KEY WEST, Florida Keys — A hot lineup of musical and comedy talents and a warm welcome await attendees Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 4-7, at Key West’s Womenfest, a celebration for lesbians and their friends in the island city known for its all-welcoming diversity.
Thousands of singles, couples and groups of women are expected to flock to Key West to immerse themselves in activities ranging from watersports excursions to late-night dance parties at the island’s LGBT landmarks.
Festival highlights are to include a concert by the edgy all-girl band Hunter Valentine, known for their pop-punk sound and stint on the Showtime television series The Real L Word. The performance is set for 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at Key West’s historic San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval St.
Festival attendees also can enjoy a preconcert happy hour with the band and an after-party, both at Aqua Key West, 711 Duval St.
The musical lineup also features Sister Funk, rocking the water with a Sunset Watersports concert Friday evening and “guest hosting” a Sunset Watersports “do it all” day of on-the-water adventures.
Womenfest is known for its rollicking annual comedy performances, and the 2014 schedule stars standup comedians Gloria Bigelow, Julie Goldman and Sandra Valls. Their triple-threat show, titled One Funny Family, is set for 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at the San Carlos.
Attendees can “make a splash” in and on the water during such activities as topless-optional paddleboarding with Nomadic SUP, an Atlantic Ocean tube-a-thon headquartered at Salute Restaurant on Key West’s Higgs Beach, Fury Water Adventures cruises and pool parties at clubs and resorts.
Other festival attractions include a drag king pageant at the 801 Cabaret, 801 Duval St., and a traditional Key West tea dance at La Te Da Hotel, 1125 Duval St.
Womenfest concludes late Sunday night with a drag show and closing party at Aqua.
Event and ticketing information: www.womenfest.com
