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Free Party in the Park
ust a Few Friends Key West will present its signature Party in the Park on Sunday, September 6, from 6–10 PM at Truman Waterfront Park. The free, family- and pet-friendly waterfront celebration will feature performances by Mac McAnally, Will Kimbrough and Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band.
The evening begins with the Second Line Memorial Parade. Participants will gather beginning at 4 PM in the 100 block of Duval Street before stepping off promptly at 5 PM. Led by Howard Livingston, Will Kimbrough and special guests, the procession will travel five blocks up Duval Street, turn onto Southard Street and continue to Truman Waterfront Park, arriving around 6 PM as the music begins.
Costumes, decorated parasols, placards, banners, bubbles and tropical attire are encouraged.
FOOD TRUCKS, FESTIVAL BARS AND LOCAL SHOPPING
Guests are encouraged to make dinner at Party in the Park part of their plans. A waterfront food court will feature food trucks and local vendors serving a broad selection of full meals, snacks and desserts.
Expected offerings include barbecue, Argentinian specialties, pizza, fritters, sliders and sandwiches, fresh fruit and juices, breads and dips, chips and salsa, mini donuts, popsicles and other desserts. Most vendors will accept cash and credit cards.
A large full-service bar and a satellite bar for Ultimate and Best Friends will serve beer, wine, cocktails, Milagro Margaritas, Lucky One Vodka Lemonade and First Legal Rum tropical cocktails.
Guests may also browse a Key West Artisan Market pop-up featuring local artists, makers and independent merchants. Just a Few Friends will operate an official merchandise booth at Party in the Park and other signature festival events with a limited supply of exclusive festival merchandise.
Festival photo opportunities and selfie stations will be located throughout the park.
COMPLIMENTARY WATER AND PHONE CHARGING
The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority will provide a complimentary refillable water station. Guests are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles.
Keys Energy Services will offer a complimentary onsite charging station for mobile devices.
SEATING AND ACCESS
Party in the Park takes place on the waterfront lawn at Truman Waterfront Park, not inside the amphitheater.
Ultimate Friend VIPs will have a reserved front section with chairs, followed by reserved seating for Best Friend VIPs. Event badge holders will have a dedicated lawn section and first access to chair rentals. General admission lawn seating will be available behind those sections.
Rental chairs will be available at two for $25 while supplies last. Guests may also bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. The lawn has naturally uneven terrain; additional accessibility information is available in the event FAQ.
A COMMUNITY MEMORIAL
Placards carried during the Second Line will form the backdrop for a spontaneous community Memorial Wall at the park. Guests may leave a sign, write a message, bring a small memento or pause for a moment of reflection.
As the sun goes down, complimentary LED candles will be provided so participants can light up the waterfront and lift one another up in remembrance and joy.
Those unable to attend may submit a message to justafewfriends@dailyplan-it.net to be added to the wall.
SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY
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.
Representatives and information will be available during the event to help guests learn more about the organizations and their work.
BIKING AND TRANSPORTATION ENCOURAGED
Parking at Truman Waterfront Park will be extremely limited. Guests are encouraged to rent bicycles from Eaton Bikes, decorate them and walk them in the Second Line. Bicycle parking will be available at the park.
Those who drive must pay at the parking station and display the receipt on the vehicle dashboard. A designated rideshare pickup location will also be available.
The event is rain or shine unless conditions become unsafe. Coolers, outside alcohol, smoking, weapons and drones are prohibited. Well-behaved pets must remain leashed.
OFFICIAL AFTER-PARTY AT HISTORIC POST 168
Following Party in the Park, guests can take a two-block walk to historic William Weech American Legion Post 168, 803 Emma Street, for Bubba’s Official After Party from 10 PM to midnight.
Pianist, vocalist and interactive entertainer Aaron Luka will present “Songs We Know by Heart,” an audience-request sing-along featuring Jimmy Buffett favorites, Trop Rock classics and familiar island songs.
The free after-party offers air conditioning, comfortable seating, a dance floor, restrooms and inexpensive drinks.
Admission to Party in the Park and the official after-party is free. For the complete schedule, accessibility details, transportation information and event policies, visit JustAFewFriendsKeyWest.com.
ABOUT JUST A FEW FRIENDS KEY WEST
Just a Few Friends Key West is an annual Labor Day weekend gathering celebrating the music, memories, friendships and generous spirit that continue to connect fans with Key West. The multi-day festival includes live music, storytelling, island excursions, competitions, charitable activities and the Second Line Memorial Parade.
