Fur to Fly in Key West During Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — The fur is certain to fly in Key West Wednesday, Oct. 23, when costumed canines, felines in fancy dress, and other crazy critters unleash their “animal magnetism” before hordes of spectators during the Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade.
The offbeat costume competition for pets and their people is a traditional highlight of Key West’s Fantasy Fest celebration that takes place Friday, Oct. 18, through Sunday, Oct. 27.
A favorite event of kids and families, the animal extravaganza presented by Florida Keys Media is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater in Truman Waterfront Park, 21 E. Quay Road.
Contestants in the madcap masquerade are encouraged to design their costumes around the 2024 Fantasy Fest theme, “It’s a 90s Neon Cosmic Carnival!” — possibly portraying characters from the decade’s film classics like “101 Dalmations,” escapees from a furry funhouse or “space cadets” roaming the cosmos.
Each year, the event draws several dozen dogs, cats and avian contestants — plus the occasional rabbit, pot-bellied pig or snake. Entries typically range from simple pet-and-person duos to exuberant ensembles featuring multiple animals and humans performing skits or musical numbers.
A panel of judges evaluates the entries, awarding prizes in categories including top junior contestants, most exotic, best theme adaptation, best pet-owner look-alikes and overall winner.
Standouts in last year’s masquerade included a canine "Trojan horse" containing a doggy duo in Roman soldier uniforms, two "sailor" pugs with their human captain, and a family staging a "Smokey the Bear" skit with a 13-year-old Newfoundland portraying Smokey.
Registration for competitors begins at 5 p.m. and the fee is $25 per category.
General admission for spectators is free, with ample seating and space for attendees’ blankets or lawn chairs. Food and beverages are to be available for purchase on-site.
Proceeds from the Pet Masquerade benefit the Florida Keys’ Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm.
Event information: facebook.com/keywestpetmasquerade
Pugs Angelo, left, and Barbie are costumed as sailors to compete in the 2023 Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade in Key West. Photos by Rob O'Neal.
A group of people and pets perform their Beetlejuice spoof during a previous year's Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade.
A standout from the 2023 Pet Masquerade was a family staging a Smokey the Bear skit with a 13-year-old Newfoundland portraying Smokey.
A Havanese dog sports sunglasses and a tutu during a past Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade.