See the art, culture and history of Key West come to life during the 44th annual Old Island Days Festival. The festival was established in 1960 by the Old Island Restoration Foundation to promote the restoration and preservation of Key West's historical buildings. The festival continues to highlight Key West architecture with the popular House and Garden Tour, but also promotes art in the 39th Annual Old Island Days Art Festival. Participants can also take part in a little Key West culture in the Conch Shell Blowing Contest and the Black and White Ball . The festival runs through May 30, and then two museum exhibits follow the traditional schedule, extending the event through Aug. 29.

Here are the major events taking place in February:
Feb. 13-14
44th Annual House & Garden Tour #2. Tour five exquisite Key West homes and gardens. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 305-294-9501or -9502.

Feb. 21-22
39th Annual Old Island Days Art Festival. Original paintings, sculpture and photography by 100 national artists. Whitehead and Greene streets. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. 305-294-1241.

To learn more about the Old Island Days Festival, click here.