In Key West, Florida, from July 2 – July 6, it’s all about the lime, with five days of Key Lime Festival activities, competitions, culinary experiences, and plenty of opportunities to sample variations of Key West’s favorite dessert. (Photo: Carol Tedesco/KeyLimeFestival.com)
Key West’s annual Key Lime Festival returns July 2-6, serving up a zesty celebration of the world’s most sensational citrus. From mouthwatering culinary events and tours to spectacular competitions, this multi-day festival is set to unfold across the legendary island where Key Lime pie was born.
Festivities launch Wednesday, July 2 with an all-new kick-off event held on the sweeping veranda of the Avalon Bed & Breakfast inn. Festival co-founder David Sloan will welcome festivalgoers and autograph copies of his famous “Key West Key Lime Pie Cookbook,” followed by a party featuring kick-up-your-heels Americana jams delivered by a live band on Duval St.
July 3 features a Key Lime Pie Hop that takes aficionados on 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.
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 U.S. Coast Guard will be on hand at multiple events. July 3, 6:00pm at the Key West Truman Waterfront, the USCG 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 7:00-9:00pm, attendees can step off the sea-side promenade and onto the deck of the 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. A cash bar will be available.
Independence Day events start bright and early with the annual “Rotary Club of Key West 4th 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 lavish Key Lime Vendor Village that opens at 10:00am.
The annual World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship—the festival’s centerpiece event—commences at 1:30pm. An outrageously messy twist on New York’s traditional Independence Day hot dog eating contest, twenty-five competitors each attempt to consume a 9-inch pie in the fastest time, without using their hands. Contestants can advance register on the festival website for a chance to score a trophy, championship belt, and a heaping helping of 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 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 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 the renowned Sunset Pier located at Zero Duval St.
On July 6, the annual gravity defying 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 approximately 88-foot observation deck of the historic Key West Lighthouse. The winner scores a cash prize along with some very unique bragging rights; competitors can visit the festival website to advance register for free.
Wrapping up the Festival on Sunday night, Hush Hush Theatre and the Key Lime Festival present “LIMELIGHT – An ode to Island Wonders,” a ticketed, immersive cabaret event held at the La Concha Hotel’s rooftop pool.
Other Festival highlights 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. For a full events calendar along with registration and reservation links, visit http://www.keylimefestival.com
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