Indulge at Key West Lobsterfest 2023: Dive into the Ultimate Celebration of the Ocean’s Finest Delicacy!

Isn’t it a universal fact that there’s simply no better food in the world than fresh lobster, hot, juicy, and dripping in melted butter? And what better place to enjoy the greatest seafood on earth than straight from the beautiful tropical waters of Key West! 

If you’re a lobster lover (and who isn’t?), Key West Lobsterfest definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary. Every year in early August, Key West puts on a “feast-ival” that might just be the biggest party of the summer. They definitely pull out all the stops to celebrate a new Key West lobster season!

It’s an entire 4-day bonanza dedicated to reveling in fresh lobster, cold libations, and everything Key West has to offer – including an awesome, eclectic sampling of the diverse local music scene. This year’s 26th Annual Lobsterfest is happening August 10 -13th! If there’s anything in the world worth celebrating, it’s definitely fresh, flaky, sweet lobster meat.

It’s All About the Lobster

Of course, the main draw to Key West Lobsterfest 2023 is its namesake: the lobster. And you’ll get plenty of it! Grab your favorite cold drink, bask in the Key West sunshine, and chow down on as much fresh Florida lobster as you can eat.

Purists will find plenty of their favorite dishes to indulge in – classics like lobster rolls served inside fresh-baked bread, grilled lobster with plenty of melted butter, or sweet chucks melded into a creamy bowl of chowder or pasta. There’s no better place to get your fix for classic lobster dishes than the epicenter of it all.

However, in our opinion, the best part of Lobsterfest is never knowing just what you’ll find. Half the fun of the occasion is enjoying new takes on old favorites. Keep your eyes open for offerings like conch and lobster ceviche, lobster in coconut curry, Caribbean-inspired lobster prepared with ham, and other preparations you’d never have thought to ask for. Luckily, there’s plenty to go around, so you don’t have to choose between classic lobster dishes and unexpected ones. Have your fill of both! (So yummy!)

Events and Activities

At Key West Lobsterfest, you’ll come for the awesome events, stay for the party atmosphere, and stay even longer for… well, the lobster. Key West manages to turn appreciation for seafood into an entire 4-day celebration that you won’t want to miss. 

Here’s just a sampling of the events you can enjoy – and, of course, every event is full of chances to savor delicious fresh seafood.

Annual Seafood Lobster Boil

This year’s festival is kicking off with a traditional lobster boil at the Porter Mansion Courtyard at Caroline’s Cafe on August 10th! An all-out lobster feast is the best place to start, after all! (Keep in mind that space for this event is limited, so tickets are required!)

With a winning combination of laidback ambiance, gorgeous views, and delicious food, you can’t go wrong. Grab a drink from the full bar and take in the live music all around. And, of course, take your time savoring all the delicious food.

This is the place to hit if you’re a lobster purist. You’ll find all the classics of a lobster boil, all the sides you expect from a proper seafood feast, plus a few extras. Enjoy fresh lobster, jumbo shrimp, and Andouille sausage to your heart’s content. And save room for sides! You can expect all the classics like fresh boiled corn on the cob and red skin potatoes, jalapeno cornbread hot from the oven, classic dirty rice, and lots melted herbed butter for dipping everything in sight. Hey, potatoes are technically a vegetable, even if they are dripping in hot buttery goodness. (Oh yes!)

Soak in the Sun at the Pool Party

It’s not a summer festival without a pool party! Lounge by the poolside at the Marker Key West Harbor Resort during the afternoon on August 11th. Admission to this event is free! In the past, this shindig has had live music, door prizes, and even lobster hunts, making it the ideal summertime pool party. Being able to spend the afternoon snacking on lobster makes it all the better!

After the pool party, there’s a five-course lobster dinner and pairing at the La Mer Dewey House, where this tasty crustacean is perfectly complimented with glasses of wine or vodka. If you enjoy eating on the fancier side, you won’t want to miss this!

The Local Pub Crawl

Also happening on the evening (and into the night) of August 11th is the popular Lobsterfest Pub Crawl! This ticketed event starts right at sunset and continues until midnight – though the Key West nightlife will still be going strong if you’re still looking for more fun. There’s certainly plenty going on! 

Nibble on some lobster and sip cold margaritas and Coronas all the way through town. With a wide range of participating bars – from tiki bars to the Hard Rock Café to your everyday lovable neighborhood spots – you’ll get a great feel for the vibe of Key West. And with the constant changes of venue, you’ll be sure to find plenty of spots with great vibes and good music. It’s a perfect blend of local color, and that festival feel.

Take in the Local Color at the Street Fair

On August 12th, head to Duval Street for the annual street fair, where you’ll discover a bustling festival atmosphere full of sunshine, fun, and – of course – more lobster. During this free event, you can browse the arts and crafts booths for souvenirs, event merch, and local artisanal goods. You never know what you’ll find!

Along the way, you’ll find fresh lobster prepared in every way you can imagine. Tons of local bars and restaurants open up shop at the fair, offering everything from appetizers (perfect for nibbling while you shop) to full sit-down meals you can enjoy in the sun. Order a smattering of appetizers to sample a bit of everything or go wild with another hearty meal. And, of course, local bars are set up all along the streets so you can pick up your favorite craft beer or cocktail to keep you cool all day long.

Key West is known for its diverse music scene, and at the street fair, you’ll get to see the best of it. Starting in the afternoons and into the late evening, you’ll be treated to an awesome, eclectic sampling of free concerts put on by local bands. Jazz, Reggae, and classic rock-infused sounds will keep the party going well into the night.

Enjoy a Lazy Sunday at Lobster Brunch

True to theme, First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery will be hosting the August 13th Lobsterfest brunch, complete with a special event menu with one key ingredient: lobster. Indulge in all of your favorite lobster dishes (and a handful of new ones). Tickets are required for the brunch, so we’d recommend snagging them early if you’d like a spot!

One Last Hurrah

On that Sunday afternoon, the Loberfest will give its guests a grand send-off with one last Lobster Boil & Pool Party at the Southernmost Beach Resort. Entry to this event is free, and there’s no better way to end this celebration than relaxing in the pool with lobster in one hand and a cold drink in the other.

Where To Stay

The Key West area is full of hotels, adorable inns, and bed and breakfasts. If you’re feeling adventurous, book a spot at a campsite and plan a campfire lobster dinner! Lots of lodgings have specials during Lobsterfest, so keep your eyes open for the best places to relax and unwind after a full day of celebrating one of the greatest foods the ocean can offer. Checking online for great rates through sites like Hotels.com and Expedia is a good idea.

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Have you been to Key West Lobsterfest? What’s your favorite way to enjoy the luxurious seafood? Chime in below!

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