Hemingway Look-Alike Contest Returns To Key West

KEY WEST, FL — After being canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Key West’s infamous Hemingway Days – and its popular Hemingway Look-Alike Contest – are slated to return this summer.

A slate of events celebrating the literary legacy of Ernest Hemingway, who called Key West home during the 1930s, is scheduled July 20-25, according to the Monroe County Tourist Development Council website.

Each summer, scores of stocky, bearded men resembling Hemingway converge on Key West for the look-alike contest, this year taking place July 22-24 at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, where the literary icon spent much of his time, the TDC said.

The number of entrants will be limited to 35 contestants each night this year because of the ongoing pandemic. Contestants may pre-register by mail starting May 19 through July 12 or until the contest is full, according to the Sloppy Joe’s website. The registration form can be found online here starting May 19.

Sloppy Joe’s will also stage the “Running of the Bulls,” spoofing the annual event in Pamplona, Spain by featuring Hemingway look-alikes and manmade bulls parading down Duval Street, the TDC said.

Other events scheduled during Hemingway Days include a three-day marlin tournament, a celebration of the author’s 122nd birthday July 21, a museum exhibit featuring rare memorabilia from his life, literary readings, a street fair, a 5K run, a paddleboard race and an event announcing the winner of the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition.