Although he only called Key West home for about eight years, Ernest Hemingway has remained a prominent figure in Key West. You'll find reminders of this literary giant everywhere, from the local bars to tourist attractions. It's no surprise then, that Key West transforms into a haven for Hemingway fans every year during Hemingway Days!
Photo from https://fla-keys.com/hemingway-days/
Hemingway Days 2024 will take place July 16 through 21. This annual event celebrates Nobel Prize–winning author Ernest Hemingway's writing achievements, sporting pursuits, and lifestyle. The planned events are as varied as Hemingway's many hobbies. Highlights of the festival include a Hemingway lookalike contest, a three-day marlin fishing tournament, literary readings, a paddle board race, and much more.
Photo from https://fla-keys.com/hemingway-days/
One of the wildest things about this event is walking around town and seeing scores of Hemingway lookalikes. The lookalike contest at Sloppy Joe’s is always a blast.
The Running of the Bulls is also an unforgettably wacky experience that you must see to believe. During this event, Ernest Hemingway lookalikes push fake bulls down the street!
While you're in town, be sure to stop by the Hemingway Home & Museum to meet the descendants of Hemingway's cats and see where the author lived!
Photo from https://fla-keys.com/hemingway-days/
The fun doesn't stop there! You can enjoy "a commemoration of the 125th anniversary of Ernest’s July 21 birth, a museum exhibit of rare Hemingway memorabilia, a three-day marlin tournament recalling his passion for deep-sea angling, literary readings, a street fair celebrating the island’s lively spirit, and a 5k run and paddleboard race that salute Hemingway’s sporting interests."
Don't miss Hemingway Days in Key West!
Cover photo from https://fla-keys.com/hemingway-days/