‘Zombies’ to Roam Key West Shore and Streets Oct. 20

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Known as a haven for sun-seekers, Key West might seem an unusual place for creatures of the dark to congregate — except, that is, during the annual Zombie Bike Ride. Thousands of “the bicycling dead” are to prowl the island’s Atlantic Ocean shoreline and streets Sunday, Oct. 20, during the eerie yet oddly lighthearted event. 

Since its inception in 2010, the pre-Halloween ride has become a tradition that typically features 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 evil clowns and skeletons to fearsome brides in ragged finery. 

The spooky spectacle is to begin at 2 p.m. when “Zombieland” opens on the grounds of Fort East Martello Museum, a reputedly haunted historic site overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd. 

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 is to offer age-appropriate activities, multiple bounce houses and fun.  

Often portrayed staggering through dark cemeteries, Key West’s zany zombies are to trade pedestrian power for pedal power at 6 p.m. Applauded by scores of spectators, they’ll bike down South Roosevelt Boulevard beside the Atlantic Ocean, past Higgs Beach, into Key West’s picturesque Old Town and along popular Duval Street. 

The unearthly antics are to culminate in the ZombieFest After Party at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, 21 E. Quay Road. Admission is free and scheduled attractions include food vendors, a full bar, and three huge bands — Electric Kif, Sueñalo and Afrobeta — rocking the Zombie Stage. 

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 Friday, Oct. 18, through Sunday, Oct. 27.

Registration to ride is $10 per person and includes admission to “Zombieland.” 

Zombie Bike Ride event and registration information: zombiebikeride.com