Every Fourth of July, Key West gets together to celebrate the national fruit of the island - the key lime. From July 3 - 7, 2024, it’s key lime everything - including pies, drinks, dinners, brunches, drops, and hops. That said, here’s everything you need to know about the Key West Key Lime Festival, plus the biggest events happening on each day of the five-day fest.

[The Gates Guide to the Best Key Lime Pie in Key West]

Key Lime Rum Tasting: Daily, Wed. - Sun. July 3 - 7, 12 - 5 p.m. at Key West First Legal Rum Distillery

When it comes to flavored rums, few can touch the key lime. Taste it for yourself (for free!) at the award-winning Key West First Legal Rum Distillery in Old Town. This tart and refreshing spirit pairs perfectly with citrusy dishes and delicate desserts. 105 Simonton St.

‘Living The Key Lime Life’ Dinner: Wed. July 3, 5 - 9 p.m. at Kaya Island Eats

The island fusion eatery that is Kaya Island Eats, along with Chef Scott Taylor and the entire culinary team, has a very special four-course key lime-inspired menu planned for the dinner. On the menu for 2024 - Hurricane-seasoned fresh Key West pinks and key lime cocktail sauce, a Cuban hand roll with cilantro key lime sauce, Floribbean Jamaican jerk seasoned mahi mahi with fresh pineapple mango salsa, goat cheese coconut saffron rice, and key lime pie. After dinner, stick around for live reggae music in the backyard bar.  Book your reservation ahead. 628 Rear Duval St.

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World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship: Thurs. July 4, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Southernmost Beach Café

The Key West Key Lime Festival wouldn’t be complete without the most popular event of all - the World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship. Here you can compete for the title of Key Lime Pie Eating Champion. The award goes to the participant who can eat a 9-inch key lime pie the fastest. The content begins at 1:30 p.m. 1405 Duval St.

Key Lime Sip & Stroll: Fri. July 5, 3 -  6 p.m. at First Flight Restaurant

If you prefer the tart flavor of key lime on the rocks, this one’s for you. Decide who makes the best key lime cocktail on the island as bars compete for your vote for the finest key lime margaritas and key lime 'open' cocktail in Florida. Tickets to the Key Lime Sip & Stroll include samples of 10 or more drinks and a souvenir for the first 275 registrants. Participating include island mainstays like General Horseplay, Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon, and Conch Republic Seafood Company. Get your tickets ahead and check in at First Flight Restaurant. 301 Whitehead St.

Key Lime Pie Drop: Sat. July 6, 11 a.m - 2 p.m. at The Key West Lighthouse

We like to drop things here in Key West - like shoes, conch shells, and pirate wenches on New Year’s Eve. The Key West Key Lime Festival has the most delicious drop of all - the key lime pie. More surprising is that the goal of the Key Lime Pie Drop is to NOT ruin the pie, despite the long fall from the Key West Lighthouse. The most creative mind to outsmart gravity wins! 938 Whitehead St.

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Key Lime Pie Hop: Sun. July 7, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Conch Republic Seafood Company

Key lime pie lovers, this is your chance to eat your heart out. The Key Lime Pie Hop takes you across the island for a walking tour of the best - and most unique - key lime pies in the Conch Republic. Tickets include five pie samples and a 2024 Key West Key Lime Festival T-shirt. Tours start every 30 minutes beginning at 11 a.m. Get your tickets ahead and check in at Conch Republic Seafood Company. 631 Greene St.

Of course, this is far from all the Key West Key Lime Festival has to offer. Also on the schedule of events, there’s key lime pie cooking classes and talks, a key lime tree master class, the Key Lime Vendor Village, Sloppy Joe’s Ultimate Key Lime Pie Smash Party, Key Lime bike tours, and a free spicy key lime pie sample at the Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum made with cayenne graham cracker crumbs, habanero cream, and a jalapeño topper.

Key lime pie isn’t limited to the annual festival, we celebrate it all year long in Key West. Places like Old Town Bakery and Key West Key Lime Pie Company always serve up a delicious slice, while you can get your hands on all things key lime goodness at places like Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe, Key Lime Pie Bakery, and Southernmost Key Lime Shop.

Ready to join us in celebration of Key West’s favorite citrus fruit? Choose from our best rates and special offers when you book direct with The Gates Hotel, a Conde Nast award-winning Key West destination. Our on-site food truck, The Blind Pig, serves up a tasty key lime pie slice of its own, plus delicious Conch fusion small plates and tapas-style dishes inspired by Key West’s Cuban, Bahamian, Caribbean, and Floridian roots.

Now for a limited time, escape to our sun-soaked paradise with the entire family with the Tropical Family Retreat package, which includes all sorts of special extras to create unforgettable memories for you and your loved ones.