37th Annual Hemingway Days
Each year, Key West celebrates one of its most legendary former residents, the late author Ernest Hemingway. Throughout the 1930s, the Pulitzer Prize-winning scribe penned novels while holed up in his Whitehead Street studio. Hemingway Days honors Hemingway with a look-alike contest at Sloppy Joe’s on Duval Street, readings and book signings, a three-day marlin tournament and more. One of the highlights includes the Running of the Bulls. This parody of the famed race in Pamplona, Spain, typically features past winners and competitors in the annual look-alike contest with life-size replica bulls on wheels.
July 18-23. Key West. fla-keys.com/hemingway-days.
The Dali Museum
This museum serves as ground zero for Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali’s work. Expect to see 96 oil paintings and a slew of other pieces, including sculpture and original drawings. The museum’s latest digs, protected by hurricane-proof walls, opened in early 2011. A combined 20,000 square feet of art gallery space houses massive works such as the 1954 oil painting, “The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus,” and smaller pieces including “The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory” with its melting watches. Events are consistently on tap, from live music and art film screenings to children’s activities and yoga classes. Download the Dali app and bring your earbuds, and you can experience the museum’s audio tour without waiting in line to borrow equipment.
1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. 727-823-3767, thedali.org, @TheDali.
31st Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship
Don’t call it child’s play. Some of the best sand sculptors in the world — more than 25 pros and hundreds of amateurs — gather at this event for the largest competition of its kind in Florida. It takes place on and around the Thanksgiving holiday season. Approximately 1,000 tons of sand will be piled and sculpted across 10 days. Competitors, ranging from amateurs to world-class masters, kick up some sand to see who’s the best. Sand sculpting demonstrations and lessons, arts and crafts vendors, live music and kid-friendly activities keep guests busy. The competition takes place at the Wyndham Garden Hotel, but organizers suggest guests take the free shuttle service from Lovers Key State Park.
Nov. 17-26. Lovers Key State Park. 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers. sandsculptingfmb.com.
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