It's the Most Wonderful (Crazy?) Time of the Year!

It's one of the craziest times of the year here in Key West! We’re smack dab in the middle of Fantasy Fest, a 10-day celebration of everything weird, wacky, spooky, imaginative, entertaining and a little indecent.

Bahama Village Goombay Festival

The Fest started last weekend with Goombay, an exuberant street party that showcases island arts and crafts, music and food in the heart of Key West’s historic Bahama Village neighborhood.

On Sunday, the streets came alive – er, dead – during the Zombie Bike Ride, a local’s favorite that drew more than 7,000 painted and costumed Zombies riding bikes from Stock Island to Duval Street. In only its fourth year, the ride has grown from a couple hundred participants to this year’s peak.

Zombie Bike Ride

Throughout the week, tourists and locals alike can participate in activities and costume parties on Duval Street and beyond. Color themes have dominated recently, i.e. Rhapsody Blue Party, Finnegan's Wake Green Party, Capt. Tony's Party in Plaid, Fogarty’s Red Night and Fat Tuesday’s Pink Party. Another favorite is Tutu Tuesday, where entry is allowed only to those wearing the traditional – or not so traditional – ballet skirt.

Tutu Tuesday

Toga Party

Other highlights range from traditional to kinky and everywhere in between. It’s all up to you! Some to check out: Heroes and Villains 5K run, Decorated Bra Auction benefitting Womankind, Headdress Ball, Pet Masquerade & Parade, Redneck Party, Homemade Bikini Contest, Wet T-shirt Contest, Glow Party, Toga Party, Pajama & Lingerie Party, Leather and Lace Party, Fetish & Fantasy Party, Pirate Bash, Pimp & Ho Party and the Living Art Airbrush Expo.

Friday’s big event is the Masquerade March where costumed adults and families parade through Old Town with stops at local guesthouses for libations. The week culminates with a street fair on Duval Street and Saturday night’s Captain Morgan Fantasy Fest Parade where 70,000 exuberant partygoers watch as hundreds of glittering floats roll down Duval Street. For a full schedule of events, click here.

It’s not always this crazy in Key West, but one thing’s for sure. There’s always something happening on our little island worth talking about. Come for a visit or stay for a lifetime.

If you're looking for a Key West home, contact me at 305-304-1708 or email nexxthome@yahoo.com. You can also browse Keys homes for sale at www.KeyWestListings.com.

Happy Fantasy Fest!