 5K & 10K Run/Walk
Location: Key West.
10K start: 7:30 a.m.
5K start: 8 a.m.
What to expect: A community running event supporting the Zonta Club's charitable work.
A good morning activity before spending the afternoon at the races.
Source: Greater Key West Chamber event calendar.
6. REEF Science Saturdays: Rays
Time: Saturday, November 7.
Location: REEF Ocean Exploration Center, Key Largo.
What to expect: An educational program exploring ray biology and ecology.
Best for: Families, children, marine-life lovers and curious visitors.
Check REEF's event page for the session time and registration details.
Source: Florida Keys tourism calendar.
7. Reef Relief's 40th Anniversary Celebration
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: The Gardens Hotel, Key West.
What to expect: Live music, local food, drinks and a silent auction.
Why it matters: Celebrates four decades of coral reef conservation and environmental education.
This is an excellent event for visitors interested in marine conservation and the natural environment of the Keys.
Source: Key West events calendar.
8. Bella Italia: Chef's Encore Dinner Series
Time: 6–8 p.m.
Location: Key West.
What to expect: An Italian-themed chef dinner celebrating Italian flavors and cuisine.
Best for: Couples, food lovers and visitors looking for a special dinner experience.
Check the organizer's listing for the venue, menu and reservation details.
Source: Official tourism calendar.
Sunday, November 8
Sunday, November 8, is the final championship racing day of the 2026 Race World Offshore event, with an awards ceremony in the evening and a live music alternative for those who want to skip the crowds.
9. Final Championship Race Day
Time: Racing begins approximately 10 a.m.
Location: Truman Waterfront, Key West.
What to expect: The final scheduled championship racing day of the 2026 event.
Why go: Your last opportunity this weekend to experience the offshore racing atmosphere.
Evening: The official RWO Awards Ceremony is scheduled for 7–9 p.m. at Coffee Butler Amphitheater.
Source: Official Race World Offshore schedule.
10. Bruce Cockburn & Livingston Taylor
Date: Sunday, November 8.
Location: Key West.
What to expect: A live music performance featuring two established singer-songwriters.
Best for: Music lovers looking for an evening alternative to race-week activities.
Check the venue's ticket information and performance time before attending.
Source: Key West Chamber event listings.
Part 2: Other things worth doing in the Florida Keys
If you want to enjoy the Keys beyond scheduled events, here are some activities worth adding to your weekend.
1. Visit Bahia Honda State Park
Beautiful turquoise water, sandy beaches and views of the historic bridge. Check weather and park capacity before visiting.
Lower Keys · Beach and nature
2. Walk the Old Seven Mile Bridge
Enjoy the views across the water and take photographs of the iconic bridge.
Marathon · Scenic walk
3. Take a sandbar or snorkeling trip in Islamorada
Consider A Family Fun Boat Tour Company for private family-friendly boat experiences.
Islamorada · Boating and snorkeling
4. Watch the sunset at Mallory Square
Enjoy street performers, artists and the famous Key West sunset celebration.
Key West · Free outdoor activity
5. Explore Key West Historic Seaport
Walk the harbor, browse waterfront shops and enjoy seafood or a sunset cruise.
Key West · Dining and waterfront lifestyle
For a boat excursion, other options include:
- Sebago Watersports: snorkeling and sunset sails.
- Honest Eco Tours: eco tours combining kayaking and snorkeling.
- Marathon Mermaid Charters: Marathon snorkeling and sunset cruises.
Check weather, sea conditions and operator schedules before booking.
Part 3: Suggested weekend itinerary
Here's a suggested way to organize the weekend.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, Nov. 6 | Powerboat races | Fleming Street + Duval Street Block Party | |
| Saturday, Nov. 7 | Zonta 5K/10K or REEF Science Saturday | Powerboat races + Reef Relief celebration | |
| Sunday, Nov. 8 | Final championship races | Awards ceremony or live concert | |
Sources
Sources and Further Reading
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- Race World Offshore official schedule
- First Fridays on Fleming
- Duval Street Race Week Block Party
- Forward-Facing Sonar in Florida Bay
- Zonta ABC 5K & 10K Run/Walk
- Reef Relief's 40th Anniversary Celebration
- Bella Italia: Chef's Encore Dinner Series
- Final Championship Race Day
- Greater Key West Chamber event calendar
- Official Florida Keys tourism calendar
Thinking about buying or selling in the Florida Keys? Contact the Conley Group Florida to discuss your property goals and the latest local market conditions.