Key West Halloween Events and Parties in 2024

As Halloween approaches, Key West becomes a vibrant hub for spooky celebrations, with its tropical charm blending seamlessly with eerie excitement.

Known for its lively nightlife and festive atmosphere, Key West transforms into a Halloween paradise, offering a wide range of events and parties that cater to locals and tourists alike.

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or thrilling late-night adventures, Key West has something for everyone this Halloween season.

From iconic parades to costume contests, haunted attractions, and lively street parties, the island city promises an unforgettable experience. Let’s dive into some of the top activities and places to visit during Halloween 2024 in Key West.

Brief Overview Of Events And Parties In Key West

Event Name	Date	Time	Venue
Fantasy Fest 2024	October 18-27, 2024	Varies by event	Throughout Key West
Fantasy Fest Parade	October 26, 2024	7:00 PM	Duval Street
Masquerade March	October 25, 2024	5:30 PM	Duval Street and surrounding
Zombie Bike Ride	October 20, 2024	6:00 PM	Starts at East Martello Tower
Pet Masquerade	October 23, 2024	5:30 PM	Truman Waterfront Park
Headdress Ball	October 24, 2024	8:00 PM	Truman Waterfront Park
Haunted Fort at Fort Zachary Taylor	October (Ongoing)	8:00 AM – Sundown	Fort Zachary Taylor
Halloween Lights & Sights Tour	October 2024 (Select nights)	Varies	Throughout Key West

For more details on these events, including tickets and full schedules, you can check the following links:

1. Fantasy Fest Schedule 2024
2. Ghosts & Gravestones Tours

1. Fantasy Fest 2024

1. Date: October 18-27, 2024
2. Time: Varies by event
3. Venue: Throughout Key West (Duval Street, bars, and various outdoor locations)
   
4. Ticket Price: Some events are free, others may have ticket prices ranging from $20 to $100+, depending on the specific party or parade.

Fantasy Fest is a 10-day extravaganza of costumes, street parties, and themed events. Signature highlights include masquerade balls, live performances, and local artistry. Fantasy Fest is known for its wide range of adult-oriented events and diverse celebrations, making it one of the most exciting Halloween events in Key West.

2. Fantasy Fest Parade

1. Date: October 26, 2024
2. Time: 7:00 PM
3. Venue: Duval Street
4. Ticket Price: Free to watch

The Fantasy Fest Parade is the crowning jewel of the week-long celebration, featuring incredible floats, costumes, and performances that parade down Duval Street. The streets will be packed with spectators, and it’s one of the most anticipated events in Key West during Halloween​.

3. Masquerade March

1. Date: October 25, 2024
2. Time: 5:30 PM
3. Venue: Starts at the Key West Cemetery and weaves through Duval Street
4. Ticket Price: Free to participate

This parade-like event brings costumed participants through the streets of Key West, making stops at local watering holes. It’s an open event, welcoming anyone dressed in costume, making it a lively and interactive part of the Fantasy Fest.

4. Zombie Bike Ride

1. Date: October 20, 2024
2. Time: 6:00 PM
3. Venue: Starts at East Martello Tower and rides through Key West
4. Ticket Price: Free to join, but bike rentals may cost around $20

A family-friendly yet spooky tradition, the Zombie Bike Ride is an all-ages event where participants dress up as zombies and take over the streets on their bicycles. The ride ends with an after-party at the Southernmost Beach Café.

5. Pet Masquerade

1. Date: October 23, 2024
2. Time: 5:30 PM
3. Venue: Truman Waterfront Park
4. Ticket Price: $25 for registration (to participate with a pet); free for spectators

This family-friendly event invites people to dress their pets in the most creative costumes. The contest awards prizes for the most inventive and humorous outfits. It’s an excellent opportunity for pet lovers to enjoy Halloween with their furry friends.

6. Headdress Ball

1. Date: October 24, 2024
2. Time: 8:00 PM
3. Venue: Truman Waterfront Park
4. Ticket Price: General Admission: $45; VIP seating: $500+

A night filled with creativity and flamboyant headpieces, the Headdress Ball is one of the most glamorous events during Fantasy Fest. Participants create elaborate headgear, and awards are given for the most dazzling designs. It’s a dazzling showcase of imagination and fun​.

7. Haunted Fort at Fort Zachary Taylor

1. Date: Throughout October (ongoing)
2. Time: 8:00 AM – Sundown
3. Venue: Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
4. Ticket Price: $5 per person (entrance to the park)

Fort Zachary Taylor transforms into a haunted experience during the month of October. Visitors can explore the fort, learn about its haunted history, and enjoy guided ghost tours that dive deep into the spooky legends of the fort​.

8. Halloween Lights & Sights Tour

1. Date: Select nights in October
2. Time: Varies
3. Venue: Throughout Key West (guided tour)
4. Ticket Price: Around $45 per person

A guided tour through the eeriest and most decorated spots in Key West, this is a perfect event for those who want to see the spookier side of the island while also learning some local history. It’s a great option for families or those looking for a less crowded way to enjoy the Halloween season​.

Activities or Things to Do in Key West

When it comes to Halloween activities, Key West has no shortage of options. One of the highlights is the Fantasy Fest, an annual 10-day party filled with over-the-top costumes, lively parades, and themed events.

Starting in late October and running up to Halloween, Fantasy Fest offers everything from elaborate masquerade balls to street fairs and zombie bike rides.

For those seeking a spine-tingling experience, the Ghost Tours of Key West provide a guided journey through the island’s most haunted locations, recounting eerie tales of past residents and mysterious happenings.

If you’re more into active adventures, the Zombie Bike Ride is a must-do. Participants dress as the undead and take over the streets of Key West in a fun, quirky event that’s perfect for all ages.

Best Spots to Visit During Halloween in Key West

Key West’s vibrant nightlife and unique venues make it the perfect place to celebrate Halloween. Duval Street is the heart of the action, known for its lively bars and clubs that host themed parties, costume contests, and live music events.

Stop by iconic spots like Sloppy Joe’s Bar and Rick’s Bar, where Halloween festivities reach a whole new level with crowd-filled dance floors and prizes for the best-dressed. Another must-visit location is the Southernmost Point, which hosts several family-friendly events, including pumpkin carvings and arts and crafts.

For those interested in history, a visit to the Key West Cemetery offers a spooky yet educational experience, with stories of the island’s past residents making for a hauntingly memorable tour.

Conclusion

Key West is undeniably one of the most exciting places to celebrate Halloween in 2024. From the elaborate Fantasy Fest Parade to family-friendly events like the Pet Masquerade and spooky haunted tours, there’s something for everyone.

The island’s vibrant nightlife and lively atmosphere make it a top destination for anyone looking to experience Halloween in a tropical setting. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Key West’s unique blend of costumes, parades, and parties promises an unforgettable Halloween experience.

FAQs

Celebration News

1. Halloween Celebrations in Venezuela 2024
2. Kings Island Halloween Haunt 2024
3. Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade
4. Halloween Celebrations in Costa Rica 2024
5. Halloween Celebrations in Colombia 2024
6. Halloween Celebrations In Meadow Bridge, West Virginia 2024