Key West's Famous Red Shoe Drop for New Year's Eve 2026

Key West New Year's Eve Tradition

• 👠 The annual Red Shoe Drop in Key West continues its nearly 30-year tradition to celebrate New Year's Eve.
• 🥳 This festive event rings in the new year with a unique Key West flair, dropping a gigantic red shoe at midnight.

Origins of the Red Shoe Drop

• 🎬 The tradition draws inspiration from Dorothy's ruby slippers in "The Wizard of Oz" and "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert."
• ✨ The creators adapted the concept by making the shoe red, adding glitter, and hanging it from a building instead of a bus.

Celebrating Inclusivity and Pride

• 🏳️‍🌈 The event is a continuation of a tradition that emphasizes being "loud and proud" and celebrating drag culture.
• ✅ Organizers aim to promote awareness that there is "nothing wrong with drag" and nothing wrong with being out and proud.

This Year's Celebration

• 📏 The heel of the shoe is 8 feet long and suspended 15 feet in the air.
• 👑 This year's New Year's Eve queen is Mulan, taking over the role from the previous queen, Sushi, who has retired.
• ✨ The celebration is described as super festive, fabulous, glamorous, and New Year's Eve chic.