There’s something about the change of seasons that must bring the “weird” out in all of us. Maybe it’s Halloween knocking at our door step or that we got a bit too much sun during the summer. No matter the cause, here’s three of the quirkiest, funkiest, and downright weirdest festivals you’ll see, not just in the High Sierra, but quite possibly the United States!
Poison Oak Festival
September 28th, 2019
Learn more about the ‘itchy’ festival
Out east in New England, visitors might be going googly-eyed on brightly colored landscapes sipping mulled wine, but in the High Sierra, residents risk it all by creating bouquets made out of poison oak. Every year in late September, along with the fall tapestry, the poison oak festival is held in the Columbia State Historic Park within the confines of the Saint Charles Saloon. The eleven categories in the “flower” contest include such unique features like the biggest branch, best edible, best arrangement and even best rash!
Coyote Festival
September 27th-28th, 2019
Learn more about this ‘howling’ festival
What do Teddy Roosevelt, the crookedest railroad in the world, Buffalo Bill’s brother Cody Nelson, and Whistling Billy all have in common? The town that’s “too tough to die” or as we know it, Coulterville. Every fall, this gold rush town hosts the largest and funnest festival in northern Mariposa County, known as the Coyote Festival. Activities include live music, a pet parade, a car show, and the star of the show – a coyote howl contest.
Tarantula Festival
October 26th, 2019
Learn more about the eight-legged festival
Arachnophobes may want to take cover during this festival. Held in Coarsegold, locals have gathered every year for more than two decades for all kinds of eight hairy-legged fun. This is about giving these misunderstood arachnids a chance to teach us about themselves in a fun way. Expect to see lots of displays, tarantula races, food and even a costume contest.
From creepy crawl-ees to itchy leaf-ees, howl your way into fun this fall when you visit these three weird, off-the-wall festivals.
Author: Alex Silgalis
Alex founded Local Freshies® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.
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