Hemingway Days Celebrate Key West’s Enduring Literary Legacy
As the annual Hemingway Days return to Key West from July 21-26, 2026 the festival once again celebrates one of the island’s most famous residents. Timed around the birthday of Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway, the event draws literature enthusiasts from around the world while shining a spotlight on Key West’s enduring literary heritage.
Hemingway lived in Key West from 1931 to 1939, where he spent one of the most productive periods of his career, writing To Have and Have Not and many other acclaimed works. The island profoundly influenced both his life and his writing. The surrounding waters, his passion for deep-sea fishing, and the laid-back atmosphere of the Florida Keys continue to resonate throughout many of his works.
Today, Hemingway’s legacy remains woven into the fabric of Key West. At the heart of that legacy is the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, one of the Florida Keys’ most visited historic attractions. Visitors can tour the author’s former residence, stroll through its lush tropical gardens, and see the preserved writing studio where many of his works were created. The property is also home to approximately 40-50 cats descended from Hemingway’s beloved pets.
Beyond the museum, visitors can continue exploring places closely associated with the celebrated author. The legendary Sloppy Joe’s Bar, one of Hemingway’s favorite gathering spots, and the historic waterfront where he departed on many of his fishing excursions remain integral parts of Key West’s character. Many of these landmarks are within easy walking distance, making it simple to experience the island through Hemingway’s eyes.
Each year, Hemingway Days brings that legacy to life through literary readings, exhibitions, lectures, and the renowned Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition. Festival favorites also include the iconic Hemingway Look-Alike Contest at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, the lighthearted Running of the Bulls, a marlin tournament honoring Hemingway’s passion for sport fishing, and lively street celebrations throughout Old Town.
While the Florida Keys are best known for turquoise waters, coral reefs, and outdoor adventures, Hemingway Days highlight another side of the destination—its rich cultural heritage. For visitors, Key West offers the opportunity to combine island living with a journey through the life and legacy of one of America’s greatest literary figures.
For more information, visit www.VisitFloridaKeys.com
