Known as a haven for sun-seekers, Key West might seem an unlikely place for creatures of the dark to congregate — unless it’s for the annual Zombie Bike Ride. Thousands of “the undead” will prowl and pedal their way along the island’s Atlantic shoreline and Old Town streets on Sunday, Oct. 20, during the eerie yet oddly lighthearted event.
Since its inception in 2010, the pre-Halloween ride has become a tradition for visiting and local adults, kids and even a few pets. Many wear “traditional” gory zombie garb paired with scary face and body paint, while others are creatively costumed as everything from clowns and skeletons to blood-stained brides in ragged finery.
The spectacle starts at 2 p.m., when “Zombieland” opens on the grounds of Fort East Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd., a reputedly haunted Civil War-era fort overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
The afternoon’s attractions include food and drink vendors, as well as on-site face and body painters to help transform attendees into unnerving zombies. A Kids Zone offers age-appropriate activities, including multiple bounce houses.
Key West’s zombies will board their bicycles at 6 p.m. With spectators lining the streets, they’ll bike down South Roosevelt Boulevard beside the Atlantic Ocean, past Higgs Beach, through Old Town and along Duval Street.
The antics culminate in the ZombieFest After Party at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, at Truman Waterfront. Admission is free and scheduled attractions include food vendors, a full bar and three bands — Electric Kif, Sueñalo and Afrobeta.
The Zombie Bike Ride takes place on the first weekend of Key West’s annual Fantasy Fest costuming and masking festival, a 10-day extravaganza scheduled Oct. 18-27.
Registration to ride is $10 per person and includes admission to “Zombieland.”More information is at zombiebikeride.com.
