Aug. 1, 2025, 10 a.m.

WNC Bigfoot Festival Returns to Downtown Marion

The mysterious creature known as Bigfoot — or Sasquatch — is reported to have wandered the mountains of Western North Carolina for years. But on August 23rd, 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM, Bigfoot’s whereabouts will be no mystery. He’ll be celebrating with fans of all ages at the fourth-annual WNC Bigfoot Festival in historic downtown Marion.

Started by a local Bigfoot researcher who allegedly spied the towering, ape-like creature on the shores of Lake James in 2019, the two-day festival includes an educational expo and a free all-day street festival dedicated to everyone’s favorite elusive legend.

WNC Bigfoot Festival Returns to Downtown Marion

2025 WNC Bigfoot Festival

Date: Saturday, August 23rd
Time: 10 AM to 5 PM
Free admission & Free shuttles

On Saturday, five blocks of downtown Marion will be dedicated to the family-friendly festivities, with vendors selling Bigfoot-themed wares ranging from soaps to keychains to T-shirts. The “Little Foot Zone” for kids will feature inflatables and other fun activities. Plenty of costumed ‘Squatches will be wandering the streets, available for selfies!

A series of speakers will take the main stage throughout the day on Saturday, including members of the Bigfoot Field Research Organization, as well as author Zach Bales, of the Bigfooter's Atlas, and internet personality "The Paranormal Roadtripper". And don’t miss the annual Bigfoot Calling Contest at noon, with winners announced later in the day.

What's Happening in Marion for WNC Bigfoot Festival

8:00 am: Bigfoot Dash 5K
- Sign up to walk or run the 5K benefiting Marion Elementary School
10:30 am: Opening Ceremony by Marion's Mayor, Steve Little
11:00 am: Speaker Terry Windell of Rock Hill Bigfoot
11:30 am: Speaker Matt Seeber of East Tennessee Bigfoot
1:00 pm: Bigfoot Calling Contest
- Participants are competing for a chance to win bragging rights. To enter, pick up a ticket at the Bigfoot 911 booth.
1:30 pm: Speaker John Bruner of Bigfoot 911 and founder of the WNC Bigfoot Festival
2:00 pm: Speaker Zach Bales (Paranormal Roadtripper)
2:30 pm: North Carolina Investigators of the Paranormal
All Day:
- The Cryptid Crew Podcast will be podcasting live from the festival. Special guests include Sasquatch Recon.
- Enjoy live music and entertainment at the festival’s Main Stage.
- Explore local arts and crafts at the Bigfoot Pop-Up Market hosted by the McDowell Arts Council Association. Discover unique Sasquatch-themed art, crafts, and locally made gifts.
- The “Little Foot Zone” for kids will feature inflatables and other kids activities. Plenty of costumed ‘Squatches will wander the streets looking for selfie opportunities.
- Try some Sasquatch-inspired dishes, drinks, and activities created by Marion’s restaurants and businesses. Refinery13, Marion’s pioneer craft brew and beverage pub, will offer the official WNC Bigfoot Festival 2025 Pint Glass, which commemorates #WNCStrong and the region’s resilience post-Helene.
6:00 pm: Bigfoot Themed Live Pro Wrestling at The Box Factory
- The Box Factory in Marion presents a Bigfoot-themed wrestling event.
8:00 pm: Bigfoot Boogie at The High Dive
- Celebrate the Bigfoot Festival at The High Dive at Mica Town Brewing in Marion with a night of cryptid chaos and fun.

Throughout the event, one can enjoy live music, fun games, face painting, Bigfoot merchandise, and delicious food. The whole town of Marion gets in on the fun, too! Keep an eye out for Bigfoot-themed beers on tap at the breweries. Discover Bigfoot-inspired pottery, stickers, plushies, and more!

The McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) on Main Street will be collaborating with CreepGeeks Podcast to host their Bigfoot Pop-Up Shop, featuring a curated collection of fine art, heritage crafts, and handmade items with a cryptid and Sasquatch theme. Items available at MACA are made or produced exclusively by local artists in the region, so it's a great way to support locally made art and local Bigfoot entertainment.

Where to Stay in Marion for WNC Bigfoot Festival

Located just a few miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains, WNC Bigfoot Festival guests can stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Marion. You might even run into Bigfoot hanging out poolside...