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Event Badge FAQ
What is the event badge?
It's a laminated double sided badge that you can use to participate and show your support for the event, in person or virtually.
What's the parade all about?
It's a traditional 'second line' parade with music and banners where we walk together down Duval street and to the Truman Waterfront paying tribute to Key West's favorite son's memory. Once at the Waterfront there will be a stage with local musicians and special guests, vendors, food trucks, bars, photo ops and great camaraderie with your fellow fans.
Do I have to have an event badge to participate in the parade?
No, the activities on Aug. 31 are all free BUT this is the official souvenir and having one demonstrates your commitment to honoring his memory and long history of philanthropic endeavors
What does the event badge get me?
1, a very cool souvenir and reminder of this annual event, 2, a chance to support three great local charities, 3, special access to music events, 4, other perks and freebies offered only to badge holders by some of our event partners throughout the weekend. If you're participating virtually, the pass will get you a special log in link to watch live with your family and friends.
Where does the money go?
Your donation goes to the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys and will be distributed to the Bahama Village Music Program, which supports local youth, Reef Relief, stewards of our ocean resources and the Key West High School Marching Band who is raising funds for an international trip to spread some island love. The charities get 100% of these monies.
When and how will I get my passes
Your pre-ordered badges will be mailed US Postal service on or about August 1 if ordered by the deadline. Otherwise they'll be available for pickup at the event headquarters.
I want to particpate virtually. What should I do?
You can still contribute online and make a difference. Help us meet our $45,000 goal by making a tax-deductible donation today. As a donor, you'll be added to our mailing list to receive regular updates and links to participate virtually if you can’t make it to Key West for this year’s celebration. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and embodies the true spirit of this weekend’s memorial.
What's the blank space on the front of the badge?
It's for your name. Attendees are encouraged to personalize their parade lanyards with their name, city, number of shows attended, or any other creative touches. Wearing the badge throughout the weekend will grant access to special perks from event partners. Starting on August 29th, badge holders can access special offers and important information by scanning the QR code on the back of their badges. This QR code will also link to parade announcements, schedules, and virtual viewing options for those unable to attend in person.
What's the QR Code for?
Starting on the 29th, you can access special offers and other important information by scanning the QR code printed on the back of your badge. The QR code will also provide links for parade announcements and schedules, including how to watch virtually if you can’t make it to the event.
Parade FAQ
Where does the parade start and end?
Participants will start to gather around 4 pm in the 100 block of Duval Street and around the corner as space fills up. Badge holders are welcome to make your way toward the first block. We will step off promptly at 5 pm. We will walk about 5 blocks to Southard Street and take a right. It's another 4 blocks to the Truman Waterfront where the Party in the Park takes place.
What's the itinerary?
Meet at 4, walk off at 5pm. The procession will march up Duval to Southard Street, making singing stops along the way. Use the QR code on the back of your badge to get more info on parade day. We anticipate being at the Truman Waterfront by 6pm for the big Party in the Park for live music, vendors, food booths, art, full bars and lots of fun all overlooking the Atlantic ocean for sunset.
Party in the Park: Nadirah Shakoor & Friends Sing Buffett
Get ready for an unforgettable evening as Nadirah Shakoor takes center stage at Party in the Park! A longtime vocalist with Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, Nadirah has captivated audiences worldwide with her soulful voice and vibrant stage presence.
Beyond her years touring with Buffett, she’s an accomplished solo artist and former lead singer of the Grammy-nominated hip-hop group Arrested Development. Backed by the incredible Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band as the house band, Nadirah will be joined by a lineup of talented local performers, all coming together to celebrate Buffett’s legendary music in true island style.
I have mobility issues. What can I do?
The Truman Waterfront Park is a handicapped accessible facility though the music stage is on the lawn which is uneven terrain. There is no seating except chair rentals which you will place where you want to sit. You are welcome to bring your own chairs and blankets.
If I walk in the parade, how do I get back?
Here's some ideas: 1. Rent a bike from Eaton Bikes, decorate it and walk it in the parade. They'll be plenty of bike parking at the event and you'll have it to ride at the end of the night. 2. Take the free Duval Loop which picks up at the roundabout. It will take you back toward Duval street. 3. Call a ride share or taxi. They come quick. Pick up location is over by the Eco Discovery Center on Butler Blvd. 4. Stage a car in the parking lot. Remember to pay for parking at the pay station and place the ticket on your dash. Parking at the Waterfront is free for 4 hours with a residential sticker. Please note parking will be very limited for this event.
What should I bring/wear?
Costumes are strongly encouraged! Wear comfortable and cool clothing - something tropical would be good, appropriate shoes for walking, hat/sunglasses, water bottle, parade badge & lanyard (if you have one), cash/credit card for purchases, sun umbrella. You could also bring a towel or blanket to sit on once you get to the park. You may also bring placards and banners to carry -- very traditional with a second line parade.
What about the weather?
No doubt Key West is HOT in September with high humidity. We'll update you as we get closer but Temps should be around 89°F and muggy with light winds. We can't stress this enough: drink plenty of water with electrolytes, cover up, use sunscreen and consider carrying a UV sun umbrella. This is a RAIN OR SHINE event; the only reason we would cancel is if it was unsafe (lightening, strong winds). Sunset will be approximately 7:44 p.m which will help cool things down - a little!
Is the Party in the Park a concert? Where do I sit?
The Party in the Park is more of a casual music event with Just a Few Friends at the Truman Waterfront Park (not at the Amphitheater). You may bring blanket and lawn chairs and there will be a chair rental vendor. You are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on. Badge wearers will have a special section toward the front of the stage to hang out together. Come and go at your leisure. We encourage guests to move around, meet new people, visit the vendors, get some food and adult beverages, take lots of photos and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Atlantic ocean.
What kind of food/drinks will be at the Party in the Park?
There will be two full service bars and a satellite bar serving the badge holders. The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority last year had a free refillable water station and we hope to bring that back. Food choices last year include Korean BBQ, Argentinian, Pizza, American BBQ, Fritters, Mini Donuts, Sliders and sammies, fruit juices and cut fruit, chips/salsa, desserts, popsicles, fresh breads/dips.
What CAN'T I bring/do? What's the small print?
Absolutely no weapons of any kind. No coolers. No outside alcohol. No smoking at city parks. NO DRONES Behavior: Attendees are expected to behave in a respectful and orderly manner. Any disruptive or offensive behavior may result in removal from the event. Photography and Recording: Professional photography and recording are only permitted with the express permission of the event organizers. Otherwise video and photographs taken by attendees on their personal devices are permitted. Absolutely NO DRONES Personal Property: Attendees are responsible for their own personal property. The event organizers are not responsible for any lost or stolen items. Waiver of Liability: Attendees agree to waive any and all liability against the event organizers, their affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents for any injuries or damages that may occur during the event “All events not affiliated with or endorsed by Jimmy Buffett’s Estate or Margaritaville Enterprises.”
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