Ensconce yourself within the ocean-inspired design of our rooms while looking out over the harbor and pools from your private balcony.
HUNDREDS OF HEMINGWAY LOOK-A-LIKES HEAD TO KEY WEST
If you are heading to Key West July 17th-22nd then you will be joining the hundreds of Ernest Hemingway Look-A-Likes for the six-day Hemingway Days Festival. The Marker Resort plans on celebrating as well with Pool Party on the 21st, but first, we have to talk about all the festivities taking place that celebrate Papa in paradise. There’s a full schedule of events that include art, history, and culture along with the Hemingway Look-A-Like contest, Running of the Bulls, Fishing Tournament, Street Fair, Island Trolley Tour and even an Arm Wrestling contest. (Photo credit: Fla-keys.com)
The 38th Annual Hemingway Days Key West, July 17 -22, 2018, honors the legacy of the American literary giant, Ernest Hemingway, who lived and wrote on the island for most of the 1930’s.
The Marker Spotlights Hemingway Days July 17-22
Art, History & Hemingway
Tuesday, July 17th
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. “Hemingway Collection” Museum Day at the Custom House Museum.
Discover rare artifacts and memorabilia from Hemingway’s life, a life-sized bronze of the author and 59 original pen-and-ink drawings by famed marine wildlife artist Guy Harvey — all illustrating Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea.” Free admission for Hemingway Day participants!
Custom House Museum, 281 Front St. Visit kwahs.org.
6-8pm Key West Art & Historical Society’s Hemingway Symposium
Feature scholars, actors, and writers inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s work. Moderator Kirk Curnutt, Ph.D., author of “Coffee with Hemingway” along with other presenters; Ashley Oliphant, Ph.D., author of “Hemingway and Bimini: The Birth of Sport Fishing at ‘The End of the World’”; Brewster Chamberlin, Ph.D., discussing Key West during Hemingway’s era; actor and playwright Brian Gordon Sinclair, author of the multi-volume series “The Hemingway Monologues”; and writer Cristen Hemingway Jaynes, Hemingway’s great-granddaughter.
This event will take place at Old City Hall, 510 Greene St. Registration required; $5 per person.
Havana Club Marlin Tournament
Wednesday, July 18th - Saturday, July 21st
The Key West Marlin Tournament happens to coincide with the annual Hemingway Days Celebration. It’s really no coincidence since Hemingway had a passion and love for the sea. In this tournament, anglers compete for $50,000 in guaranteed cash prizes for targeting Marlin, Spearfish, sailfish, dolphin fish, tuna and wahoo.
Visit keywestmarlin.com to learn more about the fishing tournament.
Photo credit: fla-keys.com
Meet the Papas and Hundreds of Hemingway Look-A-Likes
You won’t see double or triple, but you will see hundreds of Hemingways during your stay. Sloppy Joe’s Bar located on the world famous Duval Street is where most of the contestants will be hanging out. No surprise since that’s where Hemingway liked to drink while living in Key West. Don’t be a stranger, get out and meet the contestants and tell us if your favorite Papa won. (Always stay connected with us using the hashtag #lovethemarker)
Wednesday, July 18th
5:30 p.m. Here’s your opportunity to get to know the contestants and previous winners of Sloppy Joe’s Hemingway® Look-Alike Contest. Visit sloppyjoes.com.
Hemingway Look-A-Like Contest
Thursday, July 19th, 6:30 p.m. | First Preliminary Round
Sloppy Joe’s 38th annual Hemingway® Look-Alike Contest, first preliminary round, to be judged by former contest winners. Sloppy Joe’s Bar. $35 entry fee. Free to watch. Get there early to get a good seat!
Friday, July 20th at 6:30 p.m. | Second Preliminary Round
Sloppy Joe’s 38th annual Hemingway® Look-Alike Contest, second preliminary round, judged by former contest winners at Sloppy Joe’s Bar. $35 entry fee. Free to watch.
Saturday, July 21st at 6:30 pm | Final Round
6:30 p.m. It’s the final round! Sloppy Joe’s 38th annual Hemingway® Look-Alike Contest, final round, to be judged by former contest winners. Sloppy Joe’s Bar. Free to watch.
Saturday Festivities by Land and Sea
Caribbean Street Fair
10am - 10pm
The four blocks of Duval Street (beginning at Front Street) will be transformed into an open-air island market with arts, crafts, jewelry, tropical clothing, and food. Presented by Literacy Volunteers of America - Monroe County.
Running of the Bulls (Don’t miss this one!)
Photo Op with Papas at Noon!
Head over to Sloppy Joe’s (Greene Street side) and take your photo with one or more of the Hemingway Look-A-Likes. Good time for a Selife with Ernest!
1pm | Running of the Bulls
An event you don’t want to miss! It's probably one of the wackiest, and a must see and do so make sure not to miss it! Now in its 20th year, Running of the Bulls Hemingway Days event is sponsored by Sloppy Joe’s Bar and features the Hemingway® Look-Alike contest winners and entrants dressed in their Pamplona — and a breed of “bull” found only in Key West.
Celebrate Ernest’s Birthday at 1:30pm!
Yes, there will be cake! The celebration continues at Sloppy Joe’s birthday party for “Papa.” There will be a gathering at 1:30 pm to Celebrate Ernest’s birthday (complete with cake) alongside former winners and contestants in the Hemingway® Look-Alike Contest.
6:30pm – Final Round of Look-A-Like Contest at Sloppy Joe’s Bar. Who will be the winner!!!
Hemingway 5k Sunset Run/Walk & PaddleBoard Race
3-7 p.m. Hemingway 5k Sunset Run/Walk and Paddleboard Race registration.
Register and pick up race packets for the popular run and paddleboard challenge. Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St. $45 entry fee for either race or $85 for both.
5:30 p.m Lazy Dog Paddleboard Race.
Competitors follow a 3-mile Atlantic Ocean course that begins and ends at Key West’s Southernmost Beach, 1405 Duval St. on the ocean. Visit keywesthalfmarathon.com.
7:30 p.m. Hemingway 5k Sunset Run/Walk.
Racers start at the Southernmost Point in the continental United States at Whitehead and South streets, and proceed through Old Town Key West. A post-race awards party is scheduled at the Southernmost Beach Café.
Visit keywesthalfmarathon.com to learn more about the Sunset Run and Paddleboard Race.
Sunday Funday During Hemingway Days
10 a.m. Bloody Marys with “Papa & Sloppy Joe’s Arm Wrestling Contest.
Registration is set for 10 a.m. and the contest begins at 11 a.m. Prizes await winners in multiple weight divisions. Sloppy Joe’s Bar. $5 entry fee; free to watch.
11am - 2pm Pool Party - The Marker Celebrates Summer & Hemingway
Join us at The Marker Resort for $4 Islamorada Beer specials with DJ Jimmy Jamz spinning your favorite summertime hits poolside. All are welcome
12-2 p.m. Hemingway’s Key West by Trolley
Historian Sharon Wells leads a trolley tour of sites associated with Hemingway’s Key West years, including his former home and waterfront settings he memorialized in his novel “To Have and Have Not.” $10 per person ($5 for KWAHS members). Meet at the Custom House Museum. Visit kwahs.org.
We encourage all of our guests to the complete list Hemingway Days Festival Schedule of Events in advance and make sure to visit the Hemingway Home and Museum during your stay.
"My aim is to put down on paper what I see and what I feel in the best and simplest way" - Ernest Hemingay
Share your Hemingway Days and Key West vacation memories with us! #lovethemarker
October 16, 2024
Ever thought about trading your flip-flops for running shoes in paradise? This is your chance to lace up and experience the island like never before with the best runs for 2024-2025.
October 10, 2024
From Fantasy Fest to the Key West Songwriters Festival, Conch Republic Days to Mile 0 Fest, and let’s not forget Key Lime, Hemingway, Rum, Lobster, and Brewfest—there’s always a party happening here in paradise.
Trending
Key West’s Top Marathons, 5Ks, and Fun Runs for...
Direct Flights to Key West & Airport Upgrades: ...
Categories
Balcony Views
"Next door to marina-dock, bars, restaurants. Close to Duval Street. Great service all around."
German V., Tripadvisor