I’m a sucker for odd or offbeat festivals, and what’s more strange than a festival honoring famous (and not-so-famous) cryptids like Bigfoot, Mothman, and an alien resembling a giant vegetable?

Here are a few 2026 cryptid festivals happening throughout the Southeast. Know of one I missed? Let me know, and I’ll add it the list!

Looking for Bigfoot festivals only? See 2026 Bigfoot festivals in the Southeast.

East Alabama Bigfoot Town Hall

March 7, 2026 | The Old Seale Russell County Courthouse, 5 Jackson Street, Seale, AL

The 3rd Annual East Alabama Bigfoot Town Hall brings speakers, vendors, food, and Bigfoot fans together for a lively day of cryptid stories and community fun. The weekend also features a Friday night meet-and-greet with dinner and a separate paranormal investigation inside the courthouse. It’s a full lineup for anyone who loves Bigfoot, strange encounters, or local folklore!

  • Main event: March 7 from 9 AM – 4 PM EST, $15
  • Meet-and-greet: March 6 at 7 PM, $25.
  • Paranormal event: March 7 at 7 PM, $50

Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival

May 2, 2026 | 7930 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN

Don’t miss the Bigfoot Birthday Bash at the 6th Annual Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival. Enjoy guest speakers, live music, food trucks, vendors, contests, and birthday-themed fun including games. The agenda also includes giveaways, special merch, and photo ops with Party Sasquatch. The event caps off with a sweet celebration moment complete with cupcakes and confetti.

  • Festival: May 2 from 10 AM – 4 PM EST
  • General admission: $15
  • Kids 10 & under: Free with adult ticket
  • VIP dinner + meet & greet: $175
  • Parking: $25 in advance or day-of (cash)

Red River Gorge Bigfoot Festival

May 30, 2026 | Stanton City Park, 127 Halls Lane, Stanton, KY

The Red River Gorge Bigfoot Festival returns with a full day of cryptid talks, outdoor skills demos, live music, and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. Explore local vendors, try Bigfoot-themed games, and enjoy family attractions. The festival also features contests, arts and crafts, educational booths, and plenty of food options throughout the park.

  • Festival: May 30 from morning through evening
  • Admission: Free Saturday admission

Grafton Monster Festival

June 12 – 13, 2026 | Graftown Downtown Commercial Historic District, Grafton, WV

The Grafton Monster Festival is a two-day celebration that highlights the town’s most famous local legend. The event features vendors, guest talks, live music, and a preview of the new Grafton Monster Museum. It debuted in June 2024 in honor of the first reported sighting of the beast in 1964.

  • VIP Dinner: June 12. Tickets start at $30
  • Festival: June 13
  • Admission: Festival free to attend

Great Florida Bigfoot Conference

June 13, 2026 | World Equestrian Center (Expo 1), 1284 NW 87th Ct Road, Ocala, FL

Head to Ocala for the 6th Annual Great Florida Bigfoot Conference for a full day of speakers, stories, and sightings. Discover new research, hear firsthand accounts, and join discussions with investigators and authors who study the mystery year-round. The event offers flexibility with all-day come-and-go access for every ticket holder. Those who want an bigger experience can opt for VIP seating and a special meet-and-greet dinner the night before the conference.

  • Conference: June 13 from 9 AM – 6 PM
  • General admission: $30
  • Reserved and VIP seating: $50–$175

Carolina CryptidFest

July 24 – 25, 2026 | Jim Graham Building at North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC

Join the Carolina CryptidCon Tour in Raleigh for a two-day dive into strange stories, legendary creatures, and pure cryptid fun. Wander through a sprawling showcase of more than 300 vendors, guest speakers, artists, oddities, authors, paranormal pros, and passionate fans from across the country.

  • Festival: July 24 – 25 from 11 AM – 9 PM (EST). Hours vary by day.
  • Admission: $20 Adults ages 11 and up. 10 and under $5.

Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference

July 25, 2026 | Gatlinburg Convention Center, 234 Airport Road, Gatlinburg, TN

The 7th Annual Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference returns to Gatlinburg this July. Listen to researchers, TV personalities, authors, and podcasters as they share stories, findings, and insights from the field. A large vendor hall offers plenty to explore with Bigfoot gear, artwork, books, and other cryptid-themed finds. Whether you’re a newcomer or longtime believer, you’ll love learning, browsing, and connecting.

  • Conference: July 25 from 9 AM – 7 PM
  • General admission: Starts at $30
  • Reserved seating: $40–$60
  • VIP package: $175

GoblinCon UFO and Paranormal Expo

August 22 – August 23, 2026 | The Bruce Convention Center, 303 Conference Drive, Hopkinsville, KY

The two-day GoblinCon celebrates the Kelly/Hopkinsville goblin encounter and all things paranormal! Explore vendor offerings, hear renowned speakers, participate in educational workshops, and join captivating panels covering paranormal topics from aliens to ghosts to Bigfoot.

Festival: August 22 – 23. Hours vary by day.

Uwharrie Bigfoot Festival

August 28 – August 30, 2026 | Denton Farm Park, 1072 Cranford Road, Denton, NC

The Uwharrie Bigfoot Festival brings a full weekend of family activities, live music, and outdoor fun to Denton FarmPark. Explore local vendors, enjoy entertainment throughout the grounds, and spend time in a dedicated kids zone packed with attractions. The event creates a relaxed setting for families, Bigfoot fans, and curious newcomers to enjoy the countryside and take part in the festivities at their own pace.

Festival: August 28 – 30. Hours vary by day.

WNC Bigfoot Festival

August 29, 2026 | Downtown Marion, NC

Enjoy a lively mix of food, activities, contests, and educational panels at the WNC Bigfoot Festival. Sample Sasquatch-themed treats, browse vendors, listen to talks, and take part in crowd-favorite events like the Bigfoot Calling Contest. The atmosphere suits families, curious newcomers, and seasoned believers who want a big day of mountain fun.

Festival: August 29 from 10 AM – 5 PM

Mothman Festival

September 19 – 20, 2026 | Main Street in Point Pleasant, WV

Mothman Festival is an annual event that commemorates the 1966 Point Pleasant, West Virginia, Mothman sighting, which gave birth to the infamous red-eyed winged legend. People from all over the world gather around Point Pleasant’s Main Street to celebrate the beloved cryptid during this one-of-a-kind event.

  • Festival: September 19 – 20. Hours vary by day.
  • Admission: Free

Southeastern Kentucky Bigfoot Conference

September 2026 | London, KY

The Southeastern Kentucky Bigfoot Conference brings a full day of mystery, discovery, and family fun to the region. Hear from engaging speakers, researchers, and eyewitnesses who share stories and insights from the field. A wide range of vendors adds to the experience with crafts, gear, and Bigfoot-themed items.

Conference: Dates to be announced.

Veggie Man Day

October 3, 2026 | West Virginia Folklife Center, Fairmont State University, 1201 Locust Avenue, Fairmont, WV

First spotted in 1968 in the outskirts of Rivesville, Veggie Man became local legend as an alien making his way back home. On Veggie, or Vegetable Man Day, come see the works of cryptid-themed artists, hear from speakers and vendors, read cryptid story books for children, and enjoy live Appalachian music.

  • Festival: October 3 from 11 AM to 5 PM (EST).
  • Admission: Free

South Carolina Bigfoot Festival

October 9 – October 10, 2026 | Main Street in Westminster, SC

The South Carolina Bigfoot Festival fills the streets of Westminster with two full days of music, speakers, vendors, and family activities. Dine from food trucks, browse crafts, listen to Bigfoot stories, and enjoy a variety of themed contests and kids’ attractions. The atmosphere suits devoted fans and curious newcomers who want a fun fall weekend in the Upstate.

Festival: October 9 from 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM and October 10 from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

West Virginia Bigfoot Festival

October 9 – October 11, 2026 | Nicholas County Veterans Memorial Park, 19 Memorial Park Road, Summersville, WV

Don’t miss the 2026 West Virginia Bigfoot Festival, hosted at Nicholas County Veterans Memorial Park. Spaces available for up to 400 vendors, dozens of food trucks, and some of the best cryptozoology speakers in the world!

Park City Bigfoot Festival

October 10, 2026 | Bell’s Tavern Park, 130 Old Dixie Highway, Park City, KY

Enjoy amazing lineup of guest speakers, a special Roundtable discussion, and exclusive VIP events. The Park City Bigfoot Festival has delicious food and shopping vendors, Bigfoot merchandise, and a KIDZ Corner.

Festival: October 10 from 9 AM – 5:30 PM (Central Time)

Green Eyes Festival

October 17, 2026 | Chickamauga, GA

The Green Eyes Festival is a cryptid and fall festival that honors the folklore and culture of Northwest Georgia/Southeast Tennessee located in Chickamauga, a beautiful small town in Northwest Georgia famed for its southern charm, friendly locals, and scenic sights.

  • Festival: October 17, 2026
  • Admission: Festival free to attend. Green Eyes Gallop and Cryptid Ball extra.

Rougarou Fest

October 23 – 25, 2026 | 86 Valhi Boulevard, Houma, LA

The Rougarou Fest celebrates the stories that run through the bayous of Southeast Louisiana, including tales of the rougarou, a creature described as having the head of a canine with the body of a human. Visitors enjoy live music, cultural demonstrations, kids’ activities, Cajun dishes, the Krewe Ga Rou parade, and a full schedule of entertainment.

  • Festival: Friday, October 23 – 5 PM to 10 PM; Saturday, October 24 – 10 AM to 10 PM; Sunday, October 25, 2026 – 10 AM to 5 PM (CST)
  • Admission: Free

Flatwoods Monster Convention

September 11 – 12, 2026 | The Days Inn Conference Center, 350 Days Drive, Sutton, WV

The Flatwoods Monster is a legendary creature said to roam the woods of West Virginia. The Flatwoods Monster Convention is an out-of-this world experience, featuring world renowned speakers, remote broadcasting podcasters, amazing vendors, costume contests, and more!

  • Festival: September 11 – 12 from 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Admission: $10
  • VIP tickets available

Woodbooger Festival

September | Norton, VA

The Woodbooger Festival celebrates Southwest Virginia’s mythical Bigfoot-like creature. The festival offers live music, great food, artisan vendors, contests, Bigfoot presentations, guided hikes and rides, canoe trips, and more.

Festival: Late September

Goatman Festival

Mid-October | Louisville, KY

Goatman Festival honors the Pope Lick Monster, a legendary part-man, part-goat, and part-sheep creature reported to live beneath a railroad trestle bridge over Pope Lick Creek. The weekend features celebrity cryptozoologist meet and greets, expert-led seminars, guided tours, vendors, films, live music, and more. A haunted attraction brings the Pope Lick Monster legend to life for brave visitors.

  • Festival: Mid-October
  • Admission: Free

Beastfest

Late-October | Bladenboro, NC

A mysterious creature blamed for vampire-like attacks on pets and livestock once terrified the community of Bladenboro. Today, the creature is a source of fun and merriment. The annual Beastfest features food, games, costume contest, bands, and more.

  • Festival: Late-October
  • Admission: Free