Key West Fantasy Fest Parties On, But Cancels Parade and Street Fair

It’s a mixed bag of tricks and treats for Key West’s iconic Fantasy Fest this year. The annual Fantasy Fest parade and street fair on Duval Street have been cancelled, but other scheduled events in the 10-day masking and costuming festival will still take place. The festival runs October 22-31, and many of the events will be streamed live so you can join in all the fun from home.

“Fantasy Fest will look different this year, but it is not canceled,” said festival director Nadene Grossman Orr. “Signature events like the Headdress Ball and Pet Masquerade are still planned, and there will be plenty of individual masquerade parties and other festival favorites to enjoy.”

The parade and street fair are popular events for the festival, regularly drawing tens of thousands according to organizers. The Zombie Bike Ride and Masquerade March have also been canceled, but other events like the Kinky Carnival, Naughty Bike Ride, and Haunted Hoe Down Costume and Dance Party will go ahead as scheduled.

Fantasy Fest was established in 1979 by locals looking for a party for grownups in paradise. The event has since grown into a wild, internationally renowned 10-day festival experience for the LGBTQ+ community.

You can check out the schedule of events, find information about accommodations, buy tickets, and more at fantasyfest.com.