COSTUMES and dress code requirements are posted on the web site at least one month in advance of the parade.

Costumes change every year so be sure to click on the Dress Code 2016 page for current news and info. Dress code page includes pictures of what the costume should look like, instructions and templates on how to make it, and links and resources on where to get supplies and materials.

This gives everyone plenty of time to make sure their costume is finished early, tested, and follows the theme of the float.
  • Costumes should be relatively sturdy and durable, “not held together with scotch tape and safety pins”. Even though costumes only have to last one night, they traditionally have a reputation for falling apart very easily during the excitement and “physical activities” of the Fantasy Fest parade. Costumes should be somewhat over-engineered particularly at critical stress points to insure it will hold together for the duration of the parade.

  • Costumes should also be reasonably comfortable, light weight, water repellant (in case it rains) and well ventilated because it can still be extremely warm and humid in Key West in late October.

  • Be sure to try on your costume a few times and test it for durability, ease of movement, make sure it doesn’t bind, irritate the skin, cause you to trip and fall, is cool, comfortable and can fit in a bathroom stall without too much hysteria.

    See the Links page for more costume supply and makeup resources.

    For more ideas and inspiration on costume design, see some of the cosplay videos on YouTube featuring some of the best young designers in the world.







    THE BEST entries in the Fantasy Fest parade are the ones that feature a crew dressed in matching or related costumes that in some way follows the theme of Fantasy Fest and the theme of the parade.

    Each year, a new theme is selected for Fantasy Fest. These themes are always published one year in advance in the Sunday edition of the Key West Citizen newspaper.

    The Lazy Dogs -Plutonians-, 1st place winners 2006 Having a crew in the correct costumes is crucial to the success of a float and greatly improves the chances of winning an award based on your entry’s theme, craftsmanship, continuity and overall visual impact. In fact some floats have won 1st place based solely on their costumes alone.

    When someone is in the wrong costume it detracts from the entry and basically “photo bombs” everyone else on the float.

    This is why, combined with the expense, time and effort required to enter a float in the Fantasy Fest parade, many crews charge a fee to be a member (ranging into the hundreds of dollars) and are very strict about their costume requirements and expected behavior.

    Low Key Fluffers -Sea Monkeys-, 1st place winners 2011 The Minions does not charge a fee of any kind to be a member, but we do require that crew members follow the costume requirements guide lines and dress code. Unfortunately we cannot accept anyone not wearing the correct costume. This is our only mandatory rule. It is another reason we recommend all crew members begin work on their costume early.

    In some instances, the Minions will provide costumes for all crew members. Most of the time, the crew is responsible for supplying their own costumes. If you can not make or buy a costume of your own, please contact us as soon as possible so that we may assist you in getting one.

    Above photos: "Castro's all female commando squad" 2009, The Lazy Dogs "Plight of the Plutonians" 2006, The Low Key Fluffers "Sea Monkeys" 2011.