Fantasy Fest 2023 Preview

Fantasy Fest is a week-long celebration held in Key West every year. While the kids are getting ready to dress up and trick or treat for Halloween, the adults going to Fantasy Fest are getting ready to dress up or not dress at all, enjoy adult treats at a variety of bars, dance in the streets, support some local charities, and just goes balls to the wall for a week of crazy, wild partying.

Body Painting

One of the highlights of the week is the body painting. The artistry displayed on a variety of canvases is spectacular. So many times I had to ask, “Are those real shorts?” And the answer was usually no. They were painted on denim with stiches and seams and rivets – astonishing! These masterpieces can be expensive, but they are quite a sight to see. Many body painting artists are booked months in advance, but where there is a market, the artists will come. Many artists are still posting availability throughout the festival. Check out the Facebook Fantasy Fest 2023 page for some leads.

Costumes

And not everyone participates in body painting. Costumes range from extravagant creations to a bikini with a feather boa, depending on the theme. Yes, each year has a theme. This year’s theme is “Uniforms and Unicorns – 200 Years of Sailing into Fantasy.” With the recent passing of Key West’s beloved Jimmy Buffett, there is also a Buffett inspired twist encouraged this year. I wouldn’t be surprised to see many unicorn sailors or magical salt shakers walking down Duvall Street. The bottom line with costumes is just be comfortable and happy. I would recommend good walking shoes, but I’m not a high heel kind of gal.

Photography and Anonymity

Do know that if you plan to show a lot of skin and this is some how in conflict with your day job, masks are highly recommended. There are a lot of photographers at Fantasy Fest. We aren’t just talking about the influencers posting to Instagram. There are actual professional photographers there with cameras and lenses that could get very close up to your juicy bits. Many are quite respectful and will ask to take your picture, but with the size of these guys’ lenses (not a euphemism - they are usually dressed), they could easily get a picture of you from way far away and you would never know. Well, not until your boss calls you into his office.

Lodging

Staying in Key West for the week can be a pricey undertaking. Hotel costs go up with anticipation of being completely sold out. Since Key West is already a robust tourist destination, there are a lot of lodging options, including hotels, Airbnb’s, boats, and camping areas. Some folks drive their RV’s down and rent a space at one of the many campgrounds.

Food and Drinks

Restaurants offer delicious local seafood and a variety of other cuisines, but again, you are unlikely to find a $5 value menu at most eateries. However, it is possible to pick up some snacks and beverages at the grocery store to cut meal costs back a little bit. Aside from the occasional meal, many people at Fantasy Fest are on the adult liquid diet because no good story started with a salad.

Bars are brimming in the evenings. Some offer live music and others offer a place for patrons to get very naughty with others. Costume contests are held, as well as charity benefits.

The People

At Fantasy Fest, everyone is a friend you know or a friend you haven’t met yet. One of the best things “to do” during the week is hang out in the street. It is the ultimate in mingling. Body painting and costumes make for easy conversation starters. People literally stand in the street for hours, with their drinks, chatting up other Fantasy Festers.

This is but a snippet of the information on Fantasy Fest. I highly recommend you go to their website for more details and information: https://www.fantasyfest.com/

Will you be attending this year’s festivities?

What are your tips for having the most magical time in Key West?