Fantasy Fest float from last year.

By Shayne Benowitz
Fantasy Fest sneaks up on you like that! The month of October flew by and now all of a sudden it’s Friday afternoon, and the festivities at Goombay are ready to start! Fantasy Fest is a wild time of year in Key West and always a memorable one. It’s natural to reflect back on the year’s past and remember who you were with and what parties stood out! It’s hard to believe it was six years ago when I attended my first Fantasy Fest and won the Homemade Bikini contest (feels like ancient history and like only yesterday at the same time).

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Habitat For Insanity!

by Shayne Benowitz

The fact that it’s taken me all week long to get my Fantasy Fest wrap-up posted has to mean it was a great party—right?! In fact, it was one for the record books, but aren’t they all? Each and every year is distinct, whether it’s the theme, a great party, great party companions, or an exceptional moment to remember forever.

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801 Bourbon's Fantasy Fest facade.

By Shayne Benowitz

When it’s time to write about Fantasy Fest, I usually begin by saying something about “madness descending on the island” or “let the insanity begin!” And this year that’s precisely the plan with the theme “Habitat For Insanity.” We are right in the midst of it! The Curry Mansion has transformed into a mad house and 801 Bourbon is now the Dragasylum. How can things NOT get crazy?

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Eli & Kenna slingin' drinks at Goombay.

By Shayne Benowitz

It’s hard to believe, but tomorrow marks the official start of Fantasy Fest. This weekend, the party kicks off with the Goombay Festival in Bahama Village. Petronia Street will be lined with food vendors, artisans, and performers all weekend long in celebration. (more…)

The crew at Fury's Summer Punk Rock Party!

By Shayne Benowitz

I have to say, at Fury, we’re a pretty lucky crew. In many ways, we’re just one big, crazy family. That’s never been more clear than when we get together to party! The summer soiree has become an institution, and this year we changed it up a little with a theme.

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