Key West, internationally known as a top LGBTQ destination, is set to welcome visitors to a long weekend of all-male adult activities Wednesday through Sunday, August 14 to 18, 2019, during the annual Tropical Heat celebrations. The roster of revelry includes pool parties, brunch with local female impersonators, sizzling dance parties and adult-themed gatherings held at the island’s LGBTQ resorts, guesthouses and entertainment venues.

The red-hot celebration’s kick-off party is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, at Island House Resort, 1129 Fleming St. A traditional festival favorite, the launch is to feature poolside drink specials, appetizers and prize giveaways.

Tropical Heat participants can make a big splash Thursday, Aug. 15, at a noontime pool party at the Equator Resort, 822 Fleming St. Thursday’s schedule also includes a 2 to 4 p.m. “Drunken Drag Brunch” at Mangoes, 700 Duval St., featuring a Cuban-style buffet, performances by drag queens and bottomless mimosas. Thursday’s after-dark activities are to include parties at local LGBTQ venues.

Revelers can cool down Friday at the Bourbon St. Pub/New Orleans House, 724 Duval St., with a pool party slated for noon. The lively event typically offers an afternoon of spirited pool games, a DJ and live entertainment, food and frosty libations. As the sun sets, evening festivities heat up with events including “The Big Game Party” at Alexander’s Guesthouse, 1118 Fleming St.

Saturday’s highlights include the Equator Resort’s 13th annual Toga Party at 7 p.m. An anticipated festival event each year, the gala features prizes for the best togas.

The high-spirited merriment continues Sunday with attractions including Key West’s famed Tea Dance at 4 p.m. at La Te Da, 1125 Duval St. Closing events are to include a late-night “Afterglow Party” at Saloon 1, 504 Petronia St.

Tropical Heat VIP access passes are available for $99 per person. Alternatively, attendees can pay individual event admissions.

With the VIP band you will receive entry to all parties, 5 day pass to Island House, and a discount at the following restaurants & retailers: Mangoes-10% off Food & drinks, Viva Saloon-15% off Food & drinks, Better Than Sex(Dessert Restaurant)-10% off, Graffitti-10% off purchase, Seaplane-15% off purchase.

Event Guide

Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or gaykeywestfl.com

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About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist based in Toronto with a focus on tourism, lifestyle, entertainment and community issues. He has written several travel articles and has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He’s willing to take on any assignments of interest, attend parties with free booze, listen to rants, and travel the world in search of the great unknown. He’s eager to discover the new, remember the past, and look into the future.