Key West Lobsterfest Continues Aug. 12-15; Weather Cancels Street Fair
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — A hearty appetite for lobster is the main requirement for attendees at the 24th annual Key West Lobsterfest, set for Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 12-15. The event salutes Florida’s clawless crustacean at the start of the Florida Keys lobster season, which runs from Aug. 6 through March 31.
Because of forecast heavy rain and wind from Tropical Depression Fred, the highlight Key West Lobsterfest Street Fair scheduled on Duval Street Saturday, Aug. 14, will not take place as planned. Instead, signature lobster dishes are to be available at participating indoor restaurants along Duval Street. Other festival events are to continue as planned.
During Lobsterfest, fans can sample the Keys’ spiny lobster, known for its succulent and tender meat, served in ways ranging from grilled with hot melted butter to chilled in savory salads.
The flavorful festivities kick off at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, when lobster aficionados can gather for a traditional lobster boil at The Roof above the Waterfront Brewery, 201 William St. As well as lobster, plates are to be piled high with jumbo shrimp, andouille sausage, corn on the cob and redskin potatoes. Live entertainment and libation specials are to round out the evening’s action. Space is limited and reservations are required.
Friday’s schedule features a lobster-themed pool party at the Havana Cabana Resort, 3420 N. Roosevelt Blvd., plus a lively nighttime Duval Pub Crawl. Featuring stops at establishments in Key West’s popular downtown and harbor areas, the crawl benefits Key West High School’s scholarship fund.
Instead of Saturday’s lobster-themed street fair on Duval Street, the festival’s partner restaurants and bars plan to serve their chefs’ lobster specialties inside their venues. Seafood fans can choose from luscious appetizers, traditional dinners and innovative dishes dreamed up by culinary pros. A complete list of venues and their addresses can be found at keywestlobsterfest.com.
Lobsterfest ends Sunday after a mouthwatering lobster brunch at First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery, 301 Whitehead St. Reservations are required.
Event, reservation and ticketing information: keywestlobsterfest.com
Fans can sample the Keys’ spiny lobster, known for its succulent and tender meat, served in ways ranging from grilled with hot melted butter to chilled in savory salads. Image: Carol Tedesco
Attendees can choose from luscious appetizers, traditional dinners, fresh off-the-grill bites and innovative dishes dreamed up by culinary pros. Image: Bob Care