Hemingway Days Spotlights Author’s Key West Legacy Now Through July 21

KEY WEST, Fla. — Ernest Hemingway lived on the tiny island of Key West during the 1930s, penning now-classic works that included “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “To Have and Have Not.” Fans of adventurous living and writing are celebrating the Nobel Prize–winning author’s legacy now through Sunday, July 21, with events recalling his literary prowess and vigorous Key West lifestyle. 

The 39th annual Hemingway Days festivities include a look-alike contest for aspiring “Ernests,” prose and poetry readings, the quirky “Running of the Bulls,” symposium presentations on Hemingway and his influence, a street fair on the island avenues he walked and a three-day marlin tournament that salutes his passion for angling.

Approximately 125 burly, bearded men are to compete in the annual Hemingway® Look-Alike Contest at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval St., a frequent Key West hangout for the legendary writer. Past contest winners judge the Hemingway hopefuls during preliminary rounds set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 18 and 19, and the finals at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. For more information and registration, visit sloppyjoes.com.

The look-alikes also star in activities including Saturday’s “Running of the Bulls” spoof and an event saluting the 120th anniversary of Hemingway’s July 21 birth.

Other literary events include the “Voices, Places, Inspirations” prose and poetry readings, an exhibit of rare Hemingway artifacts at the Custom House Museum and film screenings of “Hemingway: Between Key West and Cuba.” For information, visit kwahs.org.

Held in conjunction with the festival is the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition coordinated by Ernest’s granddaughter, author Lorian Hemingway. For information, visit shortstorycompetition.com.

The Hemingway Days schedule also features the Stock Island Marina Village Key West Marlin Tournament, the 5k Sunset Run/Walk and Paddleboard Race, a lively daylong street fair on Key West’s Duval Street and Sloppy Joe’s annual Arm Wrestling Championship.

Festival information: hemingwaydays.net

Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY