Get Ready for the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival in Townsend, Tennessee (May 4)

Key Festival Information:

• What: A family-friendly day of guest speakers, vendors, music, food, competitions, and more celebrating the mythical creature
• When: 10 am – 6 pm on May 4, 2024
• Where: Townsend Visitors Center in Townsend, Tennessee 
• Cost: $10 in advance or $15 at the door, plus a $25 cash-only parking fee; free for children 10 and under 

Home to the most visited national park in the United States, the Smoky Mountains draw millions from all over to see the beautiful scenery and a glimpse of life in the Tennessee mountains. 

But this May, there’s one more good reason to make your way to Townsend, Tennessee: the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival.

The Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival draws both die-hard Bigfoot fans as well as those looking to celebrate the culture of the Smoky Mountains. The event features everything from talks by Bigfoot researchers to a chainsaw wood-carving contest.

This year’s festival is an especially out-of-this-world experience because it will take place on May 4, also known as National Star Wars Day.

Brian Johnston, the festival organizer said in a written statement, “It’s hard to describe the energy of our supporters and charisma of Bigfoot, but we think this event showcases the whimsical side of the Smokies.”

Here’s what to expect at the 4th annual Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival: 

Special Events at the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival

The Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival kicks off with the Bigfoot 5K race and 1-mile fun run. The entry fee of $50 includes both entry to the festival as well as parking. The race takes place at 9 am on Saturday before gates open at 9:30 am. 

Festival programs begin at 10 am. Attendees can expect live music, speakers, vendors, and food trucks at the festival throughout the day.

At 10:45 am, 2:30 pm, and 5 pm, the Bigfoot Calling Contest will allow entrants to show off their best attempts to attract the celebrated guest.

Come 3 pm, the Chainsaw Carving Invitational “Quick Carve” will feature 14 wood carvers from 7 different states. Attendees can buy their favorite pieces created on-site at the live auction following the Quick Carve. Each carver will also have other pieces available for purchase at the festival.

The festival is a family-friendly event. Entrance for children 10 and under is free, and there is a kid zone set up at the festival. Dogs are also welcome provided they are kept on a leash and owners responsibly clean up waste.

Handicap access may be limited due to the uneven ground in the field where the festival takes place.

For more information, see the festival’s full schedule.

Speakers and Music at the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival

For those interested in the legendary Bigfoot himself, a number of experts will be giving talks throughout the day starting at 10:15 am, with the last talk beginning at 4:30 pm.

Special guests include Turtleman from Animal Planet’s Call of the Wildman; Russell Acord and Ronny LeBlanc from Travel Channel’s Expedition Bigfoot; and Buck, Huckleberry, Wild Bill, and Willy from Travel Channel’s Mountain Monsters.

Author Jim Bordwine will speak about his own experiences, as well as act as a judge for the Bigfoot Calling Contest. R. Scott Nelson will also share his insights as a crypto-linguist.

Musical guests at the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival include SlashSquatch, a returning crowd favorite that will perform the national anthem to open the festival, plus a full set in the afternoon. Other guests include BigToeven, who will debut on the piano, and Solo Not Solo in honor of Star Wars Day.

See the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival Facebook page to get updates regarding the lineup.

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If you’re interested in attending the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival, you can purchase tickets in advance for $10 or on the day-of for $15. 

Make sure to check out our list of the best things to do in Townsend if you plan on extending your visit beyond the festival.