Bigfoot Festival returns: Why is it in Western NC? What to know about the free event.
Marion's hairiest tradition is returning for the season: The Bigfoot Festival will be back on May 18.
Two things are certain about spring in Western North Carolina, according to a news release from the festival: The weather is unpredictable, and Bigfoot comes out of hibernation just in time for the WNC Bigfoot Festival.
Why is a Bigfoot Festival in Marion?
Nonprofit Bigfoot research group Bigfoot 911 has explored the mountains of WNC and beyond for years, searching for the elusive Bigfoot. The news release said Bigfoot 911 was inspired to host the first WNC Bigfoot Festival in Marion for believers, non-believers, skeptics and everyone in-between after "several close encounters with the Sasquatch." The festival webpage states that the group has supported national nonprofits and local civic groups with the proceeds from over 40,000 attendants present at previous festivals.
There's something on the schedule for everyone at the 2024 Bigfoot Festival, from sasquatch-inspired cuisine to paranormal investigation speakers to the Bigfoot Calling Contest. Here's this year's schedule, plus some extra info on the festival.
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When is the 2024 Bigfoot Festival?
The 2024 Bigfoot Festival will take place on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year you can also check out the first annual Bigfoot Jam the night before the festival on Friday, May 17, with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. for a 6 p.m. show.
Where is the 2024 Bigfoot Festival?
The Bigfoot Festival will be held on Main Street in Marion, N.C. Free shuttles are available from McDowell High School, McDowell Tech Community College, Marion City Square Shopping Center and Corpening Memorial YMCA.
The first annual Bigfoot Jam will be located at the Event Center, 29 Logan St. in Marion.
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How much does the 2024 Bigfoot Festival cost?
The Bigfoot Festival is free to enter, but consider bringing along some pocket money to purchase Bigfoot-themed concessions, memorabilia and more.
2024 Bigfoot Festival schedule
Here's the full schedule for the 2024 Bigfoot Festival:
Friday, May 17: The Box Factory, NC Municipal Event Center (29 Logan St.)
6 p.m. (doors open at 4:30 p.m.) -1st Annual Bigfoot Jam with bands the Jacktown Ramblers, Jeff Honeycutt & Co. and Tanya & The Roadrunnerz Band
Saturday, May 18: Marion Main Street
10:00 a.m. - Festival Begins
10:15 a.m. - Opening Ceremony with Mayor Steve Little
10:30 a.m. - Blue Shades Band
11:00 a.m. - Christian Macloud American Cryptid & Paranormal
11:30 a.m. - Zach Bales Paranormal Roadtripper
12:00 p.m. - Bigfoot Calling Contest
12:30 p.m. - Blue Shades Band
1:00 p.m. - Margaret Langley, Haunted Broughton
1:30 p.m. - Terry Wendill, Rock Hill Bigfoot
2:00 p.m. - Blue Shades Band
2:30 p.m. - Rick Reles & Lori Wade of BFRO
3:00 p.m. - NC Squatch Watchers
3:30 p.m. - Blue Shades Band
4:00 p.m. - Tim Dills
4:30 p.m. - Blue Shades Band
5:00 p.m. - Closing ceremony
For more info, go to marionbigfootfestival.com.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: 2024 Bigfoot Festival returns to Marion, Western NC
