If you lived in Key West in 1979 and were in town in October, that meant a couple things. One, you couldn’t afford to leave for a cooler summertime climate, so by October, you were likely strapped financially, following the summertime departure of tourists and arrival of hurricanes. Second, you were about to witness the historic start of what would become the biggest annual party in town.
In the summer of 1979, Bill Conkle and Tony Falcone (owners of the former and cherished Fast Buck Freddie’s gift and department store on Duval Street ), along with Joe Liszka and Frank Romano (founders and longtime owners of Key West Aloe), recognized the annual, agonizing summertime slowdown. By October, sales had slumped and snowbirds wouldn’t return until the holidays. For bartenders, restaurateurs, artists and musicians, October was particularly bleak. The town needed to raise not only money, but also its spirits. It needed … a parade.
The brain trust of Conkle, Falcone, Romano and Liszka brought forth a late-October celebration to coincide with Halloween and moved quickly to make it happen. The first Fantasy Fest was a small, three-day affair with a parade consisting of just 22 floats. But it served its purpose beautifully — people drank, spent money and had a fantastic time. Mission accomplished.
The party stuck and returned every year, jolting the economy at the end of low season, and culminating each time with an outlandish parade. In the ensuing decades, the festival in general and the parade specifically, have grown exponentially, with the finale parade attracting an estimated average of 60,000 spectators each year, while the 10-day festival as a whole generates tens of millions of dollars in revenue. The parade is now sponsored by Deep Eddy Vodka, providing more funds for the grand finale of Fantasy Fest — and more vodka/ soda cocktails to the costumed masses.
On Saturday, Oct. 24, the reliably impressive procession steps off at 7 p.m.from Truman Waterfront Park, led by Grand Marshal Mike Stack, who plans to bring the theme of “Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals” to life with a nonstop concert for the duration of the parade path. If past years are any indication, the 2026 Deep Eddy Fantasy Fest Parade promises at least 60 unique floats and group entries, including walking ensembles and kinetic sculptures. Each entry will have its own adoring fanbase, but will also be looking to impress the judges. Parade entries are eligible for $20,000 in cash prizes awarded in multiple categories: Directors’ Choice ($1,000), Best Bicycle ($1,000), Best Live Music ($1,500), Best Walking Group ($2,000), Best Interpretation of Theme ($2,500), Best in Costume ($3,000), Best in Entertainment ($3,000) and Best Overall (Grand Prize, $6,000).
In 1979, all someone had to do was shake off their hangover and wander downtown to catch the parade. In 2026, the night requires a little more logistical planning to navigate the throngs of revelers and secure the best spot — to catch the best and most beads. Traditionally, the parade stages at Truman Waterfront and marches onto Southard Street through the Truman Annex neighborhood, then hooks a left onto Whitehead, a right onto Front, and then makes a final, fateful right turn into the deafening roar of Duval Street. The parade snakes its way up the entire length of Duval to United Street, effectively stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic. Naturally, this means several blocks of many downtown streets will be entirely closed to vehicles, and pedestrian crossings of Duval Street will only be allowed at designated intersections. So you’d be well advised to find a viewing spot and settle in — and there are several options. Most visitors will opt to just grab some curb and sit or stand for the parade. For those seeking a little more service and comfort, local bars and businesses like Bourbon Street Pub, Mangoes and First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery offer VIP packages that include drinks, food and unfettered views.
After the last float glides by and the theme for next year is announced, the fun shifts to scores of after-parties up and down Duval and throughout Old Town. The parties last until the pre-dawn hours, when the street sweepers start their Herculean cleanup effort.
If the post-party post partum is too strong the next morning, try recovering at a refreshing pool party hosted by one of the local hotels. Oh, and drop off your beads for recycling. Trust us on this one. The shiny strands that felt so essential last night lose their luster at sunrise. Then they become something else to be crammed into your suitcase.
Fortunately for all of us — and the planet — the nonprofit Monroe Association for Remarkable Citizens (MARC) years ago launched a bead-recycling program. The nonprofit organization that teaches and employs developmentally disabled adults collects Fantasy Fest beads after the parade. MARC clients sanitize them in industrial dishwashers, then detangle, sort and bundle the beads to be resold next year to raise money for MARC.
Beads can be dropped off at several Key West locations: the MARC Plant Store, 1401 Seminary St.; Key West Business Guild, 808 Duval St.; the Key West Chamber of Commerce, 510 Greene St.; We’ve Got the Keys, 922 Caroline St.; Hemingway Social Club, 201 Simonton St.; Key West Woman’s Club, 319 Duval St.; and the Eco Discovery Center, 35 Quay Road at Truman Waterfront.
So once you end your Fantasy Fest with a good deed, there’s only one thing left to do. Head to La Te Da for the last dance at “The Fat Lady Sings” Tea Dance from 4 to 8 p.m. — and start planning next year’s costume.
