TrekUnity
When
October
Attendance
~75,000
Admission
Free
Setting
Outdoor
Fantasy Fest is Key West's outrageous 10-day Halloween-season carnival — a very adult celebration of elaborate (and often barely-there) costumes, body painting, themed parties, and the giant Fantasy Fest Parade down Duval Street each October, drawing tens of thousands to the southernmost city in the U.S.
Born in 1979 to boost the off-season, it's now a bucket-list party for the costume-and-revelry crowd, wrapped in Key West's laid-back island atmosphere, sunset celebrations, and Conch Republic charm.
Want to go? Turn Fantasy Fest Key West into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
Ten days in late October (parade the final Saturday)
Admission
Free street events · many parties ticketed · 18+/21+ vibe
Parking
Old Town Key West is walkable and bike-friendly — leave the car; Duval Street closes for events.
Nearest airport
Key West International (EYW) ~10 min; Miami (MIA) ~3.5 hr drive
Typical weather
Warm, humid Key West October — 80s °F; a great-weather island party (watch for the odd tropical shower).
Official website
Location
Key West, FL
Where to stay
The Marker Key West
Harborfront resort near the action.
Ocean Key Resort
At the foot of Duval by Mallory Square.
Old Town guesthouses
Historic inns steps from Duval Street.
Where to eat & drink
Blue Heaven
Quirky Bahama Village spot famous for breakfast.
Half Shell Raw Bar
Harborside seafood and stone crab.
Key lime pie (everywhere)
The island's signature dessert.
Nearby attractions
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
Nightly street-performer sunset party.
Duval Street
The famous bar-and-shop strip, epicenter of Fantasy Fest.
Hemingway Home & Museum
The author's house and its six-toed cats.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + sunset
- •Fly into EYW
- •Afternoon: Old Town wander
- •Evening: Mallory Square sunset
2Costumes + parties
- •Afternoon: body painting + costume prep
- •Evening: themed parties on Duval
3Parade day
- •Afternoon: Fantasy Fest Parade
- •Evening: celebration
4Island morning + depart
- •Morning: Hemingway Home
- •Head to EYW
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Leave the car — Old Town is walkable and bike-friendly.
- Book lodging early; the whole island fills for Fantasy Fest.
- Don't miss the Mallory Square sunset celebration.
Frequently asked questions
When is Fantasy Fest?
Ten days in late October in Key West, with the big parade on the final Saturday.
Is it family-friendly?
Not really — it's a very adult costume carnival; the crowd and costumes skew 18+/21+.
How do you get around Key West?
Walk or bike — Old Town is compact and Duval Street closes for events.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Fantasy Fest Key West or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.