Since 1979, Fantasy Fest has been Key West’s largest and most exuberant festival — a chance for people to cast aside their “real-world” identities, dress in creative costumes and masks, and immerse themselves in elaborate parties, parades and themed revelry.
Begun by a group of local merchants who hoped to attract visitors and income to the island during a then-slow period, Fantasy Fest was originally a two-day party featuring a food fair and a parade.
With enthusiastic support from Key West businesses, it quickly grew into an annual 10-day extravaganza that became internationally renowned for its creative flair, only-in-Key-West quirkiness, exotic masquerade galas, and grand parade featuring fabulous floats and lavishly costumed marching groups.
Each year, a different theme sets the festival’s tone — like Bedtime Stories & Magical Monsters, the theme for 2025’s Oct. 17-26 frivolity. Also each year, businesses, working residents and nonprofit organizations benefit from the influx of people eager to explore “fantasy island” and experience its one-of-a-kind appeal.
Fantasy Fest highlights include Goombay, a rollicking two-night street festival that celebrates Key West’s Bahamian heritage; a wacky Pet Masquerade for costumed critters; the exotic Headdress Ball; a Masquerade March through historic Old Town; and the huge and glitzy highlight parade.
Of course it wouldn’t be Fantasy Fest without plenty of libations, and that’s where the Key West Cooking Show’s Bar 1 takes center stage. On Tuesday, Oct. 21 (better known as Tutu Tuesday), Bar 1’s master mixologist Brad Rouge will host two cocktail classes designed for tutu-wearing fantasy fans.
Revelers can experience fun-filled “Rum Revelation” classes at either noon or 2 p.m. at Bar 1, 291 Front St. Participants will learn about the Caribbean origins and historical context of rum, the different types of the “spirit” that helped define Key West, and the story behind Captain Morgan’s rums — long associated with Fantasy Fest and named for Sir Henry Morgan, a real-life 17th-century privateer.
After rum tastings and cocktail samplings, Rouge will show participants how to concoct two rum-based favorites while they mix their own to enjoy with new friends in the class.
All attendees will receive Fantasy Fest “swag bags” full of themed surprises. Patrons must wear clothing or costumes rather than painted-on body art (but please, no glitter!), and tutus are encouraged but not mandatory.
However, reservations for the special Fantasy Fest classes ARE mandatory, and available at https://keystix.com/calendar/rumrevelation.
Last Call
Drink of the month: Goombay Smash. Salute the Bahama Village Goombay Celebration by drinking a sweet and fruity Goombay Smash. To craft it according to the Key West Woman’s Club Cookbook recipe, combine classic rum and coconut rum, apricot liqueur, pineapple juice and cherry syrup. Shake the mixture with ice, strain it into a glass over fresh ice, and garnish it with a pineapple wedge and a cherry.
Helpful bar hack: How do you make perfect pineapple wedges to garnish cocktails? With the skin on, cut the pineapple lengthwise into halves and then quarters. After trimming away the fruit’s core, slice each quarter into thin wedges.
Thirsty for more? Visit keywestcookingshow.com or call 305-294-COOK.
