Fantasy Fest in Key West Oct 17-26
September 28th, 2008
Key West, Florida Keys - Key West’s wildest party is to turn bipartisan when Fantasy Fest, the island city’s outrageous annual costuming and masking festival, takes aim at America’s upcoming presidential elections. Set for Friday, Oct. 17, through Sunday, Oct. 26, the rowdy revel is themed “Pirates, Pundits and Political Party Animals.”
One of the most eagerly anticipated events on the Key West calendar, Fantasy Fest offers 10 days of masquerade balls, quirky costume contests and other delicious delights. The spectacle climaxes in a glittering grand parade whose floats are as elaborate as candidates’ pre-election promises.
Fantasy Fest was conceived more than 25 years ago to enliven the fall season in Key West — and it succeeded so well that it’s now internationally recognized as the destination’s premier annual festival. Its uninhibited flair and lighthearted spirit attract ever-larger crowds of people eager to shed their real-world personalities and live out their fantasies on the island city’s quaint downtown streets.
For “Pirates, Pundits and Political Party Animals,” Fantasy Fest organizers encourage participants to cast aside the conservative and embrace the ultra-liberal, taking inspiration from bold buccaneers, renegade Republicans, decadent Democrats and unsavory affairs of state. Costumes and parade floats might be eclectic, electric or election oriented — portraying everything from brigands to ballot box brouhahas.
The Fantasy Fest extravaganza is to embark with a Royal Coronation Ball, where the public casts votes to elect the king and queen of the masked madness. Scheduled Friday, Oct. 17, the coronation caps a two-month fundraising campaign by royal candidates to benefit the Keys’ AIDS Help Inc. The gala takes place at La Te Da, 1125 Duval St. beginning at 6 p.m.
The festival honors the island’s Caribbean roots Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17-18, during the Goombay street party in Key West’s historic Bahama Village. Beginning at noon each day and continuing until midnight, the rollicking Goombay is to feature island and ethnic food, arts and crafts and live entertainment.
Political glory undoubtedly goes to some candidates’ heads — and they’re sure to feel at home during Tuesday’s Headdress Ball, where participants can earn big prizes for decorated headgear like rogues’ tricorns, wizards’ cowls or bewitching feathered fantasies. Themed “The Raucous Caucus,” the heady ball is to take place at the Southernmost Hotel, 1319 Duval St. Festivities are to begin at 8 p.m.
At 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, the fur is to fly during the traditional WKEY Pet Masquerade. Though actual donkeys and elephants aren’t allowed, entrants in the eccentric competition are likely to include Re-pup-licans and Demo-cats as well as other canine, feline and avian critters. Strutting their stuff on an oceanfront stage at the Casa Marina Resort, 1500 Reynolds St., they vie for prizes in categories including the best pet/owner look-alike and best adaptation of the festival theme.
Thursday, Oct. 23, animal antics give way to Fantasy Fest’s most magnificent costume competition. Pretenders in Paradise, staged under the stars beside the Gulf of Mexico, typically features glitzy, intricate costumes that tower far taller than their wearers. Amateur and professional costume designers from the United States and abroad are expected to demonstrate both artistry and performing savvy in exotic ensembles saluting the piratical, presidential and downright weird. The 2008 competition, titled “The Pandemonium Party” and virtually guaranteed to live up to its name, is set to begin at 8 p.m. on the beach at the Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa, 1 Duval St. For those who can’t wait, a pre-show is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.
Political party animals are to hit Key West’s main street Friday, Oct. 24, for the lively Fantasy Fest Street Fair. Duval Street, the island’s most famous thoroughfare, is to become a mile-long marketplace with vendors offering feathered masks, exotic costumes, arts and craft items, tempting food and libations from noon to 10 p.m.
Friday evening the Fairvilla Megastore Masquerade March of buccaneers, boondogglers and other costumed characters is slated to parade through the streets. Instruments and noisemakers are to add to the exhilaration as the rowdy cavalcade proceeds through Key West’s picturesque Old Town from a starting point at the Key West Cemetery. Spectators can join the procession anywhere along its two routes, and thirst-quenchers are to be provided at selected guesthouses.
Other Fantasy Fest standouts are to include a celebrity look-alike contest, a “fantasy of art” showcase, exuberant themed costume competitions, pirate-and-wench parties, a children’s day at a local park, glamorous galas and even a sunset airbrush expo and body painting competition overlooking Key West Harbor.
The pre-election action is to reach its climax Saturday, Oct. 25, as tens of thousands of spectators flock to the island’s historic downtown for the Captain Morgan Fantasy Fest Parade set to begin at 7 p.m. The spectacle typically includes feather-bedecked marching groups, Caribbean bands and enormous, lavishly decorated motorized floats. Since the parade falls just days before the 2008 presidential election, festival organizers expect many floats and costumes to feature a political focus — spiced with the offbeat flamboyance that characterizes Fantasy Fest and Key West itself.
For more information about Fantasy Fest and a complete schedule of events, visit the festival’s Web site at www.fantasyfest.net or call (305) 296-1817. For information about lodging in Key West, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539) or visit the Keys’ Web site at www.fla-keys.com.
Fantasy Fest 2008 Schedule of Events
Oct. 17-26, 2008
“Pirates, Pundits and Political Party Animals”
Daily Diversions (Throughout Festival)
10 a.m.-4 a.m.
“Indecent Exposure.” Revelers can party like Adam and Eve at the Garden of Eden clothing-optional rooftop bar above the Bull & Whistle, 224 Duval St. Body painting available. Cover charge.
Any time
Fantasy Cyber Souvenirs. Visit the Fantasy Fest Store on-line at www.fantasyfest.net for festival memorabilia. Official posters, T-shirts and limited-edition medallions.
Friday, Oct. 17
Noon-midnight
Goombay Celebration in Bahama Village. A lively street carnival with Caribbean sights, tastes and sounds, arts and crafts, food vendors and entertainment. Off Duval and Petronia streets. Free admission.
6-10 p.m.
Royal Coronation Ball. Entertainment and pageantry accompany the coronation of the King and Queen of Fantasy Fest 2008. La Te Da, 1125 Duval St. $5 “buys” general admission and votes. All proceeds benefit AIDS Help Inc. Call (305) 296-6706.
Saturday, Oct. 18
Noon-midnight.
Goombay Celebration in Bahama Village. A lively street carnival with Caribbean sights, tastes and sounds, arts and crafts, food vendors and entertainment. Off Duval and Petronia streets. Free admission.
Sunday, Oct. 19
4 p.m.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum’s Hot Wench & Wicked Pirate Tea Dance. Dancing and revelry in the museum’s courtyard, with costume competitions for best pirate, wench, pirate couple and Queen Anne’s Revenge (best drag wench). 200 Greene St. Free admission. Call (305) 294-2633, ext. 13.
Monday, Oct. 20
9 p.m.
Dungeons & Dragons. A leather fetish party — not for the timid or shy. 801 Bourbon Bar, 801 Duval St. at Petronia. Cover charge. Call (305) 293-9800.
Tuesday, Oct. 21
All day
Reddy Ice Fantasy Facade Competition. Festively decorated homes and businesses throughout Key West compete for “cold cash.” To enter, call (305) 296-5334.
5 p.m.
Official Fantasy Fest Poster Signing Party. Meet award-winning artist Rick Worth, creator of the 2008 festival poster. Posters for sale. Crowne Plaza La Concha Hotel, 430 Duval St. Free admission. Call (305) 296-2991.
5-8 p.m.
Booty Party. Join “The Getaway Girl” author Casey Wohl at the official release of her book “Girls Getaway Guide to Key West,” co-hosted by the Key West Art Bar as a fundraiser for Womankind. Highlights include a benefit bachelor auction. Key West Art Bar, 901 Caroline St. Admission is a $10 donation. Call (305) 296-0424.
8 p.m.
Finnegan’s Wake Green Party. The ultimate Irish party is to include live music, an edamame eating contest and a benefit sale of greenwear. 320 Grinnell St. No cover charge for guests wearing green. Visit www.keywestirish.com.
8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Big ‘Uns Pirate Wenches in Paradise Contest. Wenches are to compete for $1,000 in booty for the sexiest attire. Big ‘Uns, 218 Duval St. $10 admission. Call (305) 292-0486.
8 p.m.
“The Raucous Caucus” Headdress Ball. An outrageous extravaganza presented by the Key West Business Guild. Judges are to “elect” the best headdress entries and award cash prizes during this evening of lavish live entertainment. Southernmost Hotel, 1319 Duval St. Open seating (rear) $40 per person, $320 for a reserved VIP table seating four and $270 for reserved table seating four. Tickets available at www.keystix.com.
9 p.m.
Party in Plaid. Explore your fantasies in plaid attire — whether naughty or nice. Live music, good friends, libation specials. Captain Tony’s Saloon, 428 Greene St. Free admission. Visit www.capttonyssaloon.com.
Wednesday, Oct. 22
5:30 p.m.
WKEY Pet Masquerade and Parade. Playful pets and outrageous owners compete in a costume competition for furred and feathered “party animals.” Casa Marina Resort, 1500 Reynolds St. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. Free to watch; $25 to enter benefits Lower Keys Friends of Animals. Call (305) 296-7511.
8 p.m.
Celebrity Look-Alike Contest. Celebrity pretenders vie for cash and prizes. Crowne Plaza La Concha Hotel. Free to watch; free to enter. Call (305) 296-2991.
8 p.m.
Dancapalooza. Dancers of all ages will be judged on creativity, style and costume at this lively gala, with prizes awarded to individuals, pairs and teams. Beachside Resort, 3841 N. Roosevelt Blvd. General admission $20. For registration and ticketing, call (305) 296-8100.
8-10 p.m.
Leather and Lace. Club Zu presents a sexy, sensual evening gathering. Wear the appropriate attire and drink free. 422 Appelrouth Lane. Visit www.clubzu.com.
9 p.m.
Red Night Party. Live DJ, costume contests and door prizes. Fogarty’s and Flying Monkeys, 227 Duval St. Cost TBA. Call (305) 294-7525.
9 p.m.
Cheeseburger’s Wild and Kinky Luau. A night of feasting and fun for pineapple papas and mango mamas, with attractions including mai tais, limbo rock and a pig roast. Prizes for best “Big Kahuna” costume and most inventive hula dance. 217 Duval St. Cost TBA. Call (305) 296-9466.
10 p.m.
Homemade Bikini Contest and Beach Party. Presented by Hog’s Breath Saloon, this renowned party and contest is in its 21st year of offering cash prizes for best bikinis. Hog’s Breath, 400 Front St. Admission $20 at the door; $20 contest entry fee. Benefits MARC. Contest details at www.hogsbreath.com.
Thursday, Oct. 23
1-6 p.m.
Dante’s Halos & Horns Pool Party and Wet T-Shirt Contest. This wet and wild pool party features angels and devils, free body painting, live music, giveaways, food and drink specials, surprises and big prizes. Dante’s Restaurant & Raw Bar, 951 Caroline St. Call (305) 293-5123.
6-10 p.m.
Galerie duVal’s “Dream Team of the Art World.” Watch fine artists, including world-renowned relief sculptor Bill Mack, perform their magic. Galerie duVal, 534 Duval St. Free. Call (305) 294-7270.
8 p.m.
Pretenders in Paradise “The Pandemonium Party” Costume Competition. This legendary Fantasy Fest highlight celebrates creative and performing energies. $10,000 total cash prizes for amateur, professional and group costume entries. On the beach at Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa, 1 Duval St. Contest entry fee $10 individual or $20 group of four or more. General admission tickets $30 per person, available in advance at the Pier House Chart Room Bar and Beach Bar & Grille or at the door. For contest registration info, visit the Pretenders in Paradise section at www.fantasyfest.net.
9:30 p.m.
Sloppy Joe’s Bar 25th Annual Toga Party. Cash prizes for top togas — ideally, expressing the Fantasy Fest theme of “Pirates, Pundits and Political Party Animals — at this legendary watering hole. Contest registration begins at 8 p.m. Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval St. Cover charge; free to enter contest. Visit www.sloppyjoes.com.
10 p.m.
Monsters’ Ball. Mermaids, sea serpents and other unusual creatures of the deep appear at this bizarre ball and annual costume party. Green Parrot Bar, 601 Whitehead St. Free admission. Visit www.greenparrot.com.
10 p.m.
Pajama and Lingerie Party. Less is more at this soiree featuring playboy model Kristy Morgan, guest DJs and cash prizes in Hugh Hefner and Marilyn Monroe look-alike contests. Mangoes, 700 Duval St. VIP tickets $50 per person; general admission tickets $25; available at www.keystix.com. Call (305) 304-1188.
10 p.m.
Cowboy Bill’s Git-R-Wet T-Shirt Contest. Contestants tease in creative wet tees. Attractions include cash prizes and a live DJ. Cowboy Bill’s, 610-1/2 Duval St. Cover charge; VIP seating available. Visit www.cowboybillskw.com.
Friday, Oct. 24
Noon-10 p.m.
Fantasy Fest Street Fair. Arts and crafts, food and beverage vendors and costumed frivolity turn Duval Street into a mile-long entertainment extravaganza. Free. Visit www.fantasyfest.net.
1 p.m.
801 Bourbon Bar Tea Dance. Dancers, live DJ, drag queens, cool drinks and celebrities are the attractions at this tea in the street party. 801 Duval St. Free admission. Call (305) 293-9800.
4-6 p.m.
“Presidents, Politicians and Public Affairs” Costume Contest. Party and costume prizes accompanying the lively Masquerade March. Theme-oriented costumes are encouraged. Southernmost Hotel. Free to enter and to watch. Visit www.southernmostresorts.com.
5 p.m.
Fairvilla Megastore Masquerade March. Costumed celebrants cavort through the Old Town streets, starting at the Key West Cemetery (Frances Street entrance), with music and noisemakers. Thirst quenchers provided at selected guesthouses. Spectators can join the march anywhere along its two routes. Free. Visit the Masquerade March section at www.fantasyfest.net.
6-10 p.m.
Wyland Galleries’ “Fantasy of Art” Extravaganza. Discover new artistic fantasies by America’s leading masters of ocean, surrealistic and dreamscape art. Celebrate Fantasy Fest’s exuberant creative spirit at Wyland’s 623 Duval St. and 102 Duval St. galleries. Free. Visit www.wylandkeywest.com.
Sunset
“Living Art” Air Brush Expo. Airbrush artists use the human form as a canvas and vie for prizes. Live entertainment. Painting and partying begin at sunset; judging begins at 9 p.m. Sunset Pier at Ocean Key Resort & Spa, Zero Duval St. General admission $10; tickets available at www.keystix.com. Call (305) 295-7045.
9 p.m.
Rum Barrel’s Pirate Bash. Dress and drink like a pirate with help from Key West’s resident pirate experts. Cash prizes for best pirate and wench costumes, live music from a rooftop stage and much more. Rum Barrel Restaurant & Bar, 528 Front St. Cover charge. Visit www.rumbarrel.com.
10 p.m.
Pimp and Ho Party. Exotic dance party featuring Mr. Pimp and Ms. Ho Costume Contest. Special guest star Ron Jeremy and guest DJs live. Cost ranges from $35 per person general admission to $130 per person for VIP table seating; purchase advance tickets at www.keystix.com. Red Fish Blue Fish, 407 Front St. Call (305) 304-1188.
10 p.m.
70s Kiss Party. Relive the 70s in funky costumes as Kiss Army performs in make-up live onstage. Gene Simmons and Cher look-alike contests, guest DJs and other attractions. Cost ranges from $25 per person general admission to $100 per person for VIP table seating; purchase advance tickets at www.keystix.com. Mangoes, 700 Duval St. Call (305) 304-1188.
Saturday, Oct. 25
Noon-10:30 p.m.
Duval Street Promenade. Sassy live entertainment, delicious food and spirited libations tempt fest fanciers along historic Duval Street. Free admission.
Noon
Bourbon Street Pub Tea Dance. Beads, boys, booze, live entertainment and a taste of New Orleans decadence at this street dance party on Duval. Bourbon Street Pub, 724 Duval St. Free admission.
3 p.m.
Epidermal Arts and Torso Tapestries Contest. Art lovers are invited to view or participate in this culture-rich search for the best-illustrated men and women of Fantasy Fest. Green Parrot Bar. Free admission. Visit www.greenparrot.com.
7 p.m.
Captain Morgan Fantasy Fest Parade. Fantasy Fest’s most flamboyant spectacle. Legendary procession of dazzling floats, marching bands, dancing groups and costumes galore wends its way down Whitehead, Front and Duval streets. Free to watch. Visit www.fantasyfest.net.
Sunday, Oct. 26
10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Halfway Home BBQ at Robbie’s Marina. Heading home to the mainland? Stop at Robbie’s rustic and laidback marina at mile marker 77.5 in Islamorada for lunch. Barbeque chicken, pork and ribs plus live music, an art show and a chance to feed Robbie’s famous tarpon. Call (305) 664-9814.
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Grog and Frog! Pirates of the Sanctuary Brunch. Delicious “grog and frog” for pirates and wenches, including hearty fare, mimosas and unlimited champagne. $37.50 per pirate or wench; half price for pirates 12 and under. Reservations recommended. Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa, 601 Front St. Call (305) 809-4000.
11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Official Big Pecker Wine Tasting. Revelers heading up the Keys are invited to a free wine tasting of Big Pecker Wine at mile marker 28.5 on Little Torch Key. Parrotdise Waterfront Bar & Grille, 183 Barry Ave. Visit www.parrotdisewaterfront.com.
Noon-5 p.m.
Children’s Day. Family event featuring food, games, arts, crafts and a costume contest for children. Bayview Park at Truman Avenue and Eisenhower Drive. Free admission. Call (305) 292-8912.
4-9 p.m.
“The Fat Lady Sings” Tea Dance. It ain’t over till the fat lady sings … Fantasy Fest’s last hurrah features music from DJ Junior and free Jello shots and beads distributed by local celebrity Sushi. La Te Da. Free admission. Visit www.lateda.com.
