9th Annual Fantasma Fest To Feature Big Monsters Bed Race

TAMPA, FL — Mini monsters and grownup ghouls will be roaming the streets of Ybor City this weekend as the Ybor Merchants Association hosts its ninth annual Fantasma Fest.

This must-see-to-believe festival along historic 7th Avenue is set for Saturday, Oct. 23, and Sunday, Oct. 24.

“We are happy to see the return of Fantasma Fest this year. Giving back to the community and providing a fun and safe environment for families to celebrate Halloween is important to us,” said Ken Foutch, president of the Ybor Merchant’s Association. “Crowd favorites like our Little Monsters Pumpkin Patch and the Big Monster Bed Race are back, and we’re anticipating our biggest turnout yet this year.”

The fest will feature free daytime events, including the Little Monsters Pumpkin Patch and trick-or-treating.

Parents are encouraged to dress up the kids and stop by the patch to grab a free pumpkin to decorate and trick or treat at selected local businesses. All families will receive a map with business stops for trick-or-treating. The Little Monsters Pumpkin Patch takes place on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It will be followed by the Big Monsters Bed Race, an event for thrill-seeking speed demons with a penchant for the weird. Racers build a homemade bed on wheels and race down 7th Avenue. The fastest team wins a trophy and some hard-earned bragging rights. The people’s choice winner for the most fabulous bed also receives a trophy. This event is for all ages and will take place on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Fantasma Fest will continue on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with Hell on Wheels, a classic car and vintage motorcycle show. The community is invited to stroll down 7th Avenue and enjoy '50s music and more than 200 American muscle and classic cars and motorcycles. Food and raffles will be available for purchase, and all proceeds will benefit the veterans charity, My Warriors Place.

The presale price to enter a vehicle is $20 and the day-of-the-event price is $30.

This year’s Fantasma Fest is sponsored by Centro Ybor, the Ybor City Development Corp., Ybor Merchant’s Association, Coppertail Brewing Co. and BKN Creative.

For information, click here.