These 7 The United States Towns Have The Most Unique Festivals
Countless towns throughout the United States have become known for their eccentricities and quirky way of life, but some take that art to the next level. Whether you want to get in watermelon seed-spitting competitions or woolly worm racing, families have a few key stops to make all over the country to experience the best and weirdest celebrations around. Vacations are about to get much more interesting when you appropriately time your visit to seven different small-town events that offer a peculiar slice of Americana.
Point Pleasant, West Virginia — Mothman Festival
This Ohio River town celebrates its strange claim to fame every September: the legendary Mothman. The lore surrounding this red-eyed, winged creature dates back to the 1960s, and today, it has transformed into the Mothman Festival. This weekend-long celebration features live music, cryptid costume antics, street wares, and special tours on the creature's alleged hunting grounds. You can participate in storytelling activities, browse offbeat memorabilia, and be treated to the cheerful combination of mystery and legend that is Point Pleasant.
When the crowds disappear, Point Pleasant remains a serene retreat, with scenic riverwalks, historic sites like the Point Pleasant Battle Monument on Main Street, and charming small boutiques, such as Bunker 304 and The Point Pleasant Trading Company. Visitors can visit the Mothman Museum, explore the adjacent parklands, or drive through the peaceful farmlands of Mason County, WV.
Estes Park, Colorado — Frozen Dead Guy Days
Colorado's high country is home to one of America's weirdest winter parties. Frozen Dead Guy Days celebrates a true cryogenically frozen man, Norwegian Bredo Morstøl, who died in 1989 (nicknamed "Grandpa Bredo"), and whose tale sparked the festival that has evolved into a mashup of coffin races, polar plunges, and chilly fun. Residents and tourists don outrageous costumes, throw frozen fish, and dance to live music — a cheeky bash that's more hilarious than horrific.
Aside from the chilly celebrations, Estes Park presents spectacular access to Rocky Mountain National Park, whose meadows are home to roaming elk and whose snow-covered alpine peaks rise above calm, crystal-clear lakes. Visitors can shop at quaint boutiques downtown, such as The Trading Post of the Rockies, enjoy cocoa by the fireplace, or drive along the scenic Trail Ridge Road.
Crystal Falls, Michigan — Humongous Fungus Festival
In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Crystal Falls honors one of the globe's strangest organisms: a giant underground fungus covering acres of trees. A giant Armillaria gallica fungus colony in the area is estimated to be 1,500 years old, and covers 37 acres. In August, the Humongous Fungus Fest celebrates the natural wonder with mushroom-shaped cuisine, live music, and foraging tours. Visitors can participate in educational lectures, craft markets, and a parade that demonstrates how science can be both academic and amusing, all at the same time.
Beyond the celebrations, Crystal Falls is surrounded by pristine wilderness, perfect for hiking, kayaking, and fishing. There is much to explore within the city limits, too, such as dining at the popular Curious Pig restaurant or grabbing a souvenir at one of the dozens of quality shops, like The Twisted Twig or PIXEL.
Luling, TX —Watermelon Thump
Summer after summer, Luling is the sweetest destination in Texas when it's time for the Watermelon Thump. For four days, the celebration honors local farmers with watermelon-eating contests, seed-spitting competitions, parades, and carnival rides. Streets are packed with families enjoying music, laughter, and all the fresh slices they can handle, making the event feel like summer captured in one fun weekend.
After the Thump, Luling welcomes the weary traveler to slow down and experience small-town living. It's a traditional Texas town famous for barbecue shacks like Gonzo’s Smokehouse, antique stores like the Luling Emporium, and welcoming faces. It is conveniently situated between Austin and San Antonio, with easy access to river tubing, country drives, and the rolling hills of the central part of the Lone Star State.
Phoenixville, PA — Blobfest
Phoenixville transforms vintage cinema into a community theater every July with Blobfest, a salute to the 1958 sci-fi film The Blob. It all begins with the reenactment of the iconic "run-out" scene from the theatre in the movie, followed by vintage car exhibitions, monster-motif crafts, costume competitions, and film showings. It is a unique festival that celebrates all things vintage movie monsters.
Aside from the festival, downtown Phoenixville is home to art galleries like Studio 323, renowned eateries such as the Brooklyn Girl Bakery, and the venerable Colonial Theatre — still the cultural heart of the town. Children can ride bikes or take leisurely walks along the Schuylkill River Trail, and it is an excellent base of operations for quick day trips to Philadelphia’s museums and parks.
Banner Elk, NC — Woolly Worm Festival
Banner Elk in the Blue Ridge Mountains celebrates autumn with the Woolly Worm Festival. With Appalachian origins, the event has the fuzzy caterpillars climbing strings under the guise of predicting how harsh the next winter will be. Crafts, food, and live music are part of the festival, but it's the sound of youngsters cheering on their racing worms that will never be forgotten.
After the final worm reaches the finish line, patrons can venture into the incredible natural wonders surrounding Banner Elk. It is a region blessed with hiking trails, waterfall drives, and scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is plenty to explore without leaving town, starting with one of the area’s most popular dining stops, Stonewalls. There are also a few local shops offering one-of-a-kind treasures for your visit, like the Original Mast General Store and Gilded Age Antiques.
Gilroy, California — Gilroy Garlic Festival
Few ingredients evoke the creativity of residents as much as garlic in Gilroy, California. The Gilroy Garlic Festival honors the town's claim-to-fame crop through cooking competitions, art and craft booths, and a renowned Gourmet Alley, where virtually every dish — from fries to ice cream — arrives imbued with garlic. Parents and kids can savor the distinct flavors, observe chef preparations, and enjoy live music under the summer sun.
Off-season, Gilroy glows with vineyards like Solis Winery and Sarah’s Vineyard, fields of flowers, and family-friendly Gilroy Gardens, a theme park suitable for everyone in your party. Gilroy's beautiful climate and proximity to Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz, and Silicon Valley provide the town with the perfect springboard into the state’s natural and culinary wonders.
Quirky festivals help small towns throughout the country to come to life in a way that puts them on the map. It is fun to explore the wonders of the weird as you visit towns that let you cheer on a woolly worm, get involved in a coffin race, or flee from a creature out of a low-budget monster movie. When you want to take your family’s vacation to the next level in a way that is as fun as it is unforgettable, try one of these seven towns.
