Down here in the Florida Keys we love celebrating the things that make our islands unique. Tropical fruits, eccentrics, people & pie. Sums it up, doesn’t it? Our celebrations are fun, wacky & unforgettable. Our people are too. Which leads us to Key Lime Festival: America’s favorite citrus celebration! If you happen to be traveling to the birthplace of Key Lime Pie this July you will see what we mean. Blimey Key-Limey!
This year the festival includes 4 crazy days of culinary events for every taste, with old favorites like the Key Lime Cocktail Sip & Stroll, and new additions like The Key Lime Pie Hop & intimate culinary events. Most of the events are expected to sell out so make sure to get your tickets HERE!
Thursday, July 4
Photo // Vimeo
Key Lime Pie Eatin’ Contest
This is it. The Festival Kick-Off Event. The Mile Zero Key Lime Pie Eatin’ Contest. Do you have what it takes to be crowned the World Champion? Can you devour a 9″ Key Lime Pie faster than the competition? Then get ready to be famous as the event receives national media exposure and ranks among the sweetest and most competitive eating contests around. If you’re calorie counting, take a front row seat to cheer the brave contestants whose hands are tied behind their backs and whose faces are buried in custard. It’s free to watch, and just $20 to compete. Entries include notoriety, a Key Lime Pie and souvenir Key Lime Festival T-Shirt. Click here to learn more.
Photo // Fla-Keys.com
Key Lime University
Try your hand at hooker pie and key lime cocktails at First Legal Rum Distillery’s Key Lime University. Chef Paul Menta and local mixologist Crystal Villegas will walk you through the history and the processes of making some of our favorite citrus flavored treats! Tickets for these classes go for $29 and can be purchased here.
Photo // Foodiecrush.com
Friday, July 6
If you were too busy enjoying the Key West beach, fireworks and all around Americana to bother yourself with Key Lime stuff on the 4th, then get ready to make up for it today. Friday the 5th comes with
historical talks, more cooking and mixology classes, and includes the fun and adventurous Key Lime Scavenger Hunt!
Key Lime Scavenger Hunt!
Get ready to see Key West like never before on this whirlwind adventure with a Key Lime twist!
Grab your team of 2-5 people and sign up! Clues will lead your team to famous Key West sights, iconic landmarks, hidden local favorite places, and of course a bar or two along the way. Earn the most points and then you’ll lead your team to victory and take home the grand prize and the ultimate bragging rights!
Saturday, July 6
Key Lime Pie Drop
The Key West Art & Historical Society will host the kick-off with the sweetest and tartest party around. Registrants will 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. Try dropping your own pie, or just enjoy the madness from below.
Key Lime Cocktail Sip & Stroll
If you like to drink & judge, $30 gets you 12 or more competing Key Lime cocktail samples to cast your final vote for. You decide which bar makes the best! The first 100 registrants receive free souvenir mugs. Get your tickets here– this even tends to sell out!
Photo // home cooking memories
Sunday, July 7
The Southernmost Beach Cafe Brunch Special
Brunch is always a good idea… on the beach is even better! Enjoy their Key Lime French Toast in honor of the Festival!
Photo // Beanilla.com
The Key Lime Pie Hop
Stroll through the town where Key Lime Pie was born and sample five variations of Key West’s favorite dessert. From classic meringue to creative slices with rum toppers, $30 includes 5 pie samples and a free Key Lime Festival T-shirt!
Click here for more information.
Photo // Southernmost Coconut Castaways
