SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — Bigfoot is coming back to the mountains of West Virginia.
The West Virginia Bigfoot Festival returns to Summersville October 9–11, 2026, for three days of Bigfoot research, Appalachian entertainment, live music, family activities and some of the most recognizable personalities in the world of cryptozoology and paranormal television.
Held at Nicholas County Veterans Memorial Park, the festival brings together serious researchers, television personalities, musicians, families, vendors and Bigfoot enthusiasts from across West Virginia and beyond.
This year’s Speakers Barn will feature an extensive lineup of guests, including Dr. Mireya Mayor, primatologist, explorer and television personality known to audiences from Expedition Bigfoot; cryptozoologist and author Ken Gerhard; Turtleman; Willy and Jeff from Mountain Monsters; Diamond Jim Boardwine; Mike Familant; Les O’Dell; Charlie Raymond; Sherri Blake and numerous other researchers and presenters.
Dr. Mireya Mayor will make two appearances on Saturday, including an extended presentation from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and another session from 6:15–7:30 p.m.
Even after the scheduled presentations end, the stories will continue. Special evening Campfire Stories will feature Willy and Jeff from Mountain Monsters and Diamond Jim Boardwine on Friday, Turtleman on Saturday, and RPG from Expedition Bigfoot on Sunday.
MUSIC, BIGFOOT CALLING AND APPALACHIAN CULTURE
The festival’s Music Stage will feature three days of entertainment, including the Raelyn Nelson Band, The Travelers, Micah Kesselring, Tesa Marie, Shawn Benfield, Thomas Danley, Ben Jamn, Persuaded and Johnny Spolarich.
One of the festival’s most popular traditions—the Bigfoot Calling Contest—returns all three days, giving visitors the opportunity to see who can send the most convincing Sasquatch call echoing through the West Virginia hills.
Sunday begins at the Music Stage with an 11 a.m. church service, followed by an afternoon of live music.
MORE THAN BIGFOOT
Activities will take place throughout Nicholas County Veterans Memorial Park during the weekend.
Families can enjoy Bigfoot Gem Mining, bounce houses, the River Walk Animal Hunt, chainsaw carving, historic demonstrations by the Bulltown Historic Area, library story time and a carved pumpkin contest.
Saturday’s activities also include a Gauley River Cloggers performance, a beard contest and an APW Wrestling Exhibition.
The festival combines Bigfoot lore with Appalachian history, music, outdoor adventure and family entertainment, creating an event designed for both dedicated Bigfoot enthusiasts and families simply looking for an unusual West Virginia weekend.