1. Spam Jam – Austin, Minnesota
In Austin, Minnesota—the birthplace of Spam—locals throw an annual festival entirely dedicated to the infamous canned meat, according to Will Sherry from The Minnesota Republic. During Spam Jam, visitors are treated to everything from Spam tacos to deep-fried Spam bites, even Spam-infused desserts like Spam ice cream. Chefs compete to transform the pink meat into something gourmet, often with surprisingly creative results. For Spam fans (and skeptics), it’s a culinary adventure that tests the limits of taste and imagination.
The event isn’t just about food—it’s a full-blown celebration of Spam’s iconic status. A Spam-themed parade marches through the town, complete with costumes, floats, and even people dressed as giant cans. There’s a Spam-eating contest for the daring, and plenty of kitschy merch to commemorate your experience. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s pure Americana.
2. UFO Festival – Roswell, New Mexico
Each summer, Roswell becomes ground zero for all things alien with its out-of-this-world UFO Festival, according to Damita Menezes from NewsNation. Inspired by the 1947 incident that put the town on the extraterrestrial map, the event draws believers and skeptics alike. Attendees dress in elaborate alien costumes, explore spaceship-themed art, and enjoy conspiracy theory panels with guest speakers. Even local shops get in on the fun, selling alien-shaped snacks and souvenirs.
The festival offers more than just sci-fi cosplay—it’s a full immersion into alien pop culture. Families enjoy scavenger hunts and interactive exhibits, while the more curious can attend lectures about sightings and space exploration. There’s even a light parade featuring glowing UFO floats. Whether you come for fun or for truth, Roswell keeps the mystery alive.
3. Mooning of Amtrak – Laguna Niguel, California
For over 30 years, a stretch of Southern California has celebrated a cheeky tradition: mooning passing Amtrak trains, NPR reports. Every July, hundreds of people gather along a fence near the train tracks and—yes—drop their pants to flash the passing locomotives. The origins are murky, but the event continues with a mix of rebellion and hilarity. Some participants even decorate their behinds for the occasion.
It’s a strange yet strangely wholesome gathering, with food trucks, music, and onlookers of all ages. Local businesses sponsor events and provide viewing areas. Though controversial at times, the Mooning of Amtrak has become a legendary piece of SoCal lore. It’s the only festival where you’re guaranteed to see the full moon in daylight.
4. Cow Chip Throwing Contest – Beaver, Oklahoma
Every spring, Beaver, Oklahoma, turns dried cow dung into a competitive sport during its Cow Chip Throwing Festival, according to Steve Gust from The Oklahoman. Contestants hurl frisbee-like patties across a field, hoping to beat previous records for distance and style. The town celebrates this rural ritual with surprising enthusiasm, drawing visitors from across the country. It’s messy, quirky, and undeniably fun.
But don’t worry—the chips are odor-free and perfectly dried before throwing. In addition to the competition, there’s a parade, live music, and plenty of old-fashioned cowboy charm. Locals wear T-shirts that proudly proclaim their cow-chip-throwing prowess. Only in small-town America could tossing poop become a beloved pastime.
5. Turkey Testicle Festival – Huntley, Illinois
If you’re up for a culinary challenge, Huntley’s Turkey Testicle Festival might be for you. This small-town event draws thousands to sample deep-fried turkey testicles—served hot and crispy alongside cold beer. Despite the shock factor, regulars say the delicacy tastes oddly familiar, like a twist on chicken nuggets. Live rock music and a party vibe turn this strange snack into a full-blown bash.
The festival isn’t shy about its theme, leaning into the absurdity with testicle-themed shirts and first-timer rites of passage. Revelers come for the novelty but stay for the energy and camaraderie. It’s not your typical foodie festival, but it’s an unforgettable experience. Who knew poultry parts could bring a town together?
6. Underwater Music Festival – Looe Key Reef, Florida
Held in the Florida Keys, the Underwater Music Festival is exactly what it sounds like: a concert beneath the sea. Divers and snorkelers explore the reef while music plays from submerged speakers, creating a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere. Performers dressed as mermaids and sea creatures “play” instruments underwater, adding a theatrical flair. It’s both a musical celebration and a marine conservation event.
The festival promotes awareness about coral reef preservation and responsible diving practices. Attendees can also take part in reef cleanups and educational workshops between musical sets. It’s not every day you dance with fish to the sound of a steel drum. Equal parts fantasy and activism, this festival dives deep—literally and metaphorically.
7. Woolly Worm Festival – Banner Elk, North Carolina
According to Appalachian folklore, woolly bear caterpillars can predict winter’s severity based on their stripe patterns. Banner Elk fully embraces this legend with an annual festival where these fuzzy insects take center stage. The main event is the Woolly Worm Race, where caterpillars inch their way up a string, their progress cheered on by enthusiastic spectators.
Beyond the insect excitement, the festival features a parade, craft vendors, and plenty of regional food. Families flock to enjoy the autumn atmosphere, while meteorologists debate whether woolly worms are more accurate than modern forecasting. Science aside, it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and good old-fashioned fun.
8. Frozen Dead Guy Days – Nederland, Colorado
Few festivals can claim to honor a frozen corpse, but Nederland, Colorado, does just that. The town’s strangest tradition celebrates Bredo Morstoel, a man cryogenically frozen and stored in a backyard shed. The festival pays tribute with coffin races, where teams sprint through the streets pushing makeshift coffins in a bizarre test of speed and coordination.
Other icy-themed events include frozen turkey bowling, polar plunges, and a “Frozen Dead Guy” lookalike contest. The festival’s morbid humor is balanced with a genuine sense of community, proving that even the weirdest traditions can bring people together. It’s chilling, it’s hilarious, and it’s a weekend you won’t forget.
9. Testicle Festival – Deerfield, Michigan
If Huntley’s turkey testicle event isn’t daring enough, Deerfield’s Testicle Festival goes bigger—literally. This festival revolves around deep-fried bull testicles, a delicacy known as “Rocky Mountain Oysters.” Attendees line up for a taste, often pairing it with cold beer and live country music.
But the festival is more than just an unusual menu—it’s a full-fledged party. Cornhole tournaments, mechanical bull rides, and late-night dancing make this an event that’s as rowdy as it is bizarre. It may not be for the faint of heart, but it’s a uniquely Midwestern celebration of culinary bravery.
10. Duct Tape Festival – Avon, Ohio
Avon, Ohio, is the duct tape capital of the world—and proud of it. Every summer, they host the Duct Tape Festival, where creativity and adhesive know no bounds. Parade floats, prom dresses, and sculptures are all made from colorful rolls of duct tape. It’s arts and crafts on steroids.
The event includes workshops, a duct tape fashion show, and themed competitions. Kids and adults alike get hands-on with tape-based activities. What might sound like a hardware aisle gimmick becomes a full-blown celebration of innovation and ingenuity. Sticky, strange, and surprisingly stylish, this festival sticks with you.
11. Voodoo Festival – St. Louis Cemetery, Louisiana
This annual event isn’t just a music festival—it’s a tribute to Louisiana’s rich voodoo culture. Hosted in New Orleans, the festival blends live performances with rituals, storytelling, and cultural exhibitions. Attendees can explore voodoo altars, watch traditional ceremonies, and learn about the city’s deep spiritual roots.
The mix of music, mystery, and folklore makes for an immersive experience. Whether drawn by curiosity or reverence, visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the culture that shaped New Orleans. It’s a festival as haunting as it is unforgettable.
12. Humungus Fungus Fest – Crystal Falls, Michigan
Crystal Falls is home to one of the largest living organisms on Earth—a single fungus spanning 37 acres underground. Naturally, the town throws a festival in its honor, featuring mushroom-themed games, fungus foraging walks, and, of course, plenty of mushroom-based dishes.
The highlight is the mushroom cook-off, where chefs compete to create the best fungus-inspired dish. Whether you come for the science, the food, or just to say you partied with a giant mushroom, this festival proves that even fungi deserve a celebration.
13. Roadkill Days Festival – Altoona, Pennsylvania
In Altoona, Pennsylvania, Roadkill Days celebrates the strange intersection of survivalism and culinary creativity. Inspired by the idea of not letting anything go to waste, the festival features roadkill-themed competitions, quirky food stands, and a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor. While the name might make you wince, most of the dishes are more symbolic than literal—think venison chili or “squirrel surprise.” It’s part cook-off, part comedy show, and fully committed to its offbeat premise.
The event also includes costume contests, storytelling, and even mock “critter capture” games for the kids. It’s not about glorifying roadkill—it’s about celebrating resilience, resourcefulness, and community. Locals embrace the oddball reputation with pride, and visitors come away with equal parts amazement and amusement. It’s the kind of festival that makes you ask, “Why?”—and then, “Why not?”
14. Outhouse Races – Conconully, Washington
In Conconully, outhouses go mobile—and competitive. During the Outhouse Races, teams build makeshift toilet-themed carts and race them down snowy streets in a hilarious winter showdown. Each “outhouse” is pushed by teammates while a brave soul rides inside. Speed and style both count.
Spectators bundle up and line the course, cheering for their favorite porcelain-powered contraption. There’s a small-town charm to the chaos, with hot drinks and laughs flowing freely. Awards go to the fastest, the funniest, and the downright weirdest. It’s bathroom humor at its absolute best.
15. Roadkill Cook-Off – Marlinton, West Virginia
Marlinton’s Roadkill Cook-Off invites adventurous chefs to turn unusual ingredients into gourmet dishes—with a twist. While no actual roadkill is used, the meats mimic those that might be found on the roadside, including bear, boar, squirrel, and raccoon. Visitors line up to sample creative creations like “Bumper Bear Stew” or “Tire-Tread Tacos.” It’s a culinary gamble, but one that pays off with bold flavors and bigger laughs.
The event’s wild concept is matched by a lively street fair atmosphere. There are live bands, Appalachian crafts, and even a pageant for “Miss Roadkill.” It’s a beloved part of the community calendar and attracts curious foodies from across the country. Equal parts grotesque and gourmet, it’s a festival that embodies fearless fun.
