July 23 - 27th

Question

So i see in the Hemingway fest line-up a street fair on Duval Saturday.....anybody know if this is similar to the FF street fair? same type of vendors? as big as the FF one? Thanks !!

Answer

The Hemingway Days Festival in Key West, held annually in July, includes a street fair on Duval Street, typically on the Saturday of the festival. This fair celebrates Ernest Hemingway’s life and legacy and is a mix of arts, crafts, food, and live music.

Compared to the Fantasy Fest (FF) street fair, there are some differences in scale and vibe:

Size: The Hemingway street fair is generally smaller than the Fantasy Fest street fair, which is one of the largest events in Key West attracting tens of thousands of attendees.
Vendors: The Hemingway fair features local artists, craft vendors, and some specialty food stalls. It is more arts-and-literature focused, reflecting Hemingway’s legacy, whereas FF is broader, with a heavier focus on costumes, party culture, and novelty items.
Atmosphere: Hemingway’s fair has a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, with live music, cultural displays, and historical exhibits. FF is high-energy, often more raucous, and geared toward adults, especially in the evening events.

In terms of experience, you can expect:

Artisan crafts, paintings, and handmade items.
Food vendors featuring local cuisine, seafood, and festival treats.
Live music performances reflecting jazz, blues, and other local genres.
A chance to interact with authors, Hemingway enthusiasts, and participate in literary-themed activities.

Overall, if you enjoy street fairs with a cultural and arts focus rather than a huge party scene, the Hemingway Days street fair will be enjoyable. It is smaller than FF, with a more intimate, laid-back vibe, but still lively with music and local color.