Calendar of Events

Showcasing films that exhibit excellence in storytelling, the festival’s lineup is to feature screenings and special events hosted at landmark venues throughout Key West, including the Tropic Cinema and San Carlos Institute. The four-day program is to include 25 films from multiple genres and categories as well as social events.

The out-and-back foot race crosses the 65-foot-high, 1.25-mile-long Jewfish Creek Bridge and the southern portion of the 18-Mile Stretch, a segment of U.S. Highway 1 between Florida City and Key Largo that was recently completed after $330 million in improvements. The 10k event in addition to a half marathon and 5k run/walk is open to all ages, and is held in conjunction with a health & fitness expo each year. Register online at keylargobridgerun.com

To be held at Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Mile Marker 82, Oceanside, this inaugural event targets snook, redfish, bonefish, tarpon, permit. World Wide Sportsman is to be headquarters for fishing. Prizes and trophies are to be awarded, and proceeds benefit the Bonefish Tarpon Trust. Registration fee of $2,000 includes entry into three social events, including an all-American barbecue on the beach at Cheeca, for angler and guest, as well as guide and guest; also, daily continental breakfast dockside at World Wide Sportsman.

Female anglers polish their skills and fish in an event sponsored by the fishing education and advocacy group “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” Held at the Tavernier Elk’s Club with fishing out of Whale Harbor, Islamorada, the weekend event boasts nearly 7,000 lady graduates over the last 17 years. Ages 16 to seniors welcome. Bonus fishing days offered.

High-speed offshore powerboats race in Key West Harbor and surrounding waters to continue Key West’s longstanding tradition in this 31st annual challenge, known internationally as the Indianapolis 500 of powerboat racing.

Celebrities join other anglers to catch bonefish and redfish to raise money for cystic fibrosis research in the final event of the annual Redbone Celebrity Tournament Series.

The wacky costume contest for domestic pets and their people is a highlight of the island city’s 10-day Fantasy Fest costuming and masking festival. A magical carousel of frisky pets and playful owners delightfully disguised get ready to frolic for fame and fortune; registration for competition is at 4:30 p.m.; Show starts at 5:30 p.m.; FREE to watch; $25 to enter; benefits Lower Keys Friends of Animals; located at the Casa Marina Resort, 1500 Reynolds St.

This “over the top” contest includes an extravagant show with lots of Key West razzle dazzle, and is a competition “head and shoulders” above the rest with contestants judged from the shoulders up! Major cash prizes.

The much-anticipated opening of Florida’s stone crab season takes place Oct. 15 each year, but the 2012-13 season opening is going to be followed by this tasty test of crab-consuming capacity. Register by 12 p.m., contest starts at 1 p.m., entry fee is $25 per contestant, and individuals must be at least 18 years old to enter. Interested eaters are encouraged to register early.

Divers become underwater artists as they turn pumpkins into Halloween masterpieces beneath the sea in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Prizes awarded the most creative jack-o-lantern.