Do you have weird ass "Festivals" around where you live?

[skeeter_01]

We sure do here! Take this weekend for example, it's the "Elvis Fest" in the 'Depot Town' area of beautiful downtown Ypsilanti (the "Y" is silent) Michigan. Depot Town is kinda the little area most towns have, that has like cool places to eat and drink and little touristy shops. Imagine being down there and hundreds of Elvis impersonators wandering around, sitting in the outside bars. LoL!!

http://mielvisfest.org/

Meanwhile, in downtown Ann Arbor next weekend, it's the 53 annual Ann Arbor Art Fair. It boasts being "The only juried art fair in the world". It brings about 150,000 visitors to Ann Arbor. People ask every year, "Are you going to the Art Fair?" I tell them "HELL NO!!" LoL!! I grew up in Ann Arbor, I know the insanity that is Art Fair! I stay far, FAR away from downtown Ann Arbor during Art Fair.

Even so, I really can't avoid it. I work in the ER at U of M hospital and we get quite a few folks from the Art Fair. Since it's ALWAYS the hottest week of the year, we usually get our fair share of heat strokes and dehydration. :(

http://artfairs.visitannarbor.org/

And there's a ton more scheduled for a 50 mile radius of me every weekend through Halloween!


I usually end up at the Art Fair about once every 5 or 6 years. I go for the food court..they have GREAT food vendors! I don't go to many of the hundreds of festivals around me though, too damn many people!

And I just have to say this, please forgive me for yelling!

DOGS DO NOT BELONG AT THESE EVENTS!!

OK, I feel better! LoL!! So how about anyone else? Any weird assed festivals around you? Ya goin'?
skeet

[Beloved]

Not sure if this is weird enough but we have this coming up nearby.

http://www.solarfest.org/

It's about renewable energy but I've been told it's also a big hippie gathering. I haven't been.

[clay]

http://bftwaterfestival.com/


I have gone ONE time! It is a MADHOUSE! The whole main street, Bay Street is closed off, as are several blocks around it!
There are bed races down Bay Street. Raft races, an air show, a water skier show, a kids fishing tourney, and bands, a street dance, and a whole host of other activities. It is on the downtown waterfront & Marina.
There is a new theme every year, an artist designs the art for that year, and along with the log, is printed on memorabilia.
There are vendors out in the park area...who are set up for the first 6 days, then have to tear down and move completely for the Lowcountry supper, then re set back up Fri am for 2.5 more days.
BUT it is a HUGE success as it is in its 57th year!!

[Sparkle]

This festival is near-by...it is pretty weird, and also awesome. (and quite tasty! though I wasn't impressed with the garlic ice cream :| )

http://garlicandarts.org/

The North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival.

"The North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival is a celebration of the artistic, agricultural and cultural bounty of the region. The purpose of the festival is to unite North Quabbin people whose livelihoods are connected to the land and the arts, and to invite both local residents and those who do not live in the region to experience the richness of an area that is often overlooked.

The festival emphasizes what is homegrown, handmade and high quality, as well as what helps preserve and support the environment and the community. Everyone involved – organizers, exhibitors, volunteers, performers, attendees, a supportive community – makes the festival what it is: an engaging, fun and educational celebration for all ages."

[Hollylane]

Weird because of some of the entertaining Brownsmead natives and transplants...I nominate The Brownsmead Cornfeed.

All you can eat corn on the cob dinner held at the Brownsmead Grange Hall. Everyone digs out their best corn utensils, dishes, and bibs. Condiments on the table can include: Butter, chile powder, Tapatio sauce, lemon pepper, Parmesan cheese, etc....
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5077/5866285190_30f8644ce9_z.jpg

http://www.seasideor.com/images/system/wwm_event_252.jpg

https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQu59B2ZEHXjoqkhtrBlVTCnI4ITDSDW qS4MHdlpwWhpbCYGK4G

[Hollylane]

Oh...and I forgot Portland's Naked Bike Ride...

http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/nakedBurnside.jpg

[cinnamongrrl]

im SOO glad this topic came up! We have a couple that raise eyebrows like the asparagus festival....but the one that amuses me most is the cow flop festival...they fence off the common in a little neighboring town, put a herd of cows on the common, and you "buy" a square of the common and if a cow ummm "flops" on your square....you win! :) My daughter has won prizes...i never have.... Life in a tiny new england town my friends :) we have to amuse ourselves somehow..... ;)

[Jett]

You mean like the Rutabaga Fest or Catfish Days... yes then, we sure do. Not actually in my city, but the surrounding smaller communities have some odd things they like to "celebrate".

Ah well, what can ya do... xD

[Miss Scarlett]

Next weekend is the Watermelon Festival over in Pageland...

http://pagelandwatermelonfestival.com/

[skeeter_01]

Oh...and I forgot Portland's Naked Bike Ride...

LoL!! Now THAT festival I may come out of hiding and lead the cheering section! Can you see it? Bikers by the dozens being blown off their bikes due to the gale force winds that are being generated by the cheering section doing the WAVE!! LoL!!

[Scuba]

Weird because of some of the entertaining Brownsmead natives and transplants...I nominate The Brownsmead Cornfeed.

All you can eat corn on the cob dinner held at the Brownsmead Grange Hall. Everyone digs out their best corn utensils, dishes, and bibs. Condiments on the table can include: Butter, chile powder, Tapatio sauce, lemon pepper, Parmesan cheese, etc....
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5077/5866285190_30f8644ce9_z.jpg

http://www.seasideor.com/images/system/wwm_event_252.jpg

https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQu59B2ZEHXjoqkhtrBlVTCnI4ITDSDW qS4MHdlpwWhpbCYGK4G

Weird yet oddly enticing :|

[Blade]

Boll Weevil festival

Why any town would have a festival named this is a mystery to me. A festival should be in celebration of something.

[Chad]

Boll Weevil festival

Why any town would have a festival named this is a mystery to me. A festival should be in celebration of something.

That is an odd festival. Haha!

[homoe]

Oh...and I forgot Portland's Naked Bike Ride...

http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/nakedBurnside.jpg

Is this still held? Fremont Solstice Parade Nude Bike Ride seems very similar:marketbicycle:

[FireSignFemme]

The National Lentil Festival. From left to right here are your hosts
Tase T. Lentil and Dan D. Pea -

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRUHJAxFLaPTjezdGkuGJCTeFUJ0jgrc crrvgFaYhJOr1S_p2dM https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTHciskeYmZ09r5wrMAf92BYKcuty_5v HT_cbi-7ouFlETHjU1p

[clay]

IN Salley,SC they have the annual Chitlin Strut.

Ridgeland,SC has the annual Gopher Festival...

One town I can't recall has an annual okra festival...:). LOVE me some good fried okra

[introverted1]

One of the weirdest festivals I've been to in Wisconsin is Mayfly days in Lacrosse. It's a celebration of the mass hatching of millions of Mayflies in the area.

The swarms are so huge, they actually show up on radar.

[introverted1]

We sure do here! Take this weekend for example, it's the "Elvis Fest" in the 'Depot Town' area of beautiful downtown Ypsilanti (the "Y" is silent) Michigan. Depot Town is kinda the little area most towns have, that has like cool places to eat and drink and little touristy shops. Imagine being down there and hundreds of Elvis impersonators wandering around, sitting in the outside bars. LoL!!

http://mielvisfest.org/

Meanwhile, in downtown Ann Arbor next weekend, it's the 53 annual Ann Arbor Art Fair. It boasts being "The only juried art fair in the world". It brings about 150,000 visitors to Ann Arbor. People ask every year, "Are you going to the Art Fair?" I tell them "HELL NO!!" LoL!! I grew up in Ann Arbor, I know the insanity that is Art Fair! I stay far, FAR away from downtown Ann Arbor during Art Fair.

Even so, I really can't avoid it. I work in the ER at U of M hospital and we get quite a few folks from the Art Fair. Since it's ALWAYS the hottest week of the year, we usually get our fair share of heat strokes and dehydration. :(

http://artfairs.visitannarbor.org/

And there's a ton more scheduled for a 50 mile radius of me every weekend through Halloween!


I usually end up at the Art Fair about once every 5 or 6 years. I go for the food court..they have GREAT food vendors! I don't go to many of the hundreds of festivals around me though, too damn many people!

And I just have to say this, please forgive me for yelling!

DOGS DO NOT BELONG AT THESE EVENTS!!

OK, I feel better! LoL!! So how about anyone else? Any weird assed festivals around you? Ya goin'?
skeet

Skeeter, your art fair sounds like our Art Fair on the Square. Always the hottest weekend of the summer, wall to wall people all weekend long.

[Blade]

IN Salley,SC they have the annual Chitlin Strut.

Ridgeland,SC has the annual Gopher Festival...

One town I can't recall has an annual okra festival...:). LOVE me some good fried okra

I don't know about now, but when I was growing up and they had the chitlin strut they did not cook the chitlins in Wagner-Sally I guess cuz they stink so bad cooking they wouldn't have any visitors LOL

[homoe]

National Lentil Festival August 17th & 18th Pullman WA

I guess if you love Lentils this may be right up your alley then. They have a demo stage, legendary cook-off contest, etc etc...


Lentils who knew :giggle:

[homoe]

July 14th - 10 am Green Lake Park 7201 Green Lake Dr N Seattle WA



Celebration of creativity, science, and boatman-ship. Boats build by children, adults, and businesses.

[Gemme]

National Lentil Festival August 17th & 18th Pullman WA

I guess if you love Lentils this may be right up your alley then. They have a demo stage, legendary cook-off contest, etc etc...


Lentils who knew :giggle:

Well, there's a lavender festival, so why not?

[homoe]

Well, there's a lavender festival, so why not?

Squim's 2018 Lavender Festival - July 20, 21 & 22

but but but...lavender is beautiful, lentils not so much...:|

[Gemme]

Squim's 2018 Lavender Festival - July 20, 21 & 22

but but but...lavender is beautiful, lentils not so much...:|

Lavender stinks.

Lentils are healthy!

:)

[homoe]

Sat Aug 18, 11 am–11 pm Ballard Commons Park Ballard

free admission..


This festival—which promises samples of caliente condiments from local purveyors like Secret Aardvark, FireFlower Sauce, and Pepper Preppers—was made for you. Quell the burn with beer from Diamond Knot Brewing, libations like brown sugar bourbon churro cocktails and smoked bloody Marys, and root beer floats made with Full Tilt ice cream for the under-21 set.

[homoe]

Aug 24-26th 2555 N National Ave Chehalis Wa 98532
Phone (360) 740-1495


garlic not so weird, BUT garlic ice creme, chocolate covered garlic cloves, and deep fried garlic weird IMHO!

[homoe]

Freeway Park Fountain Fest......... Freeway Park Sat July 28th 11- 2pm 700 Seneca St Seattle


Celebrate with water balloons and sprinklers! Games, Jazz, free hot dogs, and
iced treats!

[homoe]

Freeway Park Fountain Fest......... Freeway Park Sat July 28th 11- 2pm 700 Seneca St Seattle


Celebrate with water balloons and sprinklers! Games, Jazz, free hot dogs, and
iced treats!

This turned out to be a huge success according to the Seattle Sunday's Time article! They even had face painting for the kids.

[homoe]

Aug 9th - 12th Morton WA

Logging shows, lawnmower races, bed racers, 10k run, and children's and grand parade.

[homoe]

All About Beavers Aug 17th Northwest Streams Center 600 128th St. S.E. McCollum Park Everette WA


Nature walk, trout stream exhibit, & a elevated nature trail.

More info call 425-316-8592

[homoe]

HangarFest August 26th 6 p.m. Museum of Flight 9404 E. Marginal Way S $40


Food trucks, outdoor games, beer, and live music.

[homoe]

Taco Takeover Sat Aug 18th Seattle Center's Fisher Pavilion 2 sessions 1:30 & 5:30 $49-$79 Seattle WA


Tacos and other Mexican-inspired dishes by 10 chefs, cocktail competition, tequila tasting, games and music.

[homoe]

Public Star Party Today and Sat Aug 18th various locations but Sat is at Green Lake Park near the Bathhouse Theater Seattle WA



Volunteers astronomers provide telescopes and assist guests to observe the moon, planets, and constellations.

[homoe]

Sheep Shearing Saturday, April 27 Sheep Shearing at Kelsey Creek Farm
410 130th Pl SE, Bellevue WA 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM on Sat

One of the showier examples of farming life takes center stage. Watch as we give the sheep their yearly haircut, enjoy sheep herding demonstrations by Brian Richards, participate in hands-on activities with wool from our sheep, and watch fiber demonstrations by Northwest Regional Spinners Association.

For even more fun, go on a pony ride, take part in hands-on history activities by the Eastside Heritage Center, meet some the Kelsey Creek 4-H Critters, ride on a tractor-pulled wagon ride, and enjoy Pioneer Popcorn, Buns on Wheels, and Cascade Honey.

Admission is free, but the costs vary for some activities ($1-$8). Food is also available for purchase

[homoe]

Silent Reading Party 1st Wed of each month at Hotel Sorrento 900 Madison St, Seattle, WA

The Silent Reading Party is one of the weirdest, most wonderful parties you’ll ever go to, because no one talks to you and you can get some reading done. You curl up on a couch or in a wing back chair with a book or magazine or whatever you feel like reading, while Paul Moore plays piano and waiters bring you things.

The reading party, which turns 10 years old in 2019, is so popular that there is often a line out the door just to get a seat. The people who know what they’re doing get there an hour before it starts.

[homoe]

Sheep Shearing Saturday, April 27 Sheep Shearing at Kelsey Creek Farm
410 130th Pl SE, Bellevue WA 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM on Sat

One of the showier examples of farming life takes center stage. Watch as we give the sheep their yearly haircut, enjoy sheep herding demonstrations by Brian Richards, participate in hands-on activities with wool from our sheep, and watch fiber demonstrations by Northwest Regional Spinners Association.

For even more fun, go on a pony ride, take part in hands-on history activities by the Eastside Heritage Center, meet some the Kelsey Creek 4-H Critters, ride on a tractor-pulled wagon ride, and enjoy Pioneer Popcorn, Buns on Wheels, and Cascade Honey.

Admission is free, but the costs vary for some activities ($1-$8). Food is also available for purchase

Just in case you forgot.........:sheep:

[homoe]

Saturday starting at 1 p.m. At Woodinville Library 17105 Avondale Road NE Woodinville WA


All ages welcomed! Refreshments provided..

[homoe]

Slugfest Sat & Sun 9:30 to 5 Northwest Trek Wildlife Park 11610 Trek Drive E. Eatonville


It's the most unusual Northwest Festival ever - a celebration of slugs.

Why do we have this zaniest of festivals? Well, if you've ever hiked a Northwest forest, you'll know our slugs are among the biggest and best - especially the yellow-green banana slug. But they're also vital to our ecosystem, breaking down organic matter and returning it to the forest floor, where it becomes food for our beautiful plants and trees. Long live slugs!

More info nwtrek.org/event/slug -fest

[homoe]

To hide your nuts!

Squirrel Fest held on Aug 17th in Longview Wa

Each year is better than the last with great shows, entertainers, and bands that you’ll just go NUTS about. The Civic Circle is transformed into an all day venue of music, fun, and games for the whole family.


https://lvsquirrelfest.com/

[homoe]

Saturday July 13th Green Lake Events begin at 10:30 am.



The 47th annual Milk Carton Derby is back for another year of creativity, science and boatmanship! Since 1972, this quirky event features colorful milk carton boats of all shapes and designs racing on Green Lake. Children, adults, families, military, schools and businesses are all invited to build milk carton watercraft and compete on the waters of Green Lake for prizes and bragging rights.

[homoe]

Monday July 15th 5:30 p.m. Lagunitas Taproom 1550 N.W. 49th St Seattle

Brews and bunnies — what could be better? Join us for our second annual fundraiser for rescue bunnies at Lagunitas with delicious vegan food from Cycle Dogs and Frelard Tamales! As long as it's not too hot, we'll have bunny guests and photo ops, too! 100% of beer proceeds go directly to care for adoptable and sanctuary rabbits. Come raise a glass for a hoppin' good cause with us!

[homoe]

The 8th Annual Walk for Old Dogs Sunday, July 21 10:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m.
Cromwell Park 18030 Meridian Ave N, Shoreline, WA

Join us for a fun filled day in the park to help our senior dogs. Enjoy Oldest Dog competition and an Oldest Dog Pageant.

The Walk for Old Dogs is Old Dog Haven's largest fundraiser and event of the year! The Walk is not a race but a fun promenade around the park to celebrate our senior dogs. Young dogs, old dogs and people of all ages are invited to attend.

Granted this is a fund raiser for veterinary expenses for old dogs but still, I'd bet money instead of being paraded around like show ponies these dogs would rather stay home and enjoy the day in peace and quiet!

[homoe]

Tonight (but this is a ongoing occurrence and if this date doesn't work, check for future ones) at Lewis Creek Park & Visitors Center 5808 Lakemont Blvd S.E. Bellevue WA Free with pre-registration 5 & older with accompanying adult



Learn about bats, and enjoy a night hike. Bring a flashlight or headlamp.:bluebat:

[homoe]

Sat July 27th noon-3 Freeway Park 700 Seneca St Seattle FREE



Water games, sprinklers, treats, music, face painting, fountains.

[~ocean]

sand sculptures entertainment & amusements down on the beach :)

[homoe]

August 3, 2019 Cold Brew Fest in Esther Short Park, Vancouver, WA



Sample coffee and vote for your favorite, hear live music, and shop from food vendors at . Children younger than age 12 are free.

[homoe]

Sat Sept 28th Sehmel Homestead Park 10123 78th Ave N.W. Gig Harbor, WA



More than 100 ciders to try. Music, entertainment, kids activities, apple pie contest, cider garden, and cider sales.

This is down the highway from us. We may just go down and have a swig or two......

[homoe]

Bat Lady Presents Friday (tonight) 7 - 8:30 McCollum Pioneer Park Everette WA

Join Barbara Ogaard of the Sarvey Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Bats Northwest who’s stage name is The Bat Lady for a voyage into the mysterious world of bats. Enjoy bat puppets while learning bat myths and facts. See amazing bat images from around the world collected during research projects. And see live bats from the Pacific Northwest while learning about our “home bats.”

Learn answers to many questions including: Do vampire bats really exist? Are bats good or bad medicine? Did you know bats are the sole pollinators of bananas? What other foods and snacks have links to Bats? How many insects can a bat eat each day? What is the biggest and smallest bat and where are they found? Did you know that some bats are very cute? Who makes the best fertilizer in the world? What would happen to people if there were no more bats? Discover how important bats are to the environment and the ecological role they play. Barbara and her bats will engage and entertain all ages. this is a fun event for the entire family! At the close of the show, you will go outside and call some bats.

[homoe]

Mac and Cheese Crawl Chicago Sat, January 25, 2020 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (CST)

PRE-PARTY: Join us at Moe's Cantina River North on Friday, January 24th. Mention that you are there for "Mac & Cheese Crawl" at the host stand between 10pm and 11pm to receive a drink on us!
AFTER-PARTY: Join us at Old Crow Smokehouse River North on Saturday, January 25th. Mention that you are there for "Mac & Cheese Crawl" at the host stand between 10pm and 11pm to receive a drink on us!

Nothing warms you up on a cold winter day than a hot serving of Mac & Cheese. Now how about 7 hot servings of Mac & Cheese?! Grab your closest friends and all of your CHEESY jokes. It's time to crawl through the best bars in River North to drink some beers, down some drinks, dance to some tunes, and of course scarf down some some delicious Mac & Cheese.

[homoe]

Save the date January 25th Seattle

Onesie Pub Crawl noon - 2 a.m. Downtown Seattle

Onesie-themed pub crawl thought out the day. Professional photographers, drink specials, costume contest with cash prizes!

[cathexis]

Saranac Lake (NY) Winter Carnival

January 31 to February 9, 2020

It's the longest continuous Winter Carnival with an Ice Palace, parades, toboggan rides, and probably the best event...a frying pan throwing contest only open to elder womyn.

[homoe]

Sat Feb 1st 1-2:30 p.m. Sky Nursery 18528 Aurora Ave N. Seattle


Learn from professionals how to attract and encourage these bees which are adapted to seek pollen in wet and chilly weather.



phone for more info: 1-206-546-4851 or skynursery.com

[homoe]

Westlake Park Downtown Fri Feb 28, 12–1 pm Free


On the first day of Girl Scout cookie booth sales (the most wonderful day of the year), little ones in badge-strewn vests will celebrate a brand-new cookie, the Lemon-Up, with a grand parade featuring a yellow fire engine, yellow classic cars, female firefighters, and lots of treats from local businesses like Trophy Cupcakes and Molly Moon's that feature the new cookie.

Yes, this is over BUT look for similar events in your neck of the woods!