A whirlwind of craziness was how you could describe the last couple of weeks in the Florida Keys. Hurricane Irma swirled her way into The Keys and stirred up unwelcomed commotion, disorder and havoc. Irma may have ripped up trees, knocked out power lines and was the reason for a mandatory evacuation throughout the Keys, but she didn’t break our Conch Republic spirit!  Key West is a resilient community. Thank you to everyone who has contributed in any way to relief efforts for our home. The Key West Historic Seaport is back and better than ever!

Next week, the 38th Annual Fantasy Fest in Key West will take place starting on October 20 with a new theme, Time Travel Unravels. This outrageous costuming

and masking celebration features flamboyant masquerade competitions, including one for pets, a headdress ball, street fairs and a grand parade. Fantasy Fest events take place at different locations throughout Key West. Thousands of visitors will walk from Duval Street through the Historic seaport to Dante’s for their 11th Annual Halos & Horns Pool Party.  Hang at the Key West Historic Seaport Harborwalk and be smack dab in the middle of all the action!

On October 25, Schooner Wharf Bar will be hosting a groovy event, WHARFSTOCK, at 7:00pm. There will be a body painting contest, live music and a contest for the sexiest Hippie Chick and Grooviest Dude. There is no cover charge or entry fee. You won’t want to miss all of the fun at this annual spunky event at one of the Historic Seaport’s best bars for live music, great food and a whole lot of fun.

Fury Water Adventures is one of the Historic Seaport’s watersport companies that offer a massive selection of water excursions such as parasailing, kayaking, jet skiing and much more. For Fantasy Fest, they are offering a 10% discount on select day trips with promo code FANTASY17*. Check with a Fury team member when booking to see if the discount is valid with the trip you would like to book. One coupon is allowed per group and blackouts and restrictions may apply. Take advantage of this awesome offer and we’ll see you down at the Historic Seaport!

For visitors arriving by cruise ship during October 20-29, you made it just in time for Fantasy Fest! Ships Victory and Sensation from Carnival Cruise Line and Empress of the Sea and Enchantment of the Sea from Royal Caribbean will dock in Key West during that time. We would like to welcome all of the cruise passengers to our beautiful paradise. For unique shops, delicious dining and unforgettable adventures, make sure to stop by the Historic Seaport! Use the hashtags #HistoricSeaport and #HistoricParadise in your pictures for a chance to be featured on our Facebook page!

If you’re a Broward or Miami Dade resident or even Palm Beach, catching a ride on the Miami to Key West Bus is another way to get to Key West. Enjoy the ride while traveling on a luxurious motor coach bus with Wi-Fi, restrooms and other amenities. Relax and take in the beautiful scenery on your way from Miami to Key West. For a list of pickup locations and times, visit miamitokeywestbus.com.

Now that the Historic Seaport is back in business, we’re just missing the most important part, you! Travel down to Key West this month and experience the fun of Fantasy Fest, get down and groovy at the Schooner Wharf Bar and make memories with friends and family that will last a lifetime.

Header images from FantasyFest.com

Key West Historic Seaport: Your Gateway to Everything Key West!