While most schools across the country prepare for “Halloweekend,” University of Miami students are recovering from theirs. Fantasy Fest, which is an annual 10-day Halloween celebration in Key West, is also a famed Miami tradition.
Cheekily dubbed “The Great Migration”, the weekend before Halloween UM students pack into their cars and make the three-hour trek through the Florida Keys to Key West, where they spend the weekend participating in costume and street celebrations. Key West’s infamous Duval Street is transformed for the event, with local restaurants, bars, and storefronts joining in on the festivities.
While Fantasy Fest dates back to 1979, for new University of Miami students not from Florida, it may be intimidating to hear about. Between putting together costumes, booking accommodations weeks in advance, and figuring out how to get all the way to Key West, what is supposed to be a fun weekend can start to feel like a lot of work!
As freshmen typically sit out the iconic event, if you’ve seen everyone go this year and want to know what’s in store for you, or if you’re a sophomore or junior who sat this one out and are now regretting it, this one is for you!
Here are three things to remember about FANTASY FEST.
One, it’s NOT THAT serious.
At a school where everything feels like a major holiday, this doesn’t have to be another one. You don’t need fully fleshed-out costume ideas months in advance, you don’t need to save thousands of dollars, and you absolutely don’t need to stress.
The point of Fantasy Fest is to have fun! If you can only go for a day, no worries, it’ll be fun regardless! If you can’t afford an elaborate costume, get creative! One of the best parts of the weekend is seeing what everyone comes up with using scraps and old pieces. This also isn’t the Costume Olympics. Throw on a headband with two ears and poof! You’re a cat.
Two, plan, but don’t panic.
While it isn’t that serious, planning will save you a lot of trouble down the line. Between figuring out a place to stay, coordinating rides, and putting costumes together, things can get tricky if you leave it to the last minute.
First things first, find your group. Once you know who you’re embarking on this journey with, half your problems vanish. You can split costs, the drive, and the stress. Book your accommodation early so you can avoid surge pricing the weekend before. Figure out who’s driving, who needs a ride, and how everyone will get around once you’re there. Come up with cool group costume ideas that you might all be okay with, then figure out who is who! The point of the weekend is fun with friends, and this is the time to get creative!
Three, stay vigilant.
With this being one of the busiest weekends of the year for most students, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. But just because it’s time to let loose doesn’t mean you should lose common sense!
First things first, stick with your friends! Duval Street fills up pretty quickly and while the crowds can be intimidating, this is why you planned ahead, remember? Stay with your group, keep your phone charged, establish a meeting point in case you get separated, and make sure someone knows where you are at all times.
If you’re planning on drinking, know your limits and never get behind the wheel afterward. Figure out transportation before heading out, and don’t feel pressured to do anything just because everyone else is doing it. Looking out for yourself and your friends is part of making sure everyone actually enjoys the weekend.
While Key West has some norms and traditions of its own when it comes to dressing up and having fun, you never have to wear or do anything that makes you uncomfortable. You can have an unforgettable weekend without putting yourself in an unsafe position.
Fantasy Fest is supposed to be a good time, so take the necessary precautions, look out for your people, and make it back to Coral Gables with nothing but good stories to tell.