NEW YEAR’S EVE IN KEY WEST 2026

December 31, 2026 | Key West, Florida

There may be no place quite like Key West to ring in a new year. On December 31, 2026, the island says goodbye to 2026 with live entertainment, packed streets, celebrations throughout Old Town, and two of Key West’s most famous midnight traditions—the Conch Shell Drop and the Red High Heel Shoe Drop.

Forget the traditional ball drop. This is New Year’s Eve, Key West style.

The Conch Shell Drop at Sloppy Joe’s

At the corner of Duval and Greene Streets, crowds gather outside Sloppy Joe’s Bar for the 33rd Annual Dropping of the Conch Shell.

The tradition dates back to 1993 and has become one of Key West’s signature New Year’s Eve celebrations. As midnight approaches, a giant illuminated conch shell—the unmistakable symbol of the Florida Keys—descends above the crowd while revelers count down together to welcome 2027.

For 2026, the celebration includes entertainment outside the bar beginning at 10 p.m., leading up to the Conch Shell Drop at midnight. Sloppy Joe’s says there is no door charge, and tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Red High Heel Shoe Drop

Farther down Duval Street, another uniquely Key West countdown takes center stage at Bourbon Street Pub.

The 29th Annual Key West New Year’s Eve High Heel Shoe Drop transforms the 700 block of Duval Street into a lively celebration as a giant red high heel is suspended above the crowd. At midnight, the shoe descends with the newly crowned Queen of New Year’s Eve inside, welcoming 2027 in unmistakable Key West fashion.

The 2026–2027 Red Shoe Drop celebration is scheduled from 8:00 p.m. on December 31 through 1:00 a.m. on January 1 at Bourbon Street Pub, 724 Duval Street.

One Island, Two Iconic Countdowns

What makes New Year’s Eve in Key West special is that the celebration extends far beyond a single countdown. Duval Street and the surrounding Old Town fill with visitors and locals enjoying music, entertainment, restaurants, bars, and the wonderfully unconventional personality that makes the island famous.

Whether you choose the giant Conch Shell, the enormous Red High Heel, or simply wander through Old Town soaking up the celebration, New Year’s Eve in Key West offers a memorable way to welcome another year in paradise.

Come for the countdown, stay for the island atmosphere, and start 2027 in the Florida Keys.

Date: December 31, 2026
Location: Key West, Florida
Conch Shell Drop: Duval & Greene Streets
Red High Heel Shoe Drop: 724 Duval Street

Event schedules, access, entertainment, and viewing arrangements may change. Check with individual venues for the latest information before attending.