Key West Lobsterfest to Feature Luscious Local Seafood Aug. 8-11

Seafood lovers can chow down on Florida’s clawless lobster during the annual Key West Lobsterfest Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 8-11, featuring temptations ranging from a lobster boil to a lively street fair starring the tasty crustacean.

Now in its 27th year, the festival celebrates the bounty of the Florida Keys lobster season that opens Aug. 6.

Famous for its sweet and tender meat, the Keys’ spiny lobster often is served steamed with drawn butter, paired with a seasoned stuffing or in innovative dishes conceived by local chefs.

Festival events are to kick off at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, when lobster aficionados can gather for a traditional lobster boil at Caroline’s Café in the courtyard of Key West’s historic Porter Mansion, 429 Caroline St . As well as lobster, plates are to be piled high with jumbo shrimp, corn on the cob, redskin potatoes and fresh-baked jalapeño cornbread. Other attractions include live entertainment and libation specials. Space is limited and tickets are required.

The schedule Friday, Aug. 9, features a 3-6 p.m. pool party at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort, 200 William St., plus a rollicking nighttime Duval Pub Crawl with stops at establishments in Key West’s popular downtown and Historic Seaport areas.

The festival’s anticipated highlight is the Key West Lobsterfest Street Fair in the 100 through 500 blocks of Duval Street. From noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, seafood fans can sample local chefs’ and restaurants’ lobster specialties from tempting appetizers to full dinners. To complement the crustaceans, cool libations are to be available at booths set up by area bars.

A free outdoor concert is slated for 1-10:30 p.m. with Just George, Fried Newt, the Killer Dudes and headliners The DurtBags performing from a stage at the intersection of Duval and Greene streets.

Other street fair attractions include art, crafts and merchandise from a wide variety of artisans and vendors.

Lobsterfest is to conclude Sunday, Aug. 11, with two flavorful finales. A gourmet lobster brunch buffet is to take place at First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery, 301 Whitehead St., and reservations are required.

A lobster boil and pool party are slated to enliven the afternoon at the Southernmost Beach Resort, 1319 Duval St. Attendees can savor a large lobster tail, unlimited sides and a cold libation while enjoying a refreshing splash in the property’s pool, “lobster hunts” and other attractions.

Event, reservation and ticketing information: keywestlobsterfest.com

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