July is so much fun in Key West. The average temperatures can be a bit steamy, but there’s always an air-conditioned place to pop into to enjoy a beverage and listen to live music. I may be partial, but I think July is the best time to visit Key West. Partial… because it is my birthday month… but Key West is pretty special any month of the year. But what is there to do in Key West in July?
Even with a few rainy days, this is a great time of year to visit the island. There are festivals happening most of the month. Towards the end of the month is Hemingway Days. Be sure to check out our article all about this amazing festival. Of course, July is in the middle of hurricane season, so prepare for the possibility of rain. As with any month, Key West weather is unpredictable and changes on the hour.
Plan a trip filled with lots of fun. Come for the Key Lime festival and check out the pie-eating contest. Or, plan a trip during the Fourth and see awesome fireworks displays on Higgs Beach. July and August are some of Key West’s busiest months. Spend some time at Smathers Beach and enjoy the warm water temperature. Or head out to visit some of the many historic sites on the island.
Want to escape the higher temperatures of the summer months? Check out the events held at the Studios of Key West. Or check out the treasurers found at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.
Skip car rentals when you land at the Key West International Airport. Some of the best ways to explore the island are on one foot, by scooter, or on a guided tour with a local. Daylight hours are long (although starting to get shorter), so take advantage of all that the island offers, from live entertainment to a Key West fishing tournament. Below is the list of events happening in Key West in July!
KEY WEST KEY LIME FESTIVAL – July 3 – 7, 2024
Key West’s annual Key Lime Festival celebrates the world’s most sensational citrus with a bountiful array of festivities across the island where Key Lime Pie was conceived. Over five days, lovers of the lime can indulge in a full menu of activities including a gravity-defying Key lime pie drop competition from the top of the Key West Lighthouse; a Key lime cocktail sip and stroll, Key lime brunches and dinners, and of course, the world-famous Key lime pie eating championship at 1:30 p.m. on July 4th at Southernmost Beach Cafe at 1405 Duval St.
ROTARY KEY WEST 4TH OF JULY 5K WALK/RUN – July 4
Get a healthy start to the 4th of July with Key West Rotary’s annual 5k walk/run. Register online in advance or at the starting line at 6:45 a.m. the morning of the race at Edward B Knight/White Street Pier, 1801 White Street. Race starts at 7:30 a.m.
Key West 4th of July Fireworks Celebration – July 4
Since 1976, the Rotary Club of Key West has presented the island’s annual fireworks show. Staged from the Edward B. Knight Pier overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at 1800 White St., fireworks are to begin at 9 p.m. A free Patriotic Party celebration begins at 5 p.m. with music, along with drinks and food including burgers and hot dogs for purchase, with proceeds to benefit the Rotary Club’s scholarship fund.
Key Largo 4th of July Parade – July 4
Key Largo’s 48th annual 4th of July Parade takes place from 10 a.m. to noon in the northbound lanes of US 1. Patriotically decorated floats range from boats to cars to bicycles, with area school and community groups represented. The parade route along US 1 runs from mile marker 98.2 at Anthony’s clothing store north to the Diver’s Direct plaza. “Super Soaker” water guns are a longstanding tradition with people on floats shooting to “cool off” the crowds, so if you don’t want to get wet, move to the back of the viewing area along the highway
Key Largo 4th of July Fireworks – July 4
A 4th of July “Celebrating Freedom” celebration capped by a grand fireworks display takes place in Key Largo at Rowell’s Waterfront Park, mile marker 104.5 bayside, beginning at 5 p.m. Enjoy live music, food and beverages for purchase, games and fun activities for kids. No coolers or outside food or drinks are allowed, but please do bring your chairs and blankets. A VIP tent is available for adults 21+ for $50 per person with alcohol service. Fireworks are to begin at 9:15 p.m. over Blackwater Sound. Offsite parking with shuttle service is available at Key Largo School, mile marker 104.8 oceanside.
Islamorada 4th of July Fireworks Celebration – July 4
The Upper Keys Rotary Club and the Village of Islamorada co-host an Independence Day Celebration at Founders Park, mile marker 87, from 6 to 10 p.m., Thursday, July 4. Food and beverage options will be available including food trucks and soda, water, beer and rum punch for purchase. Activities include music, face painting, a Patriotic People and Puppy Parade at 7:30 p.m., and fireworks beginning after sunset. Attendance is free, with a $10 donation for parking. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets.
Marathon 4th of July Parade, Celebration & Fireworks – July 4
A full day of beachside activities begins with a patriotic parade starting at 11 a.m. July 4, from Marathon High School to Sombrero Beach, and fireworks starting at approximately 9 p.m. hosted by the City of Marathon and the Rotary Club of Marathon. US1 Radio 104.1 will play patriotic music along with the fireworks display. Boaters are encouraged to watch from offshore of Sombrero Beach.
Watch Key Largo 4th of July Fireworks at Mote Marine Lab’s Key Largo Coral Nursery – July 4
Join Mote Marine Laboratory to watch the Key Largo Fourth of July Fireworks from the coral nursery at Reefhouse Resort & Marina, mile marker 103.8 bayside, a prime viewing spot on Blackwater Sound. Before the fireworks, explore Key Largo’s first and only land-based coral nursery, where Mote scientists lead resilience-focused reef restoration efforts. Nursery opens at 8 p.m.; fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. Walk-in available for $5 per person for walkers and bikers – this option does not include parking. VIP access for $50 per vehicle includes covered parking just steps away from the coral nursery and fireworks viewing, plus a tour of the coral nursery. Space is limited for both options, so reserve your spot in advance online.
4th of July at Caribbean Club – July 4
Celebrate July 4th with live music by the Bootleg Band from 7 to 11 p.m. Two bars will be open with themed drink specials and there will be food by the Take Two Food Truck. Fireworks blast off at 9:15 p.m. Come early for a good spot, chairs and blankets are welcome. Located at mile marker 104 bayside.
KEY WEST MERMAID FESTIVAL: RED, WHITE & BLUE & MERMAIDS TOO – July 4
The Key West Mermaid Festival pod welcomes the public for a patriotic-themed mermaid splashing party at Lagerheads Beach Bar, 0 Simonton Street, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come out for a family-friendly mer-mingle and swim event.
KEY WEST MERMAID FESTIVAL – July 4 – 7, 2024
Enjoy mer-velous events daily through Sunday, July 7. Don’t miss the chance to tap into your inner Irish mermaid at the Legend of the Selkie Party at The Celtic Conch, 528 Front St. on Friday, July 5 from 8 to 1 p.m. On Saturday, mermaids gather with the public at the Eco-Discovery Center, 35 Quay Rd. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and then at Shots and Giggles, 201 Ann St., for a Mer-Mingle starting at 7 p.m. On Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m., there is an adults-only Mermaid Movie Night with a cash bar at Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St.
Isla Bella Beach Resort: Keys Musician Fest & Fireworks – July 4
Isla Bella’s July 4th musical festival and all-day barbecue taking place at the resort from 11 a.m. up until the grand finale fireworks show after dark. One day passes are available.
JOHN LENNON ART AT OCEAN BLUE GALLERIES – July 5- 6, 2024
Ocean Blue Galleries at 109 Duval St. launches its exclusive offering of John Lennon Limited Edition Art on Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
KEY WEST MERMAID FESTIVAL AT THE FLORIDA KEYS ECO-DISCOVERY CENTER – July 6
The Key West Mermaid Festival is back for the second-annual Meet the Mermaids event at the Eco-Discovery Center. Attendees can expect a “mer-velous” pod of mermaids to meet and mingle with and take “shell-fies.” As you move from one ocean-themed exhibit to the next, you’ll encounter special guests including King Neptune, Ariel and Prince Eric, and members of the Key West mermaid pod. There will be giveaways of a special King Neptune coloring page and more. Ocean and mermaid-themed costumes for kids are encouraged but not required (no glitter, please). The event is free, but a $10 donation is requested to fund the Eco-Discovery Center. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 35 Quay Rd.
JAG GALLERY: LOOKING OUT & UP – July 11
Jag Gallery, 1075 Duval St., currently displays “Looking Out & Up,” and exhibit featuring bird photography by Mark Hedden and scenic photography by Erika Heffernan. The exhibit remains on display through July 31st.
Caribbean Club – Yappy Hour to Benefit Marr-Velous Pet Rescue – July 11
Bring your dogs out for a night of cocktails, waggin’ tails and fundraising for the work that MarrVelous Pet Rescue does in the Upper Keys. Enjoy live music by Adam Musick on the outdoor stage from 6 to 9 p.m. To beat the heat, there will be doggy pools and a playful sprinkler set up in the back yard. There will also be raffles and retail items for sale, plus, adorable dogs up for adoption.
Hemingway Days – An Amazing Annual Event!
KEY WEST ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS CHARITY FISHING TOURNAMENT – July 12 -13, 2024
Anglers fish for the largest dolphin fish by weight with prizes awarded for first, second and third place fish, with additional prizes for largest tuna and wahoo. Tournament activities are based at Key West Yacht Club, 2315 N. Roosevelt Blvd. Tournament proceeds benefit the KWAR CARES Foundation, providing help to many charities in the Keys. Captains meeting is July 12 with fishing on July 13.
Marathon Community Theater: Alice in Wonderland, Jr. – July 12 – 14, 2024
Kids attending Marathon Community Theater’s summer theater program perform this main stage show at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The production is the culmination of the summer theater camp program. Doors open one hour before showtime. 5101 Overseas Hwy.
40th Annual Underwater Music Festival – July 12 -13, 2024
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Underwater Music Festival with a free welcome event and tour Friday evening at Mote Marine, 24244 Overseas Highway on Summerland Key to learn about coral restoration efforts. Then on Saturday, join the underwater “musicians” in costume or just come as you are to dive and snorkel Looe Key Reef, an area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary about 6 miles south of Big Pine Key. Trips can be booked with area dive operators. Each year, costumed divers pretend to play faux musical instruments in the undersea environment to ocean-themed music piped underwater. Hosted by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce and local radio station, U.S. 104.1 FM, the ocean celebration encourages environmentally responsible diving and preservation of the world’s coral reefs, and also offers a bucket-list underwater experience.
STUDIOS OF KEY WEST: ONE NIGHT STAND – THE 24-HOUR THEATER PROJECT – July 13
Since 2007, One Night Stand has prompted creative thinkers to develop new theater from start to finish in only 24 hours. With the clock ticking, dozens of people work together at a wickedly fast pace to write, memorize, rehearse, create backdrops and sets, and comb the island for costumes and props. The result? Four brand new pieces of theater presented in front of a live audience. There will be two performances at 7 and 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 13 at The Studios.
DISCOVER SATURDAY AT ECO-DISCOVERY CENTER: LOBSTER LAB – July 13
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) presents “Lobster Lab” Saturday during “Discovery Saturday,” the free monthly program offered Saturday mornings beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s Eco-Discovery Center, 35 Quay Rd. The program is geared to children in grades 1 through 5, but adults can benefit from the information, offered one day before
Goal: Clean Seas Make a Difference Dive – July 14
Make a Difference in the marine environment at Looe Key through a guided clean-up dive to remove marine debris with Capt. Hook’s Sunday morning. The dive boat departs from the Big Pine Key location at mile marker 29.5 bayside. Check-in time is 7:30 a.m. for Advanced Open Water-certified divers only. This event is part of the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary’s Goal: Clean Seas initiative and is free for participating divers.
Del Brown Invitational Permit Tournament – July 14
Anglers fly fish on the flats in a challenge that honors the late angling pioneer Del Brown, who caught and released more than 500 permits off the Keys. Professionals and guides are allowed to compete as anglers.
SHERIFF’S ANIMAL FARM OPEN HOUSE – July 14 & 28, 2024
Visit the family-friendly Monroe County Sheriff’s Animal Farm, open the second and fourth Sundays of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. Visits are free of charge, but donations are always welcomed. Stock Island Detention Center, 5501 College Rd.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Shark Awareness Day – July 14
On Sunday – Shark Awareness Day – the University of Miami Shark Tagging and Research team will be at the park to talk about these marine predators and the work they do with them. There will be a talk at 11 a.m. in the auditorium and a Discovery Table from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Visitor Center and Aquarium. The programs are free with regular park admission. Mile marker 102.5 oceanside.
Free Monthly Fishing Seminar – July 15
The topic of the July 15th free fishing seminar, presented by Captain Chris Still of The Tackle Box, is Recreational Fishing Regulations for saltwater fishing in Florida and especially the Florida Keys. There will be a discussion of state vs. federal waters and the difference in rules for each. The seminar takes place at Marathon Elks Lodge, 8239 Overseas Highway, from 6 to 8 p.m. and includes door prizes and a raffle. Doors open at 5 p.m. Attendees may eat dinner for $10 dollars.
HEMINGWAY DAYS – July 16 -21, 2024
Ernest Hemingway look-alikes, writers, anglers, and fans of the late author’s work are to gather in Key West for the annual Hemingway Days celebration. The festival honors the legacy of the American literary giant who lived and wrote on the island for most of the 1930s. Events include the legendary Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, the wacky Running of the Bulls on Sat. July 20, a presentation on Key West in the 1930s, a commemoration of the 125th anniversary of Hemingway’s July 21 birth, a museum exhibit, a 3-day marlin tournament, a 5k run and paddleboard race, a street fair and more.
KEY WEST MARLIN TOURNAMENT – July 17 – 20, 2024
Coinciding with the 44th annual Hemingway Days celebration, anglers ply the waters once fished by novelist Ernest Hemingway, vying for $50,000 in guaranteed cash prizes. The event awards $25,000 to the first-place team with the most points for blue marlin, white marlin and spearfish. Teams can enter one fun fish (dolphin, tuna, wahoo or released sailfish) per day for additional points. Entry is limited to the first 75 boats. Tournament events are based out of Stock Island Marina Village, 7005 Shrimp Rd..
History of Diving Museum: Immerse Yourself – July 17
This month’s free Immerse Yourself program covers maritime archeology with a presentation by Matthew Lawrence of NOAA Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary on the HMS Looe, a British Royal Navy ship that wrecked in the Keys in the 18th century. 7 p.m. at the museum, 82990 Overseas Hwy. Please RSVP online in advance or call 305-664-9737.
Key West Art & Historical Society: Happy Hour with the Historian – July 18
This Happy Hour with the Historian presentation by Dr. Cori Convertito delves into how the City of Key West was revitalized beginning in 1934 through art as part of special programs through the Works Progress Administration and the Federal Art Project. After the city and its residents fell into debt due to the departure of the once-flourishing sponge and cigar industries, a group of federally-sponsored artists arrived in Key West to document the island city’s tropical beauty. Their works were made into brochures, posters and postcards that were sent across the country to entice tourists to visit America’s only Caribbean city.
Morada Way Third Thursday Art Walk – July 18
The Morada Way Arts & Cultural District’s Third Thursday Art Walk in Islamorada is the organization’s landmark, monthly event. On the Third Thursday of each month, Keys-inspired fine artists, vendors, residents, and visitors congregate on Morada Way in Islamorada to celebrate the arts and culture in the Florida Keys. Enjoy a relaxing evening from 6-9 p.m. perusing local fine art, imbibing local craft beer and wine and listening to music, in the area between mile markers 81 and 82.
Marathon Community Theater: Dramatic Wine Tasting – July 19
The theater invites you to take the Dramatic Wine Tasting challenge. Blind last three varieties of Pinot Grigio — high end, medium price and cheap, plus one bonus surprise pour. Find out if you can tell the difference and identify them correctly. 6 to 7 p.m. at the theater, located at 5101 Overseas Hwy. $15 per person at the door.
HEMINGWAY 5K SUNSET RUN & PADDLEBOARD RACE – July 20
The Hemingway 5k Sunset Run & Paddleboard Race is to challenge competitors Saturday, July 20. Registration opens at 3 pm. at Southernmost Beach Cafe, 1405 Duval Street. The paddleboard race starts at 5:30 p.m. from Higgs Beach, 1000 Atlantic Blvd; and the 5k Run/Walk starts at 7:30 p.m. at Southernmost Point. The awards party is from 8 to 10 p.m. at Southernmost Beach Cafe with food and beverage tastings, raffles and entertainment. The athletic challenges are part of Hemingway Days, a six-day commemoration of the life and work of the author who lived and wrote in Key West for most of the 1930s.
KEY WEST LIONFISH DERBY – July 20-21, 2024
The second annual Key West Lionfish Derby kicks off with a captain’s meeting Friday evening at Finz Dive Center, 6003 Peninsular Ave., with the goal of removing as many invasive lionfish from Keys waters as possible. Fishing for lionfish is to take place Saturday and Sunday, with weigh-in each day from 3 to 5 p.m. The awards ceremony begins at 6 p.m. at The Docks, Stock Island, 6840 Front St. Prizes will be awarded for largest, smallest and most lionfish.
HEMINGWAY DAYS: RUNNING OF THE BULLS – July 20
A festival tradition, this wacky event is sponsored by Sloppy Joe’s Bar and features Hemingway Look-Alike Contest winners and entrants dressed in their Pamplona best — and a breed of “bull” found only in Key West. The fun starts on Greene Street outside Sloppy Joe’s at 1 p.m. Free for spectators.
ERNEST HEMINGWAY FESTIVAL: PAPA BIRTHDAY BASH – July 21
Celebrate the 125th anniversary of Ernest Hemingway’s July 21 birth at Sloppy Joe’s, 201 Duval St., beginning at 9 a.m. The Papa Birthday Bash is the last event of the annual Ernest Hemingway Festival. The fun begins at 9 a.m. with opportunities to take photos with the newly-named “Papa 2024,” presentation of checks to non-profit organizations supported by the annual Look-Alike contest, and a themed birthday cake at noon.
Marathon Community Theater: Drag Queen Bingo “Red Carpet Glam” – July 21
This month’s theme is Red Carpet Glam. You’re welcome to join the theme festivities by coming in costume, but it’s not required. Doors and concessions open at 4 p.m. with the event from 5 to 7 p.m. Age 18-plus only.
KEY WEST THEATER: OUR HOUSE – THE MUSIC OF CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG – July 23
An ensemble of family and friends of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young assembles to perform classic hits such as “Déjà vu,” “Wooden Ships,” “Helpless,” “Carry On” and more. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show at 8 p.m. 512 Eaton St.
Hale Gallery: Hot Summer Night – until July 24, 2024
The Hale Gallery features a showing of art and photography that evokes the sentiment of our Keys summer season. Featured artists include Thomas Flynn, Michelle Jones, Jul Jankowski, EmmaNorthMich and Ian Wilson-Navaro. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Mile marker 81.8 bayside.
Lobster Mini Season – July 24 – 25, 2024
It’s that time of year — the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July is the lobster sport season, also known as mini season. The limit is 6 lobsters per day, per person in Monroe County. Also, no night diving is allowed during sport season. Remember to measure lobsters in the water, and they must be over 3 inches on the carapace to keep.
Island Home: Local Artisan & Gourmet Market – until July 26, 2024
Find baked goods, local honey, homemade jams, oils, nut butters and more plus local crafts. Fridays at Island Home Garden & Nursery, mile marker 88.7 bayside from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MINI MUSIC FEST – July 24 – 27, 2024
The inaugural Mini Music Fest, where Florida’s Mini Lobster Season merges with the vibrant sounds of Nashville, is hosted by Brightwild and Rams Head Presents Key West. The event takes you from the thrill of your spiny lobster catch to the sounds of the stage and multiple events where you are up close with the artists. Featured performers include Wyatt Durrette, famous for penning Zac Brown hit songs “Chicken Fried,” and “Colder Weather,” along with Jerrod Nieman, Abby Anderson, Billy Dean, Rebecca Brunner, Nick Norman, Dave Kennedy and more. Activities for All-Access pass holders include a chef’s table lobster dinner with songwriter pairings, a boat trip to the Stranded Songwriters Sandbar Party and other VIP-level events. Besides the All-Access pass, there are a limited number of tickets to a Saturday performance at Key West Theater.
Key West Art & Historical Society: Flora & Fauna – Early Naturalists in Florida – until September 13, 2024
Enjoy the “Flora & Fauna: Early Naturalists in Florida” exhibit through September 13 at Key West Museum of Art & History’s Custom House, Museum, 281 Front Street. The exhibit includes short biographies of the principal naturalists working in the Florida Territory in the early nineteenth century alongside representations of their Florida-inspired works. Their observation of plants and animals was an art as well as a science.
Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden: Art in the Garden – until July 31, 2024
Emphasizing harmony with nature, the return of Art in the Garden showcases local art and sculptures with artistic expressions. Artworks are earth-friendly in the selection of materials and themes and include recycled, repurposed, and natural material. Meander over garden boardwalks and down pathways through dappled shade, colorful blossoms and winged creatures to spot many beautiful works of art. View daily through July 31. 5210 College Rd.
Florida Keys History & Discovery Center: Summer Palette Art Show – until August 11, 2024
Get swept away by a wave of vibrant hues and playful compositions that capture the essence of summer at this art show collaboration featuring the works of vibrant local artists from the Jessica Ann Art Gallery. The center is located on the Islander Resort property, mile marker 82 oceanside.
History of Diving Museum: Salvaging the Deep – until December 31, 2024
Learn about some of the world’s deepest wrecks and how salvage divers got there in the museum’s featured exhibit, on display through Dec. 31. Mile marker 82.9.
Key West Art & Historical Society: Beaches, Creatures & Cowboys – Florida Movie Posters Exhibit – until September 1, 2024
Forty classic Florida film posters are on display at the Customs House Museum, 281 Front St., Friday in the “Beaches, Creatures & Cowboys: Florida Movie Posters” exhibition celebrating filmmaking in Florida. The classic posters that form part of the display include artwork for “Beneath the 12 Mile Reef,” “Cocoon,” “Flipper,” “Operation Petticoat and more” The exhibit runs through September 1, 2024.
