Florida Keys Beachin’ Fest

As the rest of the country transitions to fall, the Florida Keys, southernmost part of the continental United States, are still celebrating the sun. Key Largo’s Beachin’ Fest includes a contest pitting drink makers to see who can mix the best margarita, mojito or martini; a cook-off with local amateur chefs as well as pros; a cardboard-boat race, in which teams create a water-worthy craft using cardboard and duct tape and set sail; and the Taste of Key Largo, featuring fare of local restaurants.

When, where: Cook-off on Nov. 8 at the Holiday Inn, U.S. 1 at mile marker 99; Mixing Madness on Nov. 9 at Bay Harbor Lodge, U.S. 1 at mile marker 97.7; Taste of Key Largo, cardboard-boat race and more on Nov. 10 at the Caribbean Club, U.S. 1 at mile marker 104.

Cost: $15 per person for cook-off samples. Mixing Madness is $50 per person. Admission to Nov. 10 festivities is free; $20 team fee to enter the cardboard-boat race; tickets, $1 each, will buy food at the Taste of Key Largo.

Info: (800) 822-1088, www.keylargochamber.org