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Fantasy Fest

After all the summer fun winds down, you may feel a little sad. Cheer up, though, because that just means you’ll be closer to Fantasy Fest! 

This legendary annual party in Key West was started by the locals in 1979. It’s an epic 10-day party for which you can stay for the entire duration or jump in on the fun at any time. 

Every year since then, the party has grown and grown, and now, it’s one of the wildest around. People flock from all around the world to Key West in October to take part in this massive costume party full of parades, drinks, and fun.

Every year, it begins with the annual crowning of the King and Queen of Fantasy Fest along with the Goombay Festival in Bahama Village. Fantasy Fest always has a theme, and dressing up to fit the part is absolutely encouraged.

One of the main reasons people flock to Key West for Fantasy Fest from all over the world is a simple one—you can feel free to be yourself, or whoever you want to be. Celebrate in a way that makes you comfortable with a wild costume, show some skin, cover yourself in body paint, or simply stumble around and mingle with the people. It’s your chance to be uninhibited for days on end.

While Fantasy Fest is a time for wild debauchery, it’s all for a good cause. Many of the events during this 10-day party are fundraisers for local non-profits. In fact, that’s what starts the Royal Coronation Ball and the entire party. The man and woman who bring in the most funds are crowned King and Queen. The runners-up serve as their royal court.

Don’t you just hate waiting for Halloween to dress up in costume without getting odd looks? Then Fantasy Fest is for you! But be ready to go beyond those generic store-bought costumes and get really detailed. As a group, you can come up with a really fun idea that goes along with the Uniforms & Unicorns theme this year and have everyone in awe of your costume prowess.

If this is your first time going to Fantasy Fest, it won’t be your last. Every year, the theme changes, so you can come up with something new every time.

Fantasy Fest spans 10 full days, with parties and fun at every turn. There are parades, costume parties, competitions, drag queen contests, and tons more events. You can stay for all 10 days, show up at the beginning and leave a few days later, or even show up late. Again, no judgment! There’s enough fun to share with everyone.

If it’s your first time, you may want to be there for the Royal Coronation and the Grand Parade at the very least. What’s great, though, is that there’s no need to stick to a stringent itinerary. Once all the activities are officially on the schedule, you’ll be able to decide what works for your group.

Yes, Fantasy Fest touts itself as being for everyone. And yes, the Goombay Street Party in Bahama Village is a family-friendly option; however, this event is best left to the grown-ups. That being said, if you need a break from your own kids or you don’t even have kids yet (or just plain don’t want them), this is your chance to not have to worry about minding your mouth or your behavior.