Keep your hats on, friends, because even if it isn’t seen by the entire country, it exists. I’m going to tell you about 10, count em, 10 weird events that happened this year, so take a seat and get ready for something strange.
1. The Weird Homes Tour in Portland, Oregon
Let’s start our list off in a place that would gladly wear a badge that says “Kiss me! I’m a weirdo!” You may think I’m exaggerating, but when your city is hosting a tour of several houses designed as weirdly as possible, while still maintaining structural integrity, you learn to expect the unexpected. This event has been a tradition since 2014 and you can buy tickets online.
2. The East Coast Kinetic Sculptor Race in Baltimore, Maryland
“I’m sorry....what?” Exactly! To clarify, a kinetic sculpture is a work of art that is also functional. In this scenario, it is also amphibious (able to fully function and move underwater). Basically a bunch of engineering gurus take their sculptures and race them along the coast. The sculptures are then out on display in an art museum. Pretty cool, right?
3. The Idiotarod
“ You mean “The Iditarod”.” Nope! No sled dogs, just weirdos with shopping carts rigged for speed. It’s a downhill race in cities from Asheville to Vancouver and anyone crazy enough to suit up a shopping cart is allowed to participate. It’s like Mario Kart, except....it’s not at all like Mario Kart.
4. The Underwater Music Festival in The Florida Keys
Do you like music? “Yeah.” Do you like water? “...Sure?” How do you feel about music underwater? “Where are you going with this?” I’m talking about live musicians playing in a tank filled with water! You can listen to some of your favorite ocean related songs played underwater, providing a sound experience unlike any other.
5. The UFO Festival in Roswell, New Mexico
Don’t worry; it’s not a gathering of conspiracy theorists. It’s a sci-fi themed wonderland centered around aliens. There are tons of activities and a costume contest for the best looking extra terrestrial this side of Area 51. There’s also a planetarium, parade, and a 5k run, so there’s plenty to geek out about.
6. The Tarantula Awareness Festival in Coarsegold, California
I’m sure that when you saw the word “tarantula”, you immediately skipped over this paragraph...or fainted. If you’re actually reading this however, let me tell that it’s a lot more fun than it sounds. There’s a parade, a spider race, a pizza eating contest (far away from any spiders), and much more. I’m not spinning any webs of deceit; it’s actually a pretty good time.
7. The Bigfoot Festival in Honobia, Oklahoma
If you’re a believer, you’ll feel right at home. If not, you’ll still have lots of fun.
Apart from the late night Bigfoot hunts and the conference at the end of the week, you can enjoy golf, archery, good food, games, a movie night, and even campfire stories. To top it all off, the proceeds go toward funding 5 high schools in the area.
8. The Cow Chip Throw and Festival in Wisconsin
“What are cow chips?” Take a wild guess. “....Oh!....ewww...” Yeah, but if that’s not your thing, there’s plenty of other stuff to do while you watch other people throw....Well, you know.
9. The Wayne Chicken Show in Wayne, New England
It’s a grand extravaganza celebrating poultry. There’s not really much else to say, so if you’re into lots of sports, events, egg contests and shaking your tail feathers, you know where to go.
10. Hillbilly Days in Pikeville, Kentucky
I saved the best for last, y’all! This is my home state’s second largest festival, keeping a long lived stereotype alive and well. Stop by for the most fun a red neck can have and enjoy the best home cooking you’ll find anywhere. You can also kick back and enjoy traditional bluegrass music. All proceeds go towards the children’s hospital in Lexington, so you have absolutely nothing to lose.