June 22, 2021

Celebrating Key Limes, Mermaids, Hemingway, and Lobster

They’re back, and we are thrilled to share the news that Key West’s unique summer festivals are ready to welcome you to paradise. Join us in July and August for the Key Lime Festival, Mermaid Fest, Hemingway Days Festival, and Lobsterfest, and find out why you should add them to your festival calendar and travel bucket list.

The Key Lime Festival, July 1st - 5th

A 5-day citrus celebration and festival dedicated to the Key Lime, of course, this comes with a Key West twist! The festival includes culinary events, scavenger hunts, Key Lime Sip & Stroll, Cookbook Signings, a pie-eating contest on the beach, a Key Lime Pie drop from the Key West Lighthouse, and so much more! New this year is the Key Lime Tree Master Class. Register and review the upcoming Key Lime Festival events.

The Key Lime Festival, July 1st - 5th Photo credit: Key Lime Festival

Good to know: Some of the events are free, and others are not. Some events sell out fast, so purchase tickets in advance. To get the most up-to-date information, follow The Key Lime Festival on Facebook.

Learn more about the Key Lime Festival in Key West!

Key West Mermaid Festival, July 1st - 5th

Another fun festival happening the first week of July is the 2nd Annual Key West Mermaid Festival.

Key West Mermaid Festival, July 1st - 5th Breakfast with the Mermaids at Southernmost Beach Resort

What to expect to see during this fintastic fest is mermaid enthusiasts from all around the globe visiting our magical island. A family-friendly, fun for all celebration raising awareness for our beautiful oceans and educate all humans to swim safely in mermaid tails.

There will be plenty of mermaid encounters and activities happening around the island, including breakfast with the mermaids, swim with the mermaids, cocktail parties, and the chance to take a shellfie or two. View the festival schedule of events.

A portion of the festival proceeds will go to Key West's very own Reef Relief, an organization with a mission to improve and protect our coral reef system through local education, beach clean-ups, and Coral Camp.

Learn more about the Key West Mermaid Festival.

Hemingway Days, July 20th - 25th

The 40th annual celebration of the legendary author’s work and lifestyle, features literary readings, the Running of the Bulls, a short story competition, fishing tournament, 5k Run and Paddleboard Race, Sloppy Joe’s Look-Alike Contest, and a birthday “party” commemorating Ernest’s July 21st birthday.

Hemingway Days, July 20th - 25th Photo credit fla-keys.com

Sloppy Joe’s Bar was a frequent hangout for the legendary writer during his Key West years, and that’s why some of the most popular events are taking place there. One of our favorites is the Hemingway® Look-Alike Contest taking place July 22nd-24th. This year’s event may look just a little different as organizers are capping the entrant numbers at about half the usual field.

Learn more about the Hemingway Days Festival.

24th Annual Key West Lobsterfest, August 12th - 15th

Key West Lobsterfest is one of the biggest parties of the summer as thousands of lobster lovers descend on Key West for four glorious days and nights in August to taste fantastic food, enjoy live music and free concerts.

24th Annual Key West Lobsterfest, August 12th - 15th

Lobsterfest events include Lobster Boils, Brunches, Duval Pub Crawl, a Street Fair and Concert, plus so much more! Sixteen bars and restaurants will be serving up fresh Florida Lobster - everything from appetizers to full meals. The date for the Street Fair & Concert is August 14th.

Learn more about the Key West Lobsterfest.

Our resort will be serving fresh bites and delicious cocktail specials in honor of the festivities. There will be pool parties, food & drink specials, live music, and more. Stay tuned to find out what’s happening when by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

Festivals, friends, sun, sand, the sea? That sounds like a summer to me. #lovethemarker