10 DAYS OF CELEBRATIONS FROM OCTOBER 16 TO 25, 2026
It’s well known that in Florida, October is the best month of the year for outdoor activities, with less rainfall, milder temperatures, and pleasant evenings. Key West has embraced this spirit.
Every year since 1979, modern-day artists and troubadours from around the world—dressed in spectacular costumes and masks—have flocked to Key West for lively parades and unforgettable parties, transforming the island. Imagination runs wild, the costumes are eye-catching—not to mention the “body painting”—and the island buzzes with unstoppable energy.
There’s something for everyone, with decorated houses, street fairs, a grand parade featuring lavish floats, various costumed groups, local marching bands, and numerous contests—including one for pets!
To really get into the spirit of the festival, it’s recommended that you always dress up creatively when participating in the events.
Today, Fantasy Fest is not just an internationally renowned festival that takes over the streets of Old Town—it has become a tradition. It’s a unique and incomparable experience that you must experience at least once in your life, not to mention the fantastic sunsets viewed from the Sunset Pier. There’s an activity guide that festivalgoers can pick up to keep track of the most popular events day by day. For our part, we’ve highlighted an event that takes place every day and the parade on October 24.
“Fantasy Facade” on Key West’s homes from October 16 to 25
Key West is transformed into a magical scene. Many private homes and commercial buildings across the island go all out to transform their facades into extraordinary and spectacular works of art, featuring a multitude of colors and dazzling lights, all inspired by this year’s Fantasy Fest theme, “Musical Icons & Iconic Musicals.”
A first prize of $1,000 is awarded for the most spectacular creation, along with several other prizes to recognize the most creative entries in nine different categories (Creepiest Concept, Bloodiest Horror Scene, Best Fantasy Fest Theme Integration, and the highly coveted Great Pumpkin Award). The event is sponsored by Sloan’s Haunted Key West.
“Parade & Promenade” on October 24 in Key West
This is a day you won’t want to miss! It’s divided into two parts:
“Fantasy Fest Street Fair” and “Costume Promenade”
Duval Street, from noon until the wee hours of the morning, transforms into a one-kilometer-long street party pulsing to the beat of Caribbean music, with participants strolling in costumes each more extraordinary than the last, all while enjoying tropical-flavored drinks and food.
“Key West Fantasy Fest Parade”
Every year, the Fantasy Fest parade winds its way down the famous Duval Street, crossing the island of Key West from west to east, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. The parade, featuring hundreds of participants, is a magnificent moving celebration with splendid festive floats, dance groups, individual marchers, cycling teams, and even human-powered mechanical creations that entertain tens of thousands of spectators lining the streets or sitting on the patios of the many restaurants and cafés.
For the occasion, these establishments organize festive gatherings such as:
• DEEP EDDY VODKA FANTASY FEST PARADE, where several thousand exuberant revelers gather. The parade starts at 7 p.m. and heads down Duval Street. Admission is free.
• PARADE VIEWING PARTY AT LA TE DA: street-side viewing for a front-row seat, with a host announcing and introducing all the parade floats and groups. The event is free and runs from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
• FIRST FLIGHT PARADE VIEWING PARTY: a paid event offering reserved seating, drinks, and food while you watch the parade. Individual ticket prices are $125, $150, or $200, depending on the option chosen.
• MANGOES FANTASY FEST PARADE PARTY: a paid event featuring seating, drinks, and food. Individual ticket price: $90 or $100.
• VIVA’S GRAND FINALE VIEWING & DINNER PARADE PARTY: a paid event featuring seating, drinks, and food. Individual ticket price: $90 or $135.
• ROCK THE HOUSE at 319 – Party Like a Rock Star Fantasy Fest Parade Viewing Party: an exclusive VIP celebration where you can watch the parade from one of Key West’s most iconic historic homes, the Hellings Curry Museum at 319 Duval Street. Individual price: $350, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
About the “Fantasy Fest” Event Schedule
The schedule is subject to change but is updated as partners post details about their events. Here are some of the festival’s most popular daily events:
• Friday, October 16, 2026: 801 Cabaret – Sushi & the 801 Girls.
• Saturday, October 17, 2026: Fantastic Body Art and sunsets at Sunset Pier.
• Sunday, October 18, 2026: Key West Artisan Market at Higgs Beach.
• Monday, October 19, 2026: Mamma Mia’s Margaritaville pool party.
• Tuesday, October 20, 2026: Dante’s 4th of July Party.
• Wednesday, October 21, 2026: Sloppy Joe’s Slumber Party.
• Thursday, October 22, 2026: Berkshire Hathaway Parade of Homes with open house.
• Friday, October 23, 2026: Fantasy Fest Street Fair and Costume Parade
• Saturday, October 24, 2026: Key West Fantasy Fest Street Fair and Parade.
• The following two days, October 25 and 26, bring the festivities to a close.
• Finally, several prizes are awarded to participants:
Best Overall Award ($6,000), Best in Entertainment ($3,000), Best in Costume ($3,000), Interpretation of Theme ($2,500), Best Walking Group ($2,000), Green Parrot’s Best Music Award ($1,500), Best Bike Award ($1,000), and Director’s Choice Award ($1,000).
You must register to participate in the parade and contests and be eligible to receive one of the prizes ranging from $1,000 to $6,000.
For more information, contact the parade coordinator at parade@fantasyfest.com.
For more general information, visit www.fantasyfest.com.
Sources: www.visitflorida.com – www.wikipedia.org
Translated with Deepl
