Key West Fantasy Fest 2022 Schedule
I reached out to the organizers of Fantasy Fest in Key West today. They assured me that everything there is going on as scheduled. In fact, they sent me the schedule. Here’s the updated info on Fantasy Fest 2022 as of 10/11/2022
Fantasy Fest 2022 – It’s time to buckle up for 10 days and nights of “Cult Classics & Cartoon Chaos” revelry and creativity
“Cult Classics & Cartoon Chaos” sets the stage for Fantasy Fest 2022 – Key West’s annual 10-day costuming festival in Paradise. That means from October 21-30, revelers will adorn themselves in their most creative themed attire, inspired by any TV show, film, cartoon, or even book series with a cult following. Then immerse in an extravaganza of exciting and diverse events occurring island-wide—some classic fan favorites; some debuting for the first time this year.
Fantasy Fest, conceived in 1979 by local business owners Tony Falcone and Bill Conkle of Fast Buck Freddie’s fame and Key West Aloe proprietors Joe Lizska and Frank Romano as a remedy for Key West’s former fall-time island doldrums. In 2017 the event contract was awarded to We’ve Got the Keys, a Key West-based company headed by President/CEO Nadene Grossman Orr, who has been guiding the festival in its contemporary artistic and creative evolution.
Following are some Fantasy Fest 2022 “Cult Classics & Cartoon Chaos” highlights.
While the festival is aimed primarily at an adult audience, there are numerous events that are child/family friendly. Complete information including times, locations, and contest entry links can be found at http://www.fantasyfest.com:
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- Decorate your digs to win big! The Key West Chamber of Commerce Fantasy Façade contest offers fantastically decorated Key West homes and businesses the opportunity to compete for cash prizes and glory. Final day to enter is Oct. 17; judging is Monday, Oct. 24.
- Oct. 13-27: “Bum Farto – the Musical”. The infamous true story of Key West’s flamboyant drug running 1970s-era Fire Chief to the San Carlos Institute stage.
- October 14 is the deadline to submit Fantasy Fest 2023 theme ideas! Winning theme composer and a guest win seats in the 2023 Bud Light Fantasy Fest parade Grand Stand among the parade judges and organizers. Some past year’s themes include: “Secrets of the Zodiac Revealed (2001)” and “Time Travel Unravels (2017).” (Helpful hint: 2023 marks the 200-year anniversary of establishment of both Monroe County and Key West’s first Naval base, so think Bicentennial!) Email submissions to info@FantasyFest.com
- Oct. 20-Nov 12: “Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville – The Musical” at the Waterfront Playhouse. A madcap love story, complete with an erupting volcano, tap dancing zombies, and classic Buffet songs.
- Oct. 21: The Royal Coronation Ball to crown Fantasy Fest’s 2022 King and Queen, benefitting AH Monroe County. From 6:00-9:30pm at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater.
- Oct. 21 and 22: The Bahama Village Goombay Festival welcomes revelers of all ages to celebrate island arts and crafts, music and food in Key West’s historic Bahama Village neighborhood.
Fantasy Fest 2022 Seventh Annual Smallest Parade in the Universe.
- A fundraiser for the Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens on October 22nd.. Showcasing miniature sized parade floats reflecting this year’s Fantasy Fest theme parading down a replica of Duval Street. Start time is 7:00pm at The Studios of Key West.
- Oct. 24: Heroes & Villains Run/Walk 5K. Be SUPER, be EVIL, be AWESOME and get your run on in this family friendly costumed event with awards and prizes. Start time is 6:00pm.
- Oct. 25: Come celebrate the artists at the official Florida Keys Council of the Arts Fantasy Fest poster and t-shirt signing event at Wine-O at the La Concha Hotel. From 3:00-5:00pm, meet and have your t-shirts and posters signed by winning artists Jack McDonald and Rick Worth.
- Oct. 26: Costume yourself and your critter(s) to compete, or applaud from the audience at the annual wild and wacky Pet Masquerade at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater. Registration begins at 4:00pm, pageantry at 6:30pm. Registration fees benefit Lower Keys Friends of Animals, Inc.
(Photo: Carol Tedesco/FantasyFest.com)
Fantasy Fest 2022 Annual Key West Headdress Ball.
Presented by the Key West Business Guild at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, kicks off at 8:00pm on October 27th to showcase an extravaganza of out-of-this-world headdresses modeled by their creators, along with exciting entertainment by some of the island’s best local talent.
(Photo courtesy Peter Arnow).
- Oct. 28: It’s all-hands-on-deck for the Captain Morgan Masquerade March, as costumed creatives parade through Old Town Key West, stopping along the route for adult beverage samples provided by selected guest houses. Kick off happens at 5:30pm; check website for exact location details.
(Photo: Carol Tedesco/FantasyFest.com)
- Oct. 29: Starting at 7:00pm, it’s the world famous Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade, led by Key West-based singer, songwriter and entertainer extraordinaire, Grand Marshall Tony Baltimore and featuring an extravaganza of floats and marching groups.
- Oct. 30: Children’s Day from noon to 5p.m. at Bayview Park features food, rides, games, arts and crafts, and a costume contest for the kids.
- Oct. 30: Don your fabulous feathers for “The Fat Lady Sings” Tea Dance from 4:00-8:00pm at La Te Da on Duval Street—the final official Fantasy Fest celebration.
- Oct 31: The 2023 Fantasy Fest theme will be announced. Time to start planning your costuming genius!
Fantasy Fest 2022 is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.
For a full calendar of events, schedule updates, and Fantasy Façade registration, visit http://www.fantasyfest.com.
Here’s some pictures from previous years. Photos courtesy of Carol Tedesco:
Joe Winner spends his days combing through memes and off beat stories to bring you the side of Florida not always seen.
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