Key West Events
July 2017 Key West Events
July 1 – 4, 2017 – FOOD – 5th Annual Key Lime Festival – Key Limes grown abundantly on the island, and are necessary to make true Key Lime pie. This four-day fest celebrates the tiny local lime, with pie-baking contests, cooking classes, and pie-eating contest. For more information, visit www.keylimefestival.com
July 4, 2017 – INDEPENDENCE DAY – Key West 4th of July Fireworks – Dazzling fireworks show is launched from the White Street pier on the south side of the island of Key West. Begins shortly after sunset. Popular tradition is to view the fireworks from the water aboard a boat. More information and reservations for boat options at Key West July 4th Fireworks Cruises.
July 1 – 4, 2017 – FOOD – 5th Annual Key Lime Festival – Key Limes grown abundantly on the island, and are necessary to make true Key Lime pie. This four-day fest celebrates the tiny local lime, with pie-baking contests, cooking classes, and pie-eating contest. For more information, visit www.keylimefestival.com
July 4, 2017 – INDEPENDENCE DAY – Key West 4th of July Fireworks – Dazzling fireworks show is launched from the White Street pier on the south side of the island of Key West. Begins shortly after sunset. Popular tradition is to view the fireworks from the water aboard a boat. More information and reservations for boat options at Key West July 4th Fireworks Cruises.
July 8 – 11, 2017 – FISHING – 17th Annual Del Brown Permit Tournament – Considered by anglers to be the hardest and most rewarding fish to catch in shallow water on fly, this tournament is named after the early innovator of the sport Del Brown, who showed that you can catch a permit on fly – more than once in a lifetime. In practice, it is a feat of a lifetime, but if you have skills, pattern, and luck, then you just may have a chance. For more information, visit http://delbrownpermit.weebly.com/ or call 305-744-0903.
July 13 – 15, 2017 – MARITIME – Mel Fisher Days – Come celebrate the day in Key West, over 30 years ago, when Mel’s crews found over $400 million in shipwrecked gold, silver and emeralds that had been sitting on the ocean floor for more than 300 years. Annual Dock Party at Schooner Wharf Bar is on Saturday, July 15th, with tours of salvaging vessels, raffle, silent and live auctions and live entertainment. Private tours of the Fisher Family Conservation Laboratory July 13 & 14. Enter to win an Atocha Coin July 13-15. Benefits Wesley House Family Services. For more information, visit http://www.melfisherdays.com or call 305-296-6533
July 18 – 23, 2017 – HEMINGWAY – Hemingway Days & Sloppy Joe’s 37th Annual Papa Look-a-Like Contest – Over 100 Hemingway look-a-likes compete for prizes and notoriety as most resembling the famous writer, judged by previous contest winners. Sloppy Joe’s Bar – 6:30 pm – 201 Duval Street.
July 19 – 22, 2017 – FISHING – Bacardi Key West Marlin Fishing Tournament – Coinciding with the Hemingway Days celebration, this fishing tournament has anglers competing for the king of all gamefish – the marlin. Large cash prizes for largest fish, including marlin, dolphin fish (mahi-mahi), wahoo, and sailfish. Cost is $1800 per vessel for early registration, or $2100 for late registration. Additional fees for fun fish, extra angler, and extra banquet tickets. For more information, call 305-292-2710 or visit http://www.keywestmarlin.com
July 22, 2017 – RUNNING – Hemingway 5k Sunset Run & Paddle Board Race – Running race through Key West. This year, the event has expanded to include a paddleboard competition. Cost is $45-85 to register, depending on which events you participate in. For more information, call 305-240-0727
July 26 – 27, 2017 – FISHING – Lobster Mini-Sport Season – Two-day event draws hundreds of often frenzied recreational boaters in search of Florida lobster. Many rules apply, including: Bag limit: 6 per person per day for Monroe County. Possession limit – on the water: equal to the daily bag limit. Possession limit – off the water: equal to the daily bag limit on the first day, and double the daily bag limit on the second day. Possession limits are enforced on and off the water. Minimum size limit: must be larger than 3″ carapace, measured in the water. A reminder that possession and use of a measuring device is required at all times, and night diving is prohibited in Monroe County (only during the sport season). Florida Salwater Fishing License plus lobster endorsement/stamp required. Please respect other boaters, stay away from shorelines, ecological reserves, no-take zones, and canals, use a dive flag, and do no harm to the sensitive coral and eco-system. Call Florida Fish & Wildlife (FWC) at 305-289-2320 for more information.
