101 Unique Things to Do in Asheville NC & Western NC
August 23, 2025, 10 am - 5 pm
Don't miss the annual WNC Bigfoot Festival taking place this year in August instead of May. The fest covers several blocks of Main Street in downtown Marion, located about 36 miles east of Asheville. In addition to Sasquatch-themed items, discover a variety of local craft and food vendors. The big street festival is on Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 10 am to 5 pm.
Look for plenty of vendors, Sasquatch souvenirs, speakers, and food. There's even a Bigfoot calling contest. Talk with hunters and enthusiasts from across the country. Stop at Courthouse Square to listen to stories about encounters. Check the online event schedule for times and locations. Crowded festivals can be challenging for dogs. If you bring yours, remember the leash.
Find gifts for those hard-to-buy-for friends and family. Live bands will provide music.
Why in Marion?
Sightings of Bigfoot have been reported in the Northwest US dating back to the mid-1800s. The hairy ape-like creature has been described as being 6-9 feet tall with a strong unpleasant smell. Its enormous footprints are claimed to be as large as 24 inches long. The organizer, John Bruner, is a local expert on Bigfoot and chronicles sightings from across the country. In fact, there was a sighting by nearby Lake James in 2017. He operates the North Carolina Bigfoot 911 Facebook group.
Location
For the GPS address, use 21 South Main Street, Marion. From Asheville, go east on I-40 to Exit 81. Turn right onto Sugar Hill Road for about 3.5 miles to downtown.
Downtown parking is limited. Shuttle locations are below. Check the website for additional details.
Marion is a great small town that hosts several fun festivals, including the Livermush Festival in June. See more things to do in the Marion area.
Livermush Festival
Enjoy livermush sandwiches from food trucks and local restaurants while enjoying live music, hog calling, an eating contest, and more in downtown Marion. Make sure to cast your vote on… read more
Enjoy livermush sandwiches from food trucks and local restaurants while enjoying live music, hog calling, an eating contest, and more in downtown Marion. Make sure to cast your vote on the best livermush dish at the Food Truck Rodeo!
Marion
Stroll down Marion's Main Street lined with historic buildings, churches and the courthouse. It sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains near popular attractions like Mt. Mitchell and Linville… read more
Stroll down Marion's Main Street lined with historic buildings, churches and the courthouse. It sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains near popular attractions like Mt. Mitchell and Linville Falls. Don't miss the Livermush & Bigfoot Festivals!
