Fantasy Fest 2026: Key West's Wildest Ten Days

Fantasy Fest 2026 runs October 16 to 25 in Key West, Florida. It's ten days of costume parties, body paint, art, street fairs and one very loud Saturday night parade down Duval Street. If you have never been, picture Halloween grown all the way up, moved to a tropical island, and given a two-week head start. The festival started back in 1979 when a few local business owners wanted to bring people down to the island during the slow October stretch. It worked. Fantasy Fest now pulls tens of thousands of visitors to the southernmost city every year and has become the event people plan whole trips around. When is Fantasy Fest 2026? Fantasy Fest 2026 is October 16 to 25. The headliner, the Captain Morgan Fantasy Fest Parade, rolls down Duval Street on the final Saturday, October 24. Most of the big events land in that last weekend, so if you can only come for part of it, aim for Thursday through Sunday at the end. The events you do not want to miss - Captain Morgan Fantasy Fest Parade (Saturday night): the main event. Floats, marching groups and thousands of costumed spectators packed along Duval Street. - Zombie Bike Ride: hundreds of the undead pedaling through Key West in full zombie makeup. One of the most photographed days of the whole festival. - Masquerade March: a walking parade through Old Town that anyone in costume can join. No float required, just show up dressed. - Headdress Ball: the elegant end of the spectrum, where the costumes turn into full works of art. - Pretenders in Paradise: the costume competition where the serious builders show off months of work. - Goombay Festival: the Bahama Village street party running alongside Fantasy Fest, with Caribbean food, music and craft vendors. Planning your Fantasy Fest trip Where it happens: Most of the action centers on Duval Street and Old Town Key West. It is walkable, which is good, because parking during the final weekend is close to impossible. Getting there: Key West is about a three and a half hour drive from Miami down US-1, or a quick flight into Key West International (EYW). If you are driving down for the final weekend, leave early. Overseas Highway backs up. Where to stay: Book early. Hotels and guesthouses in Old Town sell out months ahead for Fantasy Fest, and rates climb the closer you get to parade weekend. If Key West is full, Stock Island and the Lower Keys put you within easy reach. A few local tips: Costumes are the whole point, so bring one or plan to get painted downtown. Bring cash for street vendors. Pace yourself in the heat, October in the Keys is still warm. And know that Fantasy Fest is an adults-first event, especially at night on Duval. Frequently asked questions Is Fantasy Fest free? Walking Duval Street, watching the parade and joining the Masquerade March are free. Ticketed events like the Headdress Ball and certain parties have their own admission. Is Fantasy Fest family friendly? The daytime street fairs and some events welcome all ages, but Fantasy Fest is an adult event at its core, and Duval Street at night is not aimed at kids. Plan accordingly. Do I have to wear a costume? No, but you will feel out of place if you do not. Costumes and body paint are the tradition, and half the fun is what everyone else is wearing. Where is the best place to watch the parade? Anywhere along Duval Street. Get there early to claim a spot near the start of the route for the best view of the floats.