📌 Bookmark This Page

Last Updated: July 19, 2026

This guide is designed to be your complete resource for everything happening during the 2nd Annual Key West Days in Hampton Beach.

As the event gets closer, I'll continue updating this page with:

• The complete performance schedule
• Featured musicians
• Venue updates
• Special events
• Insider tips
• Parking recommendations
• Photos and videos from the festival

Be sure to bookmark this page and check back often. My goal is to keep this as the most complete and up to date guide available for Key West Days.

Whether you're planning your first visit or returning after an amazing inaugural year, you'll always find the latest information right here.

Key West Days Returns to Hampton Beach for Year 2

There are very few places that remind me of Key West.

Hampton Beach is one of them.

No, it doesn't have chickens wandering the streets or six toed cats lounging on porches...

But it does have something that's surprisingly similar.

• A walkable waterfront.

• Fantastic local restaurants.

• Live music everywhere.

• Friendly people.

• And a community that knows how to have fun.

Last year, something pretty special happened.

A group of passionate locals decided to bring a little piece of Key West to New Hampshire, and the result was the very first Key West Days in Hampton Beach.

It was such a success that it's back for Year 2, and it's shaping up to be even bigger.

From August 26 through August 29, 2026, Hampton Beach will once again trade lobster rolls for cheeseburgers in paradise, tropical shirts become the unofficial dress code, and some of Key West's best musicians will bring island music to the New England coast.

Why This Event Is So Special

One of my favorite things about Key West is the music.

Walk down Duval Street or along the Historic Seaport and you'll hear everything from Jimmy Buffett classics and reggae to folk, country, blues, and original island songs. That same atmosphere is exactly what Key West Days recreates.

Rather than holding everything in one location, musicians perform throughout Hampton Beach at restaurants, bars, and waterfront venues, creating the feeling that the entire beach has transformed into one giant music festival.

It isn't just a concert. It's an experience.

Meet This Year's Musicians

This year's lineup features many familiar faces from the Key West music scene, including:

• Meghan Barter
• Jeff Bateman
• Sheldon Benton
• Ross Brown
• Collette Campbell
• Jeff Harris (The Key West Cowboy)
• John LaMere
• Marjory Lee
• Sid Ordoyne
• Zack Seemiller
• Jack Wolf
• Kari Wolf

Whether you enjoy acoustic storytelling, island rock, Americana, reggae, or classic singer songwriter performances, there will be something happening somewhere almost all day long.

Where the Music Happens

One of the best parts of the festival is exploring Hampton Beach while following the music.

Performances will take place throughout the weekend at venues including:

• Seashell Stage
• The Goat
• Sea Ketch
• McGuirk's Ocean View
• Boardwalk Cafe
• JB's on the Boardwalk
• Point Break Restaurant
• Bernie's Beach Bar
• Wally's Pub
• L Street Tavern
• The Pier

Instead of staying in one place, you can spend the day walking the boardwalk, grabbing lunch, listening to a few songs, then wandering over to another venue for your next favorite performer.

Four Days of Island Music (8/26-8/30)

The festival begins Wednesday evening (8/26) with a large Opening Jam featuring all of the musicians at the iconic Seashell Stage.

From Thursday through Saturday, performances take place throughout Hampton Beach from morning until late evening.

The weekend concludes with one final jam bringing everyone back together before saying goodbye until next year.

Why Hampton Beach Works So Well

After writing about this event last year, one thing became obvious.

This isn't about copying Key West.

It's about celebrating what both communities already have in common.

• They're both waterfront towns.

• They're both driven by tourism.

• They both love live music.

And perhaps most importantly...

They both understand that life is better when you're outside enjoying it.

That's why this event feels so natural.

It's two beach communities sharing what they love most.

🐓 KWT Tip

If you're making the trip, don't over plan.

Pick a few musicians you really want to hear, but leave plenty of time to wander.

Some of my favorite memories in Key West have happened because I accidentally walked into a bar where someone incredible happened to be playing.

I have a feeling Hampton Beach is going to create a few moments like that, too.

Helpful Links

Official Website
https://keywestdays.com/

Complete Music Schedule
https://keywestdays.com/event-schedule

Participating Restaurants & Venues
https://keywestdays.com/participating-locations

Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572090523384

🏡 Thinking About More Than Just Visiting?

One of the things I love most about events like Key West Days is seeing how many people fall in love with the island after experiencing its music, culture, and laid back lifestyle.

For some, it's a great vacation.

For others, it's the beginning of something much bigger.

If you've ever caught yourself wondering what it would be like to own a home in Key West, buy a vacation property, invest in the Florida Keys, or simply learn more about the market, I'd be happy to help.

I spend every day helping people navigate one of the most unique real estate markets in the country, and I genuinely enjoy sharing what makes each neighborhood, street, and property special.

Whether you're ready to buy tomorrow or you're simply dreaming about someday, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always happy to answer questions and help you discover what life in Key West is really like.

You Should Be Here,
🐓 KWT 🐓