July 1–5, 2027 · Key West
America’s Favorite Citrus Celebration

In the Florida Keys we celebrate the things that make our islands unique: citrus, eccentrics, people, and pie. The Key Lime Festival is five days of exactly that — pie tastings, cocktail strolls, wild competitions, and a whole island leaning into its signature flavor. Come down to the birthplace of Key Lime Pie for a little taste and you’ll see what we mean.

Since the festival wraps around the Fourth of July, the week also brings the Rotary 5K, poolside holiday parties, and fireworks over the water.

What to Expect

The 2027 schedule hasn’t been released yet. These are the recurring events that anchor the festival each year.

Kick Off Party & Key Lime Spirit Pageant — Opening night on Duval with live music, cocktails on the veranda, and a welcome keynote from festival co-founder and Key Lime pie historian David L. Sloan. Contestants compete in themed challenges to be crowned Key Lime Festival Emperor and Empress.

Key Lime Pie Hop — A guided walking tour through the town where Key Lime pie was born, stopping to sample versions from classic to creative. Multiple tour times through the day.

Key Lime Bike Tours — A morning ride past island landmarks and hidden gems, with a swim stop, a slice of pie, and a champagne toast at the finish.

Wheeling & Dealing Hot Wheels Race — Low-rider racing, beer chugging, and hula hooping in an alley off Duval. Considerably harder than it looks.

Pub Style Trivia with a Key Lime Twist — Five rounds, a cocktail, and the title of Wisest on the Island. Seating is limited.

Sloppy Joe’s Ultimate Key Lime Pie Smash Party — Donate and vote to watch local personalities and Sloppy Joe’s staff take a pie to the face, all benefiting the Sloppy Joe’s Foundation.

5-Alarm Pie Challenge — Free samples of the hottest Key Lime pie on the island at the historic Firehouse Museum, built with cayenne graham cracker crumbs, habanero cream, and a jalapeño topper.

Key Lime Sip & Stroll — Bar-hop between participating spots as they compete for your vote on the best Key Lime cocktail in Key West.

Pool Parties — Several resorts host Key Lime themed pool parties through the week, with DJs, food and drink specials, and no shortage of lime-green swimwear.

Key-Lime-O-Rama at the Truman Waterfront Farmers Market — The weekly waterfront market goes citrus, with Key Lime creations alongside the usual produce, orchids, crafts, and sunsets. Free.

Key Lime Vendor Village — Handcrafted goods, tropical art, and local treats.

World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship — Contestants take on a full nine-inch pie with their hands behind their backs. Limited spots to compete, free to watch.

Key Lime Kid Zone — Slime making, crafts, games, music, and conch shell blowing lessons.

Key Lime Pie Drop — Competitors try to outsmart gravity by dropping a pie from the top of the Key West Lighthouse without damaging it. Free to watch, free to enter, cash prize for whoever pulls it off.

JF Haden’s Battle of the Bartenders — Six bartenders pulled out of their home bars and put poolside to compete head-to-head, with live music through the afternoon.

Rotary Club 4th of July 5K and Fireworks — The annual run/walk benefits the Edward B. Knight Scholarship Fund, followed later by a patriotic grill-out and fireworks after dark.

Key Lime Menus All Week — Restaurants, bars, distilleries, and spas across the island run Key Lime menus, tastings, and specials throughout the festival.

Frozen Pie Pick-Up & Ship — Take Key West home with you. Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shoppe and Key West Key Lime Pie Co. both ship; call ahead to reserve.

Schedule subject to change. Information courtesy of the Key Lime Festival — see keylimefestival.com for the full schedule, tickets, and complete details.