June 20, 2023

As the sun shines brighter and the days last longer, Key West is gearing up for an exciting lineup of events and celebrations that will make your summer unforgettable. From the tangy delights of the Key Lime Festival to the look-a-likes and celebration of Hemingway Days, followed by the love of Lobster and the craft beer extravaganza of Brewfest, Key West is ready to entertain you in its unique, fun, and fabulous way. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these festivals offer the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the spirit of our island. The Marker Key West Harbor Resort and our sister property Southernmost Beach Resort are proud sponsors of the above-mentioned festivals. Here’s your 2023 Key West Summer Festival Guide.

Key Lime Festival - June 30th to July 4th

From June 30th to July 4th, Key West, the birthplace of the Key Lime pie, will come alive with the annual Key Lime Festival. This citrus celebration is a must-visit for every Key Lime enthusiast. Unfolding over five unforgettable days, the festival starts with a cookbook signing and champagne reception with none other than David Sloan, co-founder of the festival and author of the “Key West Key Lime Pie Cookbook.” As the event progresses, attendees will be treated to a variety of activities, including engaging Key Lime cooking classes, a beach-side pie-eating contest, the whimsical Miss Key Lime Pageant, and even a thrilling Key Lime pie drop from the iconic Key West Lighthouse. For those with a love for lime-infused libations, the Sip & Stroll event offers a unique bar hopping experience and a Key Lime rum sampling during a distillery tour. The Key Lime Festival promises a myriad of experiences, set to delight the taste buds and ignite a spirit of adventure for all ages.

Happenings at Our Resorts

Join us at Southernmost Beach Resort and The Marker Key West Harbor Resort as we celebrate the tangy traditions and zesty delights of the Key Lime Festival. On Friday, June 30th at 6pm head over to The Marker for Key Lime Trivia. Sunday, July 2nd at 7pm indulge in a four-course Key lime-themed wine pairing dinner at the Dewey Deck at Southernmost Beach Resort. There’s more fun scheduled on July 4th as Southernmost Beach Resort hosts the Key Lime Vendor Village, an artisan market filled with Key Lime-themed treasures, and a Pig Roast at Southernmost Beach Cafe starting at 11 am. And, of course, don't miss the thrilling World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship on the beach starting at 1:30 pm. A great way to celebrate the 4th of July! For more information about the festival and to check out the complete schedule of events, visit the Key Lime Festival website. Photo courtesy of Key Lime Festival.

Hemingway Days - July 18th to July 23rd

Hemingway aficionados and look-alikes will gather in Key West from July 18th to 23rd for the annual Hemingway Days festival, a jubilant tribute to the iconic author's life and literary accomplishments on the 124th anniversary of his July 21 birthday. This exciting festival encapsulates Hemingway's spirited personality with events like the famed Hemingway Look-Alike Contest at Sloppy Joe's Bar, where bearded contenders aim to impress past winners with their striking resemblance to Papa Hemingway. The festival also features a three-day marlin tournament in honor of Hemingway's love for deep-sea fishing, a museum exhibit of rare Hemingway memorabilia, literary readings, scholars' presentations, and the much-anticipated Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition. From Sloppy Joe's whimsical "Running of the Bulls" to a lively street fair and a 5k run and paddleboard race, Hemingway Days truly captures the essence of Key West's charm and the adventurous spirit of Hemingway himself. Learn more about Hemingway Days, (Photo courtesy of Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau.)

During Hemingway Days, Southernmost Beach Resort becomes an integral part of the festivities. On Saturday, July 22nd, the Paddleboard Race starts and ends at Dog Beach and passes by the resort along the way. Later in the evening, lace up your running shoes for the Hemingway 5k Sunset Run/Walk, a scenic race that starts and ends at the resort. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the spirit of Hemingway Days. Learn more about the festivities here.

26th Annual Key West Lobsterfest - August 10th to 13th

Get ready for a crustacean celebration that's second to claw-none! From August 10th to 13th, the Key West Lobsterfest is set to paint the town red (and white!) with a seafood shindig bursting with lobster love. This four-day fest is a deep dive into all things spiny lobster, showcasing Key West's delectable cuisine and lively entertainment. There will be exciting events, from splashy pool parties and culinary experiences to traditional lobster boils and even a pub crawl. Savor an array of lobster treats that go beyond your average lobster roll- think creamy lobster mac 'n' cheese and more! The festival's zest seeps into the streets with a vibrant fair on Duval Street, where local artisans strut their stuff, showcasing arts, crafts, jewelry, and other unique finds. To kick the fun up a notch, there’s a live concert on Duval Street. For the complete event line-up and more delicious details about Lobsterfest, check out the Lobsterfest website. Let's get cracking! (Photo courtesy of Key West Lobsterfest.)

Happenings at Our Resorts

Join us at Southernmost Beach Resort and The Marker Key West Harbor Resort for a claw-some celebration during Lobsterfest. At Southernmost Beach Resort, feast on delectable lobster dishes during the Lobsterfest Dewey Deck Dinner on Friday, August 11th at 7 pm. Don't miss the Lobster Boil & Pool Party on Sunday, August 13th, from 1-4 pm. At The Marker Key West Harbor Resort, dive into the fun at the Lobster Pool Party on Friday, August 11th, from 1-4 pm. Plus, on Friday, August 11th, get ready for a hopping good time at the Lobsterfest Pub Crawl, starting at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort. Check-in begins at 2 pm, and the event begins at 8 pm. Don't miss out on these exciting events during Lobsterfest. Check the Lobsterfest schedule for more details.

Brewfest - August 30th to September 4th

Celebrate Labor Day weekend in paradise at Key West's Brewfest, happening from August 30th to September 4th, 2023. Craft beer lovers, this is a must-attend event for you. Indulge in a week of exciting events, including beer-pairing dinners, live music, pool parties, bingo, a belly flop contest, a concert on the beach, and more. Mark your calendars for the ultimate highlight of the festival: the Signature Tasting Event on Saturday, September 23rd, featuring specialty beers from 50 vendors and over 150 brews to sample, this is a beer lover's paradise. Key West Brewfest is the perfect blend of flavors and fun, making it the ultimate way to celebrate the long weekend. For more information and tickets, visit keywestbrewfest.com.(Photo courtesy of Key West Brewfest.)

Happenings at Our Resorts

Join us at Southernmost Beach Resort and The Marker Key West Harbor Resort for a hoppy celebration during Brewfest. At Southernmost Beach Resort, kick off the festivities with a Pineapple Pool Party and Bellyflop contest in collaboration with Islamorada Brewery & Distillery on Friday, September 1st, from 1-4 pm. Later in the evening, indulge in a Brewfest Dewey Deck Dinner and Beer Pairing with FL Keys Brewing Co. On Saturday, September 2nd, join us for the Brewfest Signature Tasting Event at Southernmost Beach Resort, featuring a VIP experience from 3-5 pm with passed grilled cheeses and a general admission session from 5-8 pm. Finally, on Sunday, September 3rd, groove to the beats of Channel 4 band at the South Beach Brewing Reggae Rehab Pool Party at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort from 1-4 pm. As we get closer to the event, keep an eye on the Brewfest schedule for the latest updates and more exciting details.

Summer festivals are a kaleidoscope of colors, flavors, and emotions, where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary, just like Key West! #lovethemarker

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