Unlocking The Secrets: Hunting For Saquatch In West Virginia
Deep in the untamed forests of West Virginia, where the mist clings to the towering trees and shadows move just beyond sight, a mystery has gripped the imaginations of believers and skeptics alike—Bigfoot. Whether you think he’s an ancient legend, a misunderstood creature, or a colossal hoax, one thing is undeniable: the hunt for Bigfoot is electrifying.
And if there’s one place to embrace the thrill of the unknown, it’s the West Virginia Bigfoot Festival, returning for its fifth anniversary on June 26-28, 2025, at Holly Gray Park in Sutton, West Virginia. This isn’t just a small-town gathering with a guy in a gorilla suit (although, let’s be real, there’s probably one of those, too). This festival has evolved into a massive cryptid celebration, drawing nearly 20,000 visitors in 2024, with up to 300 vendors and food trucks expected in 2025.
A Festival That Stomped Into History
The West Virginia Bigfoot Festival roared onto the scene in 2021, coinciding with the grand opening of The West Virginia Bigfoot Museum. That inaugural year, about 1,500 adventurous souls arrived to dive into Bigfoot lore, meet experts, and experience the festival’s unique energy. By 2022, its popularity skyrocketed, drawing around 6,000 visitors, expanding vendor space, and amplifying the buzz.
By 2023, it had transformed into one of the most anticipated cryptid events in the region, pulling in nearly 10,000 people. But with rapid growth came logistical challenges, and the festival outgrew its original Downtown Sutton location. The move to Holly Gray Park in 2024 allowed the festival to expand into a three-day event, smashing previous attendance records with 20,000 guests and over 200 vendors. Now, in 2025, the festival is preparing for its most epic year yet, featuring renowned Bigfoot researchers, thrilling exhibits, and enough festival food to satisfy even a Sasquatch-sized appetite.
What’s at the Bigfoot Festival?
Whether you’re a true believer or just there for the fun, the West Virginia Bigfoot Festival has something for everyone:
- Bigfoot Researchers & Guest Speakers – Hear from the experts who have spent years tracking, studying, and debating the existence of Bigfoot. Will they convince you? Maybe. Will it be fascinating? Absolutely.
- Vendors & Food Trucks – From Bigfoot-themed souvenirs to local crafts, there’s plenty to browse. And let’s not forget the food—because no hunt for Bigfoot should be done on an empty stomach.
- Live Music & Entertainment – Because Bigfoot or not, a festival isn’t a festival without a good time.
- Workshops & Kids’ Activities – For the young cryptid hunters in training, there are plenty of interactive experiences to keep them engaged.
Visit The West Virginia Bigfoot Museum
For those who crave even more Bigfoot lore, the West Virginia Bigfoot Museum in Sutton, WV, is a must-see attraction. Since opening in 2021, this museum has become a hub for cryptid, (Merriam Webster definition: an animal (such as Sasquatch or the Loch Ness Monster) that has been claimed to exist but never proven to exist), enthusiasts and the Bigfoot-curious alike.
Housed within the Mountain Laurel Country Store, it boasts rare footprint casts, hair samples, and chilling sighting reports from across the state. Among its many eye-catching displays are replica primate skulls, including the legendary Gigantopithecus, adding a fascinating scientific angle to the debate.
Even if you don’t leave as a full-fledged believer, the museum offers an unforgettable glimpse into West Virginia’s Bigfoot phenomenon. Plus, the adjacent store is packed with exclusive Bigfoot-themed merchandise, perfect for taking home a piece of the legend.
Is Sasquatch Real? Why You Must Put the Bigfoot Festival on Your Calendar
The festival isn’t about proving Bigfoot exists (although, if you’ve got evidence, you’ll have an eager audience). It’s about the stories, the legends, and the adventure of it all. The idea of something lurking just beyond what we can explain has intrigued people for centuries. And let’s be honest, life is more fun with a little mystery.
So, whether you’re a die-hard believer, a casual fan, or just someone looking for a unique festival to check out, the 2025 West Virginia Bigfoot Festival is the place to be. And while you’re in town, don’t forget to stop by the West Virginia Bigfoot Museum to explore the fascinating world of cryptid research.
Who knows? Maybe this is the year someone finally gets the perfect, non-blurry Bigfoot photo.
Until then, the search continues!
