Seafood lovers can sample all sorts of recipes featuring Florida’s spiny lobster during the annual Key West Lobsterfest Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 8-11, with events that include a giant lobster boil and a downtown street fair offering several culinary versions of the crustacean..
Now in its 27th year, the festival celebrates the bounty of the Florida Keys lobster season that opens Aug. 6.
Famous for its sweet and tender meat, the Keys’ spiny lobster tails often are served steamed with drawn butter, paired with a seasoned stuffing or in creative dishes conceived by local chefs.
Festival events kick off at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, when lobster aficionados can gather for a traditional lobster boil at Caroline’s Café in the courtyard of Key West’s historic Porter Mansion, 429 Caroline St. In addition to lobster, plates will include jumbo shrimp, corn on the cob, redskin potatoes and fresh-baked jalapeño cornbread. Other attractions include live entertainment and drink specials. Space is limited and tickets are required.
The schedule for Friday, Aug. 9, features a pool party from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Marker Key West Harbor Resort, 200 William St., plus an evening Duval pub crawl with several stops at downtown bars.
The main event, Key West Lobsterfest Street Fair, takes place in the 100 through 500 blocks of Duval Street on Saturday, Aug. 10 from noon to 11 p.m. Booths manned by local chefs and restaurants will offer their own lobster specialties, from appetizers to full dinners, while local bars will set up booths offering drinks.
A free outdoor concert is slated from 1 to 10:30 p.m. with Just George, Fried Newt, the Killer Dudes and headliners The DurtBags performing from a stage at the intersection of Duval and Greene streets.
Other street fair attractions include art, crafts and merchandise from a variety of artisans and vendors.
Lobsterfest ends on Sunday, Aug. 11, with two finales. A gourmet lobster brunch buffet takes place at First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery, 301 Whitehead St., where reservations are required.
A lobster boil and pool party ends the festival in the afternoon at the Southernmost Beach Resort, 1319 Duval St. Attendees can enjoy a large lobster tail, unlimited sides and a cold drink while enjoying the property’s pool and other attractions.
More information is at keywestlobsterfest.com.
