40th Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration
The annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration is right around the corner, and with it being the 40th annual event, this celebration might just be the biggest one yet! The Conch Republic was founded as a tongue-in-cheek community of “people who have seceded where others have failed.” The Conch Republic community is known for its feisty spirit, its strong sense of community, and its unparalleled sense of humor. The annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration embraces all of that and more with a multi-day festival that celebrates all things silly.
The party kicks off on Friday, April 15, 2022, at Two Friends Patio Restaurant with a “Breakfast of Champions.” The restaurant offers a variety of omelets, pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast favorites, including their famous Key Lime stuffed French toast. Seating is limited and reservations are encouraged. After breakfast, head to Mallory Square for the raising of the colors, where you will recite the CR Pledge and enjoy a conch shell salute before grabbing your Conch Republic passports from the party bus and picking up some refreshments for the road.
The fun continues on the 16th with a Conch Republic Independence Day beach cleanup to tidy our space followed by an arts and crafts fair, fun in the sun with parasailing and snorkeling, and a bar crawl and distillery stroll. Finish up your evening with a classic shrimp boil at Hogfish Grill.
On Sunday, April 17th, start with Easter Brunch at the Ocean’s Edge Marina Resort and then head on over to The Gardens Hotel for the Easter EGGstravaganza that features an Easter stroll, Easter bonnet contest, and carrot toss at The Gardens Hotel. You can also head down to Schooner Wharf Bar for their RUM Battle. If you’ve still got some energy at the end of the day, try the sunset snorkel or a sunset cruise before tucking into bed and preparing for Monday’s fun!
Weekday activities include wine tasting, historic tall tales, rum parties, conch crawls, musical comedies, historic reenactments, and all your favorite Key West treats, including conch fritters, Cuban bread, coconut water, fresh-caught fish and shrimp, and our beloved Key Lime pie in all its iterations.
The spring weather here in the Keys is perfect for any activity, with lows in the 70s and highs in the low to mid-80s. You can come down, get comfortable, stretch out, relax, and prepare for some of the best fun you’ve had in years, and the celebration continues until the end of April, giving you plenty of time to party.
At Mangrove Marina, our houseboats offer a fantastic place to stay during your Florida Keys vacation. The choice is yours, but don’t wait too long to book your rental: We are filling up fast! Our luxury houseboat rentals have everything you need during your time in the Keys, including fully equipped kitchenettes, living areas with flat-screen TVs and cable, complimentary wifi, full bathrooms, and bedrooms that can sleep individuals, couples, families, or groups. Contact us today to learn more about your options for your Florida Keys vacation or to book your houseboat rental.
