3rd Annual Just a Few Friends Festival in Key West

3rd Annual Just a Few Friends Festival Celebrates Jimmy Buffett’s Key West Legacy

The 3rd Annual Just a Few Friends Festival returns to Key West from Wednesday, September 2, through Monday, September 7, 2026, bringing together music, island culture, Buffett-inspired gatherings, waterfront adventures, local hangouts, tribute events, and “Friends of Bubba” from near and far.

Built around the Key West spirit that helped shape Jimmy Buffett’s music and storytelling, the festival offers several days of laid-back events across the island. The 2026 preliminary schedule includes live music, tribute shows, walking tours, sunset sails, pool parties, bar strolls, beach gatherings, a paddle-out tribute, Duval Street celebrations, and the popular Party in the Park: Tribute to Bubba at Truman Waterfront Park.

Festival headquarters will be based at Key West First Legal Rum, with additional daily gathering spots including the Chart Room at Pier House, one of the island’s most iconic Buffett-connected hangouts. Guests can also enjoy recurring performances of A Pirate Looks Back, the Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show at Comedy Key West, plus special music events, storytelling sessions, photography exhibits, and themed waterfront experiences throughout the week.

Highlights from the 2026 schedule include the Pre-event Official Meetup at the Chart Room on Wednesday, the Cheeseburger Beach Battle on Thursday, the Duval Street Party featuring the Landshark Band and Bubba Look Alike Contest on Friday, and Saturday’s Parrots and Margaritas 5K Run/Walk, Paddle Out Tribute at Smathers Beach, sunset music sails, and dockside performances. Sunday continues with the Second Line Memorial Walking Parade, followed by the Party in the Park: Tribute to Bubba at Truman Waterfront Park. The festival wraps on Monday with pool parties, walking tours, sailing adventures, sunset cruises, and a Come Monday celebration at Sunset Pier.

Several events are free to attend, while others are ticketed or reserved for specific badge levels, including Ultimate Friend and Best Friend VIP access. According to the preliminary schedule, full schedule details and ticket sales are expected to open in stages beginning May 12, 2026, with general public access beginning May 15, 2026. Visitors should check the official event schedule for final times, pricing, badge requirements, and ticket availability, as the schedule is listed as preliminary and subject to change.

Event Details

Event: 3rd Annual Just a Few Friends Festival
Dates: Wednesday, September 2 – Monday, September 7, 2026
Location: Multiple venues throughout Key West, Florida
Festival HQ: Key West First Legal Rum
Featured Venues & Locations: Chart Room at Pier House, Comedy Key West, Truman Waterfront Park, Sunset Pier, Hog’s Breath Saloon, Southernmost Beach Resort, Fury Water Adventures, Danger Charters, Cruisin’ Tikis, Key West Sailing Center, Margaritaville Beach House, The Marker Resort, La Concha, and more
Admission: Mix of free, ticketed, and badge-holder events
Schedule Status: Preliminary schedule; subject to change
Tickets: Full schedule and tickets expected to go on sale May 15, 2026, with earlier access for select badge holders

Helpful Visitor Note

Because the festival includes both free public gatherings and limited-capacity ticketed events, guests should review the official schedule early and plan around the events that matter most to them. Waterfront excursions, VIP events, tribute shows, and specialty sails may have limited availability, while public events such as the Duval Street Party, Paddle Out Tribute, Second Line Memorial Walking Parade, and Party in the Park offer easy ways to join the celebration of Jimmy Buffett’s lasting Key West legacy.

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