According to paranormal expert David Sloan, Key West is one of the most haunted cities in the entire United States. Visitors can discovery the island's “haunting” appeal for themselves by experiencing David's "ghost hunt" walking tour, taking an eerie excursion by trolley, "meeting" a supposedly supernatural doll or even staying in a lovely inn with a spirit guest or two.
Key West's exotic Fantasy Fest is internationally recognized for its elaborate costume competitions, street fairs, masquerade balls and lavish grand parade. Fantasy Fest 2018 takes place Oct. 19-28 — and it’s an unprecedented display of Key West’s creativity, individuality and flamboyant spirit. The 10-day gala offers revelers a world-class chance to leave the "real world" behind and immerse themselves in fantasy.
Thousands of costumed revelers will promenade through Key West's historic Old Town Oct. 26 during the offbeat Masquerade March, a highlight of the annual Fantasy Fest costuming and masking festival. Famed as “the locals’ parade,” the march typically draws spirited bands and merrymakers wearing everything from lavish feathered and sequined creations to quirky ensembles inspired by the festival theme.
The over-the-top Headdress Ball brings unmatched creativity and spectacular entries to the new Key West Amphitheater at Truman Waterfront Park. Featuring high-quality entertainment and glamorous flair, the gala is the leading LGBTQ event during the island’s fabulous Fantasy Fest masking and costuming festival — and it’s a can’t-miss treat.
How does it feel to a have an up-close and personal encounter with two exotic pink flamingos? Nature lovers can find out during the exclusive “Flamingle” experience at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory — believed to be the only butterfly facility in the entire United States that also houses flamingos.
It's sea turtle nesting and hatching season in the Florida Keys — AND two sea turtles rehabilitated at Marathon's Turtle Hospital were recently released to take part in the famed Tour de Turtles. Keys visitors and residents are buzzing about heartwarming video of brand-new hatchlings and the chance to track the Tour de Turtles "competitors" online.
Key West’s legendary Fantasy Fest is coming up Oct. 19-28 with a roster of world-class festivities. This year's theme is “Oh … The Games We Play!” — and the over-the-top costuming, unparalleled parties and amazing energy generated by the festival will impress even the most seasoned party animals out there (you know who you are!).
Divers in the Lower Keys can explore wonders such as Looe Key Reef, one of the most beautiful shallow reefs to be found, and the 210-foot Adolphus Busch Sr. Intentionally sunk as an artificial reef in December 1998, today the Busch is populated by marine life including huge southern stingrays, reef sharks and massive schools of tarpon.
Key West's Womenfest, taking place Sept. 5-9, is renowned as one of North America’s largest gatherings of lesbians and their friends. It was created to allow singles, couples and groups of women to experience camaraderie, adventures on land and sea, live entertainment and lively celebrations for “Party Girls.”
Paula Deen’s husband, Michael Groover, looks a lot like Ernest Hemingway. So much, in fact, that he triumphed over 150 other entrants to win the 2018 Sloppy Joe’s Hemingway® Look-Alike Contest, the undisputed highlight of Key West’s annual Hemingway Days festival.