Fantasy Fest 2025
- 17-26 Oct 2025
- Key West, FL
Fantasy Fest 2025
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### An adults‑only carnival in Key West
Each autumn the island city of Key West, Florida, is transformed into a riot of color and fantasy as thousands of revelers descend upon Duval Street for **Fantasy Fest**, a ten‑day celebration of costumes, parades, music and uninhibited fun. Begun in 1979 by local business owners hoping to enliven the off‑season, the festival has grown into one of the world’s best‑known adult street parties, drawing visitors from across the globe. Fantasy Fest deliberately bills itself as an event **“for grown‑ups”**—many of the parties enforce age limits—and it encourages attendees to let their imaginations run wild with elaborate outfits and body paint. Despite its over‑the‑top revelry, Fantasy Fest also raises substantial funds for local charities through ticketed events and competitions.
### Dates and theme for 2025
According to the Key West events calendar maintained by Historic Hideaways, **Fantasy Fest 2025 runs from Friday 17 October through Sunday 26 October 2025**【39684123467656†L356-L361】. The festival’s organizers announce a new theme each year to inspire costume ideas; for 2025 the theme is **“Bedtime Stories & Magical Monsters”**【39684123467656†L356-L361】. Expect to see Duval Street filled with mythical beasts, fair‑tale characters and pajama‑clad revelers transforming their favorite childhood tales into cheeky, adult‑oriented outfits. Within the 2025 schedule, specific events already revealed include the **Headdress Ball**, a signature competition for extravagant headpieces, which takes place on **Thursday 23 October 2025** at Key West’s Coffee Butler Amphitheater; this marks the ball’s 42nd anniversary and is part of the official Fantasy Fest programme【39684123467656†L371-L377】. Additional details for the 2025 programme will be published on the official Fantasy Fest site closer to the event, but the ten‑day format and core lineup remain consistent year to year.
### What to expect during Fantasy Fest
Fantasy Fest is often described as a tropical Mardi Gras. Throughout the ten days, themed street parties, costumed bar crawls, fundraising events and family‑friendly festivals unfold across Key West:
* **Goombay Festival** – The opening weekend traditionally kicks off with Goombay, a Caribbean heritage street party in Bahama Village featuring live calypso and reggae, craft vendors and an inclusive, family‑friendly atmosphere. It honors the island’s Bahamian roots and welcomes locals and visitors alike.
* **Royal Coronation Ball** – Early in the week the festival crowns its King and Queen of Fantasy Fest, winners of a months‑long fundraising competition benefiting charities such as AIDS Help and the Key West Boys & Girls Club. The Coronation Ball is a glamorous evening of performances and pageantry.
* **Pet Masquerade** – This daytime event invites people and their animals to strut across the stage in matching costumes for prizes. It has become a social media sensation and offers a whimsical counterpoint to the late‑night revelry.
* **Zombie Bike Ride** – Thousands of bicyclists converge in zombie attire and ghoulish makeup for a slow roll from Stock Island into downtown Key West. Spectators line up along the Overseas Highway to cheer the undead procession.
* **Capt. Morgan Parade** – Held on the final Saturday, the flagship parade features dozens of dazzling floats, marching bands, dance troupes and bead‑throwing revelers. The route typically runs the length of Duval Street and is broadcast live on local television. Many attendees arrive early with lawn chairs to claim a good viewing spot.
### The Headdress Ball and charitable impact
One of the most anticipated nights is the **Headdress Ball**, staged by the Key West Business Guild. Contestants craft towering, elaborate headpieces that incorporate feathers, lights, sculptural elements and often political or humorous commentary. The 2025 edition, hosted at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater on the Truman Waterfront, marks the competition’s 42nd year【39684123467656†L371-L377】. The evening features drag performances, live music and a runway show culminating in the crowning of the top designers. Proceeds support lgbtq+Q+ tourism initiatives and community services.
Fantasy Fest’s philanthropic dimension extends beyond the Headdress Ball. Each year candidates for King and Queen collectively raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for HIV/AIDS care and other health and youth programmes in the Florida Keys. Many events within the festival require paid admission, and a portion of every ticket sold goes toward local nonprofits. This charitable framework helps the island community embrace the influx of tourists and ensures that the party has a lasting positive impact.
### Planning your Fantasy Fest experience
Because Fantasy Fest occurs during hurricane season, travellers should monitor weather forecasts and purchase trip insurance. Here are some tips for making the most of your trip:
* **Book early:** Hotels and rental houses in Key West fill up months in advance. Consider staying on nearby Stock Island or in the Lower Keys if downtown rooms are unavailable. Many local guest houses require multi‑night minimums during Fantasy Fest.
* **Pack creatively:** Costumes are the heart of the festival. Plan outfits that match the 2025 theme or invent your own characters. Bring comfortable shoes, light fabrics for the humid climate, reusable cups for bar crawls and sunscreen. Body paint artists are available at many events.
* **Respect guidelines:** While the festival celebrates adult freedom, the city enforces rules prohibiting indecent exposure. Pasties and body paint must be worn where bathing suits are required. Open containers are allowed only in designated “Fantasy Zones.”
* **Stay hydrated:** October temperatures can still be hot and humid in Key West. Drink plenty of water, pace your alcohol intake and rest in shaded areas. Many bars offer “hydration stations” during street parties.
* **Embrace local culture:** Support local businesses and artists by shopping at the craft fairs and attending community fundraisers. Tip performers generously and be mindful of the locals who share their island with tens of thousands of visitors each year.
### Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond
Fantasy Fest organizers publish future dates to help attendees plan. The FAQ section of the official site indicates that **Fantasy Fest 2026 is scheduled for 16 – 25 October 2026**【39684123467656†L356-L361】, with 2027 and 2028 dates also announced. These long‑range calendars allow repeat visitors to secure lodging early and keep Fantasy Fest on their travel calendars. Each year will bring a new theme and fresh events, but the core spirit—celebrating creativity, individuality and community in Key West’s tropical paradise—remains unchanged.