Key Lime Festival: A Zesty Celebration Kicking Off July 2nd in Key West!

Key West, Florida, United States - The vibrant atmosphere of Key West is set to brighten even more as the annual Key Lime Festival rolls into town from July 2-6, 2025. This five-day celebration honors the beloved Key lime pie, which has become a symbol of this island community. With a variety of activities designed to engage locals and visitors alike, it promises to be a sweet experience for all.

The festival kicks off on July 2 at the Avalon Bed & Breakfast Inn, featuring live music and the enthusiasm of co-founder David Sloan as attendees gear up for the tasty festivities ahead. Activities continue in abundance across this anchoring locale, where Key lime pie first took its delicious form.

Delicious Events Await

On July 3, a Key Lime Pie Hop tasting tour will take participants on a delightful journey through downtown, savoring different takes on this iconic dessert. Not to miss on the same day are the “Wheeling & Dealing Hot Wheels Race” at Mary Ellen’s Bar and Sloppy Joe’s Ultimate Key Lime Smash Party—a charitable effort that intertwines fun with a good cause.

Weather permitting, there’s also a U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue demonstration at Truman Waterfront at 6 p.m. Following this, enjoy a sunset reception aboard the USCGC Ingham where the Coast Guard Band teams up with local culinary masters to whip up mouthwatering Key lime desserts from 7 to 9 p.m.

Fourth of July Festivities

The celebration transitions to Independence Day with the highly anticipated Key Lime Pie Eating Championship on July 4, where up to 25 contestants will try to devour a whole 9-inch pie without using their hands. Joining in the fun will be the Rotary Club of Key West’s Fourth of July 5K and vibrant activities at Southernmost Beach Café that lead up to the pie-eating contest scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

For those looking to splash into festivities, Dante’s Key West Pool Bar & Restaurant will host a Stars and Stripes-themed pool party that kicks off at noon. Later in the evening, the Rotary Club will present its Patriotic Grill Out under the fireworks at Higgs Beach, creating a perfect backdrop for celebration.

A Festive Finale

As the festival winds down, the excitement continues on July 5 with the „5-Alarm Pie Challenge“ at the Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum. Those with discerning taste can partake in the Key Lime Sip & Stroll event where local bars will compete for the title of best Key lime cocktails and margaritas.

Capping it all off is a free concert featuring “Miss Americana – A Tribute to Taylor Swift” at Ocean Key Resort’s Sunset Pier, just in time for sunset appreciation. And for little ones, the Key Lime Kid Zone at Southernmost Beach Café offers engaging activities including crafting, storytelling, and even conch shell-blowing lessons to summon mermaids!

From culinary dedications to adventurous activities and music, the Key Lime Festival embodies the spirit of Key West and showcases its unique charm. For more information about this zesty celebration, visit keylimefestival.com for a detailed schedule of events. Join us in celebrating the delicious legacy of Key lime pie!