October 20-25, 2019 | Sunday morning after breakfast through FRI-day evening — 5 days over a 6-day period

Standard $TBA | Alumni $TBA | Association $TBA | Early-bird Special @ Association rate but by check (see parameters)

Travel insurance is highly recommended to ensure protection against any unforeseeable events. We are a small company and cannot be held liable for those who choose not to buy trip insurance.  Sharon Erickson, our trusty travel agent, can help you with that. And, no, we do not get any credit for referring you to her, only a thank you!

We are excited to be returning to Key West for our second, crazy, wonderful, artistic, over-the-top Fantasy Fest that is closing in on 40 years of fun and frivolity. AND, we are hoping that Eduardo Garcia, our very talented photographer friend whom many have met with us in Cuba, will be returning as guest instructor! It will depend upon his work schedule.

One of the things that struck all of us who went in 2018 is that not only are people so friendly, but they are respectful and courteous. If someone even brushes against you, they quickly apologize. Everyone is willing to help out if you have a question. And the more you dress up, the more you will be part of the festivities and the more fun you will have. In addition, since you are part of the festival, you will be able to make more interesting photographs.

As the official website notes:

"Fantasy Fest is an annual party in paradise for grown-ups. Fantasy Fest was initiated in 1979 by Bill Conkle, Tony Falcone, Joe Liszka and Frank Romano to attract tourists during the slow season. The event has escalated to a ten-day celebration that includes balls, a parade, costume competitions, AIDS fundraisers, body painting, drag queen contests, costume parties, alcohol, and pet and neighborhood parades for the whole family It really is a family affair, and everyone was so courteous and polite ... amazing in these days of hustle and bustle and "me first" attitudes.

Fantasy Fest is now the wildest extravaganza around! Fun-loving revelers from around the globe bring their creativity and imaginations as they descend upon Key West each year in October for 10 days filled with costuming, parades, libations, and excitement!"

Key West itself has a lot of history. Juan Ponce de León was the first European to land here in 1521. Cayo Hueso was the original Spanish name for the island of Key West when Florida became a Spanish territory. Under Spanish rule, a fishing and salvage village with a small garrison was established. It passed through English hands and eventually became part of the United States in 1822.

Wildlife artist and conservationist John J. Audubon and author Ernest Hemingway loved it, and their houses still stand. With charming architecture dating back to the mid-19th century, Old Town Key West is a visual delight. With windows that cascade down to porch level, gingerbread decoration, and picket fences, it looks like a pristine movie set.

But back to Fantasy Fest ... The 2019 schedule is posted to give you an idea of what the Festival will bring. Peruse the site, and you will find lots of information. There are special events galore, parades, terrific music, people in costumes - even some daring who have had their bodies painted - all willing to be photographed. After all, this has the same feeling as Venice's Carnivale where people are there to be seen and to be photographed. We will explore different facets of this tropical island-city and revel in photographing the amazing costumes and people having a great time.

When making your plans, it is critical that you plan on arriving the night before. To get into the spirit of Fantasy Fest, we will head out at in the morning on the first day to get our faces (and whatever else) painted for the Zombie Bike Ride. It is fun to walk around and see the various imaginative and sometimes ghoulish faces being applied. While we will not be on bikes, unless you want to rent one, it is great to enjoy and photograph the different and fun costumes and Zombie faces going by. Any newcomers need to be there at breakfast with all their computer prep work done.

Meanwhile, be sure to carefully read our FAQs, as well as the various links in the box above. They should hopefully answer almost any question you might have.