Key West’s annual Key Lime Festival returns July 2-6, celebrating the sensational citrus fruit that shares its name with our island chain. From culinary events and tours to only-in-Key-West competitions, the festival takes place in venues across the island where Key lime pie was born.
Festivities launch Wednesday, July 2, with an all-new kickoff event on the veranda of the Avalon Bed & Breakfast, 1317 Duval St. Festival co-founder David Sloan will welcome lime lovers while signing copies of his “Key West Key Lime Pie Cookbook,” followed by a party featuring Americana jams by a live band on Duval Street
On Thursday, July 3, a Key Lime Pie Hop will take aficionados on a downtown tasting tour to sample variations of the dessert. Other offerings include a “Wheeling & Dealing Hot Wheels Race” at Mary Ellen’s Bar and “Sloppy Joe’s Ultimate Key Lime Smash Party,” which raises money for charity while delivering whipped cream wallops to some local celebrity faces.
Independence Day events start early with the Rotary Club of Key West’s annual Fourth of July 5K. From there, head over to the Southernmost Beach Café for an array of activities leading up to the 2025 World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship, including beach games and a Key Lime Vendor Village that opens at 10 a.m.
The pie eating competition — the festival’s centerpiece event — starts at 1:30 p.m. In a messy twist on New York’s traditional Independence Day hot dog eating contest, 25 competitors each attempt to consume a 9-inch pie in the fastest time, without using their hands. Contestants can register in advance on the festival website for a chance to score a trophy, championship belt and glory.
Other Fourth of July events include a pool party at Dante’s Key West Pool Bar & Restaurant and the Rotary Club of Key West’s Patriotic Grill Out Under the Fireworks.
On Saturday, July 5, those who relish heat can take the “5-Alarm Pie Challenge,” at the Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum. Think Key lime pie taken to incendiary heights via creative culinary twists. There’s also the sweet and salty Key Lime Sip & Stroll, where participants can vote on the best Key lime cocktails and margaritas served up by multiple bars. Topping off the day in the spirit of Independence weekend: “Miss Americana – A Tribute to Taylor Swift,” a free concert for lime lovers of all ages, paired with an iconic Key West sunset at Sunset Pier located at Zero Duval St.
On Sunday, July 6, the annual Key Lime Pie Drop invites contestants to advance-create a device or container to protect a 5-inch-diameter pie and keep it from exploding on impact when dropped from the 88-foot observation deck of the historic Key West Lighthouse. The winner scores a cash prize along with some bragging rights; competitors can visit the festival website to register in advance for free.
Adding a burst of patriotic pride to the festivities, and in celebration of Key West as an official U.S. Coast Guard city, members of the Coast Guard will be on hand at multiple events with spirited appearances, interactive demonstrations and photo-ready moments.
Festival highlights also include a “Living the Key Lime Life” four-course dinner prepared by chef Scott Taylor and the Kaya Island Eats culinary team, a Key West Artisan Market: Red, White & Blue Edition at Higgs Beach, and daily Key Lime Bike Tours and mini Key lime pie making classes.
The Florida Legislature declared Key Lime pie the official state pie in 2006. Launched in 2013, the family-friendly Key Lime Festival was concocted by author, ghost hunter, historian and cuisinier David Sloan, and artist, production designer and Wonderdog Studios founder Marky Pierson. The 2025 festival is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys. More information is at keylimefestival.com.
