Key West’s annual Key Lime Competition returns July 2-6, celebrating the sensational citrus fruit that shares its title with our island chain. From culinary occasions and excursions to only-in-Key-West competitions, the competition takes place in venues throughout the island the place Key lime pie was born.
Festivities launch Wednesday, July 2, with an all-new kickoff occasion on the veranda of the Avalon Mattress & Breakfast, 1317 Duval St. Competition co-founder David Sloan will welcome lime lovers whereas signing copies of his “Key West Key Lime Pie Cookbook,” adopted by a celebration that includes Americana jams by a reside band on Duval Avenue
On Thursday, July 3, a Key Lime Pie Hop will take aficionados on a downtown tasting tour to pattern variations of the dessert. Different choices embody a “Wheeling & Dealing Sizzling Wheels Race” at Mary Ellen’s Bar and “Sloppy Joe’s Final Key Lime Smash Occasion,” which raises cash for charity whereas delivering whipped cream wallops to some native superstar faces.
Independence Day occasions begin early with the Rotary Membership of Key West’s annual Fourth of July 5K. From there, head over to the Southernmost Seaside Café for an array of actions main as much as the 2025 World Well-known Key Lime Pie Consuming Championship, together with seashore video games and a Key Lime Vendor Village that opens at 10 a.m.
The pie consuming competitors — the competition’s centerpiece occasion — begins at 1:30 p.m. In a messy twist on New York’s conventional Independence Day sizzling canine consuming contest, 25 rivals every try to devour a 9-inch pie within the quickest time, with out utilizing their arms. Contestants can register prematurely on the competition web site for an opportunity to attain a trophy, championship belt and glory.
Different Fourth of July occasions embody a pool get together at Dante’s Key West Pool Bar & Restaurant and the Rotary Membership of Key West’s Patriotic Grill Out Beneath the Fireworks.
On Saturday, July 5, those that relish warmth can take the “5-Alarm Pie Problem,” on the Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum. Assume Key lime pie taken to incendiary heights by way of inventive culinary twists. There’s additionally the candy and salty Key Lime Sip & Stroll, the place individuals can vote on one of the best Key lime cocktails and margaritas served up by a number of bars. Topping off the day within the spirit of Independence weekend: “Miss Americana – A Tribute to Taylor Swift,” a free live performance for lime lovers of all ages, paired with an iconic Key West sundown at Sundown Pier positioned at Zero Duval St.
On Sunday, July 6, the annual Key Lime Pie Drop invitations contestants to advance-create a tool or container to guard a 5-inch-diameter pie and preserve it from exploding on affect when dropped from the 88-foot remark deck of the historic Key West Lighthouse. The winner scores a money prize together with some bragging rights; rivals can go to the competition web site to register prematurely at no cost.
Including a burst of patriotic pleasure to the festivities, and in celebration of Key West as an official U.S. Coast Guard metropolis, members of the Coast Guard will probably be readily available at a number of occasions with spirited appearances, interactive demonstrations and photo-ready moments.
Competition highlights additionally embody a “Residing the Key Lime Life” four-course dinner ready by chef Scott Taylor and the Kaya Island Eats culinary workforce, a Key West Artisan Market: Purple, White & Blue Version at Higgs Seaside, and every day Key Lime Bike Excursions and mini Key lime pie making courses.
The Florida Legislature declared Key Lime pie the official state pie in 2006. Launched in 2013, the family-friendly Key Lime Competition was concocted by writer, ghost hunter, historian and cuisinier David Sloan, and artist, manufacturing designer and Wonderdog Studios founder Marky Pierson. The 2025 competition is offered partially by the Monroe County Vacationer Improvement Council and We’ve Acquired the Keys. Extra info is at keylimefestival.com.
