Birthplace of the original Key Lime Pie, Key West is bracing itself for the Annual Key Lime Festival, which runs from Friday, June 30 through Tuesday, July 4.
Citrus, eccentrics, people, and pie take center stage during this wacky five-day celebration packed with culinary events for every taste.
During this long, limey holiday weekend, you’ll be able to indulge in a full menu of activities, including perennial favorites like the Key Lime Cocktail Sip & Stroll, Key Lime Pie Hop, Key Lime Scavenger Hunt, and for those with a taste for limey libations, a Key Lime rum tasting. Festival co-founder and “Key West Key Lime Pie Cookbook” author, David Sloan, gets the party started on Friday, June 30 with a special cookbook signing and champagne reception from 6:30 – 8 pm at Key West’s historic Curry Mansion.
Of course, there are all kinds of other fun culinary happenings, too, including several delicious Key Lime-centric dinner and brunch events, as well as a gravity-defying Key Lime pie drop competition — from the top of the Key West Lighthouse on Sunday from 11am – 2pm.
The Festival’s undisputed “limelight,” however, is the World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship at the Southernmost Beach Cafe on the 4th of July. Brave contestants must attempt to devour an entire pie, topped with mounds of whipped cream, without using their hands — all while trying to outpace their rivals and beat the pie-eating record of 52 seconds. Doors open at 12:30 pm, and the contest takes place at 1:30 pm. The event is free for the watching, but if you’re up to the task, the entry fee is just $25, including notoriety, a Key Lime Pie, and a chance to be crowned World Champion. More deets at keylimefestival.com.
2003 Key Lime Festival Event Schedule
Friday, June 30
7:30 am – 4 pm Key Lime Brunch and Bakery
Moondog’s 823 Whitehead St
10 am Key Lime Bike Tour
Discover the wonders of Key West by bicycle and see the sights of the city from a local’s perspective! Cruise around Old Town, visit iconic landmarks, hear stories of old time sailors, and at the end, cool off with a slice of Key West’s most famous dessert the Key Lime pie! Kicks off at Key Lime Bike Tours, 122 Ann St. Reservations: 305-340-7834 or book directly at keylimebiketours.com. Use code: keylime at checkout!
10 am – Noon Mini Key Lime Pie Class
Key West Key Lime Pie Co., 511 Greene St. Learn the secret recipe, get in the kitchen and create your very own mini key lime pie! Takes place at the Key West Key Lime Pie Co, 511 Greene St. Reservations: 305-517-6720.
Noon – 5pm Key Lime Rum Tasting
Sip on the best of the best at Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, 105 Simonton St. FREE!
5 – 6:30 pm Key Lime Kick Off!
Cookbook Signing & Champagne Reception
Sip Champagne on the veranda of the 1869 mansion where Key Lime Pie was first created and meet Key Lime Festival co-founder and Key West Key Lime Pie Cookbook author, David L. Sloan. Autographed Cookbook and Champagne Reception: $30; Champagne Reception Only: $10. Takes [place at the Curry Mansion, 511 Caroline St. 305-294-5349.
6 pm Key Lime Trivia
Put your Key Lime knowledge to the test! Join us at The Marker, poolside! $55++ / person — includes two drinks and all-you-can-eat Key Lime inspired buffet Takes place at The Marker Hotel, 200 Williams St. 305-501-5193.
5 – 9 pm Living The Key Lime Life Dinner
Enjoy a beautiful four course meal prepared by acclaimed Chef Scott Taylor and is team.
1st Course : Hurricane seasoned fresh Key west pinks and key lime cocktail sauce.
2nd Course : Cuban Hand Roll / mojo Roast pork /Swiss cheese /pickle/ egg roll cilantro key lime sauce
3rd Course : Floribbean Fish – Locally caught fish, Jamaican jerk seasoned Mahi Mahi, Fresh Pineapple/mango salsa, Goat cheese / coconut saffron rice.
*Chicken or Portobello options available
4th Course : Made from scratch Key lime pie
After dinner join us for live Reggae music in the backyard bar. $75 PP++ Takes place at KAYA Island Eats, 618 Duval St. Reservation 305-395-0213
Saturday, July 1st
7:30 am – 4 pm Key Lime Brunch and Bakery
Moondog’s 823 Whitehead St
10 am Key Lime Bike Tour
Discover the wonders of Key West by bicycle and see the sights of the city from a local’s perspective! Cruise around Old Town, visit iconic landmarks, hear stories of old time sailors, and at the end, cool off with a slice of Key West’s most famous dessert the Key Lime pie! Kicks off at Key Lime Bike Tours, 122 Ann St. Reservations: 305-340-7834 or book directly at keylimebiketours.com. Use code: keylime at checkout!
10 am – Noon Mini Key Lime Pie Class
Key West Key Lime Pie Co., 511 Greene St. Learn the secret recipe, get in the kitchen and create your very own mini key lime pie! Takes place at the Key West Key Lime Pie Co, 511 Greene St. Reservations:305-517-6720
Noon – 6 pm Mary Ellen’s Cooldown Lounge
Soak up the AC, enjoy a cold beverage, and scarf down a yummy grilled cheese. Rest and Recharge! Guaranteed feel good vibes! Takes place at Mary Ellen’s Bar & Kitchen 420 Applerouth Lane. 305-294-7750 FREE!
11 am – 5 pm Cat 5 Key Lime Lager Lunch
Receive a FREE Cat 5 Key Lime Lager with your lunch, Takes Place at Rams Head Southernmost, 804 Whitehead St. 305-440-3196. FYI: Reservations at Open Table.
3 – 6 pm Key Lime Sip & Stroll
If you like to drink & judge, this is the event for you! Decide who makes the best Key Lime cocktail on the island as multiple bars compete for your vote with the finest key lime margaritas and key lime ‘open’ cocktail in Key West. Check-in at First Flight Restaurant, 301 Whitehead St. Tickets $55 available online at keylimefestival.com.
5:30 – 6:30 pm Flamingos Love Key Lime, too!
Executive Chef, Pietro Consorti demonstrates how to prepare his signature Black Key Lime Crusted Swordfish. Includes complimentary welcome drink. Takes place at Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Key West Kitchen inside the Hyatt Centric, 601 Front St. $55+ tax pp. Reservations recommended: 305-809-4031 or online at keylimefestival.com.
7 pm Key Lime Unity Table Dinner
Feast on a delectable 5 course Key Lime Dinner prepared by Key West’s acclaimed Great Events Catering.
1st Course: Seared Sea scallop, Key Lime, tomato and ginger consumme
2nd Course: Watermelon, Stone crab salad with grilled Key Lime dressing.
3rd Course: Chipotle Duck Tostada, Key Lime cream, butter poached black beans and oven dried cherry tomatoes
4th Course: Black Grouper with dehydrated Key Lime Panko crust, mango sauce and spiced rice
5th Course: Dessert Trio: Black bottom Key Lime Pie and chili ganache Sopadilla, Key Lime curd and white chocolate shavings Key Lime Beingets.
Takes place at Williams Hall, 729 Fleming St. $175.00++ pp. Reservations at keylimefestival.com.
Sunday, July 2nd
7:30 am – 4 pm Key Lime Brunch and Bakery
Moondog’s 823 Whitehead St
10 am Key Lime Bike Tour
Discover the wonders of Key West by bicycle and see the sights of the city from a local’s perspective! Cruise around Old Town, visit iconic landmarks, hear stories of old time sailors, and at the end, cool off with a slice of Key West’s most famous dessert the Key Lime pie! Kicks off at Key Lime Bike Tours, 122 Ann St. Reservations: 305-340-7834 or book directly at keylimebiketours.com. Use code: keylime at checkout!
10 am – 4 pm Red, White, and Brunch
Enjoy house brews, Bloody Marys, and a terrific brunch in the lush garden at First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery, 301 Whitehead St. Reservations strongly recommended on Open Table or call 305.293.8484.
11 am – 2 pm Key Lime Pie Drop
Come out to see Key West’s most creative minds attempt to outsmart gravity by finding a way to drop a Key Lime Pie from the top of the lighthouse to the ground… without damaging the pie. Enter the competition and drop your own pie*, or just enjoy the free spectacle from the ground. Winner takes home CASH MONEY $$$. *If you plan to drop your homemade contraption from atop the Lighthouse, you must register and fill out a contestant form describing what you’ve built! Takes place at Key West Lighthouse, 938 Whitehead St. Register at keylimefestival.com email your contest form to: keylimefest@gmail.com.
Noon – 6 pm Mary Ellen’s Cooldown Lounge
Beat the heat at Mary Ellen’s Bar. Soak up the AC, enjoy a cold beverage, and scarf down a yummy grilled cheese. Rest and Recharge! Guaranteed feel good vibes! Takes place at Mary Ellen’s Bar & Kitchen 420 Applerouth Lane. 305-294-7750
3 – 5:30 pm Key Lime Scavenger Hunt
Check in at 2:30 pm at the Conch Republic Seafood Company, 631 Greene St. $50 entry includes FREE Key Lime Mojito or Margarita. Get tickets at keylimefestival.com.
4 – 6 pm Wheeling & Dealing Hot Wheels Race
Test your driving skills on KeyWest’s original Applerouth Track. Epic thrills and revving creativity. Do you have what it takes to win the race?!? Takes place at Mary Ellen’s Bar & Kitchen, 420 Applerouth Lane. Register 305-294-7750. FREE!
Monday, July 3rd
7:30 am – 4 pm Key Lime Brunch and Bakery
Moondog’s 823 Whitehead St
10 am Key Lime Bike Tour
Discover the wonders of Key West by bicycle and see the sights of the city from a local’s perspective! Cruise around Old Town, visit iconic landmarks, hear stories of old time sailors, and at the end, cool off with a slice of Key West’s most famous dessert the Key Lime pie! Kicks off at Key Lime Bike Tours, 122 Ann St. Reservations: 305-340-7834 or book directly at keylimebiketours.com. Use code: keylime at checkout!
10 am – Noon Mini Key Lime Pie Class
Key West Key Lime Pie Co., 511 Greene St. Learn the secret recipe, get in the kitchen and create your very own mini key lime pie! Takes place at the Key West Key Lime Pie Co, 511 Greene St. Reservations:305-517-6720.
11 am – 1:30 pm Key Lime Pie Hop
Tours take place every 1/2 half hour on the hour. Check-in 20 minutes prior to tour time at the Conch Republic Seafood Company, 631 Greene St. Tickets $55 at keylimefestival.com.
Noon – 6 pm Mary Ellen’s Cooldown Lounge
Beat the heat at Mary Ellen’s Bar. Soak up the AC, enjoy a cold beverage, and scarf down a yummy grilled cheese. Rest and Recharge! Guaranteed feel good vibes! Takes place at Mary Ellen’s Bar & Kitchen 420 Applerouth Lane. 305-294-7750.
4 – 5 pm Key Lime Tree Master Class
Learn how to care for and grow your very own key lime tree. It’s the perfect Key West souvenir to take home with you! *Key lime tree included your ticket purchase.
Takes place at the MARC Plant Store, 1401 Seminary St. Tickets $50pp at
keylimefestival.com.
5 – 10 pm Record-Breaking Key Lime Pie!
Come witness Monroe County reclaim its rightful title of having the world’s largest key lime pie. Slices of the pie for everyone while it lasts and don’t forget to stick around for the fireworks and laser light show after dark. Presented by the Lower Keys Rotary at the Big Pine Key Community Park, 31009 Atlantis Dr, Big Pine Key.
5:30 – 9:30 pm The Key Lime Larry & Pete Show
Grab a Key Lime Cat 5 Lager, a slice of Key Lime Pie and enjoy the show! Wheel of Fun and prize giveaways at band breaks. All donations benefit the Key West High School Band. Takes place at Sloppy Joes, 201 Duval St. 305-294-5717.
5 pm – 10 pm Key Lime In The Keys Dinner
Indulge in a Tasting Menu crafted to showcase Key West’s most popular fruit – Key Lime!! Cost: $120pp; Add wine & cocktail pairing for and additional $30. Takes place at Bagatelle Restaurant, 115 Duval St. 305-296-6609. Reserve at keylimefestival.com.
Tuesday, July 4th
7:30 am 4th of July 5K!
Presented by the Rotary Club of Key West, this annual fundraiser benefits the Edward B. Knight Scholarship Fund providing vocational scholarships to Monroe County Students. Race begins and ends at the Edward B. Knight Pier located at 1801 White St. Register at keylimefestival.com.
7:30 am – 4 pm Key Lime Brunch and Bakery
Moondog’s 823 Whitehead St
10 am Key Lime Bike Tour
Discover the wonders of Key West by bicycle and see the sights of the city from a local’s perspective! Cruise around Old Town, visit iconic landmarks, hear stories of old time sailors, and at the end, cool off with a slice of Key West’s most famous dessert the Key Lime pie! Kicks off at Key Lime Bike Tours, 122 Ann St. Reservations: 305-340-7834 or book directly at keylimebiketours.com. Use code: keylime at checkout!
10 am – Noon Mini Key Lime Pie Class
Key West Key Lime Pie Co., 511 Greene St.Learn the secret recipe, get in the kitchen and create your very own mini key lime pie! Takes place at the Key West Key Lime Pie Co, 511 Greene St. Reservations: 305-517-6720.
11 am – 2pm Key Lime Vendor Village
Shop all things Key Lime from beauty products and jewelry to local art and more. Takes place at the Southernmost Beach Resort, 508 South St. Be sure to pop in at Southernmost Beach Cafe for the pig roast. Plates are $18. 800-354-4455.
11 am – 2 pm World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship
Bib up and chow down or just enjoy the beautiful beach and key lime family friendly games. Contest begins at 1:30 pm. FREE to Watch; $25 to enter the Championship.* Takes place at the Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St. 305- 295-6550. *If you are entering the championship, you must pay the entry fee and fill out the contestant form at keylimefestival.com. All contest forms should be emailed to: keylimefest@gmail.com.
Noon – 6 pm 4th of July Pool Party!
Stars and Stripes rule the day! Grab your star spangled swim suits & head over for a day of drinks, live music and all the fun! A DJ will be spinning the jams. Takes place at Dante’s Key West Pool Bar & Restaurant, 955 Caroline St. 305-293-5123. FREE!
7 pm Patriotic Dinner Under the Fireworks
Presented b the Rotary Club of Key West, this annual patriotic bash includes festive food by Catered Affairs, great music, and an amazing fireworks show at Indigenous Park, 1801 White St. Cost: $100/Person. Get tickets at keylimefestival.com.
And don’t forget your Frozen Pie Pick-Up & Ship!
Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shoppe – 200 Elizabeth St. & 335F Duval St 305-296-0806
Key West Key Lime Pie Co. – 511 Greene St. 305-517-6720
Be sure to call ahead and reserve your Pie! Shipping dates based upon availability.
