Fantasy Fest in Key West, the biggest party in town

Will you be in Florida between October 18 and 27? To get in the mood, you shouldn’t miss Fantasy Fest, a prelude to Halloween.

This festival attracts thousands of participants, often in costume, from all over the world, who converge on the city to have fun during the various activities offered: pool parties, balls, galas and themed evenings. There is even a 5km race for the more daring. The king and queen of the festival will also be crowned.

The highlight of these days of celebration is the Fantasy Fest Parade on October 26, a huge, colorful parade unlike any you’ve ever seen!

The Fantasy Fest is mainly aimed at adults, while almost all excesses are permitted. If you can’t tolerate scanty outfits, body painting, men in tutu, dancing crowds and music blaring until late at night, this festival is not for you.

This year the theme is the 90’s Neon Cosmic Carnival which is intended to be a reminiscence of the 1990s when gothic was in fashion, just like the series of Harry Potter. We will also highlight ultra-popular TV shows like Seinfeld et Friendsthe film phenomenon Titanicthe beginning of hip-hop, phosphorescent colors, and the frenzy around the transition to the year 2000. In short, lots of ideas for dressing up and having a good time.

Here are some activities to get you into the swing of this festival like no other…

The family Friendly Zombie Bike Ride (20 octobre)

How would you like to see 7500 zombies riding around on bicycles? The Family Friendly Zombie Bike Ride is a popular pre-Halloween bike ride involving residents, tourists, children and even pets that has become a Key West tradition.

During this walk, participants proudly wear traditional zombie clothing, while others dress up as scary clowns, evil skeletons and sometimes fearsome brides decked out in tattered finery.

The party begins at 2 p.m. as “Zombieland” opens its doors on the site of the Fort East Martello Museum, a historic site overlooking the Atlantic and reputed to be haunted! On site, makeup artists and body painters work to transform those who wish into the living dead.

A children’s area offers several inflatable games and other age-appropriate activities.

It is therefore at 6 p.m. that the parade will begin, applauded by dozens of amazed and delighted spectators. Bike zombies will cruise down South Roosevelt Boulevard along the Atlantic Ocean, past Higgs Beach, into quaint Old Town Key West, and down popular Duval Street, ending the day with a big party. zombies at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater.

Fantasy Fest 90’s Neon 5k run/walk (21 octobre)

To burn off the calories you devoured the day before, why not run or walk a 5 km through the streets of Key West and take the opportunity to admire the houses decorated for the occasion? This is what the Fantasy Fest 90’s 5k run/walk offers, another popular activity among festival-goers.

The race will kick off at 6 p.m. at the iconic Tiki House Key West on Duval Street. Of course, most of the “athletes” will be in costume. Once the event is over, they will be given a medal, and all sorts of other trinkets to highlight their achievement! And of course, after the race, everyone will be invited to the Tiki House to celebrate.

Wacky Pet Masquerade (23 octobre)

The Wacky Pet Masquerade is a costume competition for pets and their owners that takes place in front of a euphoric crowd! Every year, it attracts dozens of dogs, cats and birds, to which are sometimes added rabbits, pigs or snakes. A jury evaluates the participants and awards prizes in different categories such as “the best junior candidate”, “the most exotic costume”, “the disguise which best respects the theme of the festival”, “the dog-master duo which looks alike the most”, and the big winner!

Key West Fantasy Fest Parade (Saturday, October 26)

The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the Key West Fantasy Fest Parade, a wild parade that attracts more than 70,000 spectators. While the famous Duval Street is invaded by colorful entertainers, dancers, acrobats, brass bands and musicians, floating structures and allegorical floats follow one another carrying swaying drag queens, and any other individual who wants to show off and show off. ‘dare to be excessive! A totally exuberant parade reflecting the image of the festival and the island of Key West, renowned for its sense of celebration and its spirit of openness.

Themed parties: spoiled for choice

To party, there is no shortage of choice since every day hotels, bars and restaurants organize themed evenings to attract as many people as possible. Here are some examples.

Friday, October 18, Marker Key West Harbor will host a Barbie’s Pink Pool Party. That’s when lots of Barbies and Kens meet there, and prizes will be awarded to the most inventive and to those who best personify the famous characters.

On October 19, fans of Baywatchthis popular 90s TV series will be able to take part in a Baywatch & Babes party hosted by the Rum Row Sandbar & Pool at the Gates Hotel. The red jersey is obviously essential!

Finally, on Tuesday, October 22, the very popular Tutu Tuesday will be back for a 14th year with the obligatory dress code, the tutu! Regardless, men or women will absolutely have to wear this accessory to have access to the party which will take place simultaneously in four establishments in downtown Key West.