Fantasy Fest is a 10-day festival held in Key West, Florida, every October. The festival is known for its extravagant costumes, parades, and parties. The theme of Fantasy Fest 2023 is "Uniforms and Unicorns," which is a celebration of the Florida Keys' bicentennial and its unique culture.
Events and Activities
Fantasy Fest is packed with events and activities for all ages. Some of the most popular events include:
- The Royal Coronation: This event marks the beginning of Fantasy Fest and crowns the King and Queen of the festival.
- The Masquerade March: This parade is the highlight of Fantasy Fest, and it features thousands of revelers in elaborate costumes.
- The Pet Masquerade: This parade is for pets and their owners, and it is always a lot of fun to see all of the creative costumes.
- The Goombay Festival: This street festival features live music, dancing, and food.
- The Headdress Ball: This event is a celebration of creativity and self-expression, and it features some of the most elaborate headdresses in the world.
Things to Do
In addition to the many events and activities, there are also many things to do in Key West during Fantasy Fest. Some of the most popular activities include:
- Visiting the Fantasy Fest Village: This village is the epicenter of the festival, and it features food, drinks, and live music.
- Exploring Duval Street: Duval Street is the main street in Key West, and it is lined with bars, restaurants, and shops.
- Visiting the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: This conservatory is home to thousands of butterflies and other tropical plants.
- Taking a boat tour: There are many different boat tours available in Key West, and they offer a great way to see the island and its surrounding waters.
- Relaxing on the beach: Key West has many beautiful beaches, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.
Tips for Attending Fantasy Fest
Here are a few tips for attending Fantasy Fest:
- Book your accommodations early: Fantasy Fest is a very popular event, and hotels and vacation rentals book up quickly.
- Purchase your tickets in advance: Tickets for many of the Fantasy Fest events sell out, so it is best to purchase them in advance.
- Dress to impress: Fantasy Fest is all about costumes, so be sure to dress to impress.
- Bring sunscreen and water: Key West is a very sunny place, so it is important to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
- Be prepared for crowds: Fantasy Fest is a very popular event, so be prepared for large crowds.
Conclusion
Fantasy Fest is a unique and unforgettable experience. If you are looking for a fun and festive event to attend, then Fantasy Fest is the perfect place for you.
