Tropical Heat Key West
About This Event
Tropical Heat is Key West's five-day party week for gay men in mid-August, adults only. It isn't a leather or bear week, whatever some listings say: the core is clothing-optional pool parties, with one leather-and-underwear night. Tickets come as VIP passes covering several parties, or singly for some events.
The 2026 schedule ran Wednesday 12 to Sunday 16 August. It opened with Cowboy Ken's PINK pool party at Island House, followed by a Friday pool party at Bourbon St. Pub, the Five-Alarm pool party at Island House on Saturday, and the Heat Stroke leather and underwear party at One Saloon on Petronia Street that night. Sunday had Hot Naked Sunday at Island House, a party that has been part of the week for more than two decades, and the closing party back at Bourbon St. Pub.
August in Key West means heat, humidity and hurricane season, and it is off-peak for hotel prices.
The 2027 dates hadn't been announced when we checked.
Where to stay during Tropical Heat Key West
via Stay22Schedule & Sub-Events
+ Add EventDetailed schedule coming soon.
Check the official website for the latest programme.
Practical Tips
Book hotel early — rooms on and near Duval Street sell out fast for Tropical Heat week.
This is an adults-only, all-male circuit-style event — plan wardrobe (and stamina) for pool parties, theme nights and late-night events.
Base yourself walkable to Duval Street so you can bounce between pool events, bars and after-hours without needing a car.
Videos
Florida governor Ron DeSantis has pulled state funding from Key West Pride, citing the Sunshine