Fantasy Fest is known as a judgment-free zone where all things ‘weird’ are cause for celebration. Along with such freedoms come plenty of peculiar events for attendees. Here, we’ve rounded up this year’s weirdest events at Fantasy Fest “It’s a 90s Neon Cosmic Carnival!,” which runs Oct. 18-27, 2024.

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

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Robert the Doll Experience on the Fort East Martello Ghost Tour - Daily, 9 p.m.

This ghost-hunting adventure at the infamous Fort East Martello includes a tour through the dimly lit fort and a sit-down lockdown with the most haunted doll in the world. This tour is not recommended for children under 10. Tickets start at $35.

The Rocky Horror Show, The Musical - Tues, Oct. 15 - Friday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m.

Musicals can get pretty weird, and the sci-fi comedy horror musical that is The Rocky Horror Show proves it. The live stage performance of the cult classic is back at Waterfront Playhouse (407 Wall St.) during Fantasy Fest. Tickets are $75.

Bum Farto: The Musical - Thurs, Oct. 17 through Sat, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m.

Key West’s former Fire-Chief-turned-fugitive is the subject of this wild musical. After a scuffle with the law in the late 70s, the flamboyant Joseph “Bum” Farto (known for his trademark red leisure suits, flashy gold chains, and rose-colored glasses) fled from the law, and was never seen again. Dancers, actors, and singers tell the story of the infamous Fire Chief. Tickets to the show at the San Carlos Institute (516 Duval St.) start at $35.

Star Wars Strips: A Burlesque Parody - Thurs, Oct. 17 - Thurs, Oct. 24, 8 p.m.

Lightsabers, jedi mind tricks, and unforgettable characters take over the Key West Theater for a parody unlike any other. The show follows Star Wars episodes 4, 5, and 6 in “A Nude Hope,” “The Empire Strips Back,” and “Return of the Hot Guy.” Tickets start at $50.

Zombie Bike Ride - Sun, Oct. 20, 6 p.m.

Join your fellow newly awakened zombies at Fort East Martello at 2 p.m. for a family-friendly party with body painting, food vendors, and a full bar. Afterwards, join thousands of zombies as they hop on their bicycles for the 6 p.m. ride to the free Zombiefest Dance Party at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater. Registration is $10.

Mrs. Roper Romp - Oct. 21, 5 p.m.

Dress in a curly red wig and join other Mrs. Roper fans for a party with music, photo opportunities, dancing, trivia, games, prizes, and specialty drinks. Do you love the beloved Three’s Company character? This is your event. Free! At the Sunset Pier (0 Duval St.).

Fantasy Fest 5K Run/Walk (formerly the Heroes and Villains 5K) - Mon, Oct. 21, 6 p.m.

Dress up as your favorite superhero or supervillain for a run/walk (or fly) to the finish line. The 5K starts and ends at Tiki House at 203 Duval St. After a race through Old Town and a stop at Mary Ellen’s Bar for a Neon Jelly Shot, join other caped superheroes/villains at Tiki House’s Post-Race Party for their signature Twinkies or the annual Comic Book Cape-ers party at Sloppy Joe’s. Registration to the Fantasy Fest 5K Run/Walk begins at $49.99.

Kinky Carnival - Mon, Oct. 21, 8 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Now in its 27th year, the Kinky Carnival includes interactive BDSM stations, fetish rooms, bondage, and a 3-hour open bar. Dress in your kinkiest costume and join others at First Flight (301 Whitehead St.) for the festivities. Tickets are $75. No kinky costume, no entry!

TuTu Tuesday - Tues, Oct. 22, 6 p.m. - 3 a.m.

Tuesday has never been better. Grab your tutu, be the most daring dancer, and celebrate all things “tutu” with this year’s theme “Into the Looking Glass.” The 14th annual party takes place throughout the Caroline District with 10 DJs and four premium bars participating in this year’s festivities - General Horseplay, Smokin’ Tuna, First Flight Brewery, and Hanks Hair of the Dog Saloon. Presale tickets are on sale now for $30 and the party is 21+. No tutu, no entry!

Cocktails for Animal Tails - Tues, Oct. 22, 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.

A good cause that is bizarre enough only for Fantasy Fest. Each bar at Rick’s Complex (202 Duval St.) will be transformed into different animal kingdoms and guests are urged to get in touch with their wild side and come dressed as their favorite animal for the $500 grand prize costume contest. The all-you-can-drink animal party benefits the FL Keys SPCA. Tickets are $40.

Masquerade March - Fri, Oct. 25, 5:30 p.m.

The popular adults-only moving cocktail and dance party highlights costumes, creativity, and community. Beginning at Old Town Wine & Spirits on Truman Avenue, the procession stops at participating businesses along the way for revelers to enjoy complimentary beverages and strut their wacky costumes before ending on Duval Street.

[Excited for the Fantasy Fest Parade? Here are the best places to watch]

“The Fat Lady Sings” Tea Dance - Sun, Oct. 27, 4 - 8 p.m. 

The last official event of Fantasy Fest is a hurrah like no other. DJ Rude Girl supplies the beats in one last epic party at La Te Da before the festival’s official closing, which is taken directly from the colloquialism “It ain't over till the fat lady sings." Tickets are $5.

The Gates Hotel offers guests shuttle service to Old Town, so you don't have to worry about transportation woes during Fantasy Fest. Plus, you have an oasis with excellent amenities - like an on-site food truck, cigar lounge, and a spectacular swimming pool. Check out our special offers online.

See what our past Fantasy Fest guests are saying about us:

“Stayed here for Fantasy Fest. The Gates Hotel had a shuttle…that was great as it took you down to the action.” - Thomas M., TripAdvisor

“The Gates 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…Quieter than the other resorts…It has a wonderful laid back, tropical, throwback ambiance to it, that I love so much…I'll keep coming back.” - Eric, TripAdvisor

“I booked…during the week of Fantasy Fest. The Gates Hotel was affordable and just far enough away from Duval Street...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…They provided a free shuttle to downtown and it ran until midnight. That's a great benefit when you're in Key West. Overall this was a great hotel and I would definitely stay again.” - Loco Gringo, TripAdvisor