Tropical Heat returns to Key West for its fifth year. | Photo: Metro Weekly
Key West, the scenic island located at the tip of the Florida Keys coral archipelago, will host a male-only festival on 15-19 August.
After celebrating Pride last June with a four-day festival, the island is now ready to take the party onto the next level with the Red-Hot Tropical Heat Festivities, now in its fifth year.
Boasting a year-round temperatures average of 25°C, Key West sounds like the perfect scenario for a steamy summer getaway. And things are going to get even hotter at the latest gay-friendly event in the famous LGBTI hotspot.
Marchers carrying the rainbow flag at Key West Pride parade in 2017. | Photo: Florida Keys News Bureau
Key West is a popular LGBTI hub
159 miles southwest of Miami, Key West belongs to the chain of islands known as the Florida Keys. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, these islands off the southern coast of Florida are all equally LGBTI-friendly.
Significantly, more than 225,000 self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travelers visit Key West every year.
The tropical paradise has also a renowned LGBTI area called the Pink Triangle. It is a cluster of clubs, bars, and stores around the 700 block of Duval Street.
Temperatures are rising in Key West for Tropical Heat. | Photo: Troy Petenbrink
The hottest gay festival in Florida
Tropical Heat caters specifically to the G in LGBTI with five days of adult events. The roster, in fact, includes themed pool parties and snorkel and sandbar cruises. Moreover, there will be appearances by entertainers and late-night gatherings at the island’s LGBTI bars and nightclubs.
Key West also hosts an annual all-female event called Women’s Fest in September.
The events of this year’s Tropical Heat
The atmosphere begins to heat up on the evening of Wednesday 15 August with an official kick-off party at the Island House Resort. A vibrant late-night Neon Party is scheduled at Mangoes, located in the Pink Triangle.
Festival attendees can cool down on 16 August by making a splash at a pool party slated for noon at the Equator Resort. A cheeky note: clothes are optional.
Started in 2013, Tropical Heat is one of the most popular all-male events in the US. | Photo: Island House
As the sun sets on the island, Key West’s nightlife heats up with the annual blackout party set for 10pm at Saloon One on Petronia Street.
Friday 17 August will then feature an afternoon pool party at the Bourbon St. Pub and evening soirees including a Village People — Traffic Light dating party at Alexander’s Guesthouse and a Glow Party at the Side Bar.
On Saturday 18 August at 7pm the Equator Resort is to host its 13th annual Toga Party. There will be a contest for the Best Toga outfit and the chance to win hot prizes.
The sultry event continues on Sunday 19 August with a noontime pool party at Island House and Key West’s traditional 4pm Tea Dance at La Te Da, closing with a selection of dance parties at clubs in the Pink Triangle area.
