Key West Summer Festivals 2024: Your Ultimate Guide

Photo courtesy of Key West Brewfest.

Key West is gearing up for an unforgettable summer filled with a variety of festivals and exciting events to heat up your summer fun. From celebrating the iconic Key Lime, honoring the legacy of Hemingway, feasting on delicious lobsters, enjoying craft beers, savoring fine rums, to paying tribute to Key West’s favorite son, Jimmy Buffett, there’s something for everyone. We’re not missing out, and we don’t want you to either. Come celebrate with us at Southernmost Beach Resort and our sister property, The Marker Key West Harbor Resort.

“It’s important to have as much fun as possible while we’re here. It balances out the times when the minefield of life explodes.”

– Jimmy Buffett

Here’s a glimpse of what’s happening:

Photo courtesy of Key Lime Festival.

Get ready to pucker up and dive into a citrusy celebration at the Key Lime Festival! This five-day event is a must-visit for any Key Lime fanatic, especially during the July 4th holiday. Highlights include the Key Lime Cocktail Sip & Stroll, the Key Lime Pie Hop, the World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship taking place at Southernmost Beach Cafe on July 4th, mini-Key Lime pie classes, and a Key Lime Pie drop from the Key West Lighthouse. Plus, there’s JF Haden’s Key Lime Pie Liqueur Battle of the Bartenders event happening at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort on July 5th. And we can’t forget about the fireworks on July 4th, with a spectacular show taking place off White Street Pier.

Resort Events Include:

July 4th – Key Lime Pie Eating Championship at Southernmost Beach Resort, 12 PM.

July 6th – Key Lime Cocktail Contest Bar Battle at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort, 2-5 PM, sponsored by JF Haden’s Key Lime Pie Liqueur – You be the judge and pick who brings home 1st prize! Live music by reggae band Maasai.

For more details, visit the Key Lime Festival Schedule of Events.

Photo courtesy of Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau.

Step into the world of Ernest Hemingway and celebrate his legacy at the 43rd Annual Hemingway Days! From July 16th to 21st, Key West comes alive with literary readings, a renowned look-alike contest, and the thrilling running of the bulls. This year, in commemoration of the 125th anniversary of Ernest’s July 21 birth, enjoy a museum exhibit of rare Hemingway memorabilia, a three-day marlin tournament recalling his passion for deep-sea angling, a street fair celebrating the island’s lively spirit, and a 5k run and paddleboard race that salute Hemingway’s sporting interests. Racers can compete on foot or on paddleboards during two Key West challenges that commemorate Ernest Hemingway’s exuberant outdoor lifestyle and passion for sports. Associated with the festival is the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition, coordinated by Ernest’s author granddaughter. Don’t miss the Hemingway Yappy Hour at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort on July 19th from 5-7 PM, featuring $10 Puparitas and a Hemingway Puppy Costume Contest. Every Puparita drink sold benefits the SPCA.

Learn more about Hemingway Days in Key West!

Photo courtesy of Key West Lobsterfest.

Seafood lovers rejoice at the 27th Annual Key West Lobsterfest! This “lobster-feast-ival” celebrates the bounty of Florida’s clawless lobster season, which opens on August 6th. Throughout the festival, indulge in special dinners, a pub crawl, pool parties, and a street fair and free concert. The free street fair on Saturday, August 10th, from noon to 11 PM on Duval Street features live music and vendors selling fresh Florida lobster, a variety of other food and drink options, and arts and crafts. This annual summer event celebrates the opening of Lobster Season with festivities Key West visitors will love.

Resort Events Include:

August 9th – Lobsterfest Pool Party at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort, 3-6 PM.
Official Lobsterfest Pub Crawl stop, 8-10pm with live music 7-10pm.
Participants receive 2-4-1 Corona or Blue Chair Bay Rum drinks.

August 11th – Lobster Hunt and Lobster Roll Eating Contest at Southernmost Beach Resort, Shores Pool at 2pm

Lobster Hunt, followed by a lobster roll eating contest
$25 to enter and there’s a cap at 20. Register here.
Comes with 1 lobster roll and the fastest to finish it completely, wins a certificate for a lobster dinner for 2 at Southernmost Beach Cafe.

More Lobster Fest News! $5 off lobster rolls at Southernmost Beach Cafe during Lobsterfest.

For more details, visit the Key West Lobsterfest website.

Experience the spirit of the islands at Key West Rum Fest! Enjoy tastings and giveaways from renowned rum brands, and don’t miss the exciting events hosted at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort.

Resort Events Include:

August 15th – Pool Party at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort, 2-5 PM, sponsored by Reif Rum. There will be rum tastings, giveaways, and more! First 100 Reif Rum drinks courtesy of Reif Rum.

August 17th – Pilar Rum Cocktail Contest and Pool Party at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort. Details TBD.

For more details, visit the Rum Fest Key West website.

Photo credit Rob O’Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau.

Join the citizens of Key West and fans from around the world to celebrate the life and music of Jimmy Buffett throughout Labor Day Weekend. This celebration and tribute features a cheeseburger contest, bubbles brunch, walking tours, a 5k run/walk, margarita bar crawl, scavenger hunt, and more. Don’t miss the Second Line memorial parade and free outdoor concert at Truman Waterfront Park on Sunday. All proceeds from the $30 commemorative parade passes support the Bahamas Village Music Program and Reef Relief.

Event Highlights:

August 30th – Kickoff with a proclamation for Jimmy Buffett Day declared by the Florida State Legislature and a Cheeseburger Contest welcome party on the beach, featuring 6pc tribute band, Buffet’s Margaritaville – LIVE!

August 31st—Enjoy a bubbles brunch, walking tours, a 5K run/walk, and a Margarita bar crawl and scavenger hunt.

September 1st – Don’t miss the Second Line memorial walking parade and free outdoor celebration with live music on the Friends of Bubba Stage. Will Kimbrough, co-writer of “Bubbles Up,” will be one of the performers!

September 2nd – Join the sunset cruise with plenty of drinks on the boat and a farewell but not forgotten party.

Resort Events Include:

August 30th – Jimmy Buffett Tribute Concert & Cheeseburger Beach Battle at Southernmost Beach Resort, 5 PM.

September 1st – Jimmy Buffett Tribute Acoustic Duo and Pool Party at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort, 2-5 PM.

For more details, visit the It’s 5 O’Clock in Key West website.

Raise your glass and toast to the end of summer at Key West Brewfest! From August 29th to September 2nd, beer enthusiasts can sample a wide array of craft brews from local and international breweries. With over 150 beers to taste, live music, and delicious food, Brewfest is the perfect way to cap off your summer adventures in Key West. Activities ‘on tap’ include brew-focused dinners, pool parties, brunches, and the lavish BrewFest Signature Tasting event held Saturday, August 31st, on Key West’s South Beach at 1319 Duval St. VIP tickets ($100 per person) and general admission tickets ($50 per person) for the popular tasting festival are available online. If you are the Designated Driver, tickets are $25. Get your tickets today!

Resort Events Include:

August 30th – Brewfest Pool Party and bellyflop contest with Islamorada Brewing Co. at Southernmost Beach Resort, 1-4 PM.

August 31st – Brewfest Signature Tasting Event at Southernmost Beach Resort, starting with VIP access at 3 PM and general admission from 5-8 PM.

For more details and ticket information, visit the Key West Brewfest website.

Don’t miss out on these incredible summer events in Key West. Join us at Southernmost Beach Resort for a season filled with fun, sun, and unforgettable memories. Book your stay today and experience the best of Key West this summer! #somolife