In Times Square, there is a ball drop. In Hermosa Beach, CA, there is a beach ball drop.
And in quirky Key West – the self-proclaimed Conch Republic – there is a conch drop. And a pirate wench drop. And a high heel drop. As well as a lime dropping into a margarita (after all, this was the longtime home and hangout of Jimmy Buffett).
The big party is all along the main road, Duval Street, and these activities at midnight make spending New Year’s Eve in Key West a truly unique experience. Here’s the scoop on where and how to cacth these various drops as part of Key West NYE. These events are all free to attend.
Key West NYE Conch Shell Drop
Naturally, the Conch Republic drops a conch shell at midnight. This is done in front of the legendary Sloppy Joe’s Bar (201 Duval St.). It’s an all-day affair, starting with live music at 2 p.m., with the drop from the roof starting at 10 p.m. Duval Street is full of NYE revelers anyway and this gives them a central gathering spot for midnight.
Key West NYE Pirate Wench Drop
At the Schooner Wharf Bar (202 William St.) they “rig” in the New Year by dropping a pirate wench down the rigging on a tall sailboat. there’s live music, too. The “wench” is bar owner Evalena Worthington.
Key West NYE Lime Into Margarita Drop
Of course, in the land of Key Lime Pie and Buffett, there is a margarita drop (Jimmy first performed Margaritaville at a bar in Key West). At the Ocean Key Resort & Spa on Key West Harbor, there is a huge replica of a Key lime wedge to splash down into a huge margarita glass on Sunset Pier. There is live entertainment by Reggae Lou & the Kind Budz.
Key West NYE Red Shoe High Heel Drop
Then there is the “Red Shoe Drop.” A female impersonator sits in a huge red high heel shoe at the Bourbon St. Pub/New Orleans House complex (724 Duval St.).
For a complete guide on spending Key West on New Year’s Eve, click here.
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