Ensconce yourself within the ocean-inspired design of our rooms while looking out over the harbor and pools from your private balcony.
Header Image Photo Credit: Carol Tedesco for FantasyFest.com
Two of Key West’s biggest fall events. Fantasy Fest takes over October 16 to 25, and the World Championship powerboat races close it out November 1 to 8. Guests come back every year, and at checkout it’s usually the same: “Can’t wait till next year,” or “Can I stay a little longer?” Most of them could use a vacation from this vacation. Here’s what’s happening.
Fantasy Fest returns October 16 to 25 with the 2026 theme, Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals. This is a full-scale costume extravaganza: feathered headdresses taller than the people wearing them, body paint as a fine art, and ten days when dressing up isn’t a party gimmick; it’s the whole point.
There’s a party every day and night, and most have their own themes, so check the schedules and come prepared: lots of glitter, boas, tutus, and body paint. If you don’t have a costume, you’re definitely in the wrong place.
The festival started in 1979 as a plan to bring visitors to the island during a quiet stretch of the calendar. Nearly five decades later, it’s drawing creative revelers from around the world, and the quiet stretch is long gone.
While there are so many events happening across the island, make sure you add these to your festival itinerary:
Also on the Island That Week … Zombies on Bikes
Zombie Bike Ride: Sunday, October 18 | Thousands of zombies on bicycles leave Fort East Martello at 6:00 PM and pedal four miles into Old Town. It’s exactly what it sounds like, and it’s one of the best things you’ll see all year. Find out all about it and register here.
If you're not riding, we suggest watching it at our sister property, Southernmost Beach Resort, as they host the SOMO Short "Cut" Dead Zone at the corner of Duval and South, a zombie block and watch party right on the ride's official route, with a DJ plus food and drink specials from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Free to attend.
Learn more about The Marker Resort events and visit the official Fantasy Fest schedule to see what else is happening across the island.
The costumes are barely packed away when the race boats arrive. The Key West World Championship closes the Race World Offshore season November 1 to 8, and the 2026 running is the 45th, the oldest race on the series schedule.
Transit Tip: Parking near Truman Waterfront Park is limited during Race Week, so the free Duval Loop shuttle, a rideshare, or a bicycle is the better plan. The Marker sits in the Historic Seaport, minutes from the waterfront action.
Schedules and race details are at raceworldoffshore.com.
And with this year’s Fantasy Fest theme, Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals, we can’t wait to see who takes a stroll down Duval Street. How many Dollys will we see? Cats, Phantoms, rock stars, and who knows what else. Check our events calendar for what’s happening at the resort this fall.
Cheers to festivals, friends, and celebrations. #lovethemarker
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Waterfront Luxury
Ensconce yourself within the ocean-inspired design of our rooms while looking out over the harbor and pools from your private balcony.
Balcony Views
German V., Tripadvisor
