Sunday Party in the Park: All the Details!

Jill Snodgrass
Aug 16
6 min read

3 Weeks From Today!

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE PARTY IN THE PARK :)

SUNDAY · SEPTEMBER 6

TRUMAN WATERFRONT PARK 6–10 PM FREE | FAMILY | PET FRIENDLY

The Sunday Second Line Memorial Parade ends at Truman Waterfront Park, but that’s only the beginning of the biggest evening of the weekend.

Party in the Park brings everyone together on the waterfront lawn for four hours of live music, local food, cold drinks, artists, shopping, remembrance and a spectacular Key West sunset.

THE SECOND LINE

Participants will begin gathering around 4 PM in the 100 block of Duval Street, filling in around the corner as space allows. Souvenir Charity Badge holders are welcome to make their way toward the first block.

The procession steps off promptly at 5 PM, traveling five blocks up Duval Street before turning right on Southard Street and continuing another four blocks to Truman Waterfront Park. We expect to arrive around 6 PM—just as the music begins.

Expect costumes, decorated parasols, signs, banners, bubbles and plenty of singing along the way. Wear cool, comfortable clothing and walking shoes, and bring sunscreen, water and your event badge, if you have one.

[more on Second Line in next week's newsletter]

THE MUSIC

6 PM · HOWARD LIVINGSTON & THE MILE MARKER 24 BAND

Howard Livingston doesn’t simply sing about the Florida Keys—he lives the life his songs celebrate. From “Living on Key West Time” to the music that has become a soundtrack for island living, Howard and the Mile Marker 24 Band bring the sound, humor and heart of the Keys to the stage. Howard will also help lead the Second Line, making him the perfect artist to carry us from the streets of Key West into the Party in the Park.

7:15 PM · WILL KIMBROUGH

Will Kimbrough is an acclaimed singer-songwriter, producer and guitarist whose creative partnership with Jimmy Buffett produced some of the most meaningful songs from Jimmy’s later years. He co-wrote “Bubbles Up,” along with favorites including “Nobody from Nowhere,” “Wings,” “Piece of Work” and “Soulfully.” Will understands both the craft behind these songs and the feelings we attach to them. Having him perform on this waterfront stage brings the story full circle—one gifted songwriter honoring another through music they helped create together.

8:30 PM · MAC McANALLY

Mac McAnally was one of Jimmy Buffett’s closest friends and most trusted musical collaborators—a longtime Coral Reefer, producer, songwriter, bandleader and the unmistakable voice and guitar heard throughout Jimmy’s music. A ten-time CMA Musician of the Year, Mac has spent decades helping shape the songs and sound that brought this community together. His appearance at Party in the Park is far more than a headline performance. It is a deeply personal connection to Jimmy, the Coral Reefers and the musical legacy we have all come to Key West to celebrate.

COME HUNGRY—SERIOUSLY

Make dinner at Party in the Park part of your plan.

We’re creating a waterfront food court filled with food trucks and local vendors serving a wide range of flavors and plenty of choices for a full meal—not just festival snacks.

Selections are expected to include barbecue, Argentinian specialties, pizza, ceviche, sliders and sandwiches, fresh fruit and juices, breads and dips, chips and salsa, desserts, mini donuts, popsicles and more.

Grab something from one truck, share something from another and save room for dessert. Most vendors will accept both cash and credit cards.

The official food-truck lineup and menus will be added to the website as they are finalized.

SIP SOMETHING COLD

A massive full-service bar and a satellite Ultimate & Best Friends bar will offer beer, wine, cocktails and featured drinks, including Milagro Margaritas, Lucky One Vodka Lemonade and First Legal Rum Tropical Cocktails.

Outside alcohol and coolers are not permitted, so please support the event bars—and don’t forget to bring a refillable water bottle. The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority will provide FREE water refills throughout the evening.

STAY CHARGED

Running low after a full day of photos, videos and festival updates? Keys Energy Services is offering an onsite, complimentary recharging station!

FIND YOUR PLACE ON THE LAWN

Party in the Park is an easygoing waterfront music event held on the lawn at Truman Waterfront Park—not inside the amphitheater.

Here’s how the viewing areas will be arranged:

ULTIMATE FRIEND VIP Reserved front section with chairs

BEST FRIEND VIP Reserved section with chairs

EVENT BADGE HOLDERS Dedicated lawn section with first access to chair rentals

GENERAL Open lawn seating

Rental chairs will be 2/$25 while supplies last. Once you choose your spot, the chairs are yours to use for the entire evening—please respect chairs that have already been placed. When you’re ready to depart, simply leave the rentals where they are and they'll collect them post event.

You’re also welcome to bring your own lawn chair or blanket, too.

The stage is located on a lawn with naturally uneven terrain. Additional accessibility information is available in the event FAQ.

SHOP, STROLL AND TAKE HOME A LITTLE PIECE OF THE WEEKEND

Between performances, browse the Key West Artisan Market pop-up featuring local artists, makers and independent merchants.

You’ll find tropical artwork, handmade jewelry, island-inspired clothing, gifts and one-of-a-kind Key West finds.

Just a Few Friends will also have an official festival merchandise booth at Party in the Park and our other signature events with a limited supply of exclusive festival merchandise. If you see something you love, don’t wait too long to grab it.

There will also be fun photo ops and selfie stations throughout the park.

HONOR THE MEMORY

The placards carried during the Second Line will become the backdrop for a spontaneous community Memorial Wall at the park.

You’re invited to leave a sign, write a message, bring a small memento or simply pause for a moment of reflection. As the sun goes down, we’ll provide LED candles so we can “light up” and lift up each other in remembrance and joy.

If you cannot join us in person, email your message to justafewfriends@dailyplan-it.net and we’ll add it to the wall for you.

GIVE BACK

Just a Few Friends supports Reef Relief, the Bahama Village Music Program and scholarships administered through the Florida Keys Community Foundation for students pursuing music, music production, technical arts, marine science and conservation.

You’ll have opportunities throughout the evening to learn more about their work and help support their missions.

BIKE TO THE PARTY

Parking at Truman Waterfront Park will be very limited, so one of the easiest—and most Key West—ways to get around is by bicycle.

Rent a bike from Eaton Bikes, decorate it and walk it in the Second Line. There will be plenty of bicycle parking at Truman Waterfront Park, and your bike will be waiting when the party ends.

Parking is extremely limited. If you drive, remember to pay at the parking station and place the receipt on your dashboard.

A FEW IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Party in the Park is rain or shine unless conditions become unsafe.
No coolers, outside alcohol, smoking, weapons or drones are permitted in the park. Well-behaved pets must remain leashed. Rideshare designated pickup.
Complete information about weather, accessibility, transportation, parking, what to bring and event policies is available in our online FAQ.

Still have questions?

Visit JustAFewFriendsKeyWest.com for the complete Party in the Park and Second Line FAQ, or reply to this email and we’ll add your question.

THE NIGHT ISN’T OVER...

When Mac’s final notes fade, take the easy two-block walk to historic William Weech American Legion Post 168 at 803 Emma Street for Bubba’s Official After Party.

10 PM–MIDNIGHT AARON LUKA on PIANO: “SONGS WE KNOW BY HEART” FREE · NO COVER

Pianist, vocalist and interactive entertainer Aaron Luka will take your requests and lead the room through Jimmy Buffett favorites, Trop Rock classics and the island songs everyone knows by heart.

The Legion offers cold air conditioning, comfortable seating, a dance floor, real restrooms and inexpensive drinks—but no food service. That’s one more reason to enjoy dinner from the food trucks at Party in the Park before making the short walk over.

No tickets. No cover. Just the songs we know by heart—and a room full of friends singing them together.

ROGER BARTLETT with special guest Emily Randle Presented by the Key West Parrot Head Club

📅 Sunday, September 6, 2026 ⏰ 1–3 PM 📍 Key West EmPOURium Listening Room · 618 Duval St. 🎟️ General Admission · $30

Settle in for an intimate, up-close performance with Roger Bartlett, the original lead guitarist for Jimmy Buffett and one of the architects of the sound that launched the Coral Reefer Band. His guitar work helped define the earliest days of Buffett’s career, and this rare listening-room performance offers the opportunity to experience those songs the way they were meant to be heard—personal, relaxed and just a few feet away.

Often called “Coral Reefer #1,” Roger helped shape the band’s earliest sound. His signature guitar work can be heard on “Come Monday,” and he later reunited with Jimmy for the acclaimed album Volcano.

Joining Roger is Emily Randle, an internationally recognized concert violinist and retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major. Her expressive style adds a remarkable new dimension to Roger’s iconic guitar work.

Small, personal and just a few feet from the performers, this special listening-room experience offers a deeper connection to the music and stories behind it.

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