Frequently Asked Questions



  1. When will the Fantasy Fest schedule be released?
    The Fantasy Fest Team begins securing partners and building the schedule of events mid-July. Once partners are finalized, we can focus on building an incredible schedule of events. Festival Goers can expect the schedule to be finalized by early to mid-September. We appreciate your patience and understanding as there a lot of moving parts to this incredible festival!
  2. What are the best days to attend the festival?
    Fantasy Fest is a 10-day long festival filled with a multitude of parties. We suggest taking a look at the schedule, deciding what events you wish to attend, and plan your trip accordingly.

    Here are a few Annual events that always remain on the same day:

    Always held on the first day of Fantasy Fest (Friday):
    • Royal Coronation
    Always held on the first two days of Fantasy Fest (Friday and Saturday):
    • Goombay Festival
    Always held on the first Sunday of Fantasy Fest:
    • Zombie Bike Ride
    Always held on Monday:
    • Kinky Carnival
    • Fantasy Fest 5K run/walk
    • Sloppy Joe's Comic Book Cape-ers
    • Tops or Bottoms Underwear Party
    Always held on Tuesday:
    • Tutu Tuesday
    • Captain Tony's Party in Plaid
    Always held on Wednesday:
    • Homemade Bikini Contest
    • Sloppy Joe's Slumber Party Costume Contest
    • Wharfstock
    • Luv2Glow
    • Party Like a Rockstar Costume Contest
    Always held on Thursday:
    • Berkshire Hathaway Parade of Homes Mega Open House Event
    • Dante's Halos & Horns Pool Party
    • Sloppy Joe's Toga Party
    • Hank's Rock The Tata's
    • Headdress Ball
    • Fat Tuesday's Pink Party
    • Exposed at Bourbon St Pub
    Always held on the last Friday of Fantasy Fest:
    • Fantasy Market
    • Southernmost Playboy Mansion Pool Party
    • Captain Morgan Masquerade March
    • Living Art Expo
    Always held on the last Saturday of Fantasy Fest:
    • Key West Fantasy Fest Parade Down Duval St (Always Last Saturday)
    Always held on the last Sunday of Fantasy Fest:
    • The Fat Lady Sings Tea Dance
  3. Where is the best place to stay in Key West?
    We have so many wonderful lodging partners to choose from. Some festival goers want to be close to the action / Duval St while others prefer to be off the beaten path. Take a look at our Where to Stay page to decide which of our Lodging partners best suits your needs.
  4. What are the dates for 2025?
    We'll do you one better, Here are Future Fantasy Fest dates for the next 5 years!
    2025: 10/17 - 10/26
    2026: 10/16 - 10/25
    2027: 10/22 - 10/31
    2028: 10/20 - 10/29
    2029: 10/19 - 10/28
  5. When will the 2025 Fantasy Fest theme be released?
    We will announce the 2025 Fantasy Fest Theme on October 27th, 2024.
  6. How far in advance should I plan my trip?
    We recommend planning your trip 7-10 months in advance. This gives you plenty of time to secure your hotel, book plane tickets if needed, and get your costumes together for all the AWESOME parties you're going to attend.
  7. Where can I find Tickets?
    Venues either handle their own event tickets or you can find them through KeysTix.com.
  8. What are the best ways to get around in Key West?
    The island of Key West encourages everyone to forget their cars once they arrive to the Keys. Walk, bike, or bus around town using any of the great options below. Help us ensure everyone arrives safely and happily to their destination this Fantasy Fest!

    WALKING: Almost every downtown destination is less than a 15-minute walk from another. Pay attention when crossing intersections, as cars and bicycles might not see you. Exercise caution downtown during the Fantasy Market, Masquerade March and Key West Fantasy Fest Parade.

    BICYCLING: Locals know the best way to get around town is by bicycle. If you don’t already have access to a bike, there are many great bicycle rental stores around the island. Make sure they give you a light to use after dark! When on the road, act like a car. When on a sidewalk, yield to pedestrians. Be a PAL: Predictable, Attentive and Lawful at all times. Pedicabs are also great ways to let someone else do the bicycling for you.

    Duval Loop
    If biking is not for you don’t worry! Hop on the FREE Duval Loop and get dropped off at your favorite party. Want to take a diversion and see the sights? Take a ride on the Conch Train or the Old Town Trolley and see what our beautiful island has to offer. Call (305) 296-6688 and book your trip today.

  9. How can I get involved?
    Bartenders, DJ's, Musicians, Body Painters and other talent: Fantasy Fest is a City-Wide Festival with over 60 different venues. The various Key West venues plan and staff their own parties. You will need to contact them directly, you can find a list of participating venues on our partners and schedule page. You can copy us [email protected] in your email.

    Volunteers: We schedule volunteers for the Pet Masquerade Wednesday, Masquerade March Friday and Fantasy Fest Parade on Saturday. You can apply thru the links on these pages.

    Vendors: We have vendors at the Fantasy Market. The link to apply will be posted here. Other vending opportunities during that month include Goombay Festival, the Key West Artisan Market. Any other vending on the street is regulated by the City of Key West and inquiries need to be directed there.

    To become an Official Sponsor or host an Official Fantasy Fest Party contact us [email protected] or click here.

    Disclaimer: Please note to use the Official Fantasy Fest verbiage and logos, you need to become an Official Fantasy Fest Sponsor.
  10. Does Key West Recycle?
    New this year - we've replaced our plastic Festival Cups with Ball Aluminum Cups! These can be recycled again and again without losing quality, so you can drink up without creating waste. Keep your cup as a souvenier or place it in a recycling bin. Fantasy Fest is committed to keeping our city green, but we need your help. Help preserve our environment by using the recycling containers conveniently placed along the boundary of the FANTASY ZONE. Recycling bins are located on every cross street within the FANTASY ZONE. Please use them! U.S. consumers toss out about 20 billion plastic cups a year. 93% end up in landfills where they can remain for centuries. When you recycle you help reduce the environmental impact of the next can or cup by as much as 80%.
  11. Can I take my cocktail to-go?
    You may take a to-go drink in paper or plastic cups provided by bars and vendors, or the Souvenir Fantasy Fest To-Go Cup (please recycle your Ball Fantasy Fest Aluminum cup if you do not take it home with you.)Open containers of alcohol are not allowed outside the FANTASY ZONE. Please stay inside the party area while you are carrying open alcoholic beverages.

    No glass containers are allowed inside the designated FANTASY ZONE.
  12. Can I bring my own Backpack / Cooler?
    No backpacks, coolers, packages, water guns, weapons or replica weapons will be allowed.
  13. Is Body Painting Allowed?
    Body painting is allowed but must be done in enclosed or screened in areas, entirely out of public view. Painted female breasts are permitted, but ONLY ALLOWED within the designated “FANTASY ZONE” and Pasties must be worn under the body paint. Please wear a cover-up to avoid ILLEGAL exposure on public property and on all city streets outside of the FANTASY ZONE. Body painting is offered at many of the venues on Duval Street. We also have a group featured in our daily happenings.
  14. What are the local Public Decency rules?
    Nudity is ILLEGAL and is NOT allowed on public property or in public view at any time. Please wear a cover-up to avoid ILLEGAL exposure on public property on all city streets. Lewd acts on public property or in public view are strictly ILLEGAL and NOT tolerated. Pasties and Panties must be worn even when getting body painted.

    Questions on dress code for specific parties need to be directed to the venue hosting the event as venues are allowed to have their own dress code requirements.

Fantasy Fest is presented by