So what’s the story with Key West’s notoriously risqué Fantasy Fest celebration this year? Well, it’s still happening, kind of, sort of.
Scheduled for Friday, October 22 – Sunday, October 31, the fate of the island’s hugest annual event has been up in the air due to the ongoing pandemic. But in true Key West style, the party must go on, the pandemic be dammed.
So here’s the deal: while Fantasy Fest 2021 hasn’t been wholly canceled, it will look a bit different this year. More like a kinky private affair than the usual raucous public outing where thousands of scantily clad people spill out onto the street and where body paint counts as clothing.
Say goodbye to the world-famous parades, street fair, King & Queen Coronation, and other large-crowd traditions like the Goombay festival and the Zombie Bike Ride. Those marquee events have been canceled this year.
But not to worry. Festival organizers and local businesses are still planning over 40 private parties, including a Kinky Carnival, Homemade Bikini Contest, Toga Party, and a whole lot more.
And while there are no scheduled street closings to carve out the “Fantasy Zone” along Duval, prancing down the street with body paint alone will still be considered proper attire.
For a complete list of happenings, go to fantasyfest.com. In the meantime, here are just a few of the things that you can expect:
Daily Diversions
1 pm -? Femme Fatale Quarter Body Art
Fantastic body painting and stunning sunsets, music, fun, and food. Takes place at Sunset Pier, 0 Duval St.
The Rocky Horror Show
That sweet transvestite and his motley crew are back for the time warp. Christopher Peterson stars. Takes place at the Waterfront Playhouse, 407 Wall St. Info and tickets: 305-294-5015.
8 pm – 3 am Karaoke
Nightly contest with great prizes. Takes place at the Jam Pony 618 Duval St.
Saturday, October 23
6 pm That Arena Rock Show
The free concert is the ultimate high-energy tribute to “Classic” Rock N’ Roll. Takes place on Sunset Pier, 0 Duval St.
7 pm The Sixth Annual Smallest Parade in the Universe
Takes place at The Studios of Key West Main Gallery, 533 Eaton St. Info: TSKW.com
8 pm – 3 pm Day of the Dead Dance Party
Dance the night away at Old Town Rodeo with three bars and a mechanical bull. Takes place at 618 Duval St.
Sunday, October 24
Noon – 4 pm After Church Pool Party
The big daddy of clothing-optional pool parties for men only. Takes place at The Island House for Men, 1129 Fleming St. 305-294-6284.
4 pm Shoktoberfest At Island Farm
Zombies bike to Cow Key, where vampires and ghouls take over Lost Beach. Live music with Caffeine Carl, libations, and an OctoberFEAST supper. Takes place at 7000 Fifth St, Stock Island.
6 – 8 pm Body Painting Sweepstakes and Beard & Mustached Competition
All genders are welcome. Register to enter between noon and 3pm. Takes place at Hard Rock Cafe, 313 Duval St.
Monday, October 25
Noon – 4 pm Duck, Duck Pool Party
This Duckie Invasion is replete with a pool full of rubber duckies, beverage samples, swag, and live music by Key West’s favorite DJ Buggy. Duck floats, duckie bathing suits, duckie tutus, and creativity are encouraged! Takes place at The Perry Hotel & Marina’s Village Pool, 701 Shrimp Rd. Info: 305-296-1717.
8 pm Comic Book Cape-ers
Come dressed as your favorite “Caped” Superhero or Super-villain and dance the night away. Takes place at Sloppy Joe’s, 201 Duval St.
8 pm – 1 am Kinky Carnival
Interactive BDSM station, fetish rooms, bondage, and more. Open bar from 8 pm – 11 pm. No kinky costume, no entry. Takes place at First Flight, 301 Whitehead St.
10 pm – 4 am Tops or Bottoms Underwear Party
Underwear event for men only. Takes place at the New Orleans House Garden and Pool Bar, 724 Duval St. Info: 305-293-9800.
Tuesday, October 26
11 am – 5 pm 4th of July Pool Party
Celebrate the red, white, and blue in your best, most patriotic pool wear. Takes place at Dante’s Restaurant and Raw Bar, 951 Caroline St. Info: 305-293-5123.
7 – 10 pm Electro Laser Light Pool Party
Dress in your favorite rave gear and dance the night away under the stars and synced lasers. Takes place at the Southernmost Beach Resort, 1319 Duval St.
8 pm Harriet Potter and the Enchanted Tassel: A Burlesque Parody
This sexy and saucy show where Auntie Harriette Potter goes on a salacious adventure searching for a magical, missing tassel. Takes place at Key West Theater. Tickets: thekeywesttheater.com.
Wednesday, October 27
Noon – 3 pm Living on the Edge Pool Party
Dress or undress for your favorite decade and jam to the classics. Havana Nights Pig Roast served on the pool deck. Takes place at Ocean Edge Resort & Marina, 5950 Peninsular Ave, Stock Island.
7 pm Wharfstock
It’s all about tie-dye, flower power, and psychedelic colors. Enjoy live music and dance to the tunes that reach back in time. Takes place at Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St. Info: 304-292-9520.
8 pm Homemade Bikini Contest
Creativity and attention to detail are the key elements to winning the $1,000 First Prize. Takes place at Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, 4 Charles St.
Thursday, October 28
1 pm Naughty Bike Ride
Enjoy a Duval bike ride to Irish Kevin’s with your naughty friends. Kicks off with a Pre-Party at 803 Duval St parking lot Open Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar.
8 pm Toga Party
Wear a traditional toga or dare to create one for this all-night party that features live music, naked karate girls, and more. Takes place at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval St.
9 pm Pink Party
Wear your sexiest pink costume or pink body paint and party like a Flock Star. Takes place at Fat Tuesday, 305 Duval St.
Friday, October 29
Noon – 5 pm Beach Bunny Pool Party
Enjoy an all-adult afternoon pool party with DJ Hazard. Sunbathe topless as long as you’re wearing bunny ears. Takes place at the Southernmost House, 1400 Duval St.
8 pm Living Art Expo
A showcase of the human form as a living canvas. Takes place on Sunset Pier, zero Duval. Info: 305-295-7047.
10:30 pm Rock-n-Roll Fantasy & Costume Contest
Bring your rock god or goddess to life during this night-long fantasy-filled costume party that spans two floors and a fantastic roof deck. Takes place at RockHouse, 135 Duval St.
Saturday, October 30
Noon-Midnight San Carlos Street Party
Latin music, mojitos, rum, dancing, and general merriment. Takes place at 516 Duval St. Info: 305-294-3887.
5:30 – 9 pm SSP Girls Rock
All the talented ladies that sing at Sunset Pier hit the big stage for this exceptional concert performance that benefits Florida’s Coral Reef. Takes place at Sunset Pier, zero Duval St. 
8am – 3 pm Haunted Hoe Down Costume and Dance Party
Halloween starts early with dancing, drink specials, costume contest, and naughty cowgirl bull riding contest at midnight. Takes place at Old Town Rodeo, 618 Duval St.
Sunday, October 31
Noon – 5 pm Children’s Day at Island Farm
A family event with food, games, music, pony rides, face painting, and more. Takes place at Island Farm at the end of 5th St on Stock Island. Info: 305-292-8912.
2 – 5 pm Hangover Rehab Pool Party
There are plenty of food and drink specials, music, and free “Booze Bandages” for the first 50 guests. Takes place at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort, 200 William St.
And that’s just the half of it! For more info and late-breaking details, go to Fantasyfest.com.
