Key West’s annual Key Lime Festival returns July 2-6, serving up a celebration of a certain citrus. From culinary events and tours to competitions, the festival takes place in various 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 Inn. Festival co-founder David Sloan will welcome festivalgoers and autograph copies of his “Key West Key Lime Pie Cookbook,” followed by a party featuring a live band on Duval Street.
July 3 features a Key Lime Pie Hop, a downtown tasting tour to sample assorted variations of the treat. 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 funds for charity while delivering whipped cream wallops to some local celebrity faces.
On July 3 at 6 p.m. at the Key West Truman Waterfront, the U.S. Coast Guard plans (real-life emergencies permitting) to stage a dramatic search and rescue demonstration on the water, complete with a helicopter and go-fast boats. From 7 to 9 p.m., attendees can visit the historic USCGC Ingham – the most decorated ship in Coast Guard history – for a sunset reception featuring a performance by the Coast Guard Band and members of the USCG culinary team dishing up Key lime deserts.
Independence Day events start early with the annual Rotary Club of Key West’s Fourth of July 5K. From there, head over to the Southernmost Beach Café for activities leading up to the 2025 Key Lime Pie Eating Championship, including beach games and a Key Lime Vendor Village that opens at 10 a.m.
The pie-eating contest starts at 1:30 p.m. Twenty-five competitors each attempt to consume a 9-inch pie in the fastest time, without using their hands. Contestants can register in advance at the festival website.
Other July 4 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 down by Higgs Beach.
On July 5, those who relish heat can take a hot lap to 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 participating bars. Topping off the day is a free concert, “Miss Americana – A Tribute to Taylor Swift,” at sunset at Ocean Key Resort’s Sunset Pier.
Events continue July 6. More information is at keylimefestival.com.
