Sizzling Summer Events in Key West
Keywest is a hub of activity all year long, with its myriad water activities, wonderful historic sites, great restaurants and more. But during the summer months, visitors are delighted to find a bevy of fun events that are unique to Keywest. So in between deep sea fishing charters, snorkeling tours along the coral reef and exhilarating parasailing trips, check out this fantastic list of events going on during the summer!
Key West Pride
Every June, Keywest comes to life with the annual Pride Parade. This tiny island becomes a fury of pool parties, dance parties, sunset sails, comedy performances, films, street vendors a great deal more. Keywest has long been known for its laissez faire attitude and refreshing culture of acceptance so if youve never experienced a Pride Parade before, Keywest is a wonderful place to experience it, in a setting that is second to none. Arrive early and snag yourself a front row seat, because you're not going to want to put your camera down!
The Annual Drambuie Key West Marlin Tournament
Anglers from around the world swarm to the shores of Keywest in June, all vying for $50,000 in cash prizes. Marlin was an old favorite of Hemmingway's and with only 75 boats able to register, the event sells out every year. Even if you don't come to compete for the cash, it's kind of fun to be a spectator just to see what amazing records could potentially be broken!
Papa Hemingway Look-Alike-Contest
Has anyone ever told you, you look like someone famous? Well, if that someone happens to be famous novelist Ernest Hemingway, you've got yourself a pretty decent shot at the title. Visitors from around the world congregate for Sloppy Joe's most beloved contest, and all vy for the title of best Look-a-Like. Even if you don't look like him, it's a great excuse to dress up and have a little fun without anyone batting an eye!
Hemingway 5K Sunset Run & Paddleboard Race
Who knows if Hemingway was ever into running 5K races, nonetheless, the annual 5K Sunset Run is part and parcel of the Annual Hemingway Days Festival that happens every July. The race course is flat, and scenic, snaking its way past Keywest's most prominent landmarks including Ernest Hemingway's beautiful home located in the Southernmost Point, an iconic location in its own right. This year's run featured the Lazy Dog Paddle Board Race, a new feature that took place before the 5K. The challenging 4 mile began at the Southernmost Beach Cafe and was a huge success!
Annual Key Lime Pie Festival
Key west is famous for many things like Hemingway, shipwrecks, piracy and most importantly, delicious key lime pie! What could possibly be better than an entire festival dedicated to one of the most iconic American desserts around. The events include any number of contests, a series of bake-off's and of course, a Guinness World Record attempt to create the world's largest pie, EVER! Come down around the Independence Day celebrations, and enjoy all the key lime pie you can handle.
Keywest is full of interesting activities to keep even the most ambitious traveler busy, and if you time it right, not only do you get to enjoy the usual options as well as have an excuse to celebrate something as fun as looking like Ernest Hemingway or eating a slice of keywest fresh, key lime pie!