Family-Friendly Independence Day Celebrations Across Florida Keys


This Fourth of July, the Florida Keys promises an exciting array of family-friendly festivities. The events, ranging from local parades and beach parties to fireworks displays and even the construction of the world’s largest Key lime pie, are all part of Independence Day celebrations. Among the key highlights are:

Key West

Key Lime Festival

  • Scheduled from June 30 to July 4, the Key Lime Festival offers culinary and libation adventures that showcase the diminutive fruit that inspired the Florida Keys' signature dessert — the Key lime pie.
  • The main attraction of the festival is the Key Lime Pie Eating Championship, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on July 4 at the oceanfront Southernmost Beach Cafe at 1405 Duval St. Competitors, with their hands tied behind their backs, must consume a whole 9-inch Key lime pie quicker than their counterparts.
  • The event offers free entry for spectators, with gates opening at 11 a.m. More details can be found at keylimefestival.com.

Key West Mermaid Festival

  • The Key West Mermaid Festival is packed with interactive mermaid adventures from July 1-4.
  • Activities include a "sailing with the mermaids" sunset sail, a mermaid encounter at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, and an Ocean Blue Party featuring dancing by the sea.
  • On July 4, children can enjoy donuts with mermaid Ariel and Prince Eric from 9-10:30 a.m. on the beach at Lagerheads, 0 Simonton St. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., mermaids will put on a show for the cameras during a music video taping.
  • Part of the festival's proceeds will benefit Reef Relief's coral reef ecosystem protection efforts. More information can be found at keywestmermaidfestival.com.

Independence Day Fireworks Show

  • The Rotary Club of Key West has been hosting the island’s annual Independence Day fireworks show since 1976. The show is set off from the Edward B. Knight Pier at 1800 White St., overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. on July 4.
  • Spectators can enjoy the display from Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, or from oceanfront hotels and restaurants.
  • A special "Patriotic Dinner Under the Fireworks" will be held next to the pier at Indigenous Park, 1801 White St., starting at 7 p.m. The proceeds from the dinner will go towards the Rotary Club of Key West’s scholarship fund. Further information can be found at keywestrotary.com.

Big Pine & the Lower Keys

Monroe County's Bicentennial Celebration

  • On July 3, the public is invited to commemorate Monroe County's bicentennial — 200 years after the county's establishment in 1823.
  • The family-friendly gathering, hosted by the Lower Keys Rotary Club at Big Pine Community Park, is set to run from 5-10 p.m.
  • The celebration will feature the creation and serving of the world’s largest Key lime pie, live music by Brian Roberts and the Prime Movers, a bounce house and games for children, food trucks, beverages for sale, and a dazzling fireworks and patriotic laser light show starting at 9 p.m.
  • Free parking for the event will be available at the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce building, 31020 Overseas Highway, with a shuttle to the park starting at 5 p.m. Visit facebook.com/LowerKeysRotary.