Weird Festivals In The US

There are various weird festivals in the US. Welcome to the wonderfully weird world of festivals in the US. Get ready to embark on a journey into the realm of the strange, the quirky, and the downright bizarre.

America is renowned for its unique and offbeat celebrations that will leave you scratching your head in bewilderment. So pack your bags and prepare to make your next holiday the most unforgettable one yet as we explore some of the strangest festivals and occasions the country has to offer.

Table of Contents

Let’s know all the popular weird festivals in the US.

1. Underwater Music Festival in the Florida Keys (Florida)

Dive into the extraordinary Underwater Music Festival, held in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary around mid-July. This festival takes the concept of a concert to a whole new level, as a band performs with submerged aluminum instruments. Snorkelers and scuba divers immerse themselves in the mesmerizing underwater world, witnessing a unique musical experience that blends art and nature in a truly surreal setting.

2. Annual Amtrak Mooning in Laguna Niguel (California)

Laguna Niguel, California is home to a peculiar event known as the Annual Amtrak Mooning. In mid-July, thousands of people gather to bare their butts at passing Amtrak trains. This unconventional tradition, which started as a small, drunken gathering, has become a quirky spectacle that continues to defy social norms and amuse both participants and onlookers.

3. World’s Ugliest Dog Contest in Petaluma (California)

Beauty is subjective, and the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest in Petaluma, California celebrates the unique charm of unconventional canines. Held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair, this internationally recognized event has been showcasing homely hounds for 25 years. Dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds, including both pedigreed pooches and mixed mutts, strut down the red carpet as proud owners cheer them on. It’s a heartwarming celebration that proves that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.

4. Frozen Dead Guy Days in Boulder (Colorado)

Part memorial, part entertainment, and completely unforgettable, Frozen Dead Guy Days is a frosty festival held in Boulder, Colorado. This eccentric event pays homage to Grandpa Bredo Morstoel, a Norwegian man who died in 1989 and is cryogenically preserved in a Tuff Shed. The festival features unique activities like coffin races, costumed polar plunges, frosty turkey bowling, and a frozen T-shirt contest. It’s a blend of macabre fascination and lighthearted fun that defies expectations.

5. Geckofest in Gulfport (Florida)

Step into a vibrant and whimsical world at Geckofest, held in Gulfport, Florida every September. This festival celebrates the city’s unofficial mascot and favorite reptile, the gecko. With the theme of GeckoCon, attendees are encouraged to dress up as geckos or gecko-themed superheroes. The streets come alive with colorful costumes, live music, street performers, and a lively atmosphere that captures the imagination of all who attend.

6. Twins Day Festival in Twinsburg (Ohio)

Twins and multiples of all kinds gather in Twinsburg, Ohio at the beginning of August for the Twins Day Festival. This unique event brings together twins, triplets, and even quadruplets from near and far. Attendees not only marvel at the incredible number of multiples in one place but also participate in sports leagues, contests, and win awards. It’s a celebration of the special bond shared by these extraordinary siblings.

7. Cow Chip Throwing Festival in Prairie du Sac (Wisconsin)

Embrace your inner competitor at the Cow Chip Throwing Festival in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. Taking place in September each year, this festival gives participants the chance to test their strength and accuracy by throwing dried cow dung, or “cow chips.” It’s a lighthearted and unique event that showcases the quirky sense of humor found in small-town America.

8. UFO Festival in Roswell (New Mexico)

Whether you believe in extraterrestrial life or not, the UFO Festival in Roswell, New Mexico is an event that captivates the imagination. This annual celebration pays homage to the infamous Roswell UFO incident of 1947, where an alleged alien spacecraft crashed near the town. Visitors can enjoy alien-themed parades, lectures, film screenings, and even participate in an alien costume competition. It’s a gathering that brings together believers, skeptics, and curious minds in a quest for answers and extraterrestrial fun.

9. National Hollerin’ Festival in Clinton (North Carolina)

In September, the town of Clinton, North Carolina becomes the epicenter of vocal expression at the National Hollerin’ Festival. This event, previously known as the National Hollerin’ Contest, traces its roots back to a time when hollering was a means of long-distance communication in rural areas. Participants showcase their hollering skills, ranging from loud and piercing calls to melodic tunes. It’s a unique celebration of a disappearing tradition, where shouts and yells fill the air with a distinctively nostalgic charm.

10. World of Faeries Festival in South Elgin (Illinois)

Escape into a world of enchantment at the World of Faeries Festival in South Elgin, Illinois. Held each August, this whimsical event transports attendees to a realm filled with mythical creatures, magical performances, and ethereal experiences. Families can embark on quests, listen to harp music, immerse themselves in storytelling sessions, explore a village marketplace adorned with fairy crafts, and savor fairy-themed food. It’s a celebration of imagination and wonder, where attendees can momentarily forget reality and embrace the fantastical.

11. Gilroy Garlic Festival in Gilroy (California)

Prepare to have your senses overwhelmed at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in Gilroy, California. This culinary extravaganza pays homage to the pungent bulb known as garlic. With live cook-offs, garlic-braiding workshops, garlic-themed competitions, and even a “Miss Gilroy Garlic” contest, this festival is a garlic lover’s dream. Indulge in an array of garlic-infused dishes, from garlic bread and garlic beef tacos to unconventional treats like garlic ice cream. It’s an aromatic celebration that showcases the versatility and culinary delights of this beloved ingredient.

12. Humongous Fungus Festival in Michigan

Discover the fascinating world of fungi at the Humongous Fungus Festival in Michigan. This unique festival celebrates the world’s largest, oldest living organism—a 200,000-pound shoestring mushroom spanning 38 acres of land. Visitors can marvel at the remarkable fungus, attend educational talks, and participate in quirky activities such as a goat burger grill-out and the “Mr. Fungi’Beard’s Pageant.” The festival offers an opportunity to appreciate the wonders of nature and explore the often-overlooked realm of mushrooms.

Summing Up

These twelve festivals exemplify the spirit of the strange and extraordinary in America. From underwater concerts and mooning traditions to celebrating unconventional beauty, mythical creatures, and even fungi, each festival offers a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave visitors with lasting memories.

So, why not break away from the ordinary and embark on a journey to these weird and wonderful festivals? Immerse yourself in the unconventional and celebrate the uniqueness that makes America’s festival scene truly exceptional.