Mike Stack, right, this year’s Deep Eddy Fantasy Fest Parade Grand Marshal, is pictured performing on the 2025 Key West Songwriters Festival Duval Street main stage, with fellow artists D-Lew, left, and DJ Smoke, center. (Photo by Arlis Albritton)

He wrote and performs the local anthem “I’m From Key West,” and has been reeling in a following from island stages and streaming platforms for about half a decade. Now, Mike Stack will bring his supercharged energy to the front of the line as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Deep Eddy Vodka Fantasy Fest Parade, set to roll down Duval Street in Key West, FL, on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Possessing a knack for creating catchy, sing-along songs with his unique island-vibe, hip-hop and country blend sound, Stack has cultivated a devoted audience by serving up the salty spirit of life in the Conch Republic with “I’m From Key West,” and other hits like “I Want My Beer,” and “Boat Days,” turning everyday moments into sing-along anthems.

We caught up with Mike ahead of Fantasy Fest to ask a few questions:

Q: This year’s Fantasy Fest theme is “Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals.” If your life were a musical, what would it be called, and who’d play you?

A: This might be too obvious, but if my life were a musical, I’d have to call it “I’m from Key West.” I was born and raised here, and so much of what I do and the music I make comes from growing up on this island. And I’d have my buddy Arron Kutner play me. He’s been preparing for the role his whole life.

Q: What are your top three (or four, or five) annual Fantasy Fest events, and why?

A: A few of my favorites are Goombay because of the culture and food; Tutu Tuesday is just one of those nights where everybody gets after it and has a good time. The parade is always incredible… the floats, the energy, and this year I hear they’ve got a pretty cool Grand Marshal. Honestly, the people watching might be my favorite event of them all. You never know what you’re going to see during Fantasy Fest!

Q: Name three musical icons, living or dead, that you would most love to see in the crowd, cheering you on during this year’s Deep Eddy Fantasy Fest Parade.

A: Bob Marley, Toby Keith, and Mac Miller. Three completely different artists, but all three have influenced the kind of music I love and the music I make. If I saw those three standing together on Duval Street cheering me on, I’d probably have to stop the float and go hang out with them.

“With this year’s Fantasy Fest theme of ‘Musical Icons & Iconic Musicals’, we couldn’t think of a better person to lead the biggest night of Fantasy Fest,” said festival director Nadene Grossman Orr. “Mike has spent years bringing music, energy, and pure Key West spirit to performance stages, and now he’ll be bringing that same energy straight down Duval Street!”

Fantasy Fest 2026 runs Oct. 16-25 and is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and We’ve Got the Keys. For a full calendar of events, a parade entry form, a downloadable mobile APP and other information including ways to get involved, visit http://www.fantasyfest.com.

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