

Thursday, August 28

Farmers Market Mingle
2PM
Truman Waterfront Park
Free
Join hosts Jill and Sean, owners of the Market and event organizers for the Festival, for a relaxed afternoon of fresh air, local flavors, and waterfront shopping in a beautiful seaside setting.
Browse a vibrant mix of vendors featuring fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, tropical art, handmade crafts, boutique jewelry, and international food offerings. Cool off with fresh juices, smoothies, and other refreshing beverages while you explore the colorful stalls and savor the island breeze.
It's also the perfect place for a casual picnic—grab a bite from the vendors and settle in at one of the extra chairs we'll have set up just for Just a Few Friends guests. The show's over at 7 PM but if you're looking for a brilliant place to watch the sunset at 7:49 PM, the Truman Waterfront Park is an ideal location.

Bark & Brew Kickoff - Benefitting the Florida Keys SPCA
5PM
Ocean's Edge Resort & Marina
$35
Join us at Oceans Edge Resort & Marina for our inaugural BARK & BREW KICKOFF! It's going to be a fantastic evening designed for you and your furry best friend, all while supporting the amazing Florida Keys SPCA!
Your ticket grants you exclusive access to the event, where you and your pup can enjoy:
Open Bar & Light Bites for the humans
Delicious Doggie Ice Cream for your four-legged companions
One Complimentary Raffle Ticket (with additional tickets available for $5 each)
Raffle Prizes include incredible Oceans Edge experiences:
A luxurious 2-night stay at Oceans Edge Resort
Two $100 Gift Certificates to Yellowfin Bar & Kitchen
FL Keys SPCA Goodie Basket
Family of 4 Day Pass Package
A Guided Mangrove Tour for two
For Our Furry Friends: We'll have special treats and a dedicated cool-down station to ensure your pups are comfortable and happy throughout the event.
A portion of all ticket sales and 100% of raffle proceeds will directly benefit the Florida Keys SPCA, helping them continue their vital work in our community. Don't miss this chance to mingle, sip, and celebrate with your pup for a great cause!
Please ensure all dogs remain on a leash and exhibit good manners, alongside their human companions, for the enjoyment and safety of everyone at the event.

Meetup at the Chart Room
6PM
Pier House
Free
Ease into the weekend with an informal gathering at the legendary Chart Room inside the Pier House Resort. On Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, you’re invited to mix and mingle with the Key West Parrot Heads and fellow attendees before the festival officially kicks off. This historic hideaway—where a certain island-loving troubadour once pulled up a barstool—sets the perfect tone for what's to come. Raise a glass, swap a few stories, and meet just a few friends.

“Open Mic / No Mic Night” at Andy's Cabana
7PM
Andy's Cabana
Free
Every Thursday at Andy’s Cabana—just across from Blue Heaven on Petronia Street—the stage lights up with a rotating mix of local musicians and traveling troubadours for “Open Mic / No Mic Night.”
Stop by, grab a drink, and enjoy the spontaneous soundtrack of island life—you never know who might show up or step up to play!
This laid-back gathering is the perfect unofficial pre-party for Just a Few Friends, offering the ideal chance to meet fellow music lovers before the weekend gets rolling.
Got an instrument? Bring it along—you’re welcome to play a tune here or even join the fun in Sunday’s Second Line Parade.
📸 Photo credit: Bill Klipp