Key West Lobsterfest is the seafood event of the year — a celebration of spiny lobster season opening with a street fair, a boat parade, a tar pot event, and menus across the island that go heavy on the crustacean. It's in August, which is hot, but the food is excellent and the crowd is enthusiastic without being overwhelming like Fantasy Fest.
What Lobsterfest Is
Every August, when spiny lobster season officially opens on August 6, Key West throws a party. The official festival spans several days (expect August 7–10 in 2026) and centers around a street fair on Whitehead Street, a boat parade through the harbor, and the "tar pot" — a massive cookout of lobsters that goes fast. The idea is celebrating the opening of a sustainable, locally-harvested resource that matters to the Keys fishing community.
The Lobster Mini-Season
Florida has a two-day "mini-season" for recreational lobster harvesting — the Wednesday and Thursday before the regular August 6 opening date. If you're a Florida resident with a valid license, you can take lobsters before the official opening. This is separate from Lobsterfest and has its own rules (bag limits, size requirements, gear restrictions). The mini-season draws serious crowds to the Keys; if you're planning to participate, know the regulations cold. Non-residents cannot participate in mini-season.
Key West Lobsterfest Events
The street fair is the heart of Lobsterfest — food vendors, live music, and local restaurants serving lobster in every form: tails, bisque, sliders, tacos. The boat parade is small-scale but charming, with decorated boats cruising the harbor. The tar pot is where volunteer cooks prepare lobster in massive quantities and give it away free (or for a small donation). The schedule shifts slightly year to year — check the official Lobsterfest site for the current year's lineup.
Best Lobster Spots in Key West
Beyond the festival: Key West has great lobster year-round, but it's worth knowing where to go. Blue Heaven in the Bahama Village neighborhood is famous for its lobster tail and outdoor garden setting — book ahead. Half Shell Raw Bar near the harbor is the classic casual spot: raw bar, steamed shrimp, lobster, no pretense. The Waterfront Brewery does solid lobster rolls. During Lobsterfest week, most restaurants have a special — just follow your nose.
Booking Tips for Lobsterfest Week
August is peak hurricane season, which means you'll find good deals on accommodation — but also means you need a flexible cancellation policy. VRBO rentals are a good call for a group; you get a kitchen to cook some of your own meals during what can be a very expensive restaurant week. Search VRBO for Key West rentals →
Reservations for Blue Heaven, Latitudes, and other popular spots should be made at least two weeks ahead. During Lobsterfest week, tables fill up fast.
Spiny Lobster Facts
Florida spiny lobster is not Maine lobster. It doesn't have big claws — the tail is the prize. They're caught in the Florida Keys, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas, and they're delicious. The meat is sweeter and more delicate than the cold-water varieties. When you see "Key West lobster" on a menu, it's almost always spiny lobster tail. Florida law requires all lobster to be at least 3 inches carapace length, and you can't take egg-bearing ("berried") lobsters.
For the full 2026 schedule, restaurant reservations guide, and tar pot event details: keywestondemand.com has the complete guide →
Book a Food Tour During Lobsterfest
A Key West food tour is the best way to eat well during Lobsterfest week — guides know all the spots with the best menus.
Browse GetYourGuide Food Tours →Common Questions
When is Key West Lobsterfest 2026?
Key West Lobsterfest typically takes place in early August (around August 7–10 in 2026). It celebrates the opening of spiny lobster season, which officially opens August 6 in Florida. Confirm exact dates closer to the event on the official Key West Lobsterfest website.
What's the difference between the lobster mini-season and Lobsterfest?
The lobster mini-season is a two-day recreational event (the Wednesday and Thursday before the regular season opens on August 6) where licensed Florida residents can harvest lobsters before the official season. Lobsterfest, held in August, is the celebration that follows — a street fair, boat parade, and culinary event open to everyone.
Where's the best lobster in Key West during the festival?
For the full experience, head to the Lobsterfest street fair on Whitehead Street where multiple restaurants serve lobster dishes. Year-round, try Key West's classic spots: Half Shell Raw Bar for casual seafood, Blue Heaven for its famous lobster tail, or the waterfront restaurants on the Historic Seaport. During Lobsterfest week, almost every restaurant in town has a special on the menu.
Do I need to book ahead for Lobsterfest?
For the street fair and boat parade, no reservation needed — just show up. For restaurant dinners during Lobsterfest week, yes. Key West restaurants book up quickly during any festival week, especially waterfront and seafood-focused spots. Book a week or two in advance for guaranteed seating.