Fantasy Fest was great in my younger drunken days, today it is a gross disgusting bunch of people many high on drugs, raunchy.
Wifey B: When was your last time there? We were there last year with a group of 14-20 of us (larger number on weekend). Here's what I know from last year.
It started to bring people in during the offseason and still does. Anywhere from 60,000-100,000 in total attend. However, it's also become a huge charity event. The Royal Competition raises $300,000 a year. The Royal Coronation is hilarious. There are many other charitable events. We participated in BraZaar which is a huge fundraiser auction for Womankind, which provides healthcare for women in Key West. There's an Animal Party for the local SPCA.
Yes, there's nudity and you can call it raunchy, I call it beautiful. More body painting than you've ever seen and incredible artists doing so. We got painted a couple of times during the ten days.
However, there's also stuff for families. The Goombay Festival, The Zombie Bike Ride, The Heroes and Villains Run/Walk, and Children's Day.
On certain days there is a designated part of town, a Fantasy Zone and that's where most of the fun/debauchery takes place.
I agree on too much drinking but then I think there's too much most places. We had fun without drinking though.
Now, back to raunchy. Except for designated events, not a place for kids, but plenty for them at the resorts and beaches. So, for adults, mild raunch and serious raunch. Very mild in terms of what you'll see on the streets. Very heavy behind closed doors inside clubs and bars at events where only those expecting such would attend. (Let me assure you there's just as bad in Miami, you just don't go to it). We did go to some of the wildest events and took some with us who would never participate but loved observing. Takes open minded people to enjoy it though. A lot of costume contests of every sort.
As to "high on drugs". The only drug I observed being used was weed and it's always around Key West. As to "high on drugs", I don't consider weed something to make one high, more like chill, and the behavior problems I observed most definitely came from one drug and one drug only, alcohol. There are those who go to multiple parties each night to see how drunk they can get and their behavior is often repulsive. Even in some of the wildest parties, rudeness and misconduct is not allowed.
If the intent is a week of drunkeness, then it's available. But if it's to see a different type of entertainment, then that's also available. Likely not for those conservative in their attitudes toward sex and entertainment. There are two events schedules. The regular one goes from PG to R17 or whatever it is. The black schedule is definitely all X rated. I can see it not being fun for many people. We have friends who would be horrified. However, the group we were with got into the spirit without booze or drugs. They even went to some of the worst parties and enjoyed observing but didn't participate.
So Raunchy, yes.
Booze, yes, too much.
Drugs, observed none other than weed and no real abuse or issues.
I know many here would hate it all. Others might be curious, but not about to admit it here. However, it can be fun.
For the young in spirit and open in views toward nudity.
Oh, and one event this year, I wish I was there to see. This one's new to Key West. Air Sex Championship. It's silhouetted behind curtains, neon lights, and sex with invisible partners apparently. Supposed to be one of the funniest events ever.
It's on top of the Bull and Whistle. 
so I've heard
................. several times. 
