For University of Miami, Halloween weekend isn’t just about costumes and candy. Each year, hundreds of students leave Miami behind for a three-hour drive down to Key West, where the annual Halloweekend has become a college tradition.
Many UM students classify this trip as “The Great Migration.” The trip is more than worth it — it’s a unique experience that combines Fantasy Fest, affordable nightlife and lasting memories with friends. Since my first Key West Halloween trip sophomore year, I’ve returned every year. It’s an experience every UM student should have at least once, as it captures the spirit and excitement of college life.
Most students drive with friends, though carpooling and buses are also common options. Some wealthier students even fly into Key West. Affordable housing for the weekend is available through Airbnbs, hostels or shared hotel spaces, but early planning is key, especially during Fantasy Fest when prices can spike.
“The hotel rooms do get gouged. That’s the one expensive part,” UM senior Gracie Herberholt said.
“The trip is not a place I would typically consider going to, but it’s a lot more geared toward college students during Halloween,” said Kayla Singer, a senior at UM. “It’s just fun to see everyone you know in a new location.”
Most students spend Friday night, Saturday morning and Saturday night in three different, over-the-top costumes for the trip. UM students often begin planning their costumes months in advance, going all out to make each outfit memorable. In the past, I have had three costume changes. From Ken in the ‘Barbie’ movie to Cupid, a vampire or even a TY bear, Halloween is my Coachella and I go all out every year with my costumes.
Key West’s Fantasy Fest brings the island to life with elaborate costumes and street parades. Students are drawn to the festival’s wild energy and the fun. While students may not participate fully in all of Fantasy Fest’s adult-oriented events, the parade and street festivities provide a uniquely immersive Halloween experience.
Meghan Schorr, a UM senior, said “the unpredictability is part of the appeal. From seeing naked old people to even running into fellow classmates, the surprises are endless.”
Compared to Miami, Key West offers a more compact but affordable nightlife experience. Drinks cost on average $6 to $10 which is insanely cheaper in comparison to Miami’s outrageous prices. The bars on Duval Street cater to college students, allowing for bar-hopping without long walks or expensive cover charges.
“It’s literally just all bars, kind of giving a bigger version of Coconut Grove, because it’s all upperclassmen, UM kids are basically just drinking and barhopping,” Herberholt said.
Singer added that prices for drinks are significantly lower than in Miami. “As opposed to Miami’s big clubbing scene, Key West nightlife concentrates on one street of bars. I like that because we can check out different places on the same night. It’s a lot more casual, and you never know what you’ll see.”
For many students, the trip also serves as a mini-vacation from campus life. Leaving behind Miami traffic and crowded clubs, the island offers a laid-back vibe where students can explore a new environment.The journey is also about social bonding. Halloweekend gives students a chance to create memories outside of the university bubble.
For University of Miami students, making the trip down to Key West for Halloweekend is more than just a weekend escape from the city. It’s a chance to experience Fantasy Fest, enjoy affordable nightlife and create lasting memories with friends. The long journey south proves that, for many, the trip is a Halloween tradition that’s impossible to miss and definitely worth it.