With September starting to leave us behind and October arriving in no less than three days, the one thing on every minds is Fantasy Fest. Or at least it should be. With my hotel finally booked and my costumes well on their way to being completed, my excitement for this amazing festival is clearly evident as I bring it up in nearly every conversation I have. However much to my displeasure, I’ve discovered that a large majority of people not only didn’t know it was coming up, but to make matters worse, didn’t know what it was. So with that in mind, here’s a crash course in all things Fantasy Fest.
When is it?
Fantasy Fest takes place over two epic weeks. It starts on October 19th and goes on till the 28th. Being that we’re all students and have the unfortunate obligation of actually attending classes, you’re fantasy fest time is cut down to two epics weekends. The first being 19th through the 21st and the second being the 26th through the 28th. With that being said however, if you have any common sense at all you’ll most likely be going the weekend of the 26th as the first weekend falls on something that surpasses Fantasy Fest in its entirety: the homecoming game verses FSU!
What is it?
In laments terms? Utter Debauchery. In a more technical definition? It is the two weeks out the year where it is socially acceptable to walk around completely naked covered head to toe in paint. Need more convincing? It is a nonstop street party that takes place in Key West where you could quite literally drown in music, beads, and of course our old friend Captain Morgan. Simply put: It’s like Mardi Gras-only Halloween themed and in the Keys!
Where is it?
As if the previous answer didn’t make it obvious, Fantasy Fest takes place in a little place we all like to call Key West. If you haven’t been to Key West, I don’t see why Fantasy Fest isn’t the perfect time to go. If you have been to Key West…Hell go again only this time make sure to have your fairy wings, fish net stockings and a supply of eyeliner packed.
Fantasy Festival was an experience last year that quite literally made my first semester freshman year. Being there, I got to experience so many interesting sights, interact with such a diverse group of people, and also walk around in what I still think was the most ridiculous Halloween costume ever. But the best part about all of it? It didn’t matter what I was wearing, who I was or what I was doing because there wasn’t one moment where I wasn’t smiling or having a good time. Much like Ultra, Fantasy Festival is the two weeks in October where it could arguably be the happiest place on Earth.