Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival (TN)

The 2026 Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival is being held May, 2, 2026 in Townsend, Tennessee with a full-day Bigfoot Birthday Bash. It’s a day filled with live music, food trucks, unique vendors offering collectibles celebrating these legendary figures. In addition, you’ll get to watch epic competitions, hear from famous Bigfoot researchers, and dive deep into the mysteries of these mythical creatures.

Tickets are required for the festival and are available for purchase day-of for $15. Children 10 and under are free, but you do need to purchase a $0.00 ticket.

Some of the events include a Bigfoot 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run, a VIB (Very Important Believer) event, Bigfoot calling contest, wrestling events and a carving contest

The Smoky Mountain Bigfoot 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run invites runners, walkers, and Bigfoot enthusiasts to join a race that’s equal parts thrill and mystery. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, this unique 5K event combines fitness and folklore in an unforgettable way. Your race entry includes parking for the festival and free entry to the event. Your non-running companions will need to pay the $15 entry fee (or $10 advance purchase). This race would have some incredible finish times if an actual Bigfoot were chasing the runners.

The VIB (Very Important Believer) is a separate ticketed event that includes dinner and beverages with the festival VIPs and an exclusive VIB shirt. You’ll get to meet some of the biggest names in the world of cryptids and the unexplained. Get up close with researchers, TV personalities, authors, and festival VIPs for autographs, photos, and stories.

In the wood carving contest, talented wood carvers go head-to-head in two high-speed carving sessions turning raw logs into incredible Bigfoot, Yeti, Mothman, and Dogman-inspired creations. Using chainsaws and pure skill they’ll race against the clock to bring these legendary creatures to life.

The wrestling events bring the toughest competitors to the ring trying to fend off the mighty Bigfoot. You’ll be sure to see wild takedowns, larger-than-life slams, and a no-holds-barred fight. I hope Bigfoot is out there wearing a wrestling singlet. Worth the price of admission.

The Bigfoot calling contest puts your vocal cords to the test to see who can make the most authentic, spine-chilling Bigfoot call.