Marathon Vacation Rental and Florida Keys Events

Marathon is the heart of the Florida Keys and is a perfect destination for a family vacation. While you’re looking for the perfect family vacation rental while you’re staying in Marathon or the lower, middle, or upper keys, we have many available oceanfront, canal front and beachfront homes for rent in Marathon Key, Islamorada, Key Largo, and Key Colony Beach. Marathon Key has many attractions and events to keep the Florida Keys visitor busy. There is an airport in Marathon that offers some airline service and plenty of room for private aircrafts. Along with many attractions and events, we have some great shops and galleries here in Marathon, fabulous waterfront restaurants with the freshest seafood right from the dock. For more information on a Marathon Key vacation home and availability contact our office.

Event calendar courtesy of Fla-Keys.com - The Tourism & Development Council of the Florida Keys.

Events in The Florida Keys for May, 2013 Year: 2013 2014   Month: January February March April May June July August September October November December   May 03 to May 05,  in Islamorada Nick Sheahan Dolphin Rodeo A tournament honoring the memory of Nick Sheahan, a Florida Keys student, funds from this event benefit a namesake community scholarship fund, distributing nearly $70,000 to date. Hosted at Tavernier Creek Marina, cash prizes and $25,000 to the angler with the dolphin that beats the state record. Hosted at Tavernier Creek Marina, entry fee for adults is $150, $35 for juniors. Contact: 305-393-3709 Email: nicksheahan88@gmail.com May 17 to May 27,  in Islamorada Celebrate a Memorial Day Service at Islamorada Hurricane Monument The Matecumbe Historical Trust will hold their annual Memorial Day Service beginning at 9 a.m. at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument, Mile Marker 81.5 Overseas Highway, adjacent to the Matecumbe United Methodist Church. The monument was dedicated in 1937 to honor the Veterans and civilians killed in the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935. Irving Eyster, President of the Matecumbe Historical Trust, will make the introductory welcome presentation. The ceremony will include an invocation by Pastor Tony Hammond of Island Community Church, presentation of colors by Boy Scout Troop 914, the National Anthem, the history of the Hurricane Monument given by Historian Irving Eyster, the laying of the memorial wreath and a benediction. The wreath is sponsored by Centennial Bank. The service is open to the public. Residents and visitors are invited to attend in observance of Memorial Day. Contact: Barbara Edgar at 305-393-0940 May 19 to May 22,  in Islamorada Outback Golden Fly Invitational Tarpon Tournament Special flies, accurate casts and a bit of luck are the recipe for winning this prestigious challenge, using only a tournament-furnished tippet not greater than 16-pound test. Eligible tarpon must measure at least 48 inches in length to earn release points, and weigh at least 70 pounds for weight points. Contact: Betsy Bullard Email: fishnfever@bellsouth.net May 17 to May 18,  in Key West 11th Annual Harry S. Truman Legacy Symposium Key West's political history is highlighted in panel discussions, a reception and tours of the Little White House where Truman spent many working vacations during his presidency. Contact: 305-294-9911 May 16 to May 19,  in Key Largo Key Largo's Original Music Festival Enjoy the food, entertainment and ambiance of Key Largo during this singers and songwriters event. Featuring "on the water" venues, unique entertainers and local musicians. Presented by the Upper Keys Business Group. Contact: Sue Finney 305-394-3736 May 02 to May 05,  in Key Largo Humphrey Bogart Film Festival The inaugural Humphrey Bogart Film Festival is to screen a rotating selection of Bogie classics and a group of movies centered around the festival's theme. There is expected to be a formal Bogart Ball, an outside screening of Casablanca, a display of Bogart memorabilia, question and answer sessions with the star's son, Stephen Bogart, and tours on the fully-restored African Queen. Visit website for complete details. Tickets for all events, including film screenings, the Bogart Ball and special events with Stephen Bogart and special guest Leonard Maltin are available online. May 24 to May 26,  in Florida Keys Florida Keys Dolphin Championship This new, Keys-wide dolphin challenge is to pay out $15,000 to the first-place winner, and cash and prizes are to be awarded in 36 other categories. Among the first 200 teams that register for the tournament, the team who catches the tournament's largest dolphin over 55 pounds is eligible to win the 24-foot-long SeaHunter boat. Registration/weigh-in locations include Buzzards Roost and Garden Cove Marina in Key Largo, Plantation Yacht Sales in Islamorada, Tarpon Creek Marina and Restaurant in Marathon, Boondocks Grille and Draft House in the Lower Keys and Dante's Restaurant at Conch Harbor Marina in Key West. Registration is $600 per team. Contact: Mike Weinhofer 305-395-3474 Email: fishnkw@aol.com May 31 to June 01,  in Key West Yamaha Dolphin Masters Invitational In this challenge headquartered at Key West's Historic Seaport, more than $13,000 awaits the angler scoring the highest total combined weight of three dolphin catches. Many additional prizes await other top anglers, and there is no limit on the number of participating boats. Contact: John Stuempfig 305-304-7674 Email: wave.whacker@hotmail.com May 13 to May 17,  in Marathon Faro Blanco Invitational Tarpon Tournament This popular angling challenge with a 27-year history of fish tales and foolery helps fund the Ronald McDonald Summer Camp program for disabled youngsters. Captains are drawn during the kickoff event, and anglers fish with a different captain each of the three days of fishing, in what is a hugely popular tournament format. Contact: Bob Traa 609-645-1840 ext. 115 May 10 to May 11,  in Marathon Mother's Day Dolphin Tournament Several cash prizes are awarded to anglers in this one-day tournament. Top cash prize for the heaviest fish is $5,000, with cash prizes also presented to second- through fifth-place finishers. Event benefits Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys. Contact: 305-743-9828 May 17 to May 19,  in Big Pine 20th Annual Original Big Pine & Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament More than $35,000 in cash and prizes awaits anglers.The angler who catches the tournament's largest dolphin can take home a guaranteed first prize of $7,500 cash and a trophy. If the winning dolphin weighs more than 50 pounds, an additional $20,000 is awarded for a total of $27,500. While dolphin is the only species of fish eligible for cash awards, rods and reels are also to be presented for the heaviest wahoo and tuna caught. Presented by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, the tournament is set to kick off Friday, May 17, with a 5 p.m. final registration party featuring hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. A captains meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Entry fees are $150 for open and $50 for youth. Contact: 800-872-2411 Email: executivedirector@lowerkeyschamber.com May 01 to May 05,  in Key West Key West Songwriters' Festival The 18th-annual showcase of musical magic features America's foremost performing songwriters, with concerts staged in intimate, audience-friendly island settings. Contact: Charlie Bauer 305-304-0814 May 03 to May 05,  in Marathon 7th Annual Marathon Offshore Bull and Cow Dolphin Tournament A $10,000 first prize awaits the angler with the largest bull and cow combined, as well as prizes awarded to anglers catching the largest dolphin, wahoo, tuna and tripletail, grouper and snapper. Contact: Jack Carlson or Byron Goss at 305-289-0199 Email: twoconchs@comcast.net; carlson.jack@ymail.com May 09 to May 12,  in Key West Key West Paddleboard Classic During this ocean paddleboard race, participants enjoy a challenging 12-mile course over crystal blue waters, circling Key West through scenic mangroves, passing by the Historic Seaport district and more. The race around Key West is set for Saturday, May 11, and is open to paddlers on standup paddleboards, prone boards, outrigger canoes, dory boats, surf skis and kayaks. Other weekend activities are planned, and the classic is to conclude Sunday, May 12, with a Higgs Beach day featuring a kids' SUP clinic and race, adult sprint races and a lively paddleboard relay for four-person teams. Contact: 305-797-1174 May 13,  in Key West Waterfront Playhouse presents: Behind the Scenes Get a backstage tour of the set for "Deathtrap" at the Waterfront Playhouse with Artistic Director (Danny Weathers) and Technical Director (Michael Boyer). See the magic that happens "behind the scenes." Wine and light hors d'oeuvres served. Starts 6 p.m. Contact: Box Office 305-294-5015 Email: Box_Office@waterfrontplayhouse.org May 22,  in Islamorada Free Ladies Fishing Seminar Meet at the Tackle Center of Islamorada from 5-7 p.m. for a free ladies fishing seminar. Topics are to include inshore and offshore tactics: tying basic knots, rigging, throwing a cast net, finding bait, fighting a fish, gaffing, how to tag a fish for the FWC, how to properly release a fish and anything else we can help you learn on the water to become a better angler. Beverages will be provided. Register online. Contact: Brittney Novalsky 321-917-4256 May 18,  in Key West 3rd Annual Anchors Aweigh Fishing Tournament Fish for Dolphin, Wahoo, Grouper and Snapper. Cash prizes for heaviest fish, $2500 for heaviest Dolphin. All proceeds benefit Anchors Aweigh Club, a 12-step recovery center in Key West, and a 501-c-3 corporation. Contact: Pete Thomas 305-509-7244 May 04,  in Key Largo Special Event: Bogart Ball Come join Stephen Bogart and Leonard Maltin at an elegant Casablanca-themed ball. This will be the signature event of the inaugural Humphrey Bogart Film Festival. The ball will take place at the Hilton, and will open to a red carpet cocktail reception in a casino setting, followed by a three course dinner with a Moroccan-themed menu. Stephen Bogart will host the evening and Leonard Maltin will give a speech about the contribution to film noir made by Humphrey Bogart. Dinner will be followed by dancing. Dress will be elegant. Black tie optional. Held at the Hilton Key Largo, 97000 Overseas Hwy (MM 97 bayside). Tickets $150, available online. May 16,  in Islamorada Morada Way Arts & Cultural District presents: Third Thursday Art Walk Showcasing the fine arts, music and culinary nuances of the Purple Isles, the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District features national and local artisans who are showcased in galleries at Morada Way between mile marker 81 and 82 - formerly named Industrial Road - as well as "culinary art" and live music from 6-9 p.m. In addition to individual artists, participating galleries include the Redbone Gallery, Gallery Morada, Pasta Pantaleo Signature Gallery and Bluewater Potters. Free admission. Art Walk is held the third Thursday of each month. Contact: 305-664-9100 Email: moradawayarts@gmail.com May 04 to July 31,  in Key West Key West ART Garden Come enjoy large outdoor masterpieces made by local artists. Each piece is crafted from recycled materials and fits into the natural beauty and backdrop of the Gardens. On Saturday, May 4, an opening reception is planned, to highlight the special exhibit which runs through July; meet the artists and enjoy a self-guided tour, refreshments are to be available; free entry to the opening reception, set for 3-5 p.m. Located at 5210 College Road. Contact: 305-296-1504 Email: kwbgs@kwbgs.org May 02 to May 18,  in Marathon Marathon Community Theater presents: Moon Over Buffalo A diva actress is barely tolerant of her philandering semi-alcoholic husband in this raucous farce about a dysfunctional theatre troupe at the Erlander Theatre in 1953 Buffalo, N.Y. Mishaps and confusion arise when they hear famed film director Frank Capra may attend a show to possibly cast the two in movies. Will they get the audition and give a performance of a lifetime? Find out in this fast-paced funny backstage comedy by Ken Ludwig. Check website for show times and tickets. Contact: 305-743-0994 Email: gm@marathontheater.org May 18,  in Key West Discovery Saturday Educational Series: Humongous Hurricanes Presented by the Florida Keys Eco Discovery Center, this family-friendly and educational series invites kids in kindergarten through fifth grade from 10-11 a.m. to play games and make crafts while learning about a new topic of interest and the marine ecosystems of the Keys. Discovery Saturday is held the third Saturday of every month. Pre-registration is recommended. The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is located at 35 East Quay Road on the Truman Annex waterfront in Key West. Admission is free and free parking is available. Contact: 305-809-4750 May 10 to May 13,  in Key West Second Annual Key West Mystery Fest This enigmatic event is to include the staging of a world-renowned comedy thriller, a "Pink Panther" puzzler party and more. Highlights include the suspenseful presentation of the iconic mystery play "Deathtrap" at the Waterfront Playhouse adjacent to Mallory Square; A Pink Panther Affair, a catered mystery party; and attend a reading of the spine-tingling finalist entries in the Key West Citizen's Mystery Short Story Contest. Contact: Box Office 305-294-5015 Email: Box_Office@waterfrontplayhouse.org May 09,  in Marathon Dolphin Research Center presents: Annual Ocean Day Celebration Each year, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the DRC welcomes Florida Keys third- and fifth-grade classes for a fun-filled day of watching the center's resident dolphins and learning about marine life, the Florida Keys environment and other topics. As well as Dolphin Research Center, presenters include numerous environmental and nature groups such as Bahia Honda State Park, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Turtle Hospital, Reef Relief and others. The center is open daily to the public. General admission is $20 per adult, $15 for children ages 4-12, $17.50 for members of the military and free for children age 3 and younger. Contact: 305-289-1121 May 11,  in Marathon Battle in the Bay Dragon Boat Festival The waters off Sombrero Beach are to be transformed into a swift racecourse for a day of dragon boat racing, one of the world's fastest-growing water sports, that involves 20 paddlers moving in unison a combination of strength and teamwork. Sombrero Beach provides a pristine setting and unique, direct-from-the-beach launch for the sleek, 40-foot-long race boats whose elaborate designs originated in ancient China. The festival is free and open to the public. Food, beverages, merchandise and a variety of entertainment are to be available shoreside. May 03,  in Key Largo Key Largo Conch House presents: Food Noir, A "Taste" of Classic Hollywood Films A culinary event in celebration of the Humphrey Bogart Film Festival, this delicious evening includes blending classic film noir and an indulgence of cuisine. Enjoy an unlimited array of tapas, specialty craft beers, wine and music. Tickets are $39 per person. From 6 - 8 p.m., at Key Largo Conch House restaurant, 100211 Overseas Highway (MM 100.2). Afterward, don't miss the 9 p.m. double screening of Casablanca & African Queen at Key Largo's Murray Nelson Center, outside. Contact: 305-453-4844 May 07 to May 09,  in Marathon 47th Annual Marathon International Tarpon Tournament One of the Florida Keys most-established tarpon tournaments, the 47th edition of the Marathon International Tarpon Tournament is set for May 7-9 in the Middle Keys. This is a team tournament with trophies and retail prizes for the top three boats. Proceeds generated are to benefit the Marathon Youth Club and the tournament is to be hosted by the Tarpon Creek Bar & Grill. May 04,  in Key West Second Annual Florida Keys Southernmost Surfers for Autism Beach Festival To be held at Higgs Beach from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., participate in events the entire family can enjoy. Hundreds of families from all over Florida and the U.S. are expected to participate in this fun-filled community effort that benefits a great cause. Typically at a Surfers For Autism event, children with developmental delays are provided a safe, fun, judgement-free environment where highly skilled surf instructors carefully guide them into waves. Surfers and their families enjoy a day filled with a range of activities including stand up paddle boarding, live music, face-painting, games and much more. Email: sfaregistration@outlook.com May 15,  in Islamorada History of Diving Museum presents: ROVs, Uses of Remotely Operated Vehicles in Salvage and Research The History of Diving Museum at MM 83 continues the free, "Immerse Yourself!" series, to begin at 7 p.m., with a special event: ROVs, Uses of Remotely Operated Vehicles in Salvage and Research, presented by Jon Cole. Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) have been used in salvage operations and scientific research all over the world. ROVs are used by oceanographic institutes, the military and scientific organizations to collect data and objects from the deepest depths of the ocean. Jon Cole will discuss projects involving ROVs and manned submersibles and how they have led to significant historical and scientific discoveries including the discovery of the Titanic, new marine species and underwater hydrothermal vents. The Museum is open daily from 10am-5pm. Extended hours on the night of the program until 7pm. Enjoy the Museum's exhibits before the event. Contact: 305-664-9737 Email: Courtney@divingmuseum.org May 23,  in Key West Key West Turtle Museum Free Lecture Series Learn how integral sea turtles have been to the Florida Keys and how a booming industry sowed the seeds of its own collapse. In coordination with the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, the lecture is to be presented in the Key West Turtle Museum, located at the Key West Bight, starts at 7:30 p.m. Contact: 305-294-0209 Email: director@keywestattractions.org May 25,  in Marathon MaraTri7, a Marathon Triathlon Beginning at 8 a.m. at the west end of Sombrero Beach, nearly 100 triathletes are to set off for this family friendly event that has become a fundraiser for Marathon High School athletic teams. MaraTri7 is open to teams and individuals. The race begins on Sombrero Beach. When the start whistle blows, all racers dive into the ocean, swimming parallel to the Middle Keys' best beach. Then racers run out of the water to their bikes, riding off for a loop around the Sombrero Golf Course. Upon their return, racers don their running shoes and race down local streets, returning to the finish chute between palm trees and cheering fans. MaraTri offers two distances — a traditional sprint distance of a half-mile swim, 13.6 mile bike and 3.1 mile run and also a "minisprint" that is half that. Visit the website for registration costs and details. Email: maratri2011@gmail.com May 17,  in Key Largo Ocean Life Lecture Series: Exploring Coastal Wetlands From Space Presented by the Friends of Key Largo Cultural Center, Dr. Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm will discuss how wetland ecosystems are changing over time and space, and the integrated research and education activities being conducted in the wetland ecosystems of the Everglades and the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve in Mexico. Free and open to the public, the popular Ocean Life Series runs from 6-8 p.m. at Murray E. Nelson Government and Cultural Center, 102050 Overseas Highway (MM 102). Meet and greet at 6 p.m., program begins 7 p.m. Contact: Linda Kaplan, 305-396-7000 Email: linda@fklcc.org May 20,  in Islamorada Matecumbe Historical Trust presents: “Ponce de Leon: Adelantado de La Florida” In recognition of the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de León's arrival on Florida's east coast, guest speaker Dr. Robert L. Gold is to address the topic of "Ponce de Leon: Adelantado de La Florida" in the May lecture presented by the Matecumbe Historical Trust. Ponce de León's convoy of explorers was the first group of Europeans to document such a landing and give a name to Florida - La Florida. Dr. Gold is a Professor of Latin American History and the author of two books and more than two hundred articles, columns and reviews on Florida history. His specialty is Spanish Florida in the colonial period. Social begins at 6:30 p.m., at Island Community Church, MM 83. The lecture is free and open to the public. Contact: Barbara Edgar 305-393-0940 Email: barb1201@bellsouth.net May 12,  in Big Pine Visit the Family-Friendly Sheriff's Animal Farm Open between 1 - 3 p.m., the Sheriff's Animal Farm invites you to bring the family and visit the animals at the farm, including horses, a cow, pigs, goats, bunnies, alligators, tropical birds, a Kinkajou, Sloths, a Lemur, Kramer the Emu, a family of Patagonian Cavys, tortoises and turtles, snakes and many more. It is free of charge (donations are welcome). The farm is located just off of College Road, on Stock Island, at the Sheriff's Office Headquarters complex. Groups may schedule special tours at the farm by calling ahead. Visit the Farm on Facebook! The Animal Farm is open every second and fourth Sundays of the month. Contact: Farmer Jeanne Selander 305-293-7300 May 26,  in Key West Visit the Family-Friendly Sheriff's Animal Farm Open between 1 - 3 p.m., the Sheriff's Animal Farm invites you to bring the family and visit the animals at the farm, including horses, a cow, pigs, goats, bunnies, alligators, tropical birds, a Kinkajou, Sloths, a Lemur, Kramer the Emu, a family of Patagonian Cavys, tortoises and turtles, snakes and many more. It is free of charge (donations are welcome). The farm is located just off of College Road, on Stock Island, at the Sheriff's Office Headquarters complex. Groups may schedule special tours at the farm by calling ahead. Visit the Farm on Facebook! The Animal Farm is open every second and fourth Sundays of the month. Contact: Farmer Jeanne Selander 305-293-7300