Join in the celebration during our social events at REEF Fest 2019! All socials are free and open to the public, with the exception of the For the Love of the Sea Banquet, which is a ticketed dinner. Detailed information about each event is listed below.
Sunset Social -- Thursday, Oct. 17 at Murray Nelson Government Center
Open House -- Friday, Oct. 18 at REEF Headquarters
For the Love of the Sea Banquet -- Saturday, Oct. 19
Farewell Brunch -- Sunday, Oct. 20 at REEF Headquarters
Sunset Social
Date: Thursday, Oct. 17
Time: 6:30-7:15 pm, followed by opening seminar beginning at 7:30 pm
Location: Murray Nelson Government Center (102050 Overseas Hwy. Key Largo, FL 33037)
Join us to kick off REEF Fest 2019 with a sunset social at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo. Following the social, we will head inside to the auditorium for a welcome message and the opening seminar.
We will be selling drink tickets and drinkware during the event for $5 each. Nonalcoholic beverages are free of charge. Beer and wine refills are an additional $5 per ticket. Save time and purchase drink tickets in advance here!
Open House
Date: Friday, Oct. 18
Time: 6:30-8 pm
Location: REEF Headquarters (98300 Overseas Hwy. Key Largo, FL 33037)
Drop by the annual REEF Fest Open House to check out the historic Headquarters building, walk the Native Plants Trail, and tour the Interpretive Center while mingling with fellow conservationists. Enjoy a selection of complimentary appetizers, plus local craft beer and wine.
We will be selling drink tickets during the event for $5 each. Your first ticket includes a reusable pint glass or wine glass. Beer and wine refills are an additional $5 per ticket. Save time and purchase drink tickets in advance here!
We are very excited to share that REEF Trustees and renowned ocean storytellers Ned and Anna DeLoach will be introducing the much-awaited 2nd edition of their book, Reef Fish Behavior - Florida Caribbean Bahamas during REEF Fest 2019! REEF Fest attendees will have a unique opportunity to purchase a signed copy of the new, updated and enlarged 2nd edition during two special booking signing events throughout the weekend, one of which will take place during the Open House. These book signing events are the only way to purchase a copy of the book before its release later this year! The book retails for $49.95 plus tax. A limited number of copies will be available for purchase during the Open House, and on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 1:30-2:30 pm at the Murray Nelson Government Center.
For the Love of the Sea Banquet
Date: Saturday, Oct. 19
Time: 6:30-10 pm
Location: 103674 Overseas Hwy. Key Largo, FL 33037, an outdoor waterfront venue located next to Quiescence Diving Services on Key Largo's Blackwater Sound
Join an evening of celebrations and fun! Connect with friends over dinner, drinks, and a beautiful sunset over the waters of Florida Bay. Tickets include hors d'oeuvres, salad, choice of entree, dessert, and drinks including local craft beer, wine, liquor and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. Enjoy live music and a silent auction benefiting REEF's marine conservation programs.
Tickets are required. Click here to purchase tickets online. Those who purchase tickets in advance will receive a limited-edition REEF Fest 2019 t-shirt at check in. Tickets are $70 per person, or sponsor a table with seating for 8 for $750. Click here for more information about table sponsorship.
Tickets are limited; if any tickets remain at REEF Fest, they will be available for purchase at REEF Headquarters during the weekend. If purchasing more than one ticket, please provide your guest(s) names in the comment box at checkout. No pets please.
For the Love of the Sea Menu
Appetizers
Sweet corn fritters topped with roasted red pepper aioli
Jalapeno bites served with sweet and sour pineapple drizzle
Roasted tomato bruschetta on toasted parmesan crostini with fresh basil and balsamic glaze
Fried black bean and rice balls served with cumin garlic aioli
Salad
Mixed greens served with shredded carrots and dried cranberries with golden Italian vinaigrette
Entrées
Coconut crusted Mahi-Mahi marinated in coconut milk and topped with mango chutney, and
Caribbean chicken slow cooked in a citrus marinade
Served with garlic butter rice and charred lemon zest asparagus
Guests have the option to receive both chicken and fish, or may choose the vegan meal:
Bow tie pasta tossed in a homemade basil pesto sauce with sundried tomatoes and broccoli
Dessert
Assorted cupcakes with frosting
Refreshments
Local craft beer courtesy of Florida Keys Brewing Company
Red and white wines
Selection of liquor, soda, and sparkling water
Farewell Brunch
Date: Sunday, Oct. 20
Time: 10 am-12 pm
Location: REEF Headquarters (98300 Overseas Hwy. Key Largo, FL 33037)
Stop by for one last visit on your way out of town. Enjoy complimentary continental breakfast fare plus coffee, tea, and mimosas.