Key West’s Fantasy Fest brings the 1990s vibe

Saturday, 16 Aug, 2024 0

Key West’s Fantasy Fest will bring forth vibrant 1990s vibes and colorful pageantry from Friday, Oct. 18, through Sunday, Oct. 27.

The renowned costume and masked festival returns with masquerade parties, costume competitions, street fairs, performance art and an over-the-top grand parade.

The festival is themed “It’s a 90s Neon Cosmic Carnival!” evoking everything from the era’s goth trend to “Seinfeld” and “Friends,” space exploration and more.

Fantasy Fest 2024 features a blend of longtime favorite events and new offerings.

The 10-day schedule features multiple competitions with prizes for the most imaginative ensembles.

Organizers encourage people to design their costumes and parade floats around the theme.

The festival’s official kickoff is the two-day Bahama Village Goombay Festival.

Held Friday and Saturday, the Caribbean-flavored Goombay is a family-friendly street party in Key West’s historic Bahama Village neighborhood with music, island-style food and arts and crafts.

Also Oct. 18, the Fantasy Fest King and Queen are to be crowned at the Fun and Furryous Royal Coronation soiree, capping a multiweek fundraising effort by candidates to benefit the Florida Keys SPCA.

Among the dozens of events orchestrated for fantasy fans is the wacky Pet Masquerade, a festival favorite for costumed pets and their people.

The Key West Business Guild’s 41st annual Headdress Ball, hosted by renowned female impersonator Randy Roberts, sees “headliners” compete for prizes in huge and elaborate masks.

The cosmic carnival to hit the streets Friday, Oct. 25, with a freewheeling Masquerade March of costumed characters. Marchers are encouraged to bring noisemakers and percussion instruments, and display their best ’90s neon finery to “light up” the cavalcade.

Revelers can also indulge their festive spirit at events including the family-friendly Zombie Bike Ride, two-night Costume Promenade in the festival’s designated Fantasy Zone, “Tutu Tuesday” celebrations, plus much more.

On Saturday night, Oct. 26, nearly 70,000 spectators are expected to line Whitehead and Duval streets for the spectacular Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade. This comprises a dazzling procession of large-scale floats and costumed marching groups.

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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