Fantasy Fest

In 2017 We’ve Got the Keys was awarded the coveted job of producing Key West’s world-famous Fantasy Fest. As an expression of characteristic Key West imagination, Fantasy Fest began in 1979 with just a small parade winding down Duval Street to attract tourists to the island during a then seasonally slow time. Over the years Fantasy Fest has grown into a 10 day celebration of artistic inspiration spawning the zombie bike ride, a masquerade march, a headdress ball, vibrant street fairs, themed parties to encourage creative costuming and the fascinating Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade that now boasts over 50 innovative floats and entrants that dazzle the crowds lining the sidewalks and filling the balconies of famed Duval Street. An annual contest is held to theme the festival and design a poster to stimulate the imaginations of the thousands of personalities that escape the real world and immerse themselves in a carnival of costuming that exists only in Key West.    

“Come one, come all. Key West lives by its official motto “One Human Family” and welcomes everyone to come party regardless of age, gender, race and orientation. The overall rule of thumb: It’s a fantasy, so treat it that way.”  - Jim Werner, Huffington Post  

" For the first time in decades, the fest, which began in 1979, is being produced by a new team intent on returning the spirit of the celebration to the creative, quirky local culture for which Key West is famous.
Festival director Nadene Grossman Orr has played an integral role in the growth and success of the island’s annual Songwriters Festival in May. Her team includes Lindsey Sigafoos as assistant director and Marky Pierson as art director."  - Shayne Benowitz, Miami.com

"Key West has an undeniable 'party town' label, but when Fantasy Fest, the annual Mardi Gras-like Halloween mash-up, hits the streets at the end of October, the colorful island truly lives up to its legendary reputation."  - Claudia Miller, 10Best (a division of USA TODAY)