It’s all about love and limes when citrus, eccentrics, people, and pie take center stage during Key West’s Annual Key Lime Festival. This wacky five-day celebration, which runs from Wednesday, July 3 through Sunday, July 7, is packed with culinary events for every taste.
Birthplace of the original Key Lime Pie, Key West is renowned for serving up some of the best Key Lime Pies in the world.
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.
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.
Festival co-founder and “Key West Key Lime Pie Cookbook” author David Sloan officially gets the party started on Wednesday, July 3, with an Autographed Cookbook Signing & Champagne Reception at Key West’s historic Curry Mansion at 511 Caroline Street.
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. 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.
2004 Key Lime Festival Event Schedule
Daily
7:30 am – 4 pm
Key Lime Pie and Bakery
Mention that you “Love the Key Lime Festival” and get $1 off!
Takes place at Moondog’s 823 Whitehead Street.
10 am & Noon
Mini Key Lime Pie Class
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
Learn and experience the distilling process firsthand during this fascinating tour. You’ll also get to enjoy free samples of rums and spirits. Takes place at Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, 105 Simonton Street.
Wednesday, July 3
5 – 7 pm
Key Lime Kick Off!
Cookbook Signing & Champagne Reception
Sip cocktails on the veranda of a1869 mansion where the Key Lime Pie was first created; kick up your heels to some great Americana jams; and meet Key Lime Festival co-founder and Key West Key Lime Pie Cookbook author, David L Sloan. Takes place at the Curry Mansion, 511 Caroline Street. 305-294-5349.
5 – 9 pm
Living The Key Lime Life Dinner
Enjoy a fabulous four course meal prepared by Key West’s acclaimed Kaya Island Eats
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 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
Stick around after dinner for live Reggae music in the Backyard Bar. Takes place at KAYA Island Eats, 618 Duval Street. Reservations: 305-395-0213.
7 – 9 pm
Key Lime Kick Off After Party
Get down with great live music, ice cold drinks, flavorful food, and sample some delicious key limey cocktails and famous Key Lime Pie! Limey attire encouraged!
Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon, 409 Caroline Street.
Thursday, July 4
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 Street. Register at keylimefestival.com.
10 am – 2 pm
Key Lime Vendor Village
A key lime lovers favorite place to be! Shop all things key lime from beauty products and jewelry to local art and more. Takes place at the Southernmost Beach Resort, 508 South Street.
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.*
*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. Takes place at the Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval
Street.
Noon – 6 pm
4th of July Pool Party!
Stars and Stripes rule the day! Grab your star spangled swim suits and head over for a day of drinks, live music and tons of fun! A DJ will also be on hand spinning the jams. Takes place at Dante’s Key West Pool Bar & Restaurant, 955 Caroline Street.
4:30 pm
Patriotic Grill Out Under the Fireworks
Presented ByThe Rotary Club of Key West Presents: Celebrate Independence Day with grilled Hot Dogs, Burgers, and more celebratory eats. Fireworks after dark. Cash Bar Available. Takes place at Indigenous Park, 1801 White Street.
Friday, July 5
9:30 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 Street. Reservations: 305-340-7834 or book directly at keylimebiketours.com.
10 am
Tart Tales — A Key Lime Pie Odyssey
Kim Stamps and Yvonne Jefferson, Tart Tales’ Tour and Tasting Experts, lead you on an exploration from the humble Key Lime tree to the sweet & savory delight on your plate. Patrick Garvey from Grimal Grove from Big Pine Key will also share his personal insights into the unique challenges of growing Key Limes. Coffee and pie included! Takes place in the First Floor Gallery at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton Street. Limited Availability. Book now at tarttales.com/#coffee-talk
10 am – 2 pm
Five Alarm Pie Challenge
Enjoy a free sample of the hottest Key lime pie on the island. Specially prepared by Key West Key Lime Pie Cookbook author, David L. Sloan, this unique pie includes cayenne graham cracker crumbs, habanero cream, and a jalapeño topper. Bring your smartphone to check out the museums new haunted history audio tour or discover the fascinating history of firefighting in Key West. Takes place at the Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum, 1024 Grinnell Street.
11 am – 5 pm
Key Lime Lager Lunch
Stop by for for lunch and receive a FREE Cat 5 with purchase of select menu items. Takes place at Rams Head Southernmost, 804 Whitehead Street.
3 – 6 pm
Key Lime Sip & Stroll
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 Street.
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 with your ticket purchase. Takes place at the MARC Plant Store, 1401 Seminary Street. Tickets at
keylimefestival.com.
5:30 – 9:30 pm
The Ultimate Key Lime Smash Party
Grab a slice of Key Lime Pie and see some of Key West’s most notorious celebrities get smashed with a Key Lime Pie to the face. Great live music by Brian Roberts and friends. Prizes and giveaways. Takes place at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval Street.
Saturday, July 6
10 am – 2 pm
Key Lime Brunch
Enjoy a Key Lime inspired menu right on the docks of Stock Island’s state-of-the-art marina. Takes place at Matt’s Stock Island Restaurant, 70001 Shrimp Road. 877-496-8712.
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 $$$. Check in for Pie Droppers is from 11am – Noon. FYI: Pie Drop starts promptly at Noon.
*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.
2 pm – 5 pm
Battle of the Bartenders
Six amazing local bartenders compete head-to-head poolside backdropped with
live music by the heralded reggae band, Maasai Battle begins at 2 pm. Pool Party continues throughout the afternoon. Takes place at The Marker Hotel, 200 Williams Street.
3 pm – 5 pm
Kermit’s Key Lime Ribbon Cutting
Come check out Kermit’s newly renovated garden and sample his brand new Key Lime Treats! Free samples throughout the event. Ribbon cutting with Kermit himself at 3 pm. Takes place at Kermit’s Key Lime Shop, 200 Elizabeth Street.
4 pm – 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 at 305-294-7750.
6 – 8 pm
Key Lime Unity Table Dinner
Join Chef Martha in celebration of the Key Lime Festival with a delectable 3-course key lime themed dinner!
1ST COURSE: Traditional Conch Salad with Key West Ol’ Sour and Datil Chili
2ND COURSE: Black Grouper with caramelized hearts of palm, heirloom tomatoes, and local mango relish
3RD COURSE: Key Lime Ol’Sour pie with local mango sauce
Takes place at William’s Hall, 729 Fleming Street. Reservations: keylimefestival.com.
Saturday, July 7
10 am – 2 pm
Key Lime Brunch
Enjoy a Key Lime inspired menu right on the docks of Stock Island’s state-of-the-art marina. Takes place at Matt’s Stock Island restaurant, 70001 Shrimp Road. 877-496-8712.
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 at keylimefestival.com.
