Every year, Key West celebrates the opening of Lobster Season by throwing the biggest party of the summer.
Now in its 24th year, Key West Lobsterfest takes to the streets from Thursday, August 12 through Sunday, August 15, with a weekend-long roster of events that you can sink your teeth into.
Famous for its sweet and tender meat, the Keys’ spiny, clawless lobster is served steamed with drawn butter, paired with seasoned stuffing, or in innovative dishes conceived by local chefs.
This year, festival events kick off at 5 pm Thursday, August 12, when lobster aficionados can gather for a traditional lobster boil in Key West’s Historic Seaport. Chow down on fresh lobster, jumbo shrimp, andouille sausage, corn on the cob, and more, backdropped by a gorgeous Key West sunset, live entertainment, and drink specials.
The celebration continues with the Lobsterfest Duval Pub Crawl, a staggering fundraiser on Friday, August 13, that’s sure to wet your whistle. The “Crawl” begins immediately after sunset and continues until midnight. If you’re in the mood to start a little earlier, don’t miss the Lobsterfest Pool Party at Havana Cabana Resort, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, 3420 Roosevelt Blvd. You can enjoy lobster and tropical drinks poolside. Admission is free.
Things crank up on Saturday, August 14, with a Street Fair & Outdoor Concert, which takes place on the 100 – 500 blocks of Duval Street from noon to 11 pm.
Tons of artisans will be selling their wares as sixteen bars, and restaurants dish up over 10,000 lbs. (yes,10,000 lbs!) of succulent, locally caught lobster – from scrummy appetizers to full-blown dinners. The free outdoor concert is slated for 1:00 -10:30 pm and will showcase many great local musicians performing from a stage at the intersection of Duval and Greene streets.
Lobstermania wraps up on Sunday, August 15, with a decadent Lobster Brunch Buffet from 10 am – 2 pm in the tropical garden at First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery, 301 Whitehead Street (305-293-8484).
Wanna know more? Hit up keywestlobsterfest.com.
