The Pigeon Key Art Festival offers a unique blend of art, history, and scenic exploration accessible via a memorable stroll across the Seven Mile Bridge. This festival invites visitors to experience creative energy framed by the ocean’s rhythms and the island’s railroad heritage.
Prepare for Exposure
The walk to Pigeon Key crosses an exposed bridge walkway with little shade. Wear a sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong Florida sun.
Stay Hydrated
Water access on the island is limited during the festival, so bring a refillable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated during the walk and while exploring.
Footwear Matters
Sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip are important since the walkway surface is old concrete planks with some gaps and uneven areas.
Plan Your Timing
Arrive early to avoid crowds and midday heat, and allow about 40 minutes each way for the walk. Ferry options may be available if you prefer less walking.
Exploring the Pigeon Key Art Festival: A Vibrant Escape in Marathon, Florida
Each March, the small island of Pigeon Key awakens with a burst of color and creativity at the Pigeon Key Art Festival, offering visitors an adventure that marries artistic expression with Florida Keys history. Accessible by a gentle walk across the iconic Seven Mile Bridge or via shuttle boats from Marathon, the journey itself invites you to engage with the ocean’s restless spirit—waves nudging the pilings, the salty breeze pulling you onward. The festival spills across the island’s shaded grounds, where old wooden buildings, relics of the Overseas Railroad era, hold a quiet conversation with contemporary artists and their crafts.
Artists from around the region gather here, showcasing paintings, photography, sculptures, and hand-crafted jewelry, creating a vibrant gallery in the open air. You’ll find the pace relaxed but purposeful, with each booth offering a chance to connect with the creative pulse of the Keys. Nearby mangroves whisper their green encouragement, while pelicans wheel overhead, adding nature’s own flair to the scene.
Planning your visit? The walk from Marathon to the island, about 1.6 miles one way, is a steady, flat trek over the pedestrian walkway on the old bridge. Allow about 40 minutes each way; comfortable footwear is a must due to the exposed path and Florida sun. Early arrival helps you avoid midday heat and maximizes your time exploring the island’s art and history—including the small museum dedicated to the railroad workers who built the bridge.
Hydration can’t be overlooked: water stations are limited, so bring your own and consider a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the southern sun’s insistence. The island’s charm shifts with the light—morning offers soft warmth, while late afternoon drapes golden hues over the waterfront, perfect for photographs or a leisurely pause at the island’s small beach.
The Pigeon Key Art Festival is more than a display; it’s an encounter with a place that holds tightly to its past while welcoming fresh expressions. It's an accessible, gently challenging adventure inviting all to walk thoughtfully between history and creativity, with nature’s constant presence pushing forward beneath your feet and in the air above.
Nearby Trips
All Adventures
Boat Charters
Water Activities
Adventures near Marathon, Florida
Discover the unique and memorable adventures that make Marathon, Florida special.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Pigeon Key during the Art Festival?
You can walk the pedestrian path on the old Seven Mile Bridge from Marathon—about 1.6 miles—or take shuttle boats running during the festival. Walking offers panoramic ocean views but requires planning for sun exposure and hydration.
Is the festival family-friendly?
Yes, the festival welcomes all ages with most exhibits outdoors. Kids enjoy the island’s open space, wildlife spotting, and historical buildings, but supervision is advised around waterfront areas and bridge pathways.
Can I bring my bike onto Pigeon Key?
Bicycle access is limited on the bridge walkway due to safety concerns. It's best to walk or use the shuttle services during the festival.
Are there food vendors at the festival?
A few local food stalls may be present offering snacks and drinks, but options are limited; plan to bring your own food if you prefer a full meal.
Is the island wheelchair accessible?
Pigeon Key has some uneven terrain and historic wooden buildings, and the bridge path has access restrictions and surface gaps, so wheelchair accessibility is limited.
What kind of art can I expect at the festival?
Expect a diverse mix including paintings, photography, local crafts, jewelry, and sculpture, reflecting the colors and culture of the Florida Keys.
Recommended Gear
Sun Hat
Protects your head and face from intense sun during the exposed bridge walk.
Water Bottle
Keeping hydrated is essential, especially in Florida’s climate and with limited water on the island.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Good grip and support are necessary for walking the old concrete bridge path safely and comfortably.
Lightweight Backpack
Useful for carrying water, sunscreen, camera gear, and any festival purchases hands-free.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- "The small railroad workers’ museum offers insights into the island’s role in early 20th-century engineering."
- "Secluded spots along the shoreline make peaceful picnic locations away from the main festival area."
Wildlife
- "Keep an eye out for osprey and pelicans circling overhead."
- "Mangroves around the island host juvenile fish and occasional raccoon visits."
History
"Pigeon Key served as a base for the construction workers of the Overseas Railroad in the early 1900s. The island's buildings are well-preserved pieces of this engineering feat, creating a tangible connection to the past."