FLORIDA – ST PATRICKS PARTY A KEY LARGO CELEBRATION
Saturday, March 15 is the 25th annual Upper Keys Irish Festival. Arguably the biggest St. Patrick’s Day party in the Upper Keys, the festivities will be held at Caribbean Club in Key Largo beginning at 11 a.m.
The event will feature corned beef and cabbage as well as green beer. There will also be Irish dancers taking to the stage during the day, along with live music. Event-goers can also enjoy Irish beer and whiskey, a silent auction and raffles and vendors, while a kids zone will be set up to keep the little tykes busy.
A signature part of the festivities is a parade that starts at noon. Golf carts and vehicles decked in green will ride past viewers in Key Largo. Parade participants will also vie for prizes.
a poster for a celebration of the lavender ladies of music history
The festivities serve as a fundraiser for Teen Intervention Prevention Services (TIPS) of the Florida Keys and their work with Key Largo athletics and Upper Keys students.
For more information, visit the Upper Keys Irish Fest Fundraiser and Parade on Facebook.
Florida — the first and northernmost of the Florida Keys, often called the “Dive Capital of the World.”
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1. Location & Basics
• Where: About 60 miles south of Miami, connected to the mainland by U.S. Highway 1.
• Length: Roughly 33 miles long.
• Name Origin: From the Spanish Cayo Largo, meaning “Long Key.”
• Vibe: More laid-back than Miami, less crowded than Key West, but still lively with tourism.
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2. What It’s Known For
• Diving & Snorkeling:
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – First underwater state park in the U.S., home to spectacular coral reefs and marine life.
• Christ of the Abyss – A famous submerged bronze statue.
• Fishing:
• World-class sportfishing for tarpon, sailfish, and bonefish.
• Boating & Water Sports:
• Kayaking, paddleboarding, glass-bottom boat tours.
• Marine Conservation:
• Many operators focus on eco-friendly tours and reef protection.
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3. Attractions & Activities
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – Dive, snorkel, or take a glass-bottom boat ride.
• Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary – Protects over 2,900 square nautical miles of waters.
• Everglades National Park Access – Nearby tours offer airboat rides and wildlife spotting.
• African Queen Canal Cruise – The actual boat from the 1951 Humphrey Bogart–Katharine Hepburn film The African Queen.
• Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder – Swim with dolphins in natural lagoons.
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4. Food Scene
• Famous for fresh seafood — especially conch fritters, mahi-mahi, grouper, and Florida lobster.
• Key Lime Pie – A must-have dessert in the Keys, often served frozen on a stick dipped in chocolate.
• Notable spots:
• Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen (local favorite for comfort food & seafood)
• The Fish House (fresh catches, great for dinner)
• Key Largo Conch House (Caribbean flair, eco-conscious).
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5. Weather & Best Time to Visit
• Tropical climate: Warm year-round, but summer can be hot and humid.
• Hurricane season: June–November, with peak risk in Aug–Sept.
• Best time: December–April for dry, sunny weather and lower humidity.
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6. Lodging
• Resorts: Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Bungalows Key Largo (adults-only luxury).
• Mid-range: Marina del Mar, Holiday Inn Resort.
• Budget & Rentals: Many vacation rentals and small motels along Overseas Highway.
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7. Fun Facts
• Called the “Diving Capital of the World” because of its proximity to the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S.
• Part of Monroe County, same as Key West.
• Connected to the mainland by the Jewfish Creek Bridge, marking the start of the Overseas Highway in the Keys.
