Not for the faint-hearted, Key West’s world-famous Fantasy Fest® celebrates over four decades of fun and debauchery.
Launched in 1979, Fantasy Fest® was the brainchild of a small group of local visionaries looking for novel ways to boost off-season business. Their creativity paid off.
Today, over 70,000 worldwide revelers flock here for ten days of exotic events, costume competitions, street fairs, parades, parties, and more. Here are just a few highlights:
Raw, funny, and unapologetically edgy, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” takes to the stage on Th, Oct 15 – F, Oct 25 at the Waterfront Playhouse. This sterling production of the groundbreaking glam-rock musical is immersive theater at its best. Info and tickets: waterfrontplayhouse.org.
The festivities officially kick off on F, Oct 16 with the “Happily Fur-Ever Royal Coronation.” Sponsored by the Florida Keys SPCA, the fabulous 2-hour show includes an outstanding line-up of local celebrities. Showtime: 7 pm at Coffee Butler Amphitheater (21 E Quay Rd).
Key West’s annual Goombay Festival, an exuberant, family-friendly street party, rocks historic Bahama Village from noon ‘till midnight on F and Sa, Oct 16 – 17.
On Sa, Oct 17, and Su, Oct 18, the Arena Rock Show stages the ultimate high-energy, theatrical tribute to Classic Rock & Roll. The 7 pm show trips you back to the 70s and 80s, turning Sunset Pier (Zero Duval) into a full-blown rock arena.
On M, Oct 19, you can dance, sing, and even swing from the rafters at the Green Parrot’s Beatles Tribute (601 Whitehead St). This “Sixties Dress-Up Dance Party includes three free shows (5:30 pm, 9 pm, and 11 pm) by Key West’s very own Beatle Band.
It’s all about “Swifties” on Tu, Oct 20. Grab your friendship bracelets, your crew, and your favorite cocktail before heading over to Sunset Pier (Zero Duval for a free Taylor Swift Tribute Concert from 6 – 9 pm.
On W, Oct 21, it’s time to Party Like a Rockstar. This once-in-a-lifetime night of music, energy, and spirited rock ’n’ roll takes place from 6 pm – midnight at the Key West EmPOURium (618 Duval St).
If you’re feeling especially frisky, check out Fantasy Fest®’s famous Pet Masquerade. Local fur babies perform for fame, fortune, and prizes starting at 6:30 pm at Coffee Butler Amphitheater (21 East Quay Rd).
For some true Woodstock-style partying, head on over to Schooner Wharf Bar (202 William St) for Wharfstock. This retro celebration transports you back in time with the Hippie Band from 7 pm – Midnight.
Feathers, glitter and glue take center stage on Th, Oct 22 during the renowned Headdress Ball. With a First-Place Prize of $5,000, this costume competition is both fun and fierce. Showtime: 8:30 pm at Coffee Butler Amphitheater (21 E Quay Rd).
On F, Oct 23, the Masquerade March kicks off at 4 pm with a thirst-quenching Block Party at Fleming & White St. The parade of revelers then sashays over to the Duval Street Fair & Costume Contest. This weekend-long street party of arts, eats, and island beats continues on Sa, Oct 24, followed by the world-famous Fantasy Fest Parade at 7 pm.
Wrapping it all up is “The Fat Lady Sings” Tea Dance on Su, Oct 25 from 4 – 8 pm at La Te Da (1125 Duval St). And that’s not even the half of it!
For a complete list of events, hit up fantasyfest.com.
