Tag Archives: Key West Blog

Tonight at one of Key West’s favorite dive bars and music venues, the Hog’s Breath Saloon, catch three acts sure to impress and entertain. First up, from 1pm to 5pm, Joel Nelson will perform some acoustic Americana favorites, after which local legend Gary Hempsey will take the stage, belting out his laid-back tunes until 9:30pm. Then from 10pm until the wee hours of the morning visitors can prepare to have their flip-flops rocked by The Coal Men, in town for just a few nights to perform their special brand of roots rock and roll. This is a stellar line-up for a Thursday night, and the perfect way to beat those gray sky blues.

As the motto of the Hog’s Breath Saloon clearly states: Hog’s Breath is Better Than No Breath At All. In this case, we think it’s pretty great.

Yes, you read that right. From Friday through Sunday, May 18-20th, one of the largest ships to ever be sunk as an artificial reef will play host to a different kind of activity: an underwater race.

The third annual Vandenberg Grand Prix will see participants use diver-propulsion vehicles to race around the 523-foot-long Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg, a former military ship sunk in 2009 approximately seven miles off Key West. On Friday, May 18th, racers will meet at the Rum Barrel, 528 Front St. The following morning a myriad of events will begin, including  scooter demonstrations, race practice, manufacturer races and diver-propulsion vehicle certification for any racers who are not yet DPV certified. Finally, at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, May 20, the race will begin as divers zoom around the top of the Vandenberg’s superstructure, competing in multiple classes to achieve the fastest speeds while staying within safety parameters. An awards ceremony will follow.

Race entry fees are $50 per diver.
For event information and registration, visit: formulaH20 or wreckracingleague.com

Beginning Thursday, May 10th, the annual Key West Paddleboard Classic will have a multitude of activities for visitors and residents looking for something a little different this weekend. With activities ranging from a sunset sail, your first “yolo board” lesson, a Mother’s Day BBQ, or the eponymous event: an invigorating paddleboard race around the island, you’re sure to find an activity that leaves you smiling and praising what the Classic has dubbed the “Waterman’s way of life.”

For information, event schedules, registration info and more, visit http://www.keywestpaddleboardclassic.com/