Ever have one of those days where you’ve got absolutely nothing to wear? In Key West, Florida, that’s never the case! In fact, they wear creativity to a tee!
Costume designers and float creators are putting the finishing touches on their epic creations just in time for Fantasy Fest 2025. Starting this Friday, the streets of Key West will transform into their makeshift runway. Showcasing their creative, innovative and sometimes outlandish designs!
The ten-day costuming and masking celebration kicks off this Friday, October 17, and will fill the island with masquerade parties, street fairs, and spectacular costumed creativity inspired by this year’s whimsical theme. It’s a tradition that’s been going strong for more than four decades.
“This is our 46th annual Fantasy Fest,” said Fantasy Fest Event Director Liz Love. “This year’s theme is Bedtime Stories and Magical Monsters.”
What started as a local idea to boost tourism during the fall, has blossomed into an internationally known festival that celebrates freedom, artistry, and Key West’s one-of-a-kind spirit.
“Fantasy Fest is ten days of costumed creative fun that was originally started by four residents who wanted to really increase tourism during some of our slower months,” Love said.
The festival opens with the Bahama Village Goombay Festival — a two-day, family-friendly celebration of island culture, art, and food. By Sunday, the streets of Key West belong to the undead. The annual Zombie Bike Ride brings thousands of painted and costumed riders rolling from Fort East Martello through Old Town, creating a ghoulishly fun spectacle as the sun sets.
Throughout the week, the island of Key West transforms into a stage of music, art, and imagination. On October 21, Tutu Tuesday fills the Caroline Street district with dancing and colorful tutus. On Wednesday, October 22, the Pet Masquerade at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater brings out the furry and feathered stars in costumes that are anything but ordinary. Thursday night, October 23, the 42nd Annual Headdress Ball lights up the stage with extravagant, hand-crafted creations and some of Key West’s best performers.
Friday, October 24, one of Fantasy Fest’s most beloved traditions, the Captain Morgan Masquerade March, brings costumed revelers parading through Old Town. That same day, Duval Street welcomes back the Fantasy Fest Street Fair for the first time since 2019, filling the island’s main drag with art, food, drinks, and laughter.
On Saturday night, October 25, all eyes turn to the grand finale — the Deep Eddy Vodka Fantasy Fest Parade. More than 60,000 spectators are expected to line the streets as massive floats, marching groups, and fantasy characters bring “Bedtime Stories and Magical Monsters” to life. Leading the way this year is Key West’s iconic red high-heeled shoe — a longtime local symbol made famous by its starring role in the island’s New Year’s Eve “shoe drop.”
For Love, Fantasy Fest is all about imagination and individuality.
“We want people to feel free to explore their creative side. And so having that outlet, having a theme to help guide you, but then making your own interpretation of that theme is what really resonates with me and what I love to see out on the streets,” she said.
And for anyone still thinking about joining the fun, there’s good news. “The good news is it’s not too late. If you have not booked your hotel room yet, there are still rooms available. Hop on to FantasyFest.com and check out our lodging partners for some last-minute deals,” said Love.
For complete event schedules, contest entry details, and a downloadable app, visit FantasyFest.com.
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