Just a Few Good Friends: Celebrate the life of Jimmy Buffett in Key West
A guide to Key West’s annual celebration honoring the late Buffett
By Grace Bonamico
If you’re a fan of “changes in latitude, changes in attitude,” Labor Day weekend in Key West might be calling your name. Each year, fans of Jimmy Buffett gather in the island city for Just a Few Good Friends, a multiday celebration that began in 2024, just one year after the singer-songwriter’s death, to honor his life, music, and enduring legacy.
Though Buffett was born in Mississippi, he spent much of his life in Key West, where the laid-back island culture helped shape both his sound and persona. In recognition of that bond, Key West Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez signed a proclamation in 2024 declaring Aug. 30 Jimmy Buffett Day, her first proclamation as mayor. “The festival will bring together local fans and visitors alike to celebrate the spirit of Key West,” she said. The celebration has done just that, drawing thousands of Parrotheads to the island each year.
This year’s festival is scheduled for Sept. 3–7, transforming Key West into a living tribute to its favorite son. From music-filled streets to community-driven events, here are three ways to make the most of the experience.
Meet fellow Buffett fans
At its heart, Just a Few Good Friends is about connection. Fans travel from across the country and the world, united by their shared love of Buffett’s music and message. The result is a welcoming, communal atmosphere that turns strangers into friends. “I really enjoyed the sense of community and camaraderie between everyone who loved Jimmy Buffett and went to Key West to celebrate his life,” said Colleen Dickerson, who attended the celebration in 2024.
Participate in sponsored events
The official festival website, justafewgoodfriends.com, lists a wide range of sponsored events designed to capture Buffett’s easygoing island spirit. Activities include waterfront cleanups, live music, themed gatherings, and a large parade down Duval Street. Each event offers a chance to give back, have fun, and fully embrace the relaxed mindset that defined Buffett’s career.
Just A Few Good Friends Parade 2024 (Video: G. Bonamico)
Explore Key West
Key West itself is central to the celebration. The island inspired many of Buffett’s songs and is home to his Shrimpboat Sound recording studio, as well as the first Margaritaville restaurant and store. “Key West is where Jimmy found his home in his heart, and where he found the niche of his creativity that spurred him into the masses,” said his sister Lucy Buffett during the festival’s kickoff in 2025.
Beyond its musical legacy, Key West offers rich history and culture, from the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum to haunted trolley tours in the evening. Whether you’re soaking in the scenery or enjoying a cheeseburger in paradise, the island provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate a life that continues to bring people together.
In Key West, Jimmy Buffett’s music lives on, in friendships formed, stories shared, and sunsets savored, proving his laid-back spirit still changes attitudes everywhere.
