Guides

    Goombay Festival Key West 2026: date, location, what to know

    By Brian Williamson, Key West · Updated October 15, 2026

    The short answer

    Goombay Festival is Friday, October 16, 2026, from noon to midnight. It is free and family-friendly, and it runs along Petronia Street in Bahama Village, with the main stage at Petronia and Emma Street. It opens Fantasy Fest weekend. For the latest, check fantasyfest.com.

    Goombay and the week around it
    DateWhatDetails
    Thu Oct 15Stone crab season opensRuns through May 1, 2027 (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)
    Fri Oct 16Goombay FestivalNoon to midnight, free, family-friendly, Petronia Street, Bahama Village; main stage at Petronia and Emma
    Sun Oct 18Zombie Bike RideBody painting and vendors 2 to 6 PM at Fort East Martello; the ride departs at 6 PM
    Sat Oct 24Fantasy Fest parade7 PM, Duval Street

    When and where

    One day: Friday, October 16, 2026, noon to midnight. Goombay is listed on the Fantasy Fest schedule at fantasyfest.com and opens Fantasy Fest weekend. Fantasy Fest runs October 16 to 25, 2026, with the theme "Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals".

    Is it for kids?

    Goombay is listed as free and family-friendly. Fantasy Fest overall is open to all ages with family-friendly daytime events, but some evening Fantasy Fest events are 21+ or 18+, so check each event before you bring children.

    What else is on that week

    The Zombie Bike Ride is Sunday, October 18 (body painting and vendors 2 to 6 PM at Fort East Martello, ride departs 6 PM). Stone crab season opens Thursday, October 15. The Fantasy Fest parade is Saturday, October 24 at 7 PM on Duval Street.

    Plan your day

    We don't have a performer lineup, vendor list, parking information or road-closure details for Goombay, so we haven't listed any. Check fantasyfest.com for the latest, and use our Fantasy Fest guide and events page to plan the rest of your week.

    Common questions

    When is Goombay Festival 2026?

    Friday, October 16, 2026, from noon to midnight.

    Where is Goombay Festival in Key West?

    On Petronia Street in Bahama Village. The main stage is at Petronia and Emma Street.

    Is Goombay Festival free?

    Yes, it is listed as free and family-friendly.

    Is Goombay part of Fantasy Fest?

    It opens Fantasy Fest weekend. Fantasy Fest runs October 16 to 25, 2026.

    Sources

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