The 2011 Fantasy Fest celebration in Key West is the 32nd year of weeklong fun on and around Duval Street and this year it runs from Friday October 21 to Sunday October 30.
This year’s theme is “ Aquatic Afrolic “ and please note that some of the events listed below are official and sanctioned by the Fantasy Fest committee that oversees the event and some events that are “unofficial” may require you to check with locals to confirm that they are still scheduled on their respective days. Some of the events also require a cover charge that usually is designated for a charity.
NOTE: Many “unofficial” or private party events occur throughout the week. Look for flyers, postings and word-of-mouth from locals and participants so that you can pick and choose your desired venue as you cannot possibly do everything there is to do in Key West each night. Always re-check times and locations and remember that especially as the week goes on, that some events sell out or are so crowded that limited observation/participation can be expected and that standing room only may be encountered. Be sure to check the official Fantasy Fest website for the latest information http://www.fantasyfest.net
Friday October 21
GOOMBAY
Originally Goombay was a celebration of the island heritage of the Bahama Village residents and the locals sold homemade goods, island food and beverages from makeshift booths along Petronia Street. Now, commercial merchants dominate the event and your best quality comes from the local folks in the funky booth who are selling things they made themselves. This family friendly street party continues Saturday from noon to midnight and is free.
ROYAL CORONATION BALL
“Meet Key West’s Royal Family and vote for the King and Queen of Fantasy Fest 2011 at the “Lost City of Atlantis”; a benefit for AIDS Help; 6:00 p.m.; (305) 296-6577; Suggested donation; Southernmost Café, 1319 Duval Street.
Saturday, October 22
GOOMBAY
This family friendly party continues in Bahama Village and in case you missed Goombay (or want another chance to sample more of that delicious fare) the island festival continues for a second day. Later in the evening, there are festivities at Fort Taylor, a historic old brick structure on the southwest corner of Key West.
FRIENDS OF FT. TAYLOR'S VAMPIRE BALL
Each year the Friend's of Fort Taylor sponsor the Vampire Ball to support the fort. Food and drinks together
with music and dancing are the main attractions. Politically correct pirates mingle with Civil War re–enactors and other costumed participants in this family friendly event. The Haunting of Fort Taylor opens at 8pm at Fort Zachary Taylor
at the end of Southard from 8-11 p.m. More info: http://www.hauntedkeywestfort.co or www.keywestvampires.com
KEY WEST MUNCH
This special version of the Key West Munch is a social gathering in which a group of kinky locals gather to welcome out–of–town visitors to Fantasy Fest. Since this is a very public event held at one of the more upscale dining establishments in town, sponsors request that you dress as if you were going out for a night on the town back home. In other words, don’t wear anything that is too risqué or revealing. If you want to attend the after party and wear something a little more wicked you are welcome to bring your costume and change at the party location.
Sunday, October 23
THE WET AND WILD BLUE PARTY AT THE SHERATON SUITES
Kick off Fantasy Fest at the Sheraton Suites “Blue Party”with Blue Margaritas and live concert with Howard Livingston. There is cover charge and proceeds will go to AIDS Help. 3:00pm-6:00pm at Sheraton Suites 2001 S.
Roosevelt Blvd.
THE TWIRLING BUOY SALACIOUS SIDESHOW
Key West Burlesque has a show that is raucous and reminiscent of old circus and carnival fun with sordid seductresses and marvelously mischievous characters. Comedic and variety numbers will tease you between daring exhibitionism and dance numbers with just the right amount of naughty. There’s a devilish dancing dragon, world’s smallest 1000 armed lady and a lion taming man eater! The Twirling Buoy laughs in the face of convention and
bares enough to boggle your mind and the gorgeous show girls and guys propel you deep into your sideshow fantasies. 8 pm at the Waterfront Playhouse.
CAPT. TONY’S PIRATES & WENCHES BOOTY PARTY
The Krewe de Krazy Life & FantasyFesters Yahoo! Group created this get-together on Sunday evenings several years ago and it has grown each year to a point where police have had to close off Greene Street due to the overflow from the bar. Meet other Krewe members and enjoy the fun that only Capt. Tony’s can provide during the “calm before the storm” of Fantasy Fest week.
Monday, October 24
PINKING OF YOU!
Mingle with local celebrities and bid on one-of-a-kind bra inspired creations. The Fifth Annual “Pinking of You” Decorated Bra Auction is a great time for a great cause and has local artists transform bras into works of art, which are then modeled during a live auction to the highest bidder. All money raised will be donated to WomanKind, Inc. to provide breast cancer education and early detection through clinical breast exams.; 6:00 p.m. at the Westin Resort; 400 Front St.
KELLY'S KINKY KARNIVAL
Kelly’s Caribbean Restaurant is transformed into a bizarre venue where outlandish dreams can come to life. A cover charge and mandatory fetish costume gets you inside and once there you never know may happen. Last year, there was a burlesque floor show on the lower level, while upstairs there were demonstrations of various kinks and other taboo topics involving whips and other devices. Expect a large crowd and waiting at the various bars on site.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS FETISH-LEATHER PARTY
This leather-fetish party that’s definitely not for the timid or shy! At the 801 Bourbon Bar on Duval Street or (305)293-9800 for more information. Starts at 9 pm and goes to ????. A cover charge is required.
CAPT. TONY'S RUBBER FETISH BALL
Similar to Kelly's events and happenings on a smaller, more intimate scale. Not for the timid or shy. From 9 pm to ??? at Capt. Tony's Saloon on Greene St. and its free.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
CAPT. TONY'S PARTY IN PLAID
This party caters to all exotic lifestyles and fantasies so wear your naughty or nice plaid to attract old friends or to
stimulate the new. Everyone is invited and expect great music and drinks, plaid
costumes, exotic people. 428 Greene St, 8 PM Free
REDDY ICE FANTASY FAÇADE ™ COMPETITION
Festively decorated homes and businesses compete for cash throughout Key West so be sure to look around when
doing your daily walk-abouts, bike-abouts, and drive-abouts.
FREE OFFICIAL FANTASY FEST POSTER SIGNING PARTY
Meet-n-greet the award-winning artists of this year’s poster. Get up close and personal while having a lively libation or two; Crowne Plaza La Concha Hotel; 430 Duval St.; 5:00 p.m.; posters for sale. FREE OFFICIAL FANTASY FEST POSTER SIGNING PARTY
29TH ANNUAL HEADDRESS BALL: UNDER SEAS ODYSSEY
Don't miss this “over the top”adult-themed Headdress Contest that includes an extravagant show with cash prizes. Doors open at 7pm. Curtain at 8pm. Check www.headdressballkeywest.com for details at the Southernmost
Hotel on the Beach, 508 South Street. This event sells out, so please purchase tickets early. (305) 296-1520 or www.keystix.com
FINNEGAN'S WAKE GREEN PARTY
The ultimate Irish party starts at 7pm til earlye morning. Live Irish Music from Revels Glen. No cover if you wear green. Costume contest for 'Best Eco Green Wear'. Sign up for the Edamame Eating Contest; 320 Grinnell St.; 305-293-0222; www.keywestirish.com
WILD, WILD KEY WEST PARTY AT COWBOY BILLS
Cowboy Bills 1st annual Cowboys and Indians Party and be sure to dress in your best Wild, Wild Key West attire
because cash prizes will be given for the best costumes and for the bull riding competition! VIP seating available or watch the action live from our big screens! Drink specials all night. 610 ½ Duval St; 10 pm; (305)295-8219; www.cowboybills.com FREE
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
By Wednesday night the masses have arrived. The gargantuan crowd fills the bars and sidewalks and even pours into the streets. While there is only a single event planned for that evening, it won’t slow the pace at all. From now until the Fantasy Fest is over, some of the best parties will be found in the street. Almost everyone will be wearing some kind of costume and everyone in town will be in the mood to celebrate.
SWING & SKIN FREAK FEST PARTY
Freaky behavior dominates this affair. Charlie Sheen's own Goddess and adult film star, Bre Olson, invites the
adventurous and risque to personally interact with her and super hot exotic dancers in an adult entertainment club setting while dancing to guest DJ's. Dress in less sexy wear and enter the $700 Couples Pole Dancing Competition.
Limited number of tickets available to the public for this private, star-studded, red carpet Extravaganza. Tickets available at: www.keystix.com at Bare Assets 1029 Truman Ave; 305-304-1188; 10 pm; Cover charge.
MAD HATTER PARTY
An outlandish, whimsical evening at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar and Mad Hatter spectacle! Create a one of a kind head piece, whether it’s wickedly sexy or magically fun. Cash prizes for the Best Mad Hatter! 218 Duval Street; (305) 292-7770; Cover charge
PET MASQUERADE & PARADE
A magical carousel of frisky pets and playful owners delightfully disguised and ready to frolic for fame and fortune;
Registration for competition is at 4:30 pm; Show starts at 5:30pm; FREE to watch; $25 to enter; benefits Lower Keys Friends of Animals; Casa Marina Resort; 1500 Reynolds St. For more information call 305-304-1026 or quepasakeywest@hotmail.com
CELEBRITY LOOK-A-LIKE CONTEST
Do people always tell you that you remind them of someone famous? Well, then this is your event! Imitators of the famous and fabled vie for cash and prizes; Crowne Plaza La Concha Hotel; 430 Duval St.; Contestant sign up 8:00 p.m.; FREE to watch; FREE to enter.
DUNGEON OF DARK SECRETS and FETISHES
Embrace your darkest desires… come one and come all (boys & girls, boys & boys, girls & girls) to play
in our dungeon of fetishes! Play, voyeur, or take part in the show to unleash your darkest desires. Attire: PVC, leather, latex, uniform, period, levi, underwear, vintage, glam, cyber, burlesque, masks, wear as much or as little as you want, but dress to THRILL! 801 Bourbon Bar/Saloon 1, 801 Duval; (305) 293-9800; 9:00 p.m; Cover charge.
OVERBOARD'S AQUATIC EROTIC BUBBLE AFTER PARTY
Dive into the sexiest and most erotic party Key West has to offer!! Overboard's Aquatic Erotic Bubble After Party. Don't settle for the typical crowded, hot and sweaty dance scene when you can be refreshingly and luxuriously covered from head to toe with bubbles, while grinding with Mermaids, Titans and all other forms of Sexy Sea Creatures!! The after party starts at midnight with a Live DJ, drink specials and much more!!! Cover at the door. Overboard Bar & Grill, 712 Duval St.
FOGARTY'S RED NIGHT
Fogarty’s 10th Annual Red Party! Don’t miss this often imitated, but never duplicated party with a costume contest and door prizes! Live Band. 227 Duval St.; (305) 294-7525; 9:00 p.m.; $10 per person.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Many Fantasy Fest aficionados claim that Thursday night captures the true essence of the event. Throngs of devotees have arrived and are raring to let their hair down, but the young weekend warriors have yet to invade. There is a great mix of “pay to play” private parties, open parties and the party in the street has evolved into a friendly event that goes on for over a mile. While the city fathers don’t see fit to “formally” close Duval Street, the crowd will become so large that safety demands it and at that point the atmosphere becomes much more relaxed and people chill out just a little more, if that is possible.
Because of events like Pretenders in Paradise, Sloppy Joe’s Toga Party and the Monster Party at the Green Parrot, there will be an incredible variety of costumes from sophisticated and finely crafted works of art to bizarre little nothings. If you didn't plan ahead, a bed sheet from the hotel can serve as a fashionable toga. If that doesn’t feel right, you can always find a body painter that can make your wildest vision come alive.
COWBOY BILL'S 5TH ANNUAL GIT-R-WET T-SHIRT CONTEST
Catch the hottest ladies competing for $1500 in cash prizes in this over the top competition. Contestants model the finest and most creative cotton wet t-shirts. Drink Specials all night. VIP seating available or watch the action live from our big screens! 610 1/2 Duval street; 10 pm; (305)295-8219; www.cowboybills.com; Cover charge
EXPOSED AT THE BOURBON ST. PUB ADULT ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Looking for the most risqué party of Fantasy Fest 2011? This party really plays into the theme, “Aquatic Afrolic,” Pool, Hot Tub and Foam Party all out doors, under the stars, complete with a black out / black light dance party inside. This is all welcome and a clothing optional--Bare What You Dare party-- will include glow sticks, 2 DJ’s, dance floors, large projector screens (playing all your favorite fantasies), exotic dancers (male and female). VIP, front of the line, passes will be on sale at the New Orleans House starting October 1st; 9 pm - 4 am; 305-293-9800; 724 Duval St; www.Bourbonstpub.com
MONSTERS BALL
Sea serpents, mermaids and other bizarre creatures of the deep so dive into this annual costume party and explore some surreal fantasies and some-too-real fantasies at the Green Parrot Bar; 601 Whitehead St.; (305) 294-6133; www.greenparrot.com starting at 10:00 p.m.; FREE
PRETENDERS IN PARADISE
The legendary costume competition with $10,000 in cash and prizes! Combining extraordinary creative genius and performing energy; Pier House Resort & Caribbean Spa, beachside; www.pierhouse.com . Cover charge applied
SLOPPY JOE’S 28TH ANNUAL TOGA PARTY
“Still The Best Ancient Roman Party in Town!” To enter the contest, contestants must be dressed in toga and are
encouraged to use Fantasy Fest’s theme “Aquatic Afrolic” for inspiration. Three divisions: Groups/Couples - $500 first place prize; Men’s - $250 first place prize; and Women’s - $250 first place prize. Free to enter contest; registration at 8:00 p.m. and contest begins at 9:30 p.m.; 201 Duval St. There is a door charge.
DANTE'S 5TH ANNUAL HALOS & HORNS POOL PARTY AND WET T-SHIRT CONTEST
Whether you wear the halo of an ANGEL or prefer devilish HORNS, GET WET & WILD at Dante’s for a chance to win BIG $$$! Free body painting, Live Music, Great Giveaways, Fantastic food and drink specials & our one of a kind stage in the CENTER of the POOL! The party starts at NOON & goes till 6:00, pole dancing starts at 4:30; Dante’s Restaurant & Raw Bar; 951 Caroline St, next to the ferry terminal; VIP seating is available www.danteskeywest.com for more details
PAJAMA AND LINGERIE PARTY
The hottest Playboy model in the world Kristy Morgan from the reality TV show "Tila Tequila" encourages you to dress sexy for this skimpy affair. Enter the $700 Hugh Hefner and Marilyn Monroe look-a-like contest, plus enjoy guest D.J.'s live. This event is may sell out! Purchase advance VIP tickets online at www.keystix.com at Mangoes 700 Duval St; (305) 304-1188; 10 p.m. with cover charge
Friday, October 28, 2011
With Friday night comes the first wave of the invasion of the Weekend Warriors. Those are the ones who have read about Fantasy Fest on the Web and they want to observe it first hand, but in general they don’t appreciate the event and mostly choose not to actually participate. To some these (mostly) young and/or under-aged are an annoyance and some seasoned Festers avoid Duval Street altogether and instead concentrate the private parties.
That said, there is plenty to see & do all over town. The length of Duval Street becomes a daylong party. Food & drink vendors are surrounded by craft booths and hawkers selling last minute costume accessories. Many local charities
sell beer & wine to support their causes. Live music and shows take the stage in almost every block. In the late afternoon, two kitschy parades start at the cemetery gates and meander to a number of guest houses and hotels before arriving on Duval Street causing the crowds there to swell.
PIMP AND HO PARTY
Adult film star Ron Jeremy hosts this exotic dance party where you can enter the $700 Mr. Pimp and Ms. Ho costume contest, plus enjoy guest D.J.'s live. This event usually sells out. Purchase advance VIP tickets online at www.keystix.com at the Red Fish Blue Fish 407 Front St. (305)304-1188; 10 p.m. There is a cover charge
SOUTHERNMOST SIRENS, SEA NYMPHS AND SAILORS COSTUME CONTEST
Sirens, Sea Nymphs and Sailors Costume Contest of Poseidon's Paradise poolside at Southernmost on the Beach hotel at 508 South Street from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Registration begins at 3:00 p.m.; Contest starts at 4:30 p.m. Then at 6:00 p.m. join us for the Masquerade March Half Way Party - FREE.
11TH ANNUAL LIVING ART AIRBRUSH EXPO
Contestants will use the human form as a living canvas for artistic expression in competition for $2000 in cash;
drink specials and live entertainment! Painting and partying start at 6:00 p.m., judging begins at 9:00 p.m. Sunset Pier at Ocean Key Resort; (305) 295-7045; FREE; Backstage VIP tickets available at www.keystix.com
MASQUERADE MARCH
Join the crowd as they parade through Old Town with music and noisemakers! Thirst quenchers provided at selected guesthouses. Begins at the Key West Cemetery Frances Street entrance but revelers can join the mad march
anywhere along the two routes! Start marching at 5:00 p.m.; All welcome; FREE
FANTASY FEST STREET FAIR
Duval Street’s mile-long eater-tainment extravaganza features arts and crafts, food vendors, lively libations and
costumed frivolity; Noon to 10:00 p.m.
RUM BARREL'S 5TH ANNUAL PIRATE BASH
Dress and drink like a pirate at the Rum Barrel’s most outrageous pirate bash in the world! More than $1500 in cash
prizes for the best pirate and wench costumes, great music on the rooftop stage, and awesome rum specials. For more info call (305) 292-7862 or get piratical inspiration at www.rumbarrel.com from 9:00 p.m.
HAIR OF THE HOG, LEATHER AND LACE PARTY
Wake up with the hogs at our Bloody Mary Blow Out Breakfast! Wear your laciest lace or your luckiest leather
and win $$$! Grey Goose Bloody Mary bar, beer specials and continental breakfast buffet. Featuring the Hog’s Breath awesome breakfast burrito! For more information visit www.hogsbreath.com 400 Front St.; (305) 296-4222; 9:00 a.m. to noon
801 BOURBON BAR TEA DANCE
Plenty of sugar and spice at this “tea in the street” party; Live D.J., cool drinks, dancers, drag queens and celebrities;
(305) 294-4737; 801 Duval St.; 1:00 p.m.; FREE
FETISH & FANTASY PARTY AT THE ISLAND HOUSE FOR MEN
Envision yourself in a maze of mystery and excitement. Pursue your fantasies at the only all male event held during Fantasy Fest. This clothing optional event for adult men is co-sponsored by the Key West Wreckers. Come feel the thrill. Doors open at 9:00 pm. Clothes check provided. Purchase advance VIP tickets online at www.keystix.com at
1129 Fleming St - 305-294-6284
Saturday, October 29, 2011
On Saturday Key West Fantasy Fest goes into full bore meltdown. Early in the day Duval Street will look much like it did on Friday with the exception that the food vendors will be found on the side streets so that they can stay open for the parade and later. As the day progresses and the street fills, there will be more people in costume. Many will
have two costumes planned for Saturday; one for the daytime party in the street and another for the parade. On Saturday there is only one party planned, the Epidermal Arts at the Green Parrot, but in reality the real party is in the
streets throughout the downtown area.
Toward the end of the day Duval St. is cleared in Anticipation of the Grand Parade. You need to pick a side of the street you want to be on before the barricades go up because after that, it is almost impossible to cross. After the
street is cleared the crowds are pushed off onto the side streets and into the bars. After the parade Duval is again opened and costumed revelers party the night away until the bars close at 4AM.
CAPTAIN MORGAN FANTASY FEST PARADE
Join 70,000 frolicking partygoers as this year’s parade surfs down Duval Street. Featuring glittering floats, marching bands and dancing groups, it doesn’t get any wilder than this! Parade steps off at 7:00 p.m. www.fantasyfest.net/parade.cfm FREE to watch along the route
EPIDERMAL ARTS AND TORSO TAPESTRIES
Art lovers gather for this bona fide cultural event to determine the best-illustrated bodies. The battle of the
emblazoned bods elevates this art form to something aesthetic, creative and maybe even poetic; Green Parrot Bar at 601 Whitehead St.; (305) 294-6133; www.greenparrot.com from 2:00 p.m.; FREE
DUVAL STREET PROMENADE
Sassy entertainers, enticing food and spirited libations tempt costumed merrymakers as they party from the Gulf to the Atlantic; Noon to 10:30 p.m.; FREE
Sunday, October 30, 2011
“THE FAT LADY SINGS” TEA DANCE
As the saying goes, “It ain’t over ‘til the fat lady sings.” Everyone will be at La Te Da from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for the last official event of Fantasy Fest 2011. D.J. Junior provides the music for the very last hoorah. La Te Da Hotel, Restaurant, Cabaret and Bars at 1125 Duval St.; (305) 296-6706; $5 cover charge
CHILDREN'S DAY
A family event featuring food, games, arts and crafts and a costume contest for children. Bayview Park at Truman Ave. and Eisenhower Dr.; Noon - 5 p.m.; 305-292-8912
2011 DAILY DIVERSIONS IN KEY WEST
CARNIVALE FOR CARNIVORES
Take a trip to Brazil without leaving the Florida Keys by dining at Braza Lena, an authentic Churrascaria! With 16 Premium cuts of meat, a salad bar extravaganza and a new bar menu, Open 5 pm-10 pm
FANTASY CYBER SOUVENIRS
Visit the Fantasy Fest Store anytime at www.fantasyfest.net for memorabilia with official posters, t-shirts, and limited addition medallions. To purchase the Official 2010 t-shirt please call Keyboard Advertising at 305-292-9315.
INDECENT EXPOSURE
Party like Adam and Eve day and night at the Garden of Eden, clothing optional rooftop bar, above the Bull & Whistle on the corner of Caroline and Duval in the 200 block. Body painting; Open 10 am to 4 am everyday; A cover charge will usually apply.
SMOKIN' HOT TUNA PARTY!
Whether you are a "Smokin' Hot Tuna" or you like chasin' Hot Tuna come and join us daily at the Smokin' Tuna Saloon for killer daily happy hour prices and drink specials from 5-7 pm. Open daily from 10 am till 2 am.
Also, be sure to read my Tips for 1st-timers to Key West and Fantasy Fest.
Take care, travel safe and have safe fun! :-).
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