Key Lime Festival
The Key Lime Festival is a five-day celebration of Florida's most famous citrus fruit, held each summer in Key West, Florida. Visitors travel from across the country to enjoy the pie-eating contest, culinary events, waterfront activities, live music, and the island's laid-back atmosphere. The festival combines food, entertainment, and tropical scenery into one unforgettable summer getaway for couples, groups of friends, or families. Renting an RV in Key West gives you a home base to enjoy everything the festival offers. You will also have the flexibility to explore the nearby area.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
The Key Lime Festival has a variety of activities on deck, including classes, athletic events, multi-course meals, social occasions, and competitions. These are just a few of the events on the schedule: • Mini Key Lime Pie Class • Key Lime Rum Tasting • Living the Key Lime Life Dinner • 4th of July 5K • World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship • Dante’s 4th of July Pool Party! • Patriotic Grill Out Under the Fireworks • Matt's Stock Island Key Lime Brunch • Key Lime Pie Drop • Tart Tales: A Key Lime & Pie Odyssey Visit the Key Lime Festival Vendor Village to browse food vendors, artisans, craftspeople, and small businesses. This market is also the site of the pie-eating contest, which costs $32.58 to enter. The winner gets a trophy and a championship belt to show off.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
Since this event takes place throughout Key West, you'll have access to various stores, restaurants, gas stations, parks, and indoor restrooms. The Vendor Village offers additional food and drink options. This festival also includes waterfront gatherings, local vendor markets, and themed events throughout downtown Key West. Many visitors spend additional time exploring Duval Street and Mallory Square, as well as taking snorkeling tours and sunset cruises during their stay.
LOCATION
The Key Lime Festival takes place throughout Key West, Florida, with activities centered on Old Town and the downtown waterfront. The island is accessible via US-1 and the Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys.
FAQs About RVing to the Key Lime Festival
Can you drive an RV all the way to Key West?
Yes. Many RV travelers drive the Overseas Highway all the way to Key West each year for vacations and festivals. Smaller RVs are often easier to maneuver once you arrive in the downtown area.
How early should you reserve RV campgrounds in Key West?
Campgrounds in Key West often book months in advance, especially waterfront resorts and full-hookup sites. Reserving early gives travelers more flexibility for location, site size, and travel dates.
What is the weather usually like during the Key Lime Festival?
Early July in Key West is typically hot, humid, and tropical. Afternoon rain showers are common, but many festival events continue unless severe weather develops.
Is parking difficult in Key West during festival weekends?
Parking can become limited near Duval Street and other downtown areas during major events. Many RV travelers use rideshare services, bicycles, scooters, or shuttle transportation once they set up camp.
LINEUP
RVING AT THE EVENT
RV travel to Key West offers a unique road-trip experience along one of the most scenic drives in the United States. Since accommodations in Key West can be expensive and book quickly during festival weekends, many travelers stay in RV parks throughout the lower Florida Keys. Summer weather in the Keys is hot, humid, and often rainy in the afternoon. Full-hookup RV sites are especially popular because air conditioning and reliable utilities make the trip much more comfortable in July.
Where to Camp Near the Key Lime Festival
• Boyd's Key West Campground: Located just minutes from downtown Key West, this waterfront campground offers full hookups, tent sites, marina access, and easy transportation into Old Town. • Blue Water Key RV Resort: Situated about 20 minutes from downtown Key West, this upscale RV resort features private lots, tropical landscaping, full hookups, and waterfront views. • Geiger Key Marina RV Park: This campground is approximately 15 minutes from Key West and offers waterfront RV sites, a marina, fishing access, and an on-site restaurant.
RV Rental Tips for the Key Lime Festival
Booking an RV early is important because demand increases quickly during summer events in the Florida Keys. • Campervans are popular for couples and solo travelers because they are easier to drive through narrow streets and crowded parking areas in Key West. • Class C RVs work well for families or groups of friends needing extra sleeping space and more storage during longer Florida Keys road trips. • The Overseas Highway can slow significantly during holiday weekends and festivals. Leaving extra travel time helps reduce stress when driving to Key West. • Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer months, so waterproof gear and outdoor awnings can make your RV stay more comfortable.
WHERE TO STAY
Key West offers a large selection of hotels and bed-and-breakfasts if you're not staying in an RV. Many are located on the west side of the island and are close enough to walk to most festival events. Book a waterfront-facing room at the luxurious Casa Marina Key West, or enjoy the pool at the Marquesa Hotel.
HOW TO GET THERE
Key West is located at the very end of the Florida Keys. The only route to the island is the Overseas Highway, a 113-mile portion of US 1 that runs from Homestead throughout the Keys. Whether you're taking an RV or a car, plan at least three hours for your trip.
PARKING
The streets in Key West are notoriously narrow, so it's a good idea to drive your RV to your campsite and plan to leave it there during the festival. The easiest way to get around the festival is on foot or by bike. If you're coming in a passenger car, head to the City of Key West Old Town Garage, the Key West Bight Parking Lot, or the public parking area on Simonton Street. Alternatively, you can find limited street parking near the beaches and in residential neighborhoods.
TICKETS & PRICING
Entry to the Key Lime Festival is free. However, some events require a paid ticket. Ticket prices vary by event. For example: • $58.87 for Key Lime Sip & Stroll • $75 for How to Grow Your Own Key Lime Tree! • $75 plus tax for Living the Key Lime Life Dinner • $50 for Key Lime Bike Tours • $95 plus tax for Key Lime Unity Table Dinner at William’s Hall The Key Lime Festival has several free activities, including the Key Lime Rum Tasting, Key Lime Kick Off After-Party, and World-Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship. For more information, check the official schedule and ticket page.
WRAP UP
The Key Lime Festival is your chance to try different variations of your favorite dessert. You can also shop, learn new skills, and possibly win a competition. Visit the Key Lime Festival Facebook page to stay on top of the latest updates.
5-Day RV Itinerary for the Key Lime Festival
• Day One: Arrive at your RV campground or hotel and spend the afternoon exploring Old Town Key West or relaxing at nearby beaches. Enjoy the opening Key Lime Festival festivities. • Day Two: Get ready for full festival immersion. Explore food tastings and local shops. Spend the evening watching the sunset at Mallory Square before returning to your campground. • Day Three: Attend Key Lime Festival competitions, including baking events and pie tastings. Take breaks during the day to explore Duval Street and the nearby waterfront. • Day Four: Enjoy additional festival activities and book an island excursion such as snorkeling, boating, or sandbar hopping. Return in the evening for live music and dining. • Day Five: Take a final morning walk and enjoy the last of the festival events. Return to your RV campground and prepare for departure. Don't forget to plan time to stop for scenic views along the Overseas Highway.
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page .
Do you manage this event?
Work with RVshare to provide housing for staff, vendors, artists and executives. Earn additional revenue by creating unique VIP/GA turn-key packages for your attendees.
Interested in becoming one of our Corporate and Festival Partners? Fill out the form here.