Fantasy Fest in Key West

Leave Your Inner Prude Behind

The weather man says that the weather will soon be turning cooler.  Tonight , summer is over and fall begins.  Tonight the Harvest Moon will shine full.  This weekend will feel like fall, because I will not be in Key West.  Time for changing leaves and pumpkins and Halloween Costumes.  Where are my boots and my jackets?  But Key West has its own way to celebrate this time of year, and it doesn't involve jackets . . . maybe a few boots . . .  and nothing else . . . .

Habitat For Insanity Theme for 2010!!!

The insane costuming continues as Fantasy Fest announces the theme for Pretenders in Paradise 2010 as “Predators and Prey Come out to Play.”

What You Need to Know About Fantasy Fest

First, it's not for everybody.

Costumes Attending Fantasy Fest or The Key Largo Pirates Fest or Hosting Your Own Costume Event? Shop for costumes here!

Last year we attended the parade, but no other events, so I can only speak about that from experience. Although many children were in attendance, it's not for the prude at heart. From what I saw, the thousands of people in the audience is more outlandish than the acutal parade participants. Dress is optional, body paint is everywhere. You often have to look twice to see if someone is dressed or just painted, which is obviously the purpose . . . to make you look twice. Last year I heard that a nude cruise ship was in town during Fantasy Fest. I had just never throught about nude cruise ships before . . . And I've been told (gossip alert) that some of the Keys have laws against wearing clothing. On your way down A1A, look out over the ocean at all of those keys in bothAtlantic and the Gulf that cannot be reached by road. And let your mind wander about what goes on out there . . . .

Plan Ahead

The week of Fantasy Fest, the cost of all hotel rooms and other rental properties skyrocket . . . if you can find anything for any price. For some prime restaurants with a good view of the parade, you must make reservations a year in advance.

Have Fun!

You are on Duval Street. Everyone is in outlandish costumes (well, not everyone). You can buy cold drinks without going very far. You will see things you've never seen before. And the beads! The people on the floats throw beads just like in Mardi Gras, and you have to yell and get thier attendtion to snag your portion.

Also, this year, one of my favorite Keys musicians, Howard Livingston, is going to be Grand Marshall.  I can't attend this year, but  I really wish I could!!