10 Weirdest Festivals You Won’t Believe Happen in the U.S.
The USA is home to some of the world’s most famous festivals like Burning Man in Nevada and Mardi Gras in New Orleans. But did you know that there are several quirky and unusual festivals that may not be as well-known but are equally as fun? Let’s explore 10 of the strangest festivals in the U.S. that you can add to your list for your next trip.
1. Avon Heritage Duck Tape Festival – Ohio
Every year, Avon, Ohio, celebrates one of the most versatile items in any household: duct tape. The Avon Heritage Duck Tape Festival is a tribute to this simple adhesive, featuring sculptures, fashion shows, and parades where everything is made from—you guessed it—duct tape. If you’re a fan of DIY culture or just love quirky celebrations, this festival, held on Father’s Day weekend, is for you.
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2. Mike the Headless Chicken Festival – Colorado
Fruita, Colorado, hosts a festival each June in honor of Mike, a chicken that lived for 18 months without a head. Yes, you read that right. This bizarre festival includes a 5K race, disc golf, and, naturally, a chicken wing-eating contest. It’s a unique way to celebrate a local legend and one of the strangest survival stories ever recorded.
3. Spam Jam – Hawaii
Spam isn’t just a canned meat; in Hawaii, it’s practically a cultural icon. The Spam Jam festival, held annually in Waikiki, celebrates everything Spam-related. From Spam pizzas to Spam-flavored desserts, this festival attracts thousands of enthusiasts. Not only is it a food lover’s paradise, but it also supports the Hawaii Food Bank with donations—many of which are cans of Spam.
4. Underwater Music Festival – Florida
For something completely out of the ordinary, head to the Florida Keys for the Underwater Music Festival. Held at Looe Key Reef, this festival combines marine conservation with live music played underwater! Divers enjoy popular tunes while swimming among the fish, and many of them dress up in quirky costumes. It’s a fantastic way to raise awareness about reef protection while having fun in the ocean.
5. Frozen Dead Guy Days – Colorado
Nederland, Colorado, hosts Frozen Dead Guy Days to honor the cryogenically frozen body of Bredo Morstoel, who has been preserved in a local shed since 1989. This morbidly fun festival features coffin races, a frozen T-shirt contest, and ice-themed activities, all in the spirit of celebrating Bredo’s frozen state. Recently moved to Estes Park, this quirky event attracts crowds looking for a chilly but thrilling weekend.
6. Blobfest – Pennsylvania
Blobfest in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, is a tribute to the 1958 sci-fi horror movie The Blob. The festival’s highlight is a re-enactment of the famous scene where moviegoers flee the theater in panic as the Blob attacks. Over the three-day event, visitors can enjoy horror movie screenings, a street fair, and a costume contest. It’s a fun-filled weekend for fans of classic sci-fi films.
7. Roadkill Cook-Off – West Virginia
If you’ve ever wondered what roadkill might taste like, head to Marlinton, West Virginia, for the Roadkill Cook-Off. Held as part of the Autumn Harvest Festival, chefs compete by cooking up dishes featuring meats that are often found as roadkill—though usually, it’s not actual roadkill. You’ll find everything from squirrel stew to raccoon casserole, making it a must-try for adventurous foodies.
8. Shrekfest – Wisconsin
What started as an internet joke has turned into a full-fledged festival in Wisconsin: Shrekfest! Celebrating the 2001 animated movie Shrek, this festival features costume contests, live music, and even an onion-eating competition. It’s an offbeat event that brings fans of the iconic green ogre together for a day of fun and fandom.
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9. Burning of Zozobra – New Mexico
In Santa Fe, New Mexico, every Labor Day weekend, a giant marionette known as Zozobra is set on fire to symbolize the burning away of the year’s worries. This dramatic event, also known as “Old Man Gloom,” dates back to 1924 and draws thousands of spectators. The burning effigy, complete with moving arms and head, serves as a powerful reminder to let go of negativity.
10. Cow Chip Throw and Festival – Wisconsin
If you’ve ever wanted to throw dried cow dung as far as possible, the Cow Chip Throw in Wisconsin is for you. This quirky event, held over Labor Day weekend, includes cow chip throwing competitions, a parade, and an arts and crafts fair. With the current record for the longest throw standing at 248 feet, it’s an odd yet exciting way to end the summer.