This story was updated in 2026
Papa is back in the Conch Republic.
In fact, there will be a lot of “Papas” in Key West this summer as Hemingway Days returns for 2021. Here are the dates and details.
The 2026 dates are July 22-26. The look-alike contest, held at Sloppy Joe’s, is a key eveng, as is the”Running of the Bulls” down Duval Street.
Those are the two main events. The look-alike contest is comprised of 35 contenders each night. From that, 24 finalists compete for the title The preliminary contests start at 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A group photo is scheduled for Noon on Saturday with the Papas and the “bulls” on Green Street.
The other main event is the “Running of the Bulls,” which starts at Saturday 1 p.m. It involves the look-alikes and fake bulls.
These events are free and open to the public. There may be crowd limits for the look-alike contests at the determination of Sloppy Joe’s management.
Other Hemingway Days events include a marlin fishing tournament (Hemingway loved to fish), literary readings and something he could never have imagined, a paddleboard race.
If you are wondering why there is multi-day event in Key West for Ernest Hemingway the answer is simple. The Pulitzer Prize–winning author lived in Key West during the 1930s. His house – and its many cats – are a tourist attraction and his legacy lives on forever in the Conch Republic. The timing of the festival ties in with Hemingway’s birthday, which is is July 21.
Hemingway’s former Key West home is now a museum and a popular tourist attraction. It is located at 907 Whitehead St. Among the novels he wrote in Key West are “Death in the Afternoon,” “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” and “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber and “To Have and Have Not.”
Hemingway Days is not the only quirky event in Key West in July. It also has the Mermaid Festival July 2-5.
Q&A For Hemingway Days In Key West
• Is It Worth Going To Key West for Hemingway Days?
That depends. If you are a big fan of Ernest Hemingway then definitely. If you like quirky events, you will find it amusing. If happen to be in Key West during that time it’s well worth checking out a couple of the events, particularly the look-alike contest and the “Rnning of the Bulls.”
• Is This A Good Event For Single People?
No.
• What Is The Weather?
Hot and humid. Temps are in the 90+ range. Generally it will be sunny but be prepared for sudden afternoon showers.
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Yes those are the two highlight events of this unique festival in Key West.
Hemingway Days is one of those events that gives Key West its unique personality, especially with the look-alike contest and the Running of the Bulls.