Artists and dreamers of all ages take heed. On Saturday, August 6 from 6-10 pm, Fort East Martello will be aglow with a family-friendly evening steeped in ancient belief, celebration, and ritual that surround the magic of fairies and spirits, and the celestial power of dreams.

The 10th Annual Midsummer Night’s Dream & Spectacle, co-produced by the Key West Art & Historical Society and Michael Shields’ Java Studios, is a night of creative expression, feasting, dancing, singing, and theatrical antics celebrating the art and artists of Key West.

“Midsummer’s Night Dream & Spectacle was created to celebrate the Keys creative community—to give artists a voice and platform to share the power of their visions,” says community and arts leader Shields. “Everyone attending is invited to be a co-creator.”

The colorful festivity is an annual favorite among locals who revel in the interactive art projects and spontaneous celebration, many costumed for merrymaking in attire ranging from Key West cool and casual to Midsummer’s magical vying for the title of Spectacle King and Queen.

This year, multiple stages throughout the grounds will feature artists of local and national renown—including musicians, face-painters, singers, dancers, sculptors, actors, poets, illusionists and storytellers— coming together in summertime celebration.

Highlights will include: the Grand Dream Mural facilitated by artist Amanda Johnson, dance performances by the fabulous Key West Comparsa, the Southernmost Shimmies, Allison Mayer and Southernmost Dance Theatre 2, fire dancing with Michelle Muse, Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons presentations by Cynthia Morrison, tarot card readings, Flow Tribe, Nicolas Bergery and his film creations, jugglers, costumed revelers and more.

Music will resonate throughout the fort’s historic brick walls with performances on the main stage to include: The Cayo Hueso All-Stars, Peter Diamond, Mark Rose, Tim McAlpine, Bubba Lownotes, Hal Howland, CW Colt, Larry Smith Ensemble, Christine Cordone, and Lopez Family Key West Soul Revue.

Children of all ages will delight in good faery Joyce Straiton and friends, who will create glittery enchantment in faery-land with stardust and face painting, faery wings and hula-hooping. If you need help dressing the part, Crissy Clap will have an assortment of Midsummer’s attire and headpieces for sale, Beth Hodgins will have her fairyland jewelry on hand, Allysa Mealor will paint her detailed henna tattoos, and Michael Epperhart will provide face and body painting.

Caribbean food from chef Chris Lordi’s Irie Island Eats and libations will be available throughout the annual fundraiser, which benefits Key West Art & Historical Society’s Education programs.

Key West Art & Historical Society & Java Studios invite everyone to be a part of this playful and spontaneous celebration that tips hearts and hats to the summer solstice and the power of dreams.

“It all begins with a dream,” says Shields.

Fort East Martello is located at 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West. Tickets will be available at the door for $15 or $10 in advance by visiting www.KWAHS.org; children 12 and under admitted free For information contact Michael Shields at [email protected] / 305-394-3804. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.