Fantasy Fest

Fantasy Fest is an electrifying, 10-day costume and performance festival held annually in Key West, Florida, each October.

First launched in 1979 by local visionaries to boost fall tourism, the event has evolved into a world-class extravaganza blending art, music, spectacle, and unbridled creativity.

At its heart, Fantasy Fest is a carnival of self-expression, where masks, body paint, and imaginative costumes transform the streets into living canvases.

Over the years it has grown to include more than 60 distinct events, from themed parties and masquerade balls to art walks, street fairs, and the showstopping Fantasy Fest Parade down Duval Street.

Highlights typically include the Royal Coronation Ball, Bahama Village Goombay Festival, Zombie Bike Ride, Tutu Tuesday bar crawl, Pet Masquerade, Captain Morgan’s Masquerade March, and the grand parade finale on the final Saturday night.

Beyond the spectacle, Fantasy Fest is deeply tied to the community and local economy. It drives business for restaurants, bars, hotels, and artists, filling up Key West during what was once a quiet time of year.

Many events also support nonprofit causes through the Royal Coronation and other fundraisers, with the Royal Court campaign alone raising millions over the years.

Whether you’re a costume enthusiast, a lover of performance art, or simply curious to experience Key West at its most fantastical — Fantasy Fest offers a one-of-a-kind cultural spectacle where imagination takes center stage.