Every year, Key West celebrates the opening of Lobster Season by throwing the biggest party of the summer. Now in its 23rd year, Key West Lobsterfest takes to the streets from Thursday, August just 8th through Sunday, August 11th with a weekend long roster of events that you can really sink your teeth in.

Famous for its sweet and tender meat, the Keys’ spiny, clawless, lobster is often served steamed with drawn butter, paired with a seasoned stuffing or into innovative dishes conceived by local chefs.

This year, festival events kick off at 5pm Thursday, August 8 when lobster aficionados can gather for a traditional lobster boil on The Roof of the Waterfront Brewery at 201 William Street (305-440-2270). 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 on Friday, August 8th with a “Fiesta De Longosta” Pool Party from noon – 4pm at Havana Cabana Resort, 3420 N Roosevelt Blvd and a lively Duval Pub Crawl that starts immediately after sunset and continues until midnight.

Things really crank up on Saturday, August 9th with a Street Fair & Outdoor Concert which takes place on the 100 – 500 blocks of Duval Street from noon to 11pm.

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 blow dinners.

The free outdoor concert is slated for 1-10:30pm with local favorites, Alphonse, Cool Breeze and The DurtBags performing from a stage at the intersection of Duval and Greene streets.

Lobstermania wraps up on Sunday, August 11 with a decadent Lobster Brunch Buffet from 10am – 2pm in the tropical garden at First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery, 301 Whitehead Street (305-293-8484).

Wanna know more? Info at keywestlobsterfest.com.