All Things Fantasy Fest 2024

Can you believe it’s the 45th year of Fantasy Fest? It’s hard to imagine that the 10-day extravaganza it is today began as a humble weekend party in the 70s to boost Key West tourism during the low season. If you’re attending this year, it’s a good idea to read about what to expect, what to pack, where to go, and where to stay.

Here’s an overview of all things Fantasy Fest 2024 ‘It’s a 90s Neon Cosmic Carnival!,’ which runs from Oct. 18 - 27.

First Time at Fantasy Fest?

Those new to the scene can avoid rookie mistakes by being in-the-know with A First-Timer’s Guide to Fantasy Fest. Our guide covers everything from open container laws to restroom facilities, traffic hacks, and more. Need help packing? We can help with that too, with our Fantasy Fest Packing List.

Fantasy Fest Costumes (or lack thereof)

Fantasy Fest manages to outdo Halloween, with show-stopping costumes front-and-center. Body paint is a popular way to take your costume up a notch, but you’ll want to take warm temperatures and a sometimes unforgiving sun into account. Read up on Fantasy Fest Costume Tips, for where to get painted and more practical considerations, like footwear.

Pro tip: Browse the Fantasy Fest 2024 schedule, pick a party in advance, and plan your costume accordingly. Costumed parties for 2024 include themes like Woodstock, zombies, horror, superheroes, tutus, underwear, plaid, pink, rockstars, and toga.

Fantasy Fest Survival Tips

Aside from costumes, there are ground rules like photo-snapping etiquette, open-container laws, and transportation issues to contend with. You definitely don’t want these little details hampering your good time during Fantasy Fest. Be two steps ahead of the rest by reading up on 5 Tips for Surviving Fantasy Fest.

Best Events of Fantasy Fest

Fantasy Fest has its funky annual traditions, like the royal coronation, the headdress ball, tutu Tuesdays, pet masquerades, and more. There are so many events that take place over the 10-day fest it’s enough to make your head spin. Refer to our 2024 edition of the Best Events of Fantasy Fest 2024 guide, coming soon.

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Can’t Miss Event: Bahama Village Goombay Festival

Fantasy Fest kicks off its first weekend with the Goombay Festival. The street fair is held in the vibrant Bahama Village neighborhood and celebrates the rich music, cultures, food, and dance of the island’s Caribbean roots. This is one of the limited family-friendly events of Fantasy Fest, so round up the kids! This year, the free Goombay Fest will be held on Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19, from noon to midnight.

Can’t Miss Event: Key West Fantasy Fest Parade

Winding through Old Town from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, the Fantasy Fest Parade is full of festive floats, walking groups, bicycle brigades, and human-powered kinetic machines (all of which are competing for awards like the Best Overall, Best in Costume, and Best in Entertainment). From purchasing a special ‘balcony viewing’ ticket (a tempting option for those who want a table away from the crowds, with bathroom access and drink service) to winging it with the crowd on the street, make a parade game plan.

Pro-tip: See the Key West Fantasy Fest Parade route to know what to expect. The most crowded and exciting part of the parade is toward the end of the route at the intersection of Duval Street and Truman Avenue, near the judge’s tables.

Book Your Fantasy Fest Hotel Room

What are you waiting for? 24 North Hotel has awesome amenities that set us apart from the rest, such as shuttle service to Old Town - so you never have to contend with Fantasy Fest traffic. We also have a Starbucks on-site, an awesome pool area, poolside restaurant, and clean, comfortable rooms.

Check out our rooms at 24 North Hotel and see which of our online specials works for you. We have exclusive rates just for Florida and Georgia residents, plus savings on nightly parking, breakfast, island excursions like jet skiing and biking, and more.

Read what out past guest have to say:

“The service is amazing…The team is amazing…Definitely will choose this hotel for future trips to Key West with my family and friends…5 stars service, people that actually make your experience unique.” - Frances G

“This was a great experience for our family, the hotel offers a great service, the beds are comfortable and the cleanliness of the room provides a good ambiance. The personnel are very kind and helpful…provided insights on restaurants and things to do around the key.” - Emanuel Hernandez

“Best vacation ever. The rooms, pool, and fitness were nice. The concierge did an outstanding job recommending. The jet skis around the island and the Fury sail boat were just amazing.” - F6723FCron

“The hotel was magnificent!...The rooms were very clean…and the staff was very accommodating, knowledgeable, respectful, and ready to step in if we needed something. You have your choice of 4 pools with outside bars and walk up restaurants. (all within walking distance)…The staff was always cleaning, picking up or putting out fresh swim towels. I simply can't say enough good things about 24 North Hotel Key West. We'll definitely be back every year, maybe twice a year!” - Global00569371599

“This hotel is in New Town…They have a shuttle to Old Town…Staying at this hotel, you can eat and swim at The Gates, Marriott, and Hilton. It is called Rooster Row. Live entertainment each night at one of the hotels. I would stay here again.” - Loren Taylor