There’s a lot happening at REEF this season, and the Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo is the place to be for ocean-inspired learning, community gatherings, and conservation-focused fun. Here's an overview of what's coming up this spring.

REEF Fish & Friends: Monthly Seminar Series
Join us for REEF Fish & Friends, our free monthly seminar series featuring ocean-themed presentations from guest speakers. Seminars are hosted at Ocean Exploration Center are also live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube. Upcoming Fish & Friends Seminars include:
• January 13: Be the Predator: Clean Lionfish Off our Reefs, presented by Tim Robinson, Zookeeper Managing Partner & PADI Master Instructor
• February 10: Hogfish Ecology in the Dry Tortugas, presented by Danielle Morley, Research Administrator, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Check out this page to see all upcoming Fish & Friends presentations.

Ocean After Hours: Tuesdays, 6-8 pm
Looking for a fun way to spend a Tuesday evening? Ocean After Hours takes place every Tuesday at the Ocean Exploration Center. Each week brings something new, including hands-on activities, games, workshops, trivia nights, storytelling, and science. Upcoming Ocean After Hours programs include:
• January 20: Ocean with David Attenborough Film Screening
Hosted in partnership with the Upper Keys Rotary Club. Light refreshments in the garden at 5:30 PM; film begins at 6:00 PM.
• January 27: Grouper Moon Art Class
Learn about REEF’s work to protect endangered Nassau Grouper, then create your own Nassau Grouper painting in a guided workshop.
• February 3: The Ocean Inspires Artist Reception with Sonata Mosaics
Celebrate the unveiling of a new community art installation at the Ocean Exploration Center. Sponsored by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts.

17th Annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival: April 23-27, 2026
This family-friendly event will feature booths from artisans and environmental organizations, lionfish scoring, science and art activities, cooking demos, food trucks and drinks, free lionfish tastings, and the derby awards ceremony! The Festival is free and open to all ages. For more info, visit www.REEF.org/lionfishfestival.

Whether you’re dropping in for an evening program, tuning into Fish & Friends online, or bringing the whole family to the Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival, we hope you’ll join us at the Ocean Exploration Center this season!