Marion's WNC Bigfoot Festival is upon us. Here's everything you need to know for the weekend.
For the fourth time, the WNC Bigfoot Festival will go stomping through downtown Marion this Saturday and celebrate the alleged half-man, half-ape that some believe frequents the woods in the mountains of western North Carolina.
The mysterious creature known as Bigfoot — or Sasquatch — is reported to have wandered the mountains of western North Carolina for years. But on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 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,” reads a news release from Bigfoot 911, the local group dedicated to investigating Bigfoot.
There will be lots of vendors selling Sasquatch-related merchandise during the WNC Bigfoot Festival on Saturday. This photo is from last year’s festival.
Each year, this free festival brings together believers, skeptics, inquisitive fans and researchers to celebrate the legend of Bigfoot.
Started by a local Bigfoot researcher, the two-day event includes an educational expo and an all-day street festival.
During previous WNC Bigfoot Festivals, more than 40,000 people have enjoyed Bigfoot activities, educational panels and more in Marion. The event has been covered by National Public Radio, CNN and other national news media outlets.
Bigfoot Historical Ghost Walk Friday night
The night before the festival, the fourth annual Bigfoot Historical Ghost Walk & Investigation will be back in downtown Marion.
This event will happen on Friday evening. The McDowell County Historical Society will hold an evening focused on local history, mysterious legends, paranormal investigations and one special guest: SAM or "Samsquatcha," according to a news release from the McDowell County Historical Society.
The evening includes two different historical ghost walks and two paranormal building investigations. There will be Bigfoot pop-up vendors featuring gifts, collectibles, merchandise and food, according to the news release.
The first tour begins at 7:45 p.m. It is a historical ghost walk through downtown before ending with a paranormal investigation.
The second tour begins at 9:50 p.m. It starts with a paranormal investigation, then continues on a guided historical ghost walk through Marion's fascinating past.
General admission is $30 per person.
For more information or to reserve tickets, go to www.facebook.com/McDowellCountyHistoricalSociety.
A Sasquatch at the 2025 WNC Bigfoot Festival in Marion.
Festival on Saturday
On Saturday, five blocks of downtown Marion will be dedicated to the festival, with vendors selling Bigfoot-themed wares ranging from soaps to keychains to T-shirts. The "Bigfoot Jeep Zone" will feature Jeep and off-road vehicles equipped to take you on your next Cryptid Excursion, according to the news release.
There will be costumed Sasquatches wandering the streets of Marion available for selfies.
Joneric Bruner, one of the organizers, said there is a free parking area and a free shuttle service.
A series of speakers will take the main stage throughout the day on Saturday, including members of the Bigfoot Field Research Organization.
One of the speakers will be Christian MacLeod, director and lead investigator of the American Cryptid and Paranormal Society, who has more than 25 years of experience investigating cryptid and paranormal activities.
Another guest speaker will be Michael W. Cook, who is a dedicated cryptozoologist with more than 24 years of experience specializing in the legend and lore of Bigfoot. He is the author of “The Bigfoot Book” series.
The investigation group Squatch Watchers will also attend the WNC Bigfoot Festival.
The annual Bigfoot Calling Contest will take place at noon, with winners announced later in the day.
Attendees at the 2025 WNC Bigfoot Festival.
Full schedule for WNC Bigfoot Festival in Marion
8 a.m.: Bigfoot Dash 5K. Sign up to walk or run the 5K benefiting Marion Elementary School.
10:30 a.m.: Opening ceremony by Marion's Mayor Steve Little at the courthouse.
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Bigfoot research speakers.
11 a.m.: Live music by Bigfoot Troubadour at Bigfoot Books & Brews on East Court Street.
Noon: Bigfoot calling contest at the courthouse. Participants are competing for a chance to win bragging rights. To enter, pick up a ticket at the Bigfoot 911 booth.
1:30 p.m.: Speaker John Bruner of Bigfoot 911 and founder of the WNC Bigfoot Festival.
3 p.m.: Author talk: “Hidden Historian” author Heather Leah discusses North Carolina myths and legends at Bigfoot Books & Brews.
3 p.m.: The band Honeycutt & Co. will take the stage and provide live music. Honeycutt & Co. is a western North Carolina roots rock band built on Appalachian soul, blue-collar grit, honest music and Southern charm.
4 p.m.: Author talk: “Cross Country Cryptids” author Erin McGuire-Thompson discusses cryptids across the country at Bigfoot Books & Brews.
5 p.m. Exclusive movie screening “Bigfoot Woods” featuring in-person Q&A with co-writers Bruce Pavalon and Abel Pavalon. It will take place at the MACA’s theater on South Main Street.
All day
Sasquatch-inspired dishes, drinks and activities created by Marion’s restaurants and businesses will be at the festival all day long. Refinery13 will offer the official WNC Bigfoot Festival pint glass. Mica Town Brewing, Main Season Market and Brewery, Artesana Café and Creamery, Taylors Brewing and others will also be open, the release said.
The McDowell Arts Council Association will feature local art with a Bigfoot and cryptid theme.
Flavors on Main General Store will sell Marion Bigfoot shirts. Get some great Bigfoot swag, outdoor recreation gear and kitchen spices, teas or candies from this downtown shop.
Kds pose for a photo with Bigfoot at the 2025 WNC Bigfoot Festival.
After the festival, Bigfoot Books & Brews and the McDowell Arts Council Association are holding a screening of “Bigfoot Woods” followed by a Q&A with writers Bruce Pavalon and Abel Pavalon. The screening will take place at the arts council's theater on South Main Street.
Proceeds from past festivals have helped support local civic groups and national nonprofits, according to the event’s website.
For more information about the 2026 WNC Bigfoot Festival, visit marionbigfootfestival.com.
