Everything You Need to Know About the Key West Annual Key Lime Festival 2022

There’s no better way to spend the 4th of July than joining the island of eccentrics for special events honoring our favorite citrus, the venerable key lime. The annual Key Lime Festival returns June 30 - July 4 with a packed schedule of family-friendly activities like pie drops, scavenger hunts, key lime cooking demonstrations, and more.

So brush up on your key lime pie history and join us at Key Lime Festival Key West 2022. Here are some of the best activities to look forward to.

Key Lime Rum Tasting & Distillery Tour

Local conchs (Key West natives) know that everything tastes a little bit better with rum. Visitors are invited to sample rum made with key lime at Key West’s First Legal Rum Distillery at 105 Simonton St. and tour the premises - for free! This is perfect for those who don’t have a sweet tooth for pie but want a piece of the key lime action. Friday, July 1, 12 - 5 p.m.

At 24 North Hotel, we take our rum seriously. Our Cuban-inspired craft cocktail lounge Republica mixes up innovative cocktails alongside live music every night of the week. Rum lovers will love ‘90 Miles from Cuba’, a cortadito martini crafted with Miami Club Cuban Coffee Rum, espresso, evaporated milk, and a cinnamon stick; ‘Rum Raisin’ with Diplomático Planas 6-year aged white rum, fig preserve, agave syrup, and fresh lemon juice; and Republica’s classic El Presidente made with Key West Temple Pents Revenge Rum.

Key Lime Pie Drop

Quintessential, oddball Key West is at work during this part of the festival. Head to the Key West Lighthouse to watch key lime pies get dropped off the very top! Local minds compete using gravity-defying skills to see which pie can make it safely to the ground without harm. The event is free to watch. Saturday, July 2, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Key Lime Sip & Stroll

Made for those who enjoy drinking and judging, the sip and stroll involves upwards of 15 local bars competing to create the tastiest key lime cocktail concoction. The bar stroll starts at First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery at 301 Whitehead Street. $55 gets you samples of at least 10 drinks and a chance to cast your vote for the best - make sure to pace yourself! Sign up in advance for free goodies. Saturday, July 2, 3 - 6 p.m.

Key Lime Pie Hop

When in Key West, eat as the locals do. Find where to get the best key lime pie in Key West by sampling classic and creative takes on the dessert during the Key Lime Pie Hop. $55 includes five pie samples from places around town, plus a Key Lime Festival T-shirt, which are always beautifully designed. Check in at Conch Republic Seafood Co. at 631 Greene St. Sunday, July 3, tours leave every 30 minutes from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship

The key lime festivities wouldn’t be complete without this favorable, flavorful event. See who can eat a 9-inch key lime pie the quickest without using their hands in this often nationally-broadcast event at Southernmost Beach Café at 1405 Duval St. The current record holder is Trey Bergman of Texas, who finished an entire pie in 51.92 seconds. The event is free to watch and participants can join the fray for $25. Monday, July 4, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.

While you’ll find key lime usually served in the form of a tangy, creamy, chilled pie enhanced by graham cracker crust goodness, the citrus fruit also compliments liquor, spicy peppers, nuts, a French Toast breakfast - you name it, it’s probably been tried here on the island. Here’s some key lime treats to be enjoyed across the island outside of its usual pie-form.

From Champagne receptions to 4-course meals, mini key lime pie classes, a vendor village, key lime paint ‘n sip, and a master class on growing your own key lime tree, the Key Lime Festival is stacked with fun for the whole family. Get your tickets to events here.

Need more reasons to attend the Key Lime Festival? Here are five of them.

When you book your Key West stay with us at 24 North Hotel, our air-conditioned shuttle will bring you right to Old Town and all the Key Lime Festival action. Book now to reserve your room for the 4th of July celebrations! Now for a limited time, Florida residents get a special resident rate, plus free parking and cocktails upon arrival with our Florida Residents Escape offer. Check out more of our special offers at 24 North Hotel. 

“Rowdy fun at Republica. Had a blast at the bar with 3 other vacationing couples, a few regulars, and DJ Holland. Our bartender STEPHANIE was so hella cool and upbeat, introduced us to some new drinks, and gave a little history lesson in Hemingway, lol! Loved our "Welcome to Key West!" Thank you, Steph!” Linda, TripAdvisor

“Best vacation ever…I can't say enough good things about the Hotel and its staff. The staff was polite, friendly, and when you needed something they were right there. The Hotel was very clean and all of the guests were great. I will definitely stay here again. Thanks for being part of my fabulous vacation!” - Cheryl B, TripAdvisor

“Great bar service! We enjoyed our stay at 24 North. Nice hotel with a wide variety of amenities. We especially enjoyed our service at the bar Republica…our bartender was very talented and able to create a wide variety of complex cocktails. After all, in Key West it's all about the cocktails!” Jan P, TripAdvisor