The big party is just around the corner. If you're interested in driving down from Southwest Florida, here is all you need to know when planning for the annual Key West Key Lime Festival.
When people visit me from around the country, there are a few local food items I say they have to try. A Key Lime pie is one of them. It might be the most famous use of these special limes but it's not the only one.
You'll get to experience it all at this festival that takes place from July 3rd through the 7th. The celebration kicks off with a four-course dinner prepared by Chef Scott Taylor at Kaya Island Eats.
Then there is a cookbook signing party in the new George’s Bar & Spritz at the historic Curry Mansion Inn. It is said to be the actual locale where the first Key lime pie was created. The featured book is by David Sloan. He wrote the famous “Key West Key Lime Pie Cookbook.”
Key West Key Lime Festival Events
Other events include 5k races, fireworks, pool parties and a sip and stroll Key lime cocktail party. One of the highlights of the week is the infamous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship. The other is the Key Lime Pie Drop.
Talk about "pie in the sky". At this event, competitors are tasked with creating a container that can protect their beloved Key lime pie from exploding when it falls. Only it is falling from the 88-foot observation deck of the historic Key West Lighthouse. The kids will love this one.
There are lots of food events including the “5-Alarm Pie Challenge” at the Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum. Can you imagine cayenne graham cracker crumbs, habanero cream and a jalapeño topper? Talk about spicing up the Key lime pie.
Fun fact, key lime pie was made the official state pie in 2006. Restaurants all over Florida claim theirs' is the best. I have a feeling you'll find some of the best at this fest.
If you want to go, click here for more information and schedules. Some need advance reservations and can fill up fast so don't miss your chance.
Here are a few more photos from previous Key West Key Lime Festival
Pie Championship
Kendra Hoskin places a Key Lime pie in front of a World Famous Key Lime Pie Championship competitor in 2023
Pie Drop
The gravity defying Key Lime Pie Drop is a crowd pleaser. Contestants create a device or container to protect a 5” diameter pie and keep it from exploding on impact when dropped from the observation deck of the historic Key West Lighthouse. This event is July 6th.
Key Lime Pie
What kind of festival would this be without key lime pie. Lots of it. Look at the merengue on these.
Key Lime Fest Fun
Pictured with Key Lime Festival team members left to right, David Johnson, Kaylee Garlington, Liz Love, Kristyn LaMoia, Erin McKenna and Festival Producer Nadene Grossman Orr, Chris Schultz of Key West, center, took the World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship prize in 2022
