Every August, the small mountain town of Marion, NC goes full Sasquatch. The WNC Bigfoot Festival takes over several blocks of downtown for a free, family-friendly festival complete with vendors, costumed Squatches, a Bigfoot calling contest, and more weird, wonderful fun than you’d expect from a creature that doesn’t officially exist.
I attended with my family back in 2021, and we came home with plenty of fun memories. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to expect, practical tips, and everything you need to plan this quirky WNC day trip.
I love a themed event, especially a Bigfoot one, and we all dressed for the occasion. My husband and kids wore Bigfoot shirts while I donned a Bigfoot dress I found on Etsy. We half-expected the festival to be a quirky little niche event, but it was fun, well-organized street festival with something for everyone, Bigfoot believer or not.
The WNC Bigfoot Festival has been drawing crowds since it launched in 2018. Local Bigfoot researcher John Bruner of Bigfoot 911 started the festival after he allegedly spotted the creature on the shores of Lake James. Now held each August in historic downtown Marion, the festival has grown into the Southeast’s premier Bigfoot event, drawing thousands of visitors and dozens of vendors from across the region.
Quick Facts: WNC Bigfoot Festival
- Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
- Time: 10 AM to 5 PM
- Location: Downtown Marion, NC (21 South Main Street)
- Admission: FREE! Complimentary shuttles also available.
- Distance from Greenville, SC: About 1 hour 45 minutes from downtown Greenville
- Distance from Asheville, NC: About 36 miles east on I-40 (Exit 81)
- Best ages: All ages, great for school-age kids
- Website: marionbigfootfestival.wordpress.com
- Facebook: @wncbigfootfestival
What Is the WNC Bigfoot Festival?
The WNC Bigfoot Festival is a cheerful, tongue-in-cheek celebration of cryptid culture, and the entire town of Marion leans into it. Think Bigfoot-themed beers on tap at local breweries, Sasquatch-inspired art at the McDowell Arts Council, and yes, people dressed in full Sasquatch suits.
Marion closes five blocks of Main Street for the event, and attendees can explore vendor booths selling everything from Bigfoot soaps and keychains to pottery, plushies, and T-shirts. It’s part quirky community celebration, part cryptozoology conference, and one hundred percent a good time for families.
What to Expect at the Festival
The Bigfoot Calling Contest
This was the highlight of the day for our family. My husband and I both participated in the Bigfoot Calling Contest, which takes place at 1 PM at the main stage. You do your best Sasquatch roar in front of a crowd, and winners take home bragging rights. Neither of us placed, but hearing everyone hoot and holler was one of the funniest things I’ve experienced. The crowd loved it.
To enter the Bigfoot Calling Contest, pick up a ticket at the Bigfoot 911 booth as soon as you arrive.
Speakers, Researchers, and Bigfoot 911
For those who want to go deeper than the novelty, the festival features a full lineup of speakers from Bigfoot research organizations, including members of the Bigfoot Field Research Organization and the festival’s founder, John Bruner of Bigfoot 911. We chatted with Bigfoot investigators throughout the day, and whether you’re a true believer or a curious skeptic, it’s fascinating to hear people talk so earnestly and knowledgeably about the subject.
The 2026 schedule features:
- Christian MacLeod, Director and Lead Investigator of the American Cryptid and Paranormal Society
- Sasquatch Watchers, the first Christian-based, boots-on-the-ground Bigfoot investigation team
- Michael W. Cook, a dedicated cryptozoologist with over 24 years of experience specializing in the legend and lore of Bigfoot
- The Cryptid Crew Podcast
Vendors, Decor, and Photo Ops
The vendor section is fun to browse. We found local art, crafts, Bigfoot-themed merchandise, and outdoor recreation gear. There’s a “Bigfoot Jeep Zone” featuring Jeep and off-road vehicles decked out for a cryptid excursion. The McDowell Arts Council has a selection of 100% locally made art with a Bigfoot and cryptid theme that make for some cool, unique souvenirs.
We took pictures with costumed Sasquatch characters wandering the streets and with the Bigfoot cutouts set up around the festival. My kids were 9 and 11 at the time and were tickled by the whole thing.
Food, Drinks, and the Bigfoot Theme
We snacked on Bigfoot-themed cupcakes, and my husband and I each had a Bigfoot-themed beer. Downtown Marion’s restaurants and businesses go all in on the Sasquatch theme for the weekend, with local breweries offering themed pints and specials. Refinery13, Marion’s craft brew pub, offers the official WNC Bigfoot Festival Pint Glass. For the kids, there’s plenty of food vendor options throughout the festival.
My Honest Mom Review
We had a fun and memorable time. My kids were the perfect age for it, and my husband and I had just as much fun as they did, maybe more. The atmosphere is light and fun, people are warm and enthusiastic, and the whole event has a community-celebration feel that’s charming. It’s not trying to be something it isn’t. The festival knows it’s wonderfully weird, and it leans in.
A note: I attended in 2021 and haven’t been back since, so some specifics may have shifted. I’ve updated this article with 2026 festival details from the official website where I could verify them. Always check the festival website and Facebook page for the current year’s schedule and any updates.
Tips Before You Go
- Dress the part! Bigfoot shirts, Sasquatch hats, and full creature costumes are encouraged. Half the fun is seeing what people wear.
- It gets crowded. Keep a close eye on small children, especially in the vendor areas.
- It can be hot in August in NC. Bring a water bottle and stay hydrated.
- For the Bigfoot Calling Contest, pick up a entry ticket at the Bigfoot 911 boot.
- Arrive early for parking or take advantage of the free shuttle service.
- The Bigfoot Dash 5K starts at 8 AM for those who want to run or walk before the festival opens. Proceeds benefit Marion Elementary School.
- Check out Bigfoot Books & Brews for special weekend events around the festival.
How to Get to the WNC Bigfoot Festival
Marion, NC is about 36 miles east of Asheville. From Asheville, take I-40 East to Exit 81, then follow Sugar Hill Road about 3.5 miles into downtown. From Greenville, SC, take I-26 North toward Asheville and connect to I-40 East. The GPS address for the festival is 21 South Main Street, Marion, NC 28752. The drive from central Greenville is about one hour and 45 minutes.
Note that Main Street between New Street and Henderson Street will be closed during the festival. Free shuttle service is available from designated parking locations. We recommend using it once you arrive.
Where to Stay Near the WNC Bigfoot Festival
We stayed overnight at the Hampton Inn Marion. It was conveniently close to the festival and had an indoor pool the kids loved after a long day of Bigfoot hunting. Destination McDowell also recommends Holiday Inn Express & Suites Marion as festival lodging.
Making it an overnight trip is a great option, especially if you want to explore other parts of McDowell County, which sits just below the Blue Ridge Parkway and has easy access to Lake James State Park, and Linville Gorge.
Love a quirky festival? You’ll want to bookmark this one too. Don’t miss the Bigfoot festival in South Carolina: 15 Unique Festivals Near Upstate, South Carolina
The Bigfoot Festival is just one of many fall events on the calendar. See our full roundup: 2026 Exciting Fall Festivals: Greenville, SC and the Surrounding Area
WNC Bigfoot Festival FAQs
When is the WNC Bigfoot Festival in 2026?
The 2026 WNC Bigfoot Festival is Saturday, August 29, from 10 AM to 5 PM in downtown Marion, NC. Admission is free.
Is the WNC Bigfoot Festival free?
Yes! The street festival is free to attend, and complimentary shuttle service is available from designated parking areas around downtown Marion. The Bigfoot Dash 5K in the morning has a registration fee that benefits Marion Elementary School.
Is the WNC Bigfoot Festival good for kids?
Absolutely. It’s a family-friendly street festival at heart. There are costumed characters for photos, lots of vendors with fun Bigfoot merchandise, face painting, food, and live music. School-age kids especially love the atmosphere, and the Bigfoot Calling Contest is a crowd favorite for all ages. Just plan for heat and crowds, since August in NC can be warm and the event draws big attendance.
Where exactly is the WNC Bigfoot Festival?
The festival takes place across five blocks of Main Street in historic downtown Marion, NC. The GPS address to use is 21 South Main Street, Marion, NC 28752. Marion is about 36 miles east of Asheville on I-40 (Exit 81).
How do I enter the Bigfoot Calling Contest?
To enter, pick up a ticket at the Bigfoot 911 booth as soon as you arrive. The contest in on the main stage at 1 PM.
Is there parking at the WNC Bigfoot Festival?
Downtown Marion parking is limited during the festival. The organizers provide free shuttle service from designated locations around town. Plan to park a bit away from Main Street and take the shuttle in.
Planning more WNC adventures? Check out: The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Asheville, NC
Sources
- WNC Bigfoot Festival Official Website, event details, 2026 schedule, Honeycutt & Co. band announcement. Accessed August 14, 2026.
- Destination McDowell, WNC Bigfoot Festival Returns to Downtown Marion, full 2026 schedule, lodging info, festival history. Published July 27, 2026. Accessed August 14, 2026.
- Romantic Asheville, WNC Bigfoot Festival, Marion, location, driving directions, festival overview. Accessed August 14, 2026.
- City of Marion, NC Calendar, WNC Bigfoot Festival 2025, 2025 festival date (August 23, 2025). Accessed August 14, 2026.
- Author’s personal experience, WNC Bigfoot Festival 2021.