A Local’s Guide to Fantasy Fest in Key West


Welcome to Fantasy Fest, Key West’s most vibrant and lively event of the year! We get a ton of interest and questions about Fantasy Fest. If you’re planning to join the fun, here’s our local guide to navigating the week-long extravaganza like a pro.

Before the Fantasy Zone: The First Weekend

Fantasy Fest kicks off with a bang, but keep in mind the actual events officially start on Monday. The first weekend is a bit more subdued, with costumes being less risqué but still fun. It’s a great time to ease into the festivities and get a feel for the atmosphere without jumping straight into the deep end.

Sunday: Zombie Bike Ride

Start your Fantasy Fest experience with the iconic Zombie Bike Ride. It’s a thrilling spectacle as thousands of participants don their best zombie attire and cruise through the streets of Key West. The ride ends at the ZombieFest Street Party, a perfect place to kick off your week with some ghoulish fun.

Monday: Kink Party

Monday night turns up the heat with the Kink Parties. These events are for the adventurous, featuring daring outfits and an open-minded crowd. It’s a night of liberation and expression, so let your creativity and wild side shine.

Tuesday: Tutu Tuesday

Tutu Tuesday is a whimsical and colorful event where everyone dons their most fabulous tutus. It’s a light-hearted and playful day, perfect for creative costumes and lots of laughter. Don’t forget your tutu!

Wednesday: Boat Day and Glow Party

Wednesday is our day to hit the water. A boat day is a must, offering a refreshing break from the crowded streets (and all those clothes) and a chance to enjoy the stunning Key West waters. Afterward, join the Glow Party, where neon outfits and glowing accessories take center stage. It’s a neon dreamland that ties perfectly into this year’s theme, “90’s Neon Cosmic Carnival.”

Thursday: Halos N’ Horns

Thursday daytime brings the Halos N’ Horns event, in our opinion, one of the most fun and energetic parties of the week. Whether you’re an angel or a devil, this event is a highlight with its playful costumes (or lack thereof, its clothing optional) and a sexy pool party atmosphere.

Friday: The Locals Parade

Friday is all about celebrating the local spirit with the Locals Parade. It’s a more relaxed and intimate event compared to the main parade on Saturday, giving you a taste of the community’s unique charm and creativity.

Saturday: The Grand Parade

Saturday is the climax of Fantasy Fest with the Grand Parade. As locals, we usually participate by being on a float, but whether you’re in the parade or watching from the sidelines, it’s an unforgettable experience filled with extravagant floats, elaborate costumes, and non-stop entertainment.

Pro Tips for Fantasy Fest

  1. Theme Flexibility: While each year there is an official theme, feel free to let your imagination run wild. Many people choose their own themes, so there’s no pressure to stick strictly to it.
  2. Fanny Packs: With costumes often lacking pockets, a fanny pack is a lifesaver. It’s perfect for carrying your essentials while keeping your hands free for dancing and drinks.
  3. Reusable Tumbler: A reusable tumbler is not only eco-friendly but also convenient for keeping your favorite beverage handy as you navigate the festivities. Key West is one of the few places you can wander the streets and festivities with an adult beverage in hand, just no glass.

Final Thoughts

Above all, Fantasy Fest is about having fun and embracing the spirit of Key West. Show up with an open mind and be ready for an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a first-time visitor, Fantasy Fest offers a unique blend of creativity, community, and sheer joy that you won’t find anywhere else.

For more detailed schedules and event information, check out Fantasy Fest’s official website.

For all the sexiest fun and private parties, be sure to sign up plenty in advance on Key West Lifestyle to allow time for vetting and once vetted, be sure to join our chat group, where man y of our members are making plans all year long. See you on the streets of Key West!

Single Guys in the Lifestyle

When we started our meet and greets two years ago, we wanted to be completely inclusive and opened our events to everyone. We thought, what’s the deal with all of this stigma against single guys in the lifestyle? Several of the women in our host couples enjoy playing with the occasional single guy. We can be different.

Well, fast forward two years and boy have we learned a lot about why so many clubs have the “no single guys” rule. We’ve honestly had only a handful of small incidents in our two years, but guess what – all of them centered around single males.

So today, we wanted to share both some thoughts on why this struggle exists and how you as a single guy might help change that trend and in return have yourself a better experience in the lifestyle.

Why some single guys might face challenges or receive less attention compared to couples or single women:

  1. Imbalance of supply and demand: In many swinging communities, there tends to be a higher number of single men compared to single women or couples. This can create an imbalance in the supply and demand of available partners, leading to competition and potentially fewer opportunities for single men.
  2. Perception of intentions: Some people may perceive single men as being more focused on sexual encounters rather than building connections or engaging in the social aspects of swinging. This perception can lead to caution or reluctance in engaging with single men. This is something we’ve seen at our events on multiple occasions. As one of our hosts said, don’t be so thirsty.
  3. Trust and safety concerns: Swinging often involves engaging in intimate activities with multiple partners. Couples and single women may prioritize a sense of trust, safety, and familiarity when choosing potential partners. Single men may face additional scrutiny or skepticism as a result.

But fear not. There’s hope. To overcome these challenges and enhance your experience as a single guy in the swinger lifestyle, consider the following:

  1. Invest in building connections: Focus on establishing meaningful connections with others in the swinging community. Building trust, rapport, and friendships can increase your chances of being included in social and sexual encounters.
  2. Be respectful and patient: Respect others’ boundaries, be courteous, and avoid being pushy or aggressive. Patience is crucial as it may take time to find compatible partners.
  3. Enhance your profile and presentation: Pay attention to your online profiles or social media presence. Highlight your interests, personality, and what you bring to the swinging community. Additionally, present yourself well in terms of personal grooming and attire when attending swinger events. Honestly, we can’t believe we have to say this, but multiple single guys we’ve encountered would be greatly helped by taking a shower before coming out. We’re in a hot environment, don’t roll into a sexy event straight from work my dudes.
  4. Attend swinger events and meetups: Participate in the local swinger events, parties, or meetups that we do welcome single guys to. Engage in conversations, be social, and show genuine interest in getting to know others.
  5. Consider joining swinger communities or websites: Join reputable swinger websites or online communities where you can connect with others who are open to engaging with single men. These platforms often provide opportunities to meet couples or single women interested in exploring swinging. Be honest and re-read number 3 and put some effort into your profile.

Remember that each person’s experiences and preferences may vary, as a single guy you’re going to have to work a bit harder than a couple (and infinitely harder than a single woman, but more on that later). It’s essential to approach the swinging lifestyle with respect, open communication, and a willingness to learn and adapt.

What is the “Lifestyle”

Swinging, or the practice of non-monogamous sexual activities with other couples or individuals, has been around for decades. However, it has only recently gained more mainstream attention, especially with the rise of online dating and social media. One term that is often associated with swinging is “lifestyle,” which refers to the unique beliefs, values, and behaviors that swingers typically adopt.

When used to refer to swingers, the term “lifestyle” is often used to emphasize the fact that swinging is not just about having casual sex with other people. Instead, it is seen as a way of life that involves a wide range of social and cultural activities, such as attending swingers parties, visiting swinger clubs, and engaging in other forms of group sex.

At its core, the swinging lifestyle is all about openness, communication, and mutual respect. Swingers are typically very open-minded and comfortable with their sexuality, and they are often able to explore their desires and fantasies in a safe and supportive environment. They value honesty and transparency in their relationships, and they are often very skilled at communicating their needs and boundaries to their partners.

One of the key features of the swinging lifestyle is the emphasis on consent and mutual respect. Swingers are very careful to ensure that everyone involved in a sexual encounter is comfortable and willing, and they take great care to establish boundaries and rules that everyone can agree on. This helps to ensure that everyone involved in a swinging encounter feels safe and respected, and it helps to prevent any misunderstandings or hurt feelings.

Another important aspect of the swinging lifestyle is the emphasis on discretion and privacy. Swingers are often very careful to keep their activities private and confidential, and they take great care to protect their identities and personal information. This helps to ensure that they can enjoy their sexual encounters without fear of judgment or discrimination.

Overall, the term “lifestyle” is a useful way of describing the unique culture and values that are associated with swinging. It emphasizes the fact that swinging is not just about sex, but about creating a supportive and accepting community of like-minded individuals who share similar values and beliefs. Whether you are a seasoned swinger or just curious about the lifestyle, KeyWestLS.com offers a unique and exciting way to explore your sexuality and connect with others while you’re visiting Key West.