Sloppy Joe’s is the site of just one of Key West’s crazy New Year’s Eve “drops.”
As the New Year counts down across the country, various cities have objects which they ‘drop’ to signify the end of the old and the beginning of the new. Atlanta has a giant peach, New York City has its iconic brightly lit ball and Key West has…well, like most things in Key West, it’s over the top. Key West stages four wildly different ‘drops’ as midnight approaches and the New Year arrives at the Southernmost Point of the United States. In Key West, it’s a giant party–it’s been named one of the best places to ring in the New Year in the country, right after the party in Times Square in New York. However, the weather is infinitely better. So grab a glass of bubbly and enjoy the balmy breezes of a Key West New Year’s Eve.
The Conch
As the self-proclaimed Conch Republic, it’s only fitting that Key West drop a massive, man-made conch shell during its festivities. The conch shell is the symbol of the Keys and this particular version is dropped to the flat roof of Sloppy Joe’s Bar on the corner of Duval Street and Greene Street. The party starts at 10 p.m. at this favorite watering hole (Hemingway is rumored to have thrown back a few beers here) and features dancing in the street, a live band and a rooftop host to emcee the celebration. Count down the minutes on the huge clock–at midnight, the shell descends. There’s no reservation or tickets to party outside, but there is a cover charge to get inside of the bar.
The Key Lime
The Ocean Key Resort & Spa on Key West Harbor celebrates another of Key West’s favorite symbols on New Year’s Eve: a huge replica of a Key Lime wedge is set to splash down into a larger-than-life margarita glass at the property’s Sunset Pier. Before the drop, it’s a mesmerizing display of choreography, costumes and talent as the top professional burlesque performers from around world compete in the annual Burlesque Performers Competition. Though the Key Lime Drop is open to the public, VIP tickets are available that include entrance into a private dining area for an extravagant buffet dinner and four-hour open bar and more entertainment.
The Wench
While many of the parties are located on Duval Street, it’s not the only place to ring in the New Year. Grab your parrot, select your favorite eye patch and head to Schooner Wharf Bar on Williams Street to party with the scurviest lads and lasses on land and ‘rig in’ the new year. The music starts at noon and continues up through 4 a.m. with live performances and DJs. Continuing a nautical tradition, the ‘Lowering of the Pirate Wench’ takes place as co-owner/wench Evalena Worthington descends from the mast of the tall ship America 2.0, which is docked in front of the bar. Cannons are fired, doves are released and general merriment ensues as the year turns. There’s no cover charge and Schooner Wharf provides complimentary party hats, favors and horns to contribute to the revelry.
The Shoe
If a conch, Key Lime and pirate wench are too tame, how about a high heeled shoe…filled with Sushi? No, not the Japanese sushi, but Sushi, a sensational drag queen of the same name. Since 1996, Sushi has descended from the balcony of the Bourbon Street Pub on Duval Street in a giant red papier mache-and-chicken-wire high heel shoe. Known locally as the ‘drag queen drop,’ the event also features performances by additional female impersonators and other entertainers, which adds to the merrymaking. Throngs of tourists and locals ride mechanical bulls nearby, dance, fling confetti, consume adult beverages and generally go nuts during the street party. VIP balcony tickets are available, but space is limited.
Unusal “Drops” for New Year’s Eve in Key West from Miami Things to Do