With summer approaching and the weather finally warming up, it’s only natural to start looking for outdoor activities to occupy your free time. Although visiting parks and zoos can be enjoyable, nothing really gives you a true sense of the city you live in or visit quite like attending its local festival. In the United States and around the world, there are many different festivals that celebrate a wide variety of different things. Read on to find out more about some of the strangest and most interesting ones!
Eeyore’s birthday party
Every year in Austin, Texas, people of all ages come together to celebrate Winnie the Pooh’s best friend. People dress up as the grim but lovable character and enjoy drum circles, live music, face painting, belly dancing, and photos with Eeyore himself! Admission to the celebration is free and all proceeds go to local charities. You are never too old to be a child!
slug festival
Held at the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park outside of Eatonville, Washington, this annual event is a weekend dedicated to celebrating the banana slug. There are human slug races, slug sightings, arts and crafts, and other activities for kids. As the second largest slug species in the world and an important part of the ecology of the Pacific Northwest, this event offers valuable information for people of all ages.
National Screaming Contest
Spivey’s Corner, North Carolina, has hosted this epic competition every year since 1969. Originally founded to save the endangered form of communication from extinction, the event now includes live music and a cookout. The event also offers vintage farm equipment displays and demonstrations, living history exhibits, and a classic car show.
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Festival and Toss
The biggest draw of this annual event, held in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, is the Cow Chip Throw. Cow chips, in case you didn’t know, are dried chunks of cow dung. Approximately 40,000 people attend each year to watch the competition and enjoy the parade of cow chips, crafts, food and drinks. Local businesses can even sign up as a team for Corporate Throw. What a great way to bond with your co-workers!
Interstate mullet release
Traditionally held the last weekend in April, this event draws thousands of visitors to the Gulf Coast each year for the opportunity to release a mullet fish over the Florida-Alabama border. The festival takes place on the beach and is organized by the famous Flora-bama oyster bar and music venue. There’s also a triathlon, golf contest, live music, food, and lots of beach games. This is a celebration that is sure to be a party.
Whether you prefer to attend a more traditional state fair or one of the weird events mentioned above, there is certainly the perfect festival somewhere in the United States for you and your family. There is no better way to spend a hot summer weekend than outdoors sharing a new experience with the people you care about.