How to spend Independence Day in Key West

Next week, the nation celebrates our independence once again. So, if you are visiting Key West during this time, the island offers a variety of activities for celebrating the 4th of July. Enjoy fireworks, beach parties, festivals and other family friendly events. Of course, the fireworks display which launches from the White Street Pier after sunset will draw huge crowds of both locals and visitors alike.

Here’s a more detailed look at some of the festivities:

Independence Day fireworks
fireworks celebrating Independence Day

Fireworks:

Rotary 4th of July Picnic & Fireworks: A Celebration of Community and Patriotism – Join the Rotary Club of Key West for their annual 4th of July Fireworks! The fun starts at 5pm and concludes around 10pm. Enjoy a delicious picnic, games, and live entertainment to celebrate Independence Day. Then, conclude the day with a spectacular fireworks display over the Key West waterfront. Please note that White Street will be closed from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM between Casa Marina Court and Laird Street for this event. And the Sonny McCoy Indigenous Park Parking Lot will be closed from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. And, the Edward B. Knight Pier will be closed for the fireworks display.

Or, maybe you are looking to view the fireworks from the water? Well, there are several options. But, they do sell out so booking in advance is highly recommended. Call Island Genn at 305-292-7212 or email us at islandgenn@me.com for more information or to reserve your seats for some of the best fireworks viewing available!

Other Activities:

The Mermaid Festival is getting underway. On the 4th, you can meet the mermaids at their beach party at Lagerheads Beach bar. Head to Simonton Beach from 10am until 2pm for this bit of fun for the family. This event is free and open to the public!

The Key Lime Festival is also happening this week. Here are the festival events lined up for the 4th!

  • Rotary Club of Key West 4th of July 5K Run/Walk – Join the Rotary Club of Key West for their annual 4th of July 5K! Race begins and ends at the Edward B. Knight Pier located at 1801 White Street. Race Starts @ 7:30AM.
  • Key Lime Vendor Village in partnership with the Artisan Market – Southernmost Beach Resort – 508 South St. A Key Lime Lovers favorite place to be! Shop all things Key Lime. Check out all our vendors have to offer, find your perfect souvenir, and take home a little piece of Key West. 10AM – 2PM.
  • World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship – Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St. 10AM – 2PM. Do you have what it takes to be crowned the World Key Lime Pie Eating Champion? Register if you think you can devour a 9″ Key Lime Pie faster than the competition. Registration at 10AM; Contest at 1:30 PM. FREE to Watch!
  • Key Lime Kid Zone – Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St. 10:30AM – 2PM. Slime making & decorating, Sing A-longs/Music, Story Telling & Reading, Crafting/Coloring, LEGOS, Beach Games and MORE. @ 11:15 AM – Conch Shell Blowing Lessons so you can help us summon a Mermaid to the Shore! Bring your cameras, and get ready for some true Key West magic & Mermaid Photo Ops!
  • Dante’s 4th of July Pool Party – Dante’s Key West Pool Bar & Restaurant, 955 Caroline St. Grab your star spangled swim suits & head over for a day of drinks, live music and all the fun! A DJ will be spinning the jams from Noon – 6PM. Doors open at 11AM | Party Starts at NOON. FREE to attend.

Tips for Planning:

We highly recommend booking accommodations and tours in advance. The 4th of July is a popular time to visit Key West. 

Before deciding where you are going to eat while visiting Key West or the rest of the Florida Keys, be sure to read my other restaurant reviews; check out our restaurant review section of this blog.

And to see what is happening on Key West during your visit, check out our Key West Events Calendar to see other upcoming special events. For more information about the fun side of Key West… things to do and see in our island city, go to our Key West Web Site.

Feel free to Email Me if you have any questions about Key West!!

Island Genn
Key West Concierge

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Island Genn
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