Daydreaming about the next Fantasy Fest in Key West? We don't blame you. In fact, we're here to add some fodder to your mind trip! As all Fantasy Fests are dubbed with a particular theme, the 2024 theme has been announced: “It's a 90s Neon Cosmic Carnival!” Start planning your costumes now and check out this sneak peak of Key West’s Fantasy Fest 2024.

[The Weirdest Events at Fantasy Fest]

While the schedule is still a work in progress, the dates are set for Oct. 18 - 27, 2024. The festival always kicks off with the annual Crowning of the King and Queen of Fantasy Fest and the Goombay Festival in Bahama Village (Fri. Oct. 18 through Sat. Oct. 19). The high-energy block party celebrating the cultural connection between Key West and the Bahamas features family-friendly entertainment, island arts and crafts, and food vendors.

Are Your Fantasy Fest Plans Confirmed? Reserve Your Key West Stay at Least 30 Days in Advance to Save 25%

Recurring events like the Zombie Bike Ride are already confirmed, and lest we forget, the Fantasy Market (formally the Fantasy Fest Street Fair) and spirited Fantasy Fest Parade (Sat. Oct. 26) are set to make their return. The bold parade draws national attention for its glittering floats, costumes, and overall showmanship on the world-renowned Duval Street. Secure VIP tickets along the parade route at Bourbon St. Pub’s grand balcony, 801 Bourbon Bar’s balcony, Hard Rock Café’s priority seating area, or Mangoes Restaurant’s elevated patio for some of the best vantage points to watch the action below.

[Best Spots to Watch the Fantasy Fest Parade]

While Fantasy Fest 2024 has something for all ages, many of the activities aren't suitable for kids. In fact, there’s always a full schedule of ‘Little Black Book’ events that are packed with debauchery. Past risqué events include the Naughty Bike Ride and parties like The Dungeon of Dark Secrets, Dirty Doctors and Naughty Nurses, Pajamas and Lingerie, Anything But Clothes, and the famous Fantasy Fest Kinky Carnival.

Add the Best Annual Fantasy Fest Events to Your Schedule

Bahama Village Goombay Festival

Bourbon St. Pub’s Pool Party

Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade

Captain Morgan’s Masquerade March

Captain Morgan’s Pirate Party

Captain Tony’s Party in Plaid

Dante’s Halos & Horns Pool Party

Fantasy Market

Fat Tuesday Pink Party

Headdress Ball

Heroes & Villains 5K

Kinky Carnival

Kinky Couples Party

Living Art Expo

Luv2Glow Party

Pet Masquerade

Royal Coronation

Sloppy Joe’s Comic Book Cape-ers Party

Sloppy Joe’s Slumber Party

Sloppy Joe’s Toga Party

Smallest Parade in the Universe

Smokin’ Tuna Homemade Bikini Contest

Southernmost Scavenger Hunt’s Fantasy Fest Bar Crawl

“The Fat Lady Sings” Tea Dance

Tutu Tuesday

Wharfstock at the Schooner Wharf Bar

Wolek’s Famous Beard Championship

Zombie Bike Ride

Fantasy Fest season may seem far in the distance, but the 10-day event draws 75,000 revelers to Key West - so it's never too early to start planning your trip. Reserve your spot at Fantasy Fest 2024 ahead of time at The Gates Hotel, a Condé Nast award-winning hotel located in New Town. Enjoy the festivities of Old Town during your stay while having a base in New Town. The Gates Hotel offers shuttle services to Old Town, great amenities, on-site food and beverage options, and a spectacular swimming pool.

Plus, we’re one of the few hotels on the island that is absolutely dog-friendly! Bring your best friend to Fantasy Fest’s Pet Masquerade at Truman Waterfront Park, a special event held every year during Fantasy Fest.

Stay up to date with our Key West Events Calendar for more.

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See what our past Fantasy Fest guests had to say about us:

“This hotel became a favorite of mine…and I make it a point to stay here whenever I visit Key West. Usually for Fantasy Fest. It's charming….It has a wonderful, laid back, tropical, throwback ambiance to it, that I love so much. As long as it keeps those attributes, I'll keep coming back.” - Eric, TripAdvisor

“Great new place in the Keys…Booked…during the week of Fantasy Fest…was affordable and just far enough away from Duval Street that we could get our work done in peace. The Pool was a great place to relax and get some work done. There is a pool bar and wait staff on hand to keep us hydrated…Overall this was a great hotel and I would definitely stay again.” - Loco Gringo, TripAdvisor

“Nice hotel in the beginning of Key West. Stayed here for Fantasy Fest. Hotel had a shuttle on the 1/2 hour that was great as it took you down to the action.” - Thomas M, TripAdvisor