Key West’s Zombie Bike Ride Brings Wild, Wicked and Whimsical to Life

FLORIDA KEYS VIDEO ADVISORY   October 20, 2025

Contacts:  Mary B. Haban, Mary@fla-keys.com (813) 210-8585 or Chad Newman, Chad@fla-keys.com (310) 283-8441  

Story: Key West’s Zombie Bike Ride Brings Wild, Wicked and Whimsical to Life

Locator: Key West, Fla. 

Video Link: Click here  

Photo Link: Click here 

Radio Link: Click here 

Photo Captions Below 

Video: B-roll of thousands of costumed “zombies” riding bikes along Key West’s Atlantic shoreline during the annual Zombie Bike Ride. Footage close-ups of creative costumes, and wide shots of the “bicycling dead” pedaling past the ocean in Key West. 

TRT: 2:25 

Filename: KeyWestZombieRide.mp4 

Video Source: Florida Keys News Bureau  

Photos & Captions: Below 

Key West’s Zombie Bike Ride Brings Wild, Wicked and Whimsical to Life

KEY WEST, Fla. (Oct. 20, 2025) — The streets of Key West came alive or should we say ‘undead’ Sunday night as thousands of creatively costumed “zombies” pedaled their way through paradise. Cheers erupted as the annual Zombie Bike Ride, one of the most anticipated events of Fantasy Fest 2025, got underway.  

Riders of all ages rolled along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline, on bikes, scooters, and custom-built contraptions transforming the Southernmost city into a moving menagerie of whimsical and wicked. This year’s ride reflected Fantasy Fest’s theme, “Bedtime Stories and Magical Monsters,” with participants blending nightmare and fantasy in wildly imaginative ways. 

While many dressed traditional zombie-attire with tattered clothes, ghostly makeup, and fake blood — others embraced the theme of bedtime monsters, fairy-tale villains, and dream-inspired creatures. From a zombie marching band, to ghosts, goblins, and a double-decker dose of the Muppets, the caravan of creativity continued for miles. 

Even more fun than participating, was watching the “bicycling dead” glide by, making their way from the shoreline to downtown Key West in an event that has become a signature prelude to the island’s annual costuming and masking festival. 

Fantasy Fest 2025, themed “Bedtime Stories and Magical Monsters,” continues through Sunday, October 26, featuring ten days of masquerade parties, costume contests, street fairs, and imaginative revelry. Upcoming highlights include the Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade on Wednesday, October 22; the Headdress Ball on Thursday, October 23; the Captain Morgan Masquerade March on Friday, October 24; and Saturday’s spectacular Deep Eddy Vodka Fantasy Fest Parade, when tens of thousands of spectators will gather to watch Key West’s creativity come to life. 

### 

NOTE TO EDITORS/PRODUCERS 

Below is the lineup of Florida Keys News Bureau video coverage for upcoming events for the rest of this week, with corresponding feed dates and delivery times. Separate advisories will be distributed before each feed. 

Thursday, Oct. 23 — by 11 a.m. Fantasy Fest Pet Masquerade from Wednesday evening, Oct. 22. A fan-favorite event at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, the Pet Masquerade features costumed dogs, cats, and other domestic companions on stage with their owners. Entries include pet-and-person duos and themed group skits that highlight Key West’s playful spirit. 

Friday, Oct. 24 — by 11 a.m. 42nd Annual Headdress Ball from Thursday night, Oct. 23. An iconic Fantasy Fest showcase at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater, the Headdress Ball features stunning, hand-crafted headdresses modeled by their creators and accompanied by high-energy performances from some of the island’s top entertainers. 

Saturday, Oct. 25 — by 11 a.m. Captain Morgan Masquerade March from Friday evening, Oct. 24. This exuberant walking parade through Key West’s historic Old Town draws several thousand merrymakers wearing glittering masks, body paint, and costumes inspired by the “Bedtime Stories and Magical Monsters” theme. Revelers stop along the route at guest houses for music, photos, and refreshments.  

Sunday, Oct. 26 — by 11 a.m. Deep Eddy Vodka Fantasy Fest Parade from Saturday night, Oct. 25. The festival’s grand finale features dazzling floats, marching groups, and costumed participants bringing the “Bedtime Stories and Magical Monsters” theme to life before tens of thousands of spectators along Duval and Whitehead streets. Leading the parade as 2025 Grand Marshal is Key West’s iconic red high-heeled shoe, a beloved island symbol since 1997.  

Monday, Oct. 27 — by 11 a.m. Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest in Key Largo, from Sunday, Oct. 26. Divers and snorkelers will descend beneath the surface of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to carve pumpkins underwater in a creative competition held off Key Largo. The event blends artistry with a one-of-a-kind underwater setting and is expected to attract both local participants and visiting dive enthusiasts. Coverage is weather dependent and will proceed as conditions allow.