MARIENVILLE — Dust off your hiking boots, double-check your camera batteries, and prepare to keep your eyes glued to the woodline. The annual Forest County Bigfoot Festival is taking over the Marienville Town Square this weekend, bringing three full days of mystery, music, and mountain lore to the heart of Kinzua Country.
Running from Friday, June 12th through Sunday, June 14th, the free-admission festival celebrates the enduring legacy, reported sightings, and deep-woods culture surrounding North America's most elusive cryptid. Whether you are a seasoned field researcher with a hard drive full of thermal audio clips, or just a family looking for a fun weekend in the Allegheny National Forest, organizers promise there is something cached in the woods for everyone.
Science, Sightings, and Sasquatch Calling
For those interested in the actual data behind the legend, the festival's lineup of expert speakers and cryptozoologists will be a major draw. Researchers will be taking the stage throughout the weekend to share recent local evidence, casted footprints, and regional sighting theories.
If you prefer practical field experience, you can lace up your boots for guided forest walks. Local woodsmen and terrain experts will lead groups into the dense hemlock stands surrounding Marienville to showcase why this rugged pocket of Pennsylvania remains a hotspot for Bigfoot lore.
For the less scientifically minded, the main stage will feature live music and community contests—including the highly anticipated, crowd-favorite Bigfoot-calling competition.
What’s Happening Around the Square
The Marienville Town Square will be completely transformed for the weekend, anchored by two major hubs:
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The "Squatch" Town Market: Dozens of regional vendors will be set up selling everything from handcrafted chainsaw wood carvings and local art to specialized camping gear and custom Bigfoot merchandise.
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The Bigfoot Food Court: Local food trucks and vendors will be serving up themed eats like "Sasquatch Burgers" alongside deep-fried carnival favorites. Visitors can also sample craft beverages from regional breweries.
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Family Fun Zone: A dedicated space for younger "Squatchers" featuring themed crafts, face painting, and a festival-wide scavenger hunt.
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What: Forest County Bigfoot Festival
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When: Friday, June 12th – Sunday, June 14th, 2026
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Where: Marienville Town Square, Forest County, PA
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Cost: Free admission
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More Info: www.forestcountybigfootfestival.com
Planning Your Expedition
Festival admission is entirely free to the public, though select specialized seminars and guided trail tours may require individual ticketing.
Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather, wear sturdy footwear if planning to head into the woods, and bring a camera—with the tongue-in-cheek reminder from locals to try and keep the photos from being blurry this time around.
As the festival motto says: "In the shadows of the hemlocks, the legend lives on." Come out to Marienville this weekend and see for yourself why Forest County claims the title of the big guy's official backyard.
If You Go: