Not for the faint-hearted, Key West’s annual Fantasy Fest is a wildly outrageous
“Grown-Up Party in Paradise” celebrating over four decades of fun and debauchery.
This year’s ten-day Festival, “It’s A 90’s Neon Cosmic Carnival,” is running rampant now through Sunday, October 27.
Since its inception in 1979, Fantasy Fest has morphed into a world-renowned event that attracts thousands of fun-loving revelers from around the globe.
Not to be missed: The 41st Annual Headdress Ball on Thursday, October 24, at Coffee Butler Amphitheater in Truman Waterfront Park. This fantastical headdress competition is always a sell-out, headlined by renowned female impressionist Randy Roberts. Gates open at 6:30 pm, and the high-energy Main Stage show starts at 8 pm. Tickets: keystix.com.
Another favorite is The Masquerade March & Post Party, which takes place on Friday, October 25. This raucous walking parade begins at 5:30 pm in the Key West cemetery. It includes legions of elaborately masked marchers promenading through Old Town. The craziness continues at Aquaplex (711 Duval Street) with an exhilarating “After Party” starting at 7 pm.
One of the Festival’s biggest draws is the annual Fantasy Fest Parade, which rollicks down Duval Street starting at 7 pm on Saturday night, October 28, and typically attracts up to 70,000 revelers.
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Here are a few more highlights:
Now – October 25
Rocky Horror Show
Key West: Don’t miss the limited run of this deviously delicious Broadway and
Hollywood sci-fi smash musical that devoured the hearts of theatre-goers in New York for years. Phillip Cole White, who appeared at the Waterfront as Hedwig in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” takes on the role of Frank N Furter and heads an all-star cast. Takes place at the Waterfront Playhouse, 407 Wall St in Mallory Square. Info and tickets 305-294-5015; waterfrontplayhouse.org.
October 22
Zombie Bike Ride
Key West: Join the multitudes of newly awakened zombies for the wildest ride of your life! The ghoulish fun begins in Zombieland at Fort East Martello Museum (3501 S Roosevelt Blvd). Body painting, food vendors, an expansive Kids Zone, and a full bar will be open from 2 — 6pm. At 6pm, it’s time to hop on your bike and join the thousands of costumed zombies as they cruise down A1A for the spectacular invasion of downtown Key West. The fun continues at the Zombiefest Dance Party at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, 21 Quay Blvd on the Truman Waterfront. Info: fantasyfest.com.
October 23
Wharfstock
Key West: Travel back to the 1960s for a night of “Peace & Love,” Woodstock-style! Dance to groovy music by The Hippie Band, throw back your favorite libations, and feast on great galley fare. Prizes for the sexiest Hippie Chick and Grooviest Dude. Takes place from 7pm — Midnight, with costume judging at 8:30pm at Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St. Info: 305-292-9520. schoonerwharf.com.
October 23
Pet Masquerade
Key West: See a carousel of frisky pets and playful owners performing for fame, fortune, and prizes. Registration begins at 5 pm; Showtime: 6:30 pm at the Truman Waterfront Amphitheater, 21 E Quay Rd. Info: petmasquerade@gmail.com
October 24
41st Annual Headdress Ball
Key West: Get out your feathers, glue guns, and ribbons for the Key West Business Guild’s annual fundraising extravaganza. Hosted by Laurie Thibaud of Aqua Idol fame, this fantastical headdress competition includes special performances by renowned female impressionist Randy Roberts. Over a dozen contestants hit the stage to show off their awe-inspiring headdress creations, judged from the shoulders up. Gates open at 6:30 pm. Showtime: 8 pm. Takes place rain or shine at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater in Truman Waterfront Park, 21 E Quay Rd. Always a sell-out, so order tickets early at keystix.com. Info: 305-294-4603; headdressballkeywest.com.
October 25
Masquerade March
Key West: Join the crowd for this annual parade through Old Town with music and noisemakers! Thirst quenchers are provided at selected guesthouses. It starts at 5:30 pm at the Old Town Wine & Spirits on Truman Ave, but revelers can join the mad march anywhere along the route.
October 25
Post Masquerade March Dance Party
Key West: Masked marauders take over the entire Aquaplex compound for an exhilarating party with multiple DJs and delicious Captain Morgan drink specials. Takes place at Aquaplex, 711 Duval St. Info: 305-294-0555; aquakeywest.com.
October 26
Fantasy Fest Parade
Key West: Join 70,000 exuberant partygoers as this year’s Fantasy Fest parade rolls down Duval Street. The sea-to-sea parade showcases glittering floats, spectacular costumes, and dazzling dancing groups! It doesn’t get any wilder than this! The parade steps off at 7pm on Lower Duval. Info: fantasyfest.com.
October 27
Key West Fantasy Fest:
”The Fat Lady Sings” Tea Dance
Key West: DJ Rude Girl rocks the island for Fantasy Fest 2024’s very last hoorah! Takes place from 4 – 8 pm at La Te Da, 1125 Duval St. Info: 305-296-6706.
For a complete schedule and late-breaking news, hit up fantasyfest.com.
