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Key West Lobsterfest

August 5 - August 9
women with lobster on the beach

History of Key West Lobsterfest

Born from a Brawl (Over Lobster, No Less!)

 Believe it or not, Key West Lobsterfest started with a friendly (or maybe not-so-friendly) dispute. Two friends couldn’t agree on who made the best Lobster Chilau, a Key West staple. What else to do but settle it with a cook-off? The inaugural throwdown went down in the courtyard of Rick’s & Durty Harry’s Entertainment Complex, with secret family recipes and judges galore. The event was such a hit (though we’ll keep the winner a secret), they knew they had to take it bigger. The next year, Lobsterfest moved to the bustling Duval Street, welcoming more participants, spectators, and sponsors than ever before. Fast forward to today, and this epic food fight has transformed into a 4-day extravaganza that takes over the entire island!

KEY WEST LOBSTERFEST 2026 28th Annual

All information / data courtesy of the event organizers. Please visit their link for tickets and updates where applicable. (Information subject to changes and errors and omissions.)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Key West Lobsterfest Kick-Off Party Rick’s & Durty Harry’s Entertainment Complex 202 Duval Street, Historic Old Town

Home of the inaugural Lobsterfest — this is where it all began with a contest for the best lobster dish on the island. Join us to kick off the 28th Annual Key West Lobsterfest. We need to empty the freezers to make room for freshly caught lobster!

Enjoy amazing lobster pizza and drink specials featuring our Official Sponsors Sun Cruiser Iced Tea and Cuervo 1800 Tequila.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Lobster Boil at The Porter Mansion Courtyard – 429 Caroline Street, Historic Old Town

Join us for our annual seafood lobster boil in a beautiful Key West setting with a full bar, music, and delicious food.

  • Fresh lobsters
  • Jumbo Key West shrimp
  • Red skin potatoes
  • Fresh corn on the cob
  • Fresh baked jalapeño corn bread & melted butter

Each ticket is good for one guest’s admission and meal.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7

3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Pool Party at The Marker Resort – Key West Harbor Resort – 200 William Street

Free Admission – Relax and soak up the fun.

8:00 PM – Midnight Lobsterfest Duval Pub Crawl Check-in: The Marker Resort Pool Bar, 200 William Street

Join us for the 28th Annual Lobsterfest Pub Crawl! The fun starts immediately after sunset and goes until midnight.

What’s included:

  • Official Lobsterfest T-shirt
  • Souvenir lanyard
  • Amazing drink specials on Sun Cruiser Iced Tea and Cuervo 1800 Tequila at participating bars

Tickets: $25 in advance / $30 at the door. A portion of proceeds benefit the Key West High School Scholarship Fund. Pick up your T-shirt, lanyard, and crawl instructions at the Marker Resort Pool Bar on August 7th from 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM. All items must be picked up in person.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8

Noon – 11:00 PM – Street Fair & Concert 100–500 Blocks of Duval Street – Free Admission

Arts & crafts, merchandise, and more lining Duval Street all day.

Local bars and restaurants will be serving fresh Florida Lobster — everything from appetizers to full meals. No entrance fee; food and drinks sold individually.

Local bars will also be set up on Duval Street featuring ice-cold Corona, Blue Chair Bay Rum cocktails, and more.

Live Music Lineup:

1:00 PM Just George – Duval St. & Greene St.

3:00 PM Fried Newt – Main Stage

5:30 PM Jordan Oaks – Main Stage

8:00 PM The Durtbags – Main Stage — then continuing late night at Durty Harry’s

Details