See What’s Cracking at the Key West Lobsterfest

With Florida lobster season kicking off the first week in August, Key West Lobsterfest isn’t far behind. Thrown in honor of the Florida spiny lobster, the 26th annual fest is easily the island’s tastiest long weekend. Stuffed to the brim with food, frosty Coronas, and live music, Key West Lobsterfest celebrates the very best Key West has to offer.

[Plan on catching your own spiny lobster while in Key West? We're breaking down all the dos and don’ts of Florida Keys lobster season 2023 on our Key West Travel Blog]

You’ll find the festival’s guest of honor everywhere come Lobsterfest weekend - on the grill, in the fryer, in tacos, ceviches, and rolls prepared with care by the island’s local chefs. After all, it’s only right that Key West’s most important crustacean gets one of the island’s best parties.

Key West Lobsterfest festivities start on Thursday, Aug. 10 at 6 p.m. with the Original Lobster Boil held in the historic Porter Mansion courtyard at Caroline’s Café. Enjoy a feast with plates piled high with fresh lobster, jumbo Key West shrimp, red potatoes, corn on the cob, and fresh baked jalapeño cornbread. Get tickets in advance!

After sunset on Friday evening, head to Duval Street for the annual Lobsterfest Duval Pub Crawl on Aug. 11. For $20, crawlers get Lobsterfest swag and drink specials at participating bars like Schooner Wharf, Durty Harry’s, Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, and Margaritaville. Proceeds again benefit the Key West High School’s Scholarship fund.

Finally, Lobsterfest’s most popular attraction: the free Saturday Street Fair on Aug. 12. Live music, local art, and blocks of vendors cooking up fresh Florida lobster dishes line Duval Street. From honey-fried lobster tails to bisques, cakes, tacos, and fritters, there’s just about every style of lobster available for purchase. The music starts at 1 p.m. with Key West musicians Just George, followed by Newsome Corbitt “Fried Newt” at 3 p.m., and The Durtbags at 8 p.m.

[The Absolute Best Lobster Dishes in Key West]

Lobster Brunch closes things down on Sunday, Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in the tropical gardens at First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery. After that, you’ll have to wait until next year’s Lobsterfest to celebrate Key West’s most delicious resident. The $125 ticket price may be steep, but with beats by DJ Aaron Moore, bottomless Bloody Marys, mimosas, and small plates and desserts, it’s actually quite a steal. Menu options include biscuits and lobster gravy, lobster benedict, lobster omelets, lobster mac & cheese, tempura lobster sticks, tacos, quesadillas, flatbreads, toasts, salads, and so, so much more. Get your Lobster Brunch tickets to one of the four seatings before they’re gone for good.

Key West Lobsterfest runs Thursday, Aug. 10 – Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023. Check the Key West Lobsterfest schedule for a list of times and venues.

Book Your Stay at 24 North Hotel

24 North Hotel is located in Key West and offers hourly shuttle service to Old Town, just steps from Lobsterfest events. There, you can find the renowned Sloppy Joe’s Bar on Duval Street, the Hemingway Home & Museum, the Southernmost Point of the continental United States, and more. Intrigued? Take advantage of our best rates and special offers when you book direct.