Review Highlights
“I was very fortunate to walk in the parade for the time I lived there and always love the experience.” in 4 reviews
“It's like a Chicago street festival, combined with Mardi Gras and Halloween.” in 5 reviews
“Expect to take a cab from your hotel & a cab back as most streets near Duval are shut down to traffic.” in 4 reviews
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- CJ And S H.Missouri City, MO273016Nov 4, 2022
Fun Halloween Party in Key West!! From painted bodies and pasties to elaborate costumes...you will see it all!!!!
Rated R and fun!Helpful 1Thanks 1Love this 2Oh no 0 - Feb 15, 2020
We ended up in Key West for Fantasy Fest by accident. We always go on vacation for my birthday, which happened to be this week. I couldn't stop staring at people. Each night is a different theme nights. People dress up in risque costumes and body paint. They have parades and all sorts of things.
I recommend coming to experience this at least once, unless you're a prude and easily offended. Then make sure you specifically do not come during this time.Helpful 4Thanks 0Love this 7Oh no 0 - Oct 29, 2016
Wow, I have never been to the festival this "EXPO" and "EYE Popping". Fantasy is one of the kind. I am guessing I am doing something like the TV reality show of " Better Late than Never". What a experience. I have been to the Key many time but never on the Fantasy Fest. No wonder the are place as wild party every year.
This definitely an adult festival. I am guessing many people must be cook up at home and finally has a chance to show up freely in body expression. Some has put some thought into it and some just has no decorations. I saw some has group theme which make it very interesting. Some just husband and wife or boyfriend and girlfriend theme.
I think it will take a lot of year to think about and reflect in life if I will be doing the same things in the future. Nop, not even any hesitation. Sorry you won't find me in that situation. However, we enjoy our time there.
Tip
Parking is a mesh. Please watch out residence permits parking only. Please find spot has no writing on the ground. However, Olivia and Fort Street has some free parking but requires 4 blocks walking.Helpful 12Thanks 0Love this 12Oh no 0 - Brian W.Ashland, KY02712Oct 26, 2021Updated review
Sunday night activities and Monday afternoon and night activities were amazing!!! It's great to see adults of all types having fun. We saw nobody causing trouble or being rude, nothing but fun and respectful behavior. Hats off to every business that drew us in for a stop to enjoy and partake. Great 2 days!!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Oct 23, 2021Previous reviewWhat's up with lying about start time at Sunset Pier? Several websites show 6PM!!! At 6:50 some cheap a$$ rock arena show still a no show. F that. Way too many good, honest places for fun in KW. That was a terrible waste of time.
- Nov 14, 2016
There are a few places and events in the world where the saying "What has been seen cannot be unseen" applies. Bars along a night market alley in Bangkok, for example. Another is clearly Fantasy Fest.
When I saw a group of men in the parade, with monk robes on but the backs cleverly cut out, the "order of the hairy butts" produced a mental image I have simply not been able to delete, no matter how hard I try.
The creativity is amazing. The insanity is compelling. The silliness is infectious. Nothing compares to Fantasy Fest. Everyone must experience it at least once.Helpful 8Thanks 0Love this 14Oh no 0 - Nov 1, 2016
I have been coming to Key West for years, and everyone always "recommended" Fantasy Fest to us. Didn't really know what to expect, but I would say it is a more laid-back version of Mardi Gras.
Surprisingly, I thought that Fantasy Fest was not as busy as New Year's. I think the difference is that for most of the weekend, Duval Street is shut down and so that offers a lot more places for people to walk so it's not as crowded on the sidewalks. Especially for the street fair, which was great, there is a lot of food and sellers that gave it a friendly feel.
The signature event for Fantasy Fest, the float parade, was a disappointment. It's seemed to be poorly managed and there is a lot of timegap between the various floats. Lots of standing around and it started an hour and a half late. At least it was cloudy, because that would've been miserable standing around in the hot sun.
There is a general schedule of events, with some themed aspects, but most of the party is in the various bars and restaurants and clubs.
Of the organized events, the glow party at Rick's was definitely a stand out. Everywhere is about two or three times as crowded as the high season.Helpful 6Thanks 0Love this 6Oh no 0 - J. Aaron S.Brookwood, Augusta, GA844136Oct 27, 2019
I had a ball... I was visiting and didn't know this was even happening... it was fun, hilarious and welcoming... I got plenty of beads
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - 49363166Mar 22, 2009
Sooo much fun. Even more fun since I got to laugh at all the drunk idiots and I was sober.
Take lots of pictures, accept the fact that it will be crowded, dirty, and you will be exposed to a lot of sexual content :)
I was very well covered and still got my tushy pinched. Not nice. Go with friends and l promise you will have lots of fun.
The main parade happens on a Saturday, but the whole week there are other festivities to include the Locals Parade, Goombay Festival, Toga Party and other events .
There is a theme every year. If you plan on attending, hotel reservations are usually made 2 years in advance, get your plane tickets or car rentals very early. Expect to spend $60 if you are a light drinker the night of the main parade.
You will see many parents with children and teens. This is not an event for kids.Helpful 4Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Nov 18, 2014
I have gone to Fantasy Fest twice & people always ask me the same thing... what's it like!?! Well,
it's a mix of both Young & Old, Mardi Gras & Halloween. You've got costumes, body painting, parades of floats, beads getting thrown everywhere, & lots of drinking. It lasts about one week & has a ton of small parties leading up to the final parade at the end of the week.
The easiest way to break down FF is to describe the vibe. Everyone is laid back & there to just have a good time. If you are closed minded, a prude, super religious, or against public alcohol consumption & nudity(both young & old) then Fantasy Fest is probably not going to be your thing.
One thing you can expect 100% of the time is to pay a ton of money for a hotel. A typical hotel around the time of FF can run $300-$500 a night with a 3 night minimum at some locations. Is it worth it? It depends on how appealing what I described is to you. I can't always afford to go but every few years I will try & make the trip. Both times I have gone I had a great time so it was money well spent. Expect to take a cab from your hotel & a cab back as most streets near Duval are shut down to traffic. Parking is practically non existant.
If you are kicking around the idea of making the trip I suggest you check Instagram for #FantasyFest to get an overall idea of what you will encounter.
I will leave you with one last thing...
PLEASE DO NOT DRINK & DRIVE!!!
Call a cab, Uber, Lyft, get a designated driver, or sleep it off.Helpful 7Thanks 0Love this 9Oh no 0 - Ashley V.Alpharetta, GA336326309Oct 26, 2014
This 2014 fest was great despite the rain we had on Wednesday and Thursday. Most people were respectful with "you can look, but you can't touch" nudity that were either covered with nipple pasties, speedos, or body painting. There are a lot of photographers, so be wary if you don't intend to have your photos taken and potentially posted online.
The festival fun is typically on Duval but you may also catch a little bit more of fun on Whitehead and Front streets. While there are several restaurants and bars on Duval, don't be afraid to ask a local for suggestions of true Key West dives that aren't on Duval and may be way better tasting and quicker to order.
Even though the colorful costumes and themes for the fest every year may sound like out of a kid's movie... Fantasy Fest isn't exactly ideal for the kids to be brought along. There are hundreds of adults who get super slammed and a few fights have broke out, making it dangerous for any persons under 18 to attend. If you do bring your children, keep an eye on them at all times as they also can easily get lost in the rowdy crowds.
Wear walking shoes, bring rainboots and /or umbrellas if the forecast has rainy days during the fest week. Sunscreen is a must and a simple crossbody purse is good to have to carry id, money, and hotel key! Have fun and hope to see you all next year!Helpful 5Thanks 0Love this 3Oh no 0