Hemingway Days

When: July 17 - July 21, 2024

Where: Duval St, Key West, FL 33040


Hemingway Days is a long-standing festival celebrated annually in Key West, Florida, paying tribute to the life and works of Ernest Hemingway, the eminent author who once resided there. Commencing in 1981 under the initiative of local residents, including Michael Whalton, the festival has seen substantial growth both in size and reputation, attracting globally acclaimed writers and ambitious entrants for the short story competition coordinated by Hemingway's granddaughter, Lorian.

  • The 2024 edition of Hemingway Days, scheduled from July 17-21, promises a multitude of activities that include the festival's most popular event, the Hemingway Lookalike Contest, held at the Sloppy Joe Bar, a place frequented by Hemingway himself during the 1930s.
  • Sporting events such as the Stock Island Marina Village Key West Marlin Tournament, the 5k Sunset Run/Walk, and Paddleboard Race honor Hemingway's active lifestyle, while the lively daylong street fair on Duval Street adds to the charm of the event.

 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 2024

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2024

  • 5:00 PM: Meet the “Papas” at Sloppy Joe’s Bar. An opportunity to get acquainted with the contestants and previous winners of “Sloppy Joe’s Hemingway® Look-Alike Contest."

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2024

  • 5:00 PM: Round One - Contestants must check in at the registration table to receive their name tag and event shirt.
  • 6:00 PM: Hemingway Look-Alike Society Scholarship Presentations. The society announces the winners of its annual scholarships for Florida Keys students, on stage at Sloppy Joe’s Bar.
  • 6:30 PM: Sloppy Joe’s 43rd Annual Hemingway® Look-Alike Contest – Preliminary Round One. Contestants are narrowed down to approximately 12 finalists for Saturday night’s final round, held on stage at Sloppy Joe’s.

FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2024

  • 5:00 PM: Round Two - Contestants must check in at the registration table to receive their name tag and event shirt.
  • 6:30 PM: Sloppy Joe’s 43rd Annual Hemingway® Look-Alike Contest – Preliminary Round Two. Further narrowing down of contestants to approximately 12 finalists for the final round, on stage at Sloppy Joe’s.

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2024

  • Noon: Photos with “Papas.” A photo session with Hemingway® Look-Alikes for fans on Greene Street outside Sloppy Joe’s.
  • 1:00 PM: Running of the Bulls. Sponsored by Sloppy Joe’s Bar, featuring past “Papa” Hemingway® Look-Alike Contest winners. The event is on Greene Street, with sales of red berets and bandanas starting at 12 Noon (limited quantities).
  • 6:30 PM: Sloppy Joe’s 43rd Annual Hemingway® Look-Alike Contest – FINAL ROUND. The crowning of Papa 2024, taking place on stage at Sloppy Joe’s.

SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2024

  • Papa Birthday Bash: Details to be announced.

Note: This is a tentative schedule and may be subject to changes.

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