Rolling zombies getting set to invade Key West

Call it the rolling dead. It’s something like a Critical Mass event — when bicycle’s take over the streets — but for zombies.

Don’t be surprised if you’re visiting Key West later this month and you stumble upon thousands of zombies roaming the island’s historic streets like a tropical scene straight out of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” series.

They’ll be in town Oct. 20 for the city’s annual quirky “Zombie Bike Ride,’’ which draws more than 6,000 visitors dressed as the living dead.

Men, women and children (and probably some pets) don scary white paint and zombie wear as they pedal around the island city in this pre-Halloween event. Expect zombie clowns, brides and skeletal-looking minions scaring folks along a 4-mile route. The spectacle starts 2 p.m. at the so-called “Zombieland” at the Fort East Martello Museum at 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd. There will be music, mural painting, food and drinks and onsite face and body painters to help transform people into scary and spirited characters.

Then at 6:30 p.m., the zombies will start cycling along South Roosevelt Boulevard as it hugs the Atlantic Ocean, past Higgs Beach and then into downtown Key West where there will be a zombie block party on the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Duval Street.

Launched in 2010, the zombie ride takes place on the first weekend of Key West’s annual Fantasy Fest costume and mask festival which runs Oct. 18 to Oct. 27 this year.

Registration to the ride is $5 which includes entry to Zombieland. A portion of he proceeds benefit the Key West Art & Historical Society. For more information, visit www.zombiebikeride.com or call 800-LAST-KEY (5278-539).

ROB O’NEAL/AP 2015 Key West’s annual “Zombie Bike Ride’’ draws more than 6,000 visitors.