We are days away from the most colorful, creative, costumed (or barely clothed) Festival of Key West and it’s so close we can almost taste the drinks and smell the paint.
Fantasy Fest isn’t something you accidentally arrive during the middle of without knowing (you already know from the hotel room price spike). So it’s very unlikely that you came unprepared, but like many of us, so much goes into planning costumes, or securing special parade viewing tickets, that the details get hazy, or lost, or better yet ignored! To help a brother (or sister) out, we’ve made it easy for you to have the BEST Fantasy Fest that you could possibly have. From cocktails to costumes, we’ve got your hook up on how to maximize what could be your very first, last, or one-and-only Fest with all the inside scoop! Happy Parading!
Let’s Start with the Basics…
What To Do: There are approximately one million parties (not really, but definitely a big handful each night) happening in the 10-day Fantasy Fest (aka “FF”) span, and you’re NOT going to make it to them all, so start by scanning the Fantasy Fest Website to pin point your favorite themed parties to attend the nights you’re here.
*Insider tip: Themed costume or not, even if you’re dressed “to the nines” for a niche-themed party, always have a back up party or bar (or two) in case anything turns sour. It’s better to go to a fun place in the wrong costume, then stay and have a bad time. Ps. everyone’s drinking and no one cares that you’re showing up to the Great Gatsby party dressed as a Pimp.

Photo // The Marker Key West
So Speaking of Getting Dressed Up, “What If I Don’t have a Costume?”
Where To Get a Costume: Sadly, there’s not a lot of options when it comes to costume buying in Key West. Don’t despair! “Not a lot” means there still are one or 2 options…
Fairvilla
Start the search at Fairvilla. It’s the closest thing we have to a costume shop, though it’s probably more for bedroom role playing, you can actually find some real gems there! They also offer a wide variety of wigs, accessories, and everything in between. The 524 Front St shop is open daily from 11 AM- Midnight.
Imagination Station
This children’s toy & game shop redirects its focus for our big festival offering fun disguises! This place is packed to the rafters with costume options https://www.facebook.com/ImaginatonStationKeyWest
Mixed Mercantile
For our pixies, witches, and tu-tu trollops, Mixed Mercantile on Duval Street carries a luxurious array of beautifully handmade tu-tus of all colors. From rainbow to black, these stunning eye catchers can be used again and again. A few corsets also still remain, but they’re going fast! Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Photo // Bill Klipp
Leather Master
If you’re heading to kinky parties (and we have so many there’s actually a pass you can buy to enter all of them) Leather Master on Applerouth might have what you’re into: straps, buckles, tapes, and chains of your wildest dreams.
*Insider tip: Don’t discount our discount stores! Salvation Army on Flagler Ave is a great place to rummage for the best deals if you’re the creative type. Ross on N. Roosevelt can be another place for a the shoes, outfit, or accessory you were needing at a steal!
“What if I Don’t Want to Wear a Costume… or Anything for That Matter? Where Can I Get Body Painted?”
Great question and easy answer… all over! Body Painting is so popular that many famous body paint artists from all over the country and world make sure to be here at your disposal. Here’s a few good recommendations:
Sunset Pier
Join the premier all girl team of body artists Femme Fatale Quatre Body Art, October 19-27 starting each day at 1 PM at Sunset Pier, 0 Duval Street. From small body art pieces to full body’s they can help your imaginations run wild! To book an appointment call or text 850-596-4065. Spontaneous? Walkups may be available. Prices start at $40 and up, and they do it all-waterproof, sweat proof, as well as a bling for all you glitter junkies!

Photo // Pictadesk.com
Paradise Tattoo
Celebrity body painter artists, including Sean Avram from Skin Wars, are setting up shop at the Paradise Tattoo parlor on Duval to unleash their creativity. You’ll stand out with stencils, glo paint, finger painting, water & sweat proof and/or glitter boobs! All paint jobs get a professional photo shoot and the best will join their Wall of Fame. Or get a forever body paint job (aka tattoo). After all- you’re at the right place. They’ve stocked select costumes and accessories to accessorize your PAINT! Call 305-292-9110 for appointments. Open Daily from 10AM- Midnight.
*Insider tip: Garden of Eden, Key West’s exclusive year-round “clothing optional” bar will have artists at the ready during FF so that you can paint and party simultaneously. This hidden gem in plain sight is located on the 3rd floor of The Bull on the corner of Caroline and Duval. Across the street between Caroline’s and The Porter Mansion, tents will be set up on Duval for walk up appointments by serious talent. Even if you’re not interested in getting painted yourself, stick around awhile and watch the magic happen!
Nights are Spoken For, But Don’t Forget to Fill Your DAYS with Fantastic Festivities!

Photo // Allevents.in
Goombay Festival sweeps Bahama Village!
This exuberant street party showcases island arts and crafts, music and food in the heart of Key West’s historic Bahama Village neighborhood. The main entertainment stage is located at the corner of Petronia and Fort Street featuring nonstop musical entertainment ranging from gospel to reggae. Friday & Saturday (Oct. 20-21) Noon to midnight; FREE.
Join the Dead on a Zombie Bike Ride
This Sunday, Oct. 22nd, rise from the dead and gather at Zombieland in Fort East Martello at 2 PM to get your blood flowing, bodies painted, and a mid-afternoon snack from 2-6 PM. Hop on your bike and join the thousands of costumed zombies at 6 PM when the zombie invasion heads down US1 to Duval Street for the Zombiefest in Downtown Key West. Register now at Zombie Bike Ride $10.00 entry
The Perry Puts on a Pool Party
Don’t miss the duckie takeover at The Perry Hotel! We’re kicking off Fantasy Fest with a pool party like you’ve never seen before – complete with a pool full of rubber duckies, beverage samples, and swag. Duck floats, duckie bathing suits, duckie tutus, and creativity are encouraged! This event is FREE and open to the public, 12pm-4pm.
Cocktail Crawl Creeps Off Duval
Get liquored up with specialty craft cocktails by Key West’s best local hidden gems on this wonderfully curated tour. Walk off Duval St, lead by a Key West local, into tucked away bars (new and old) that still, for the most part, remain local secrets. The $79pp tour includes 5 wonderfully preselected drinks, fun historical tidbits, and yummy appetizer bites during this 3 hr 3:30-6:30pm Happy Hour tour. Select days thru Fantasy Fest. Get your tickets here.
Finally, And MOST Importantly, Here’s Where to Watch the Parade!

Photo // Nick Doll