Bigfoot fans and curious families can head to Nelsonville this fall for the inaugural Nelsonville Bigfoot Festival, taking place Oct. 2-4, 2026, on the Historic Public Square.
image: Deposit Photos
Organized by the local Bigfoot Educational Group Nelsonville, the free, family-friendly festival will celebrate Appalachian heritage and folklore while exploring the legend of Bigfoot. Organizers hope the event will become an annual tradition and anticipate more than 30,000 visitors over the three-day weekend.
Festival activities will include live music, cryptid presentations, children’s rides, food and craft vendors, merchandise, educational exhibits and more. Featured speakers include Linda Sigman and members of the Ohio Cryptid Researchers, along with additional guest speakers.
Live entertainment throughout the weekend will include Jerrod Goggans, Tim Buck, Willow Jayne & the Lazy Day, Eric Atkinson, Landon Ross, RabbleRouzer, Breaking Free, Billy Bones & the Overtones, Ryan Kilkenny, Captain Chucke & the Cadillac South, and Graveyard Pete & the New Appalachian Sound. A Bigfoot Hunting Hook Up Party will also be part of the entertainment lineup.
Festival hours are:
Friday, Oct. 2: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 4: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. The festival also provides an opportunity to explore Nelsonville’s historic downtown, local restaurants and shops.
Additional vendors, sponsors, special guests and activities are expected to be announced as the festival approaches. Follow Bigfoot Educational Group Nelsonville on Facebook for updates.
Nelsonville is located about an hour from Columbus.
19 W Columbus St, Nelsonville, OH 45764
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