1. Talkeetna, Alaska – Moose Dropping Festival
Yes, you read that right. The Moose Dropping Festival in Talkeetna involves exactly what it sounds like—moose poop. Traditionally, the dried droppings were numbered, airlifted by helicopter, and dropped over a target as part of a raffle. The closest plop wins a prize, naturally.
It started as a small-town joke and somehow became a beloved tradition, according to Jon Holmes from The Guardian. Even though the event’s been on hiatus in recent years, it remains part of local lore. Vendors, music, and log-sawing contests round out the absurdity. It’s truly the kind of festival that could only exist in Alaska.
2. Beaver, Oklahoma – World Cow Chip Throwing Championship
Every April, Beaver holds a festival that proves boredom can breed brilliance—or something like that. Contestants throw dried cow pies as far as they can, with records soaring over 150 feet. It’s bizarre, it’s dusty, and it’s surprisingly competitive, according to Jordan Green from The Oklahoman. Spectators show up in droves for music, parades, and to see who will be crowned king or queen of the cow chip.
This tradition dates back to the 1970s and reflects the town’s cattle ranching roots. They even have a Cow Chip Museum for anyone who needs more context (or curiosity). It might not be glamorous, but it’s certainly memorable. And hey, it’s environmentally friendly—recycling at its finest!
3. Girdwood, Alaska – Forest Fair
Not strange in a gross way, but strange in how wildly eclectic it is, according to Georgina Fernandez from Alaska’s News Source. The Girdwood Forest Fair draws an unexpected mix of hippies, artists, musicians, and mountain folk into one tree-covered clearing. There are no corporate sponsors, no political booths, and definitely no bad vibes allowed. The only rule? “No dogs, no politics, no religious orders.”
It’s as much a vibe as an event, where local art meets circus performances and impromptu jam sessions. Kids parade in costumes, and booths sell everything from bone jewelry to handmade didgeridoos. The whole thing feels like a surreal Appalachian Woodstock. And despite its remoteness, it’s packed every July.
4. Deadwood, South Dakota – Days of ’76
This one’s a full-blown Old West cosplay event—but like, with commitment, according to Travel South Dakota. Deadwood’s Days of ’76 reenacts the town’s 1876 Gold Rush era with a week of parades, rodeos, and folks in frontier garb. It’s not just for tourists; locals go all in with wagons and mustaches that would make Wyatt Earp jealous. There’s even a historic pageant recounting the town’s wild beginnings.
Started in 1924, it was meant to honor the pioneers who settled the area. What makes it unique is how seriously the town takes the historical detail. There’s also a top-tier PRCA rodeo, which has won national awards. It’s like stepping into a Western—but everyone’s in on the script.
5. Twinsburg, Ohio – Twins Days Festival
This town lives up to its name in the most literal and delightful way, according to Rachel Paula Abrahamson from TODAY. Each August, Twinsburg hosts the world’s largest gathering of twins (and other multiples). It’s part family reunion, part science experiment, and part fashion show—because yes, most of them dress alike. Parades, contests, and talent shows all feature sets of identical (and fraternal) siblings.
The festival began in 1976 and has grown to attract thousands of twins from around the globe. It’s a celebration of sameness and uniqueness all at once. There are even researchers who attend to study genetic traits. And honestly, it’s just fun to see double everywhere you look.
6. Waynesville, Ohio – Sauerkraut Festival
Waynesville transforms into the kingdom of kraut every October. What began as a fundraiser in 1970 is now a two-day celebration of all things fermented cabbage. Over 350,000 visitors show up to sample sauerkraut pizza, fudge, and even ice cream. Yes, kraut ice cream is real—and better than you’d think.
It’s not just about the food, though there’s a lot of it. Craft vendors take over downtown, and there’s live music on multiple stages. Locals dress in traditional German garb, and the whole town smells like vinegar for a weekend. Oddly charming, right?
7. Olean, New York – Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
Basketball isn’t weird—but this tournament has an energy all its own. Olean hosts one of the biggest stops on the Gus Macker national tour, which turns downtown into a streetball battleground. Teams range from hyper-competitive to hilariously casual, including costumes and themed names. It’s like March Madness and a block party had a baby.
Started in 1974 by Scott “Gus” McNeal in Michigan, the tournament now tours across the country. Olean’s version is legendary for its turnout and festive vibe. There are age brackets for kids, adults, and even “Top Men” who haven’t quite let go of their high school glory. It’s chaotic, loud, and pure summer fun.
8. Empire, Michigan – National Cherry Pit Spitting Championship
Leave it to Michigan, cherry capital of the U.S., to turn fruit waste into sport. The National Cherry Pit Spitting Championship in tiny Empire has been running since 1974. The current record? An astonishing 95 feet. That’s some serious lung power.
Held during the town’s annual Cherry Festival, it’s equal parts quirky and competitive. There are kids’ divisions, but the real show is in the adult finals. Everyone gathers around a painted runway to cheer on the spitters. It’s all in good fun and a great way to enjoy peak cherry season.
9. Lexington, North Carolina – Pigs in the City
Lexington takes its barbecue seriously, and this event might be the most whimsical tribute to pork you’ve ever seen. Every fall, the city unveils a collection of life-sized fiberglass pig statues—each uniquely painted and dressed up by local artists. You’ll find pigs wearing tutus, superhero capes, business suits, and even Elvis costumes. The pigs are then displayed all over downtown like a public art scavenger hunt.
It’s part of the lead-up to the Lexington Barbecue Festival, which draws over 100,000 visitors annually. The pigs add a playful, artsy twist to the town’s smoky, sauce-slathered identity. Locals and tourists alike love snapping photos with them—because nothing says “Lexington pride” like a pig in sunglasses. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it makes barbecue season even more fun.
10. Portland, Oregon – World Naked Bike Ride
You knew Portland would be on this list, right? Every June, thousands of riders—many completely nude—take to the streets for the World Naked Bike Ride. It’s a global event, but Portland’s version is one of the largest. It’s part protest, part party, and part art installation on wheels.
The idea is to promote cycling, body positivity, and protest oil dependency. Some riders wear body paint or whimsical accessories, but many just let it all hang out. Spectators line the streets like it’s the Rose Parade of nudity. Somehow, in true Portland fashion, it feels both absurd and oddly wholesome.
11. Spivey’s Corner, North Carolina – National Hollerin’ Contest
If you’ve never heard of “hollerin’,” you’re not alone—but in Spivey’s Corner, it’s an art form. The National Hollerin’ Contest showcases traditional rural vocal calls once used to communicate across farms. Think of it as Appalachian yodeling with a Southern twang. Contestants belt out yells that echo across the countryside.
The event began in 1969 to preserve this fading tradition. Categories include distress calls, functional hollers, and even freestyle. The sound is wild, but the history behind it is rich. It’s a celebration of the human voice and rural ingenuity.
12. Hope, Arkansas – Watermelon Festival
Hope is famous for producing some of the largest watermelons in the world. Their annual festival celebrates that fact with seed-spitting contests, watermelon-eating competitions, and giant melon displays. One of their melons even made it into the Guinness Book of World Records at over 260 pounds. That’s basically a green bowling ball of fruit.
Held in August, the festival features a parade, pageant, and car show too. The community turns out in force, and the vibe is very “small-town Americana meets fruit obsession.” You’ll never look at a watermelon the same way again. Plus, the slices are free and massive.
13. Chincoteague, Virginia – Pony Swim
Every July, wild ponies swim across the Assateague Channel in one of the most visually stunning traditions in the country. The event is run by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which rounds up the ponies for health checks and fundraising. After the swim, some foals are auctioned off to help manage the herd. It’s dramatic, heartwarming, and totally unique.
The tradition dates back to the 1920s and draws thousands of visitors. Locals camp out on the shore to get the best views of the swim. It’s part of the island’s identity and celebrated with a full week of festivities. Don’t forget to read Misty of Chincoteague before you go—it’s basically the town’s unofficial anthem.
14. Gilroy, California – Garlic Festival
Garlic ice cream. Garlic fries. Garlic-themed cooking contests. Gilroy’s Garlic Festival celebrates the pungent bulb in every possible way.
Held in late July (though recently paused due to safety concerns), the festival has been a California icon for decades. Chefs from all over show up to showcase their skills in “The Great Garlic Cook-Off.” There’s also live music, arts and crafts, and even a garlic-breath contest. You’ll leave happy, full—and probably with a mint.
15. Nederland, Colorado – Frozen Dead Guy Days
Yes, the name is real, and yes, it involves a frozen corpse. Nederland’s most infamous resident is “Grandpa Bredo,” who’s been cryogenically preserved in a Tuff Shed since the ’90s. The town embraced the weirdness and turned it into a winter festival featuring coffin races, a parade of hearses, and ice turkey bowling. It’s macabre, but also hilariously over-the-top.
The event usually happens in March, and despite (or because of) its theme, it draws thousands. Everyone dresses in costume, and the vibe is more Mardi Gras than morgue. It’s like Tim Burton directed a block party. Only in Colorado would something this bizarre be so beloved.
