Fantasy Fest in Key West is one of the longest-standing University of Miami traditions.
Between Oct. 16 and 25, roughly 60,000 to 75,000 visitors travel south down the one-lane road to attend the Fest and visit Key West, known for extreme costumes and packed bars.
Key West has its own culture and code of conduct. With large crowds and many college students understanding the rules and how to have fun while staying safe is crucial.
Alcohol laws
There are no “brown bag laws” that allow open containers of alcohol in public.
“The Key West Municipal Code, § 18-87 prohibits open containers of alcoholic beverages in public,” according to Robertson & Hunter law firm.
The ordinance also states that first-time offenders will be given either a written or verbal warning, but a second offense can result in arrest as a misdemeanor offense.
According to Fantasy Fest’s code of conduct, open drinks are permitted only within the fantasy zone/costume promenade, which stretches from lower Duval Street to Truman Avenue and includes some cross streets.
No glass cups are allowed in the zone, but attendees can drink from vendor-provided cups or the Fantasy Fest souvenir cup.
Partial nudity
Fantasy Fest lets guests express their individuality through unique costumes. For some, that means partial nudity with creative flair.
“Key West during Fantasy Festival is a part of the true University of Miami experience and every student should go at least once,” said McKenzie Eason, a junior studying broadcast journalism and political science.
According to the City of Key West, complete nudity is strictly illegal. In 2022, the city and Fantasy Fest worked together to “clean the event” while still allowing guests to express themselves.
Per the code of conduct, nudity is illegal and not permitted on public property or in public view. However, the rules also state, “Painted female breasts are permitted, but ONLY ALLOWED within the designated ‘FANTASY ZONE/COSTUME PROMENADE’.”
Attendees are encouraged to wear cover-ups outside the fantasy zone to avoid penalties.
For those who choose to be entirely clothing optional, there are bars along Duval Street that allow nudity.
Enhanced security measures
Because the festival attracts a wide range of people, several bars and restaurants along Duval Street prepare with extra security.
“For here, you have to be 21, and we usually have heavy security during the Halloween weekend, and we check IDs for everyone,” said Savana, who did not wish to use her last name and bartender at Fat Tuesday on Duval Street.
Some restaurants in the area let people under 21 in as long as they don’t sit at the bar.
“You can come eat inside the restaurant, but you can’t sit at the bar unless you are 21, and we give those of age a wristband,” said Ezekiel de la Torre, a bartender at Mangoes on Duval Street.
Sleeping arrangements
Bars and restaurants are not the only establishments with a minimum age requirement of 21. Many hotels in the area require guests to be 21 or older to check in.
If guests are caught attempting to use a fake ID at check-in, they can be arrested and charged with a third-degree felony under Florida law.
Sleeping in your car or on the beach is not a safe or legal substitute.
According to the Key West Police Department, first-time violators caught sleeping or camping will be issued a citation. A second violation can lead to an arrest.
Check traffic and weather conditions before driving, book your accommodations in advance, stay close to your friends, and never drink and drive under any circumstances.