If you find yourself in Key West around Halloween, you’ll see that it’s a rather busy time of year. Whether you’re stopping by via cruise ship or visiting the island especially for Fantasy Fest, we've got you covered on all things Halloween in Key West for 2024.

Although we strive to provide the most current information, events mentioned may be canceled without notice. We recommend checking the official individual websites for updates before visiting.

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1. Participate in FYT’s 5th Annual Haunted Hunt

Gather your costume-clad team of four to 10 people and meet at the historic Curry Mansion (511 Caroline St.) for FYT Key West’s annual Haunted Hunt. The eerie escapade takes you around Old Town to decipher riddles and follow cryptic clues that will lead you closer to your prize. The afterparty will be held right where you began, at the Curry Mansion. Register for the Haunted Hunt in advance, tickets are $25 per person. Sat. Oct. 19, 7 - 10:30 p.m.

2. Visit Robert the Doll at the Fort East Martello Museum

Once belonging to a prominent Key West family in the early 20th century, legend has it the handmade doll has supernatural abilities that allow it to move, change facial expressions, and giggle. Others claim the doll has moved objects around the room, disappeared, and caused "car accidents, broken bones, job loss, divorce, and a cornucopia of other misfortunes.” Visit the Fort East Martello Museum on Halloween to see Robert for yourself...if you dare. Open daily, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

3. See ‘Scarecrows in the Forest’ at Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden

Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween at the Botanical Garden’s annual Scarecrows in the Forest event featuring locally designed scarecrows constructed entirely from natural and recycled materials. Help choose the ‘Best in Show’ winner. Kids visit free. Open daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

4. Hop on the Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour

Take a ride to Key West’s dark side on the Trolley of the Doomed. The trolley will take you to the most famous ghostly sites on the island while telling tales about Captain Tony’s Saloon (where not all spirits are stored in bottles), the infamous Lady in Blue, and the haunted history of the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Check the Ghost and Gravestones website for tour dates and times and reserve your spot ahead.

5. Bring the Kids to ‘Screamin’ Green Halloween’ at Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden

The family fun continues at the Botanical Garden’s 16th annual Screamin’ Green Halloween. Explore the Garden pathways and secret locations for candy, games, crafts, a bounce house, and costume contests for kids. Sat. Oct. 26, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

6. Step Back in Time on a Key West Ghost Tour

If you’re looking for a healthy dose of Halloween scares, you’ve come to the right place. Key West is regarded as one of the most haunted places in America! A ghost tour will fill you in on the island’s spooky past and local haunts. Check the Key West Ghost and Mysteries Tour for dates and times and reserve your spot ahead.

7. Sign up for a Key West Haunted Pub Crawl

A haunted pub crawl on Halloween in Key West is a thrilling way to experience the island's vibrant nightlife and festive spirit. Bars often offer unique themed drinks and entertainment on the holiday, while providing a chance to meet fellow revelers and soak in the local culture. See our Key West Bars and Nightlife Guide for more.

8. Party at Fantasy Fest

Be your best self and live out your costumed fantasy. Fantasy Fest takes costuming to another level, with countless opportunities for dressing up or down. Every day is Halloween during this 10-day festival, with themed parties including the Toga Party at Sloppy Joe’s, Party in Plaid at Capt. Tony’s, body painting parties, and more. Fri. Oct. 18 - Sun. Oct. 27

[The Weirdest Events at Fantasy Fest 2024]

9. Watch The Rocky Horror Show at Waterfront Playhouse

As part of Fantasy Fest, The Rocky Horror Show returns to the Waterfront Playhouse and features all the whacky and quirky sing-alongs that have kept this musical a cult classic for nearly 50 years. Tues. Oct. 15 - Fri. Oct. 25, 8 p.m.

10. Take a Stroll in the Key West Cemetery

Do you have the courage to venture into the cemetery on the most haunted day of the year? Check out this map of the historic Key West Cemetery. It directs you to noteworthy sites in the burial place. Please visit respectfully.

11. Allow Yourself a Few Illusions at Schooner Wharf’s Magic Show

Magician Frank Everhart performs special up-close-and-personal magic shows five nights a week at Schooner Wharf Bar, and has been doing so for 20 years! Grab a drink, settle in, and suspend disbelief as miracles unfold in front of your eyes. Thurs. Oct. 31, 7 p.m. - Late

12. Zombie Bike Ride

Take part in the zombie apocalypse on wheels! This annual event has grown tremendously in recent years with participants decked out in their best zombie getup. The day-long event includes a Zombieland party at the Fort East Martello Museum with a family friendly Zombie Bike Ride to follow. The ride starts at 6 p.m. and ends at the free Zombiefest Dance Party at the Coffee Cutler Amphitheater. If you’d rather be a spectator, the best spot to see the oncoming parade of zombies is along the beach on S. Roosevelt Boulevard or Duval Street. Sun. Oct. 20, 2 p.m.

13. Frightful Fantasy Facade

Key West’s businesses and residents deck out their homes with Halloween decorations in this spine-chilling contest in hopes of winning the $1,000 grand prize for the best Spooktacular Showstopper. Other categories include Creepiest Concept, Bloodiest Horror Scene, Best Fantasy Fest Theme Integration, and the Great Pumpkin Award. Find the participants in the Fantasy Fest app Map. Judging begins Mon. Oct. 21

14. Witches in the Hammock at Crane Point Museum and Nature Center

This annual family-friendly Witches in the Hammock event is in Marathon, but it’s worth the drive! The unique blend of art, nature, and storytelling features whimsical, life-sized figures of witches, hayrides, Casper’s house, a Halloween movie in their amphitheater, and all sorts of drinks and eats. Fri. Oct. 18 - Sat. Oct. 19

15. Take the Kids Trick-or-Treating in Key West

In Key West, there are several great places for kids to go trick-or-treating on Halloween. Many businesses and restaurants along Duval Street and the Key West Historic Seaport offer treats to young trick-or-treaters, and local neighborhoods like the Meadows, Bahama Village, and Old Town are popular spots for trick-or-treating.

Planning your Halloween staycation? The Gates Hotel is a Condè Nast award-winning hotel located in New Town - and the perfect home-base for spending Halloween in Key West. Choose from our best rates and exclusive offers when you book direct.