Key West Hemingway Days is a week-long festival in late July that honors the author's years in Key West — from 1928 to 1940, Hemingway called this island home, wrote some of his best work here, and developed a reputation that still precedes him. The festival is a mix of literary events, sportfishing tournaments, the famous running of the bulls, and a look-alike contest for the cats at the Hemingway Home.
What Hemingway Days Is
A cultural festival that blends history, sport, and literary appreciation. The island celebrates its most famous former resident with a week of events, many of which reference Hemingway's own interests: deep-sea fishing (he was an avid angler), bullfighting, writing, and cats (he was given a six-toed cat by a ship's captain — that cat's descendants still live at the Hemingway Home). The 2026 festival is expected around July 21–26.
Key Events: The Running of the Bulls
The highlight for most first-timers is the running of the bulls — a satirical, Key West-flavored version of the Pamplona tradition. Think costumed runners on a short course through Old Town, not the actual event in Spain. It's lively, it's fun, and it draws a crowd. The runners are a mix of locals and visitors who sign up in advance. Show up early to get a spot along the route, especially if you want to take photos.
Key Events: The Look-Alike Contest
The Hemingway look-alike contest is for the cats — and yes, that's exactly what it sounds like. Contestants (human) compete for who best resembles a Hemingway cat, judged by how closely they match the specific cats living at the Hemingway Home. It's one of the stranger events in the Keys festival calendar and genuinely delightful. Usually held on a Wednesday evening.
Key Events: The Fishing Tournament
The Key West Hemingway Invitational Marlin Tournament runs concurrent with the festival — a serious sportfishing event that attracts experienced anglers. Hemingway was an obsessive deep-sea fisherman and credited it with keeping him sane. The tournament reflects that legacy. If you're a fishing enthusiast, this is a good reason to time your trip for late July.
Key Events: The Short Story Contest
The Hemingway Short Story Competition draws writers from around the country. Finalists are announced during the festival week and winners read their work at the San Carlos Institute. It's a smaller event than the sports, but for writers it's the highlight. You don't need to be present to submit — the contest opens in spring.
The Hemingway Home and Museum
The Hemingway Home and Museum is open daily year-round and is worth a visit on its own, festival or not. The house is largely as Hemingway left it, the gardens are lush, and the cats — 40–50 polydactyl cats named after famous figures — roam freely. Six-toed cats descend from Snow White, the first six-toed cat Hemingway was given. Tours run continuously; admission goes toward maintenance of the property. It's air-conditioned, which matters in July.
Tips for Attending
Hemingway Days draws a crowd but it's not overwhelming — you're unlikely to experience the "sold out" accommodation problem that affects Fantasy Fest. That said, late July is still hot and humid. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and plan outdoor events for morning. The running of the bulls happens early in the week; check the schedule so you don't miss it.
How It Compares to Other Key West Festivals
Fantasy Fest is bigger, more chaotic, and more intense. Lobsterfest is food-focused and more casual. Hemingway Days skews toward a mix of literary types, fishing enthusiasts, and cat lovers — it's the most niche of the three major festivals. If you're interested in history, it's the one to target. If you want a party, go to Fantasy Fest.
For the full 2026 schedule, Hemingway Home tour times, and running of the bulls route: keywestondemand.com has the complete guide →
Book a Hemingway Home Tour
The Hemingway Home and Museum is best visited with a knowledgeable guide who can bring the history to life.
Browse Viator Historical Tours →Common Questions
When is Key West Hemingway Days 2026?
Hemingway Days typically runs in late July, around July 21–26 in 2026. The highlight events — the running of the bulls and the look-alike contest — usually fall on the last Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of July. Check the official Key West Hemingway Days website for the confirmed 2026 schedule.
What's the running of the bulls in Key West?
It's a satirical, much-scaled-down version of the Pamplona running of the bulls, inspired by Hemingway's time in Spain. In Key West, small groups of runners are led through the streets by costumed bull-handlers while participants run alongside. It's fun, not dangerous — the 'bulls' are people in costumes and the route is short. Think block party with running, not anything resembling the Spanish original.
How many Hemingway cats are at the Hemingway Home?
The Hemingway Home and Museum is home to about 40–50 polydactyl (six-toed) cats, all named after famous figures. When a cat dies, it's replaced with another, keeping the tradition alive. The cats are free to roam the grounds and are the main attraction for many visitors. The house and cats are open for tours daily — admission supports the preservation of the property.
Is Hemingway Days family-friendly?
Yes, more so than Fantasy Fest. The running of the bulls is family-friendly in the Key West version. The literary events (short story contest, readings) are small and appropriate for all ages. The look-alike contest for the cats is charming. The fishing tournament is on the water. The crowds are present but much smaller. It's a good fit for families interested in history or literature.