Fantasy Fest 2026 in Key West: dates, parade and what to plan around
By Brian Williamson, Key West · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Fantasy Fest runs October 16 to 25, 2026. The theme is "Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals", and the parade is Saturday, October 24 at 7 PM on Duval Street. The festival is open to all ages with family-friendly daytime events, but many evening parties are 21+.
| Date | What | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fri Oct 16 | Goombay Festival, Bahama Village | Noon to midnight, free, family-friendly, Petronia Street; main stage at Petronia and Emma. Opens Fantasy Fest weekend. |
| Sun Oct 18 | Zombie Bike Ride | Body painting and vendors 2 to 6 PM at Fort East Martello; ride departs 6 PM toward downtown. |
| Sat Oct 24 | Fantasy Fest parade | 7:00 PM, Duval Street. |
| Sun Oct 25 | Children's Day, Bayview Park | Closing day, family-friendly. |
Who it's for
The festival is open to all ages, with family-friendly daytime events. Many evening parties are 21+, and some shows require valid photo ID: 801 Cabaret drag shows are 21+, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show is 18+, strictly enforced. There is no blanket festival-wide ID requirement, so check each event on the official schedule.
While you're here
Stone crab season opens Thursday, October 15 and runs to May 1, 2027. Florida spiny lobster regular season is open from August 6, 2026 to March 31, 2027 (both per the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission).
Book your activities
Browse Key West activities on our things-to-do pages, and check the events page and this week's page for what's on.
Common questions
When is Fantasy Fest 2026?
October 16 to 25, 2026.
What is the Fantasy Fest 2026 theme?
"Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals".
When is the Fantasy Fest parade?
Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 7 PM on Duval Street.
Is Fantasy Fest family-friendly?
Parts of it. The festival is open to all ages with family-friendly daytime events, but many evening parties are 21+ and some shows are 18+. Children's Day at Bayview Park is Sunday, October 25.
Sources
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