Best Events of Fantasy Fest 2022

Fantasy Fest 2022 runs Oct. 21-30, and there’s so much planned for this year’s theme of “Cult Classics & Cartoon Chaos” that it’s hard to keep tabs on the must-see attractions. In addition to the long-awaited return of the Fantasy Fest Parade, there are plenty of standout events we have our eye on. Check out the official schedule to see all there is to enjoy this year at Fantasy Fest and read on for the top events of 2022.

Although we strive to provide the most current information, events mentioned may be canceled without notice. We recommend checking the official Fantasy Fest website for updates before visiting.

[All Things Fantasy Fest]

Key West Bicentennial Exhibit - Open daily now through Dec. 11

Happy birthday to us! Key West turns 200 years old in 2022, and in celebration, the Custom House Museum is hosting an exhibition highlighting Key West’s people, culture, and community over the last two centuries. Open 10 a .m. - 4 p.m. daily, through Dec. 11.

Bahama Village Goombay Festival - Friday, Oct. 21 - Saturday, Oct. 22

The Bahama Village family-friendly street party features island arts and crafts, food, and live music from noon to midnight in celebration of the diverse Caribbean history and influence on the island. Read more about the Goombay Festival here.

Royal Coronation - Friday, Oct. 21

Cast your vote for the King and Queen of Fantasy Fest at this two-hour stage show which includes a seated dinner and local entertainment. This year the event will be held at the Coffee Butler Amphitheatre. The show starts at 6 p.m. Reserve your tickets in advance.

Prohibition Pool Party - Saturday, Oct. 22

This year, Fantasy Fest is coming to New Town! Just steps from 24 North Hotel, the specialty rum and rum cocktail bar Rum Row will host the Prohibition Pool Party as part of Fantasy Fest. Dive into the Roaring 20s for a swanky bootleg pool party with bites provided by The Blind Pig food truck and tons of alcohol - because no good party ever started with a salad! Visit the poolside Rum Row lounge from 12 to 4 p.m., located next door at our sister hotel, The Gates Hotel.

Zombie Bike Ride - Sunday, Oct. 23

Ride or die at this family-friendly event. Costumed bike riders leave Fort East Martello at 6 p.m. for an after-party at the Coffee Butler Amphitheatre.

Heroes and Villains Run/Walk 5K - Monday, Oct. 24

Dress as your favorite superhero or supervillain (or just come to see the costumes) at the annual Heroes and Villains Run/Walk 5K. The race winds through Old Town and there’s free beer and snacks after the relay. Register in advance and be sure to join your fellow caped contenders at Sloppy Joe’s for the afterparty. The race starts at 6 p.m. behind the Southernmost Beach Café.

[Special offer only available when booking on our website]

Fantasy Fest Scavenger Hunt and Bar Crawl - Tuesday, Oct 25

Gather your scavenger hunt team and visit Key West’s most popular watering holes. You’ll follow creative clues, solve riddles, and get tons of perks along the way. Plus there are prizes for the top teams. Get your tickets ahead of time and may the best team win. The bar crawl begins at 2 p.m. Can’t make it on Tuesday? There’s another crawl scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 27.

Capt. Tony’s Party in Plaid - Tuesday, Oct. 25 

Dress in your favorite criss-crossing print for Capt. Tony’s annual Party in Plaid. The party will have live music, cold drinks, and plenty of people bedecked in their best plaid outfit. The party starts at 8 p.m.

Wharfstock - Wednesday, Oct. 26

Travel back to the 60s with Schooner Wharf, where it’s all things tie-dye, flower power, peace, and love at this groovy gathering. Dress in your best hippie outfit for a chance to win prizes. Wharfstock begins at 7 p.m. If 80s jams are more your tune, sell below for Irish Kevin’s annual 80s party.

Irish Kevin’s Annual 80’s Party - Thursday, Oct. 27

The annual party features 80s jams, 80s garb, and live entertainment. Dress in your best 80s costume (think spandex, leg warmers, shoulder pads, and big hair) for a chance to win prizes. The party is all day, with live music at 10:30 p.m. Listen to more legendary rock anthems at That Arena Rock Show (Oct. 26 and 27 at 7 p.m.), a free concert at the Sunset Pier with acts performing legendary rock anthems of the 70s and 80s.

[5 Tips for Surviving Fantasy Fest]

Sloppy Joe’s 43rd Annual Toga Party - Thursday, Oct. 27

The “original Fantasy Fest event” will have live music, dancing, and a house DJ. Don a traditional ancient toga or create your own using the Fantasy Fest theme “Cult Classics & Cartoon Chaos.” Festivities begin at 8 p.m. Stick around for the Toga Ceremony and a chance to win prizes.

39th Annual Headdress Ball - Thursday, Oct. 27

The premier LGBTQ+ event of Fantasy Fest sees competitors vie for the $3,000 prize for best headdress at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater. The 8 p.m. show also features several acts, bar and food service, and Aqua’s Laurie Thibaud as host. Make sure to get your tickets ahead of time.

Fantasy Market - Friday, Oct. 28

Food vendors, arts and crafts, libations, and “costumed frivolity” abound at the Truman Waterfront Park from 10 to 5 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to shop and support local.

Fantasy Fest Parade - Saturday, Oct. 29

Join 75,000 costumed (or just barely dressed) partygoers for the parade of the year down Duval Street. The parade starts at 7 p.m. before snaking through Old Town. Participants go all-out in hopes of winning prizes.

Now all you have to do is put this information to good use with a trip to Key West, where summer never ends. 24 North Hotel has a low-key vibe and offers shuttle service to Old Town. An on-site Starbucks, awesome pool area, and other amenities makes 24 North Hotel your best choice for Fantasy Fest. Check out our special offers here.