Ever wondered where you can watch people toss frozen turkeys, race coffins, or feast on deep-fried bull testicles? Welcome to the unforgettable world of weird festivals in America—where the bizarre isn’t just celebrated, it’s elevated to pure art.
Picture this: You’re standing in a crowd, watching competitors toss cow chips (that’s dried cow poop, folks) for distance records. Next weekend, you’re cheering on participants in a frozen t-shirt contest while a guy named Bredo chills in his cryogenic chamber nearby. Just another typical festival season in the good ol’ USA!
From the sun-baked streets of Roswell, where alien enthusiasts gather in their tinfoil hats, to the garlic-scented paradise of Gilroy, California, where vampire hunters dare not tread – these aren’t your average county fairs. These are the festivals that make you question humanity’s collective sanity… in the best possible way.
Ready to dive headfirst into the wildest traditions weird festivals in America have to offer? Buckle up, buttercup—we’re about to explore 20 celebrations so strange, you’ll need photos to prove they’re real. But trust us, you wouldn’t want to miss a second of the madness.
Warning: Side effects may include uncontrollable laughter, spontaneous road trips, and an irresistible urge to throw perfectly good pumpkins from medieval siege weapons.
The Weird Festivals in America You Have to See to Believe
Ready to dive into the wild side of American celebrations? Buckle up, buttercup – these festivals aren’t your typical county fair with pie contests and petting zoos. We’re talking about events that’ll make your grandma clutch her pearls and your Instagram followers do a double-take.
1. The Testicle Festival
Deep in the heart of Montana, there’s a celebration that really has some balls…
Picture this: You’re standing in a bustling festival ground, surrounded by the intoxicating aroma of deep-fried delicacies. But these aren’t your regular state fair corn dogs – welcome to the “Testy Festy,” where Rocky Mountain Oysters reign supreme!
What’s on the menu?
- Bull testicles (the star of the show)
- Sheep testicles (for the adventurous souls)
- Pig testicles (because variety is the spice of life)
The festival features competitive eating challenges where brave participants race to devour platefuls of these ahem unique delicacies. Local chefs showcase their creative culinary skills with dishes like:
- Testicle tempura
- Deep-fried testicle tacos
- “Cowboy caviar” sliders
Between bites, festival-goers can enjoy:
- Live country music performances
- Beer gardens with local craft brews
- Cooking demonstrations (learn to prep your own “mountain oysters” using these tips)
- The crowning of the “Testicle Festival Queen”
The event draws thousands of curious food enthusiasts and thrill-seekers from across the country. Some come for the novelty, others for the genuine appreciation of this traditional Western delicacy. Local ranchers view it as a practical way to use every part of the animal – though they might crack a few jokes while they’re at it.
Pro tip: First-timers should try the “Testy Bites” sampler platter. It’s perfectly portioned for those who want to dip their toes (or taste buds) into this unique culinary experience without diving head-first into a full plate.
2. The Roadkill Cook-Off
Ever wondered what happens when culinary creativity meets highway casualties? Welcome to Marlinton, West Virginia’s wildest food festival!
This gut-churning gastronomic gathering, nestled within the charming Autumn Harvest Festival, transforms your typical “deer in headlights” moment into a five-star dining experience. Amateur chefs flex their culinary muscles by whipping up gourmet dishes from – you guessed it – authentic roadkill finds.
Picture this: Venison wellington crafted from a deer that had an unfortunate encounter with a Chevy, or iguana tacos (though we’re still wondering how that ended up on a West Virginia road). Each dish gets judged on three crucial elements:
- Taste (yes, really!)
- Creativity (points for turning tragedy into triumph)
- Presentation (because even roadkill deserves its glamour shot)
The festival’s motto? “You kill it, we grill it!” While health regulations ensure all meat comes from approved sources, the spirit of roadside recycling lives on. Thousands of curious food adventurers flock to this bizarre bash, proving that one driver’s mishap is another chef’s masterpiece.
3. The BugFest
Ever dreamed of munching on chocolate-covered crickets while learning about sustainable protein sources? At Lexington’s BugFest, that’s just appetizer territory! This creepy-crawly celebration turns the “ick factor” into pure culinary adventure.
Picture this: Master chefs whipping up gourmet mealworm tacos, cricket flour cookies, and ant-topped canapés. The festival’s Bugs & Bites tasting station lets brave souls sample these six-legged delicacies while bug experts explain why insects might just be the future of food.
Festival Highlights:
- Bug cooking demonstrations by adventurous local chefs
- “Meet Your Meal” live insect exhibits
- Kid-friendly bug crafting stations
- Entomophagy education center
- Cricket flour baking competitions
The real magic happens when squeamish visitors transform into enthusiastic bug-munchers after their first taste of honey-roasted grasshoppers. Who knew saving the planet could be this deliciously weird? BugFest proves that sometimes the best way to overcome your fears is to eat them – with a side of chipotle sauce.
4. The World Championship Punkin Chunkin
Ever dreamed of launching a pumpkin into the stratosphere? At Sussex County, Delaware’s most explosive autumn spectacle, that’s exactly what happens!
Picture this: massive air cannons that could give NASA a run for their money, medieval-style catapults straight out of a fantasy novel, and teams of mad scientists determined to send their gourds into orbit. The World Championship Punkin Chunkin transforms ordinary pumpkins into high-flying projectiles, reaching distances up to 4,000 feet!
These engineering masterminds spend months crafting their contraptions:
- The Air Cannons – Pneumatic powerhouses that blast pumpkins at 600+ mph
- Trebuchets – Giant medieval-style slingshots with counter-weights
- Centrifugal Machines – Spinning devices that whirl pumpkins into oblivion
The festival’s quirky charm lies in its perfect blend of serious engineering and absolute absurdity. Where else can you watch a 10-pound pumpkin soar through the sky while professional judges measure trajectory angles with scientific precision? It’s like a physics exam met a Halloween party, and they decided to have a blast – literally!
5. The Great Texas Mosquito Festival
Have you ever wondered who would throw a party for the world’s most annoying party crasher? Welcome to Clute, Texas, where locals embrace their blood-sucking neighbors with a three-day extravaganza that will make you scratch your head – and maybe a few mosquito bites!
This strangely brilliant bash features the crowning of “Mister and Miss Mosquito” (complete with antennae-adorned formal wear), and the legendary “Mosquito Calling” contest where participants buzz their best impression of these tiny terrors. Do you have a strong swatting arm? Show off your skills in the Mosquito Legs Contest – no actual mosquitoes harmed, just plenty of laughs!
Between swats and giggles, festival-goers feast on spicy Tex-Mex treats (rumored to keep the real mosquitoes away), dance to live music, and compete in the “Mosquito Chase” 5K run. The festival’s mascot, Willie-Man-Chew – a 26-foot-tall mosquito statue – watches over the festivities like a proud father of pest-themed parties.
Looking for the VIP experience? Snag a spot in the BBQ cook-off, where contestants serve up smoky delights while sporting mosquito-net fashion statements that would make Project Runway judges weep.
6. The Frozen Dead Guy Days
Imagine this: a small town in Colorado throws a crazy party for a frozen Norwegian grandpa stored in a Tuff Shed. Yes, you heard it right!
Nederland, Colorado hosts this absolutely bonkers celebration honoring Bredo Morstoel, who’s been chilling (literally) in dry ice since 1989. His grandson brought him to town hoping to build a cryonics facility – that never happened, but the festival sure did!
The three-day winter extravaganza features:
- Coffin Racing – Teams sprint through an obstacle course while carrying decorated coffins
- Frozen T-shirt Contest – Participants race to unfold and wear rock-solid frozen shirts
- Brain Freeze Contest – Speed-eating ice cream until your head hurts
- Salmon Tossing – Because why not throw frozen fish?
- The Blue Ball – A costumed dance where everyone dresses in blue
The festival’s motto? “Celebrating Life, Frozen Dead Guys, and Colorado Mountain Culture.” Local bands play while visitors sample “frozen dead guy” cocktails and watch horror movie marathons in heated tents. It’s a perfect blend of macabre humor and small-town charm that draws thousands of death-positive partiers each March.
7. The UFO Festival
Beam me up to Roswell, New Mexico! This otherworldly celebration turns the infamous 1947 UFO crash into a cosmic party that would make E.T. proud.
Picture this: thousands of tinfoil-hatted enthusiasts descending upon the desert town each July, transforming Main Street into an intergalactic carnival. The festival sports some seriously out-of-this-world attractions:
- Alien Costume Contest – where green body paint is practically mandatory
- UFO Research Lectures – featuring real-life UFOlogists and eyewitnesses
- Alien Pet Contest – because even Fluffy deserves antenna accessories
- Light Parade – glowing floats that rival Area 51’s security lights
The festival’s highlight? A recreation of the alleged alien autopsy at the crash site. Local businesses embrace the extraterrestrial theme with alien-shaped pancakes and “crash site debris” souvenirs.
Between conspiracy theory workshops and space-themed art shows, you’ll spot visitors practicing their alien walk and debating whether the truth is really out there. The festival’s magnetic pull draws UFO enthusiasts and skeptics alike, making it a truly unidentified festive object in America’s quirky celebration scene.
8. The Garlic Festival (Gilroy Garlic Festival)
Welcome to Gilroy, California – where breathing becomes optional and vampire protection is guaranteed! This aromatic extravaganza transforms the self-proclaimed “Garlic Capital of the World” into a pungent paradise every July.
Picture this: 40 tons of garlic perfuming the air while chefs whip up everything from garlic ice cream to garlic-infused cocktails. The festival’s crown jewel? Gourmet Alley – a row of massive outdoor kitchens where “pyro chefs” create spectacular flame-ups while cooking garlic-laden dishes.
Brave souls can enter the garlic-eating competition (breath mint sponsors, where are you?), where contestants chomp through whole cloves faster than you can say “halitosis.” The festival’s signature dish – garlic french fries – sells by the thousands, leaving a trail of happy, if slightly odorous, festival-goers in its wake.
Don’t miss the Miss Gilroy Garlic Queen pageant, where contestants must showcase both beauty and their knowledge of all things garlic. Pro tip: Your car will smell like garlic for weeks – embrace it as a souvenir!
9. The Duct Tape Festival (Avon Heritage Duck Tape Festival)
Have you ever imagined wearing a prom dress made entirely of that shiny sticky tape used to hold your air conditioning ducts together? In Avon, Ohio, that’s just another Saturday at the Duck Tape Festival!
This unique celebration turns the ordinary hardware store item into high fashion and breathtaking art displays. Imagine 8-foot dinosaurs wrapped in bright duct tape, wedding dresses that would leave Project Runway judges speechless, and parade floats shimmering with metallic adhesive brilliance.
Here’s what you can expect at the festival:
- Fashion Show: Watch as contestants walk down the runway wearing custom-made duct tape outfits ranging from superhero costumes to Victorian-era ballgowns.
- DIY Workshops: Join hands-on sessions where you can learn the art of crafting with duct tape – create wallets, flower bouquets that never wilt, and more.
- Art Installations: Marvel at larger-than-life sculptures and creative displays made entirely out of duct tape.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to bring an extra roll of tape with you – you’ll be inspired to unleash your creativity in ways you never thought possible! The festival’s motto might as well be: If you can’t duct it, chuck it!
10. The Mermaid Parade
Dive into the glitziest, most bedazzled sea-themed spectacle this side of Atlantis! Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade transforms Brooklyn’s beachfront into a shimmering wonderland where merfolk rule the streets.
Since 1983, this fin-tastic celebration has been turning mere mortals into mythical creatures every summer solstice.
The Parade’s True Magic
The parade’s true magic lies in its anything-goes creative spirit:
- King Neptune and Queen Mermaid crowned annually (often featuring celebs)
- Hand-crafted floats that would make Poseidon proud
- Antique cars decorated as underwater chariots
- Street performers channeling their inner sea creatures
What sets this aquatic extravaganza apart? It’s the perfect blend of artistic expression, nautical nonsense, and pure Brooklyn pride. The parade celebrates body positivity, artistic freedom, and the kind of wild creativity that makes New York City tick.
Think Burning Man meets The Little Mermaid – with a healthy dose of Coney Island’s signature weirdness thrown in for good measure. The best part? Everyone’s invited to unleash their inner sea creature and join the wave of maritime mayhem!
11. The National Hollerin’ Contest
Ever wondered how people communicated before smartphones? In Spivey’s Corner, North Carolina, they literally shouted about it – and turned it into an art form!
The National Hollerin’ Contest transforms ear-splitting yells into musical masterpieces. Picture this: contestants belting out traditional hollers that once served as rural North Carolina’s version of text messages. These aren’t your average “dinner’s ready” screams – we’re talking about intricate vocal patterns that could carry messages for miles.
Participants compete in categories like:
- Functional Hollers – Used historically for calling livestock or signaling neighbors
- Communicative Hollers – Complex messages shared between distant farms
- Expressive Hollers – Creative vocal performances with musical qualities
The festival grounds buzz with folk music performances, storytelling circles, and demonstrations of traditional hollerin’ techniques. Local legends claim the best hollerers could be heard up to 15 miles away on a clear day – try getting that kind of range on your smartphone!
Want to test your vocal cords? Just remember: this isn’t karaoke night at your local bar – it’s a celebration of rural American communication that’ll leave your throat raw and your spirit soaring.
12. The Mooning of Amtrak
Imagine this: You’re peacefully riding the train through California when suddenly – bam! – dozens of bare bottoms appear alongside the tracks. Welcome to the Mooning of Amtrak, America’s cheekiest unofficial tradition!
This bare-bottomed spectacle started in 1979 at the Mugs Away Saloon in Laguna Niguel, California. Legend has it, a bar patron promised to buy drinks for anyone brave enough to moon the next passing train. The rest, as they say, is stripped-down history.
The event peaked in 2008 with around 10,000 participants showing their… enthusiasm. While local authorities have since scaled back the festivities, dedicated groups still keep the tradition alive at various points along Amtrak routes.
What makes it weird?
- No official organization
- Completely spontaneous participation
- Draws people from all walks of life
- Combines rebellion with ridiculous fun
The Mooning of Amtrak stands as a testament to America’s love for the absurd – where else would flashing a train become a beloved cultural phenomenon? Just remember: participation is at your own risk, and maybe pack some extra sunscreen for those rarely-seen areas!
13. The Underwater Music Festival
Ever dreamed of partying with fish? At the Underwater Music Festival in the Florida Keys, that’s exactly what happens! This underwater extravaganza turns Looe Key Reef into the most amazing concert venue in nature.
What’s Happening Underwater?
Here’s what you can expect when you dive into this unique festival:
- Dancing with Fish: Scuba divers and snorkelers move to the rhythm of water-themed songs like “Yellow Submarine” and “Under the Sea,” played through special speakers underwater.
- Coral Reef Conservation: The festival isn’t just about having fun; it also raises awareness about protecting coral reefs. Divers often wear costumes and play real musical instruments designed for underwater use.
- Interactive Experiences: Get ready for surprises! There will be opportunities to meet mermaids, explore marine-themed art installations, and learn about conservation efforts from knowledgeable experts.
A Different Kind of Celebration
This celebration is unlike any other music event you’ve been to before:
- Mermaid meet-ups: Costumed performers gracefully swim through the reef
- Underwater art installations: Marine-themed sculptures add beauty to the ocean floor
- Conservation stations: Discover ways to protect our precious oceans
- Fish-eye views: Talented photographers capture all the fun happening beneath the waves
So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience filled with music, nature, and adventure, make sure to check out the Underwater Music Festival. Just remember – no crowd surfing with sharks!
14. The Humongous Fungus Festival
Have you ever wanted to party with a giant mushroom that covers 37 acres? Crystal Falls, Michigan hosts this unique celebration honoring Armillaria gallica – the largest living organism on Earth, hidden underground right beneath their feet!
This one-of-a-kind festival takes place every August, offering mushroom lovers a wide range of activities centered around fungi. Imagine yourself exploring misty morning mushroom hunts guided by knowledgeable experts who will teach you how to distinguish between different types of mushrooms (including the crucial difference between edible and poisonous ones!).
The highlight of the festival? A gigantic pizza shaped like a mushroom, measuring 10 feet in diameter – a tasty tribute to the vast underground network of fungi that inspired this entire event. In addition to face-painting booths and art workshops featuring mushrooms, you’ll also see locals proudly wearing t-shirts that say “Fun Guy Lives Here!”
Make sure to catch the “Fungus Among Us” parade where residents dress up as various types of mushrooms and march through streets adorned with spotted toadstool decorations. It may sound strange, but that’s exactly why we love it!
Fun fact: The local Armillaria colony weighs around 100 tons and has been growing for more than 1,500 years. That’s an event that’s been going on for centuries!
15. The Great American Bathtub Race
Imagine this: a bunch of fancy bathtubs racing down the Willamette River like speedy boats. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Portland’s most exciting event!
The annual Great American Bathtub Race turns the calm area between Portland and Milwaukie into a water racetrack where teams compete in modified bathtubs with powerful engines. These aren’t your ordinary bathtubs – we’re talking about fully equipped boats with crazy designs.
Teams arrive in matching outfits that can be anything from pirates to rubber ducky squads. Some unforgettable entries have included:
- A Viking longship-tub with shield-covered sides
- A floating “bubble bath” with huge foam bubbles
- A tribute to “Yellow Submarine” featuring a periscope
- A garden tub on water with real plants
The real excitement happens when these bathtubs-turned-boats hit the water. People gather along the riverbanks to cheer for their favorite floating creations as they bounce, splash, and sometimes even sink their way to victory. The race combines clever engineering with pure fun – where else can you see a mermaid captain steering a vintage bathtub past a floating disco bathroom?
16. The Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw
Ever wondered what rural Wisconsin folks do for fun? They throw dried cow poop – and they’re darn proud of it! 🐄
The annual Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw at the Waukesha County Fairgrounds turns the humble cow patty into an Olympic-worthy projectile. These aren’t your fresh-off-the-farm specimens – these bad boys are carefully selected, sun-dried discs of bovine excellence.
The Art of the Throw:
- Contestants get two chances to hurl their chosen chip
- The current record stands at a jaw-dropping 248 feet
- Pro tip: Look for the lightweight, frisbee-shaped chips
The festival’s atmosphere buzzes with country fair charm – live bluegrass bands strum away while food vendors serve up (thankfully unrelated) delicacies. Kids can try their hand at the “chip chip hooray” mini-throw contest, while adults compete for the coveted Golden Chip trophy.
Between throws, visitors explore craft booths, join square dancing sessions, and swap legendary tales of chips that flew too close to the sun. Just remember to wash your hands before digging into that corn dog! 🌽
17. Toad Suck Daze
Hop into one of Arkansas’ most ribbiting celebrations!
The Conway/Little Rock area transforms into amphibian paradise each spring for Toad Suck Daze, a three-day extravaganza named after local folklore. Legend claims steamboat crews would camp at the local tavern and “suck on the bottle ’til they swelled up like toads.”
The star attractions? Hundreds of toads competing in epic jumping contests. These determined hoppers battle it out while their human coaches cheer them toward glory. Prize money’s on the line, folks – these aren’t your average backyard toads!
Beyond the leaping legends, you’ll find:
- The “Toad Suck Run” for human competitors
- A wild toad-themed carnival midway
- Local artisans selling toad-inspired crafts
- Live music stages pumping out “toad-ally” awesome tunes
- A coronation ceremony for “Toad Master”
The festival draws over 150,000 visitors annually, proving that sometimes the weirdest traditions make the best memories. Pro tip: Name your racing toad something dramatic like “Sir Hops-a-Lot” or “The Notorious F.R.O.G” for extra style points.
18. The International Cherry Pit Spitting Championship
Ever dreamed of becoming a world champion? Here’s your juicy chance!
Deep in Michigan’s cherry country, the International Cherry Pit Spitting Championship turns fruit-seed disposal into an Olympic-worthy spectacle. This pit-tacular event draws competitors from across the globe to Eau Claire Township, where cherry-stained tongues launch tiny projectiles toward glory.
The rules? Simple yet strict:
- Pits must come from regulation cherries
- No “performance enhancing substances” on the pits
- Spitters can’t step over the line
- Distance is measured to where the pit first hits the ground
The current world record? A jaw-dropping 93 feet and 6.5 inches! Local legend Rick “Pellet Gun” Krause and his family have dominated the competition for decades, turning cherry pit spitting into their dynasty sport.
Between attempts, visitors munch on fresh Michigan cherries, watch pit-spitting tutorials from the pros, and practice their own techniques in the amateur division. Kids get their own “Pip Squeak” category, proving you’re never too young to start your championship spitting career.
Pro tip: Don’t wear white – those cherry stains aren’t coming out!
19. The Redneck Games
Get ready for the most unapologetically Southern event this side of the Mason-Dixon! The Redneck Games in East Dublin, Georgia, embrace every stereotype with pride and feature competitions that will leave your grandma shocked!
Imagine this: contestants diving into mud pits like graceful swamp creatures, while cheering fans with BBQ-sauce-stained excitement watch from the sidelines. The games include true tests of skill such as:
- Bobbing for pigs’ feet in kiddie pools
- The infamous “Armpit Serenade”
- Hub cap hurling championships
- Toilet seat tossing
- The legendary mud pit belly flop
Winners don’t just get bragging rights – they proudly display genuine brass spittoon trophies. The festival began as a playful response to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, but it has now become a beloved celebration of Southern culture that attracts thousands of visitors eager to embrace their inner redneck.
Between competitions, participants indulge in deep-fried delicacies while local bands keep the atmosphere lively with country music. Don’t forget to wear your cutoff jean shorts and get ready to have fun – this is not your ordinary county fair!
20. The Bigfoot Daze Festival
Pack your best Sasquatch costume and head to the redwood-studded town of Willow Creek, California – the self-proclaimed “Bigfoot Capital of the World.” This quirky celebration turns cryptozoology into a full-blown party that’d make even the most elusive forest creature want to boogie down.
The festival’s signature event? A Bigfoot-calling contest that echoes through the mountains. Picture dozens of humans making their best prehistoric growls while judges rate their authenticity. It’s like American Idol meets National Geographic, minus the Simon Cowell sass.
Between Sasquatch-themed parade floats and hairy-faced lookalike contests, visitors can:
- Swap spine-tingling Bigfoot encounter stories
- Learn tracking techniques from local experts
- Browse cryptid-inspired arts and crafts
- Join guided “evidence gathering” hikes
- Compete in the “Big Foot” race (yes, participants wear massive foam feet)
The festival’s piece de resistance: a cherry pit spitting championship where contestants channel their inner primate to achieve record-breaking distances. Because nothing says “ancient forest creature” quite like launching fruit pits into the stratosphere.
Embrace the Wonderfully Weird Side of America
These unforgettable events prove that weird festivals in America are anything but ordinary. From flying pumpkins to coffin races, they highlight the country’s wild imagination and love of the wonderfully absurd.
Ready to spice up your travel plans? Pack your most outrageous costume and dive into:
- Testicle-tasting competitions in Montana
- UFO hunting in Roswell
- Mosquito-swatting championships in Texas
- Frozen dead guy tributes in Colorado
These quirky gatherings aren’t just events—they’re portals into alternate universes where the strange becomes spectacular and the absurd turns awesome. You’ll meet fellow adventurers who don’t just think outside the box—they’ve turned that box into a garlic-flavored spaceship piloted by Bigfoot.
Pro tip: Check festival dates well in advance. Many of these celebrations happen just once a year, and you won’t want to miss your chance to hurl dead fish across state lines or compete in a hearse parade.
Whether you’re a seasoned partier or just curious about the strange side of celebration, weird festivals in America welcome you with confetti, chaos, and maybe a plate of deep-fried bugs. Adventure is calling—and it’s got a bullhorn and a tutu.
[Ready to start planning? Check official festival websites for dates, tickets, and the latest updates on competitive cow chip throwing tournaments.]
