They danced alongside dreamy, dazzling floats. Dressed in colorful, creative costumes. And jammed out to some seriously sassy songs — all while entertaining tens of thousands of cheering spectators.
This, folks, is how they roll in Key West, Florida where a crush of costumed parade goers packed the city’s most famous street on Saturday night to get a glimpse of one of the nation’s most outlandish parades.
Now in its 46th year, Fantasy Fest 2025 brought the heat with a legendary lineup of costumed characters including a towering dragon, dancing Dr. Seuss characters, and a gaggle of perky pigs as they marched through the island city’s historic downtown for this 10-day costuming and masking festival.
This year’s parade theme, “Bedtime Stories and Magical Monsters,” turned the famed streets of Key West into a dreamscape of childhood stories and whimsical nightmares.
Standout entries included “Dr. Seuss on the Loose,” featuring the Cat in the Hat, The Grinch, and dancing Truffula trees. And The Lower Keys Fluffers who presented “3 Little Pigs,” which reimagined the nursery tale, with a sultry twist.
The parade’s showstopper was a flying Peter Pan, who fought off Captain Hook and his cast of minions, all while he was suspended midair.
Other highlights of the Deep Eddy Vodka Fantasy Fest Parade included a giant, inflatable Puff the Magic Dragon, Caribbean-style dancers, and fantasy creatures.
Parade entries competed for $20,000 in prize money across eight categories including Best in Entertainment, Best in Costume, and Interpretation of Theme.
Fantasy Fest 2025 concludes on Sunday with a children’s carnival and afternoon dance party. Next year’s festival is scheduled for October 16–25, 2026, with the theme of Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals.
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