Blue Ridge Bigfoot Fest

Embrace the Legend, Celebrate the Adventure! | Saturday, September 26, 2026

After a wildly popular debut, the Blue Ridge Bigfoot Festival is back for its third year—and it’s bigger, bolder, and even more mysterious than before!

Whether you’re a die-hard believer or just Bigfoot-curious, this free, family-friendly festival promises a full day of fun, folklore, and fascination in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Saturday, September 26, 2026

 

Expert Speaker Series
Hear from leading Bigfoot researchers and investigators during our all-day speaker series—sharing stories, theories, and maybe even a few sightings!

Live Music
Get into the groove with live bands playing throughout the day.

Food & Drink
Enjoy tasty bites and beverages available for purchase à la carte.

Scenic Chairlift Rides
Take in the fall beauty with a ride down to Checkerberry Cabin (tickets sold separately). BUY TICKETS NOW

Artisans, Merch & Bigfoot Swag
Snag limited-edition Bigfoot gear and browse local artisan vendors for one-of-a-kind finds.

Mark your calendar, bring your sense of adventure, and come search for Sasquatch in style.

10:00am – 12:00pm Living with Nature at Wintergreen The Nature Foundation
12:00pm – 4:00pm Kids Choice Craft Station Behind Treehouse
12:00pm – 5:00pm Researcher Speaker Series Mountain Inn Ballroom
Speaker Series TBD
12:00pm – 6:00pm BRT Grill Blue Ridge Terrace
12:00pm – 7:00pm Chairlift Rides Blue Ridge Express
12:00pm – 7:00pm Artisan Village Blue Ridge Terrace
12:00pm – 7:00pm Live Music Blue Ridge Terrace Stage
1:00pm – 6:00pm Ax Throwing Dobie Ski Slope
2:00pm Bigfoot Contests! Costume, Calling and Beard Blue Ridge Terrace Stage
8:00pm – 11:00pm Live Music at The Edge

Daniel Benoit

East Coast Bigfoot Researchers Organization (E.C.B.R.O.)

Daniel J. Benoit is the founder and lead researcher of the East Coast Bigfoot Researchers Organization (E.C.B.R.O.), a group dedicated to investigating reported Sasquatch encounters throughout the eastern United States.

 

A lifelong outdoorsman, Daniel combines years of wildlife tracking experience with field research, data collection, and public education to explore one of North America’s greatest mysteries.

Since founding E.C.B.R.O., Daniel has conducted extensive investigations across the East Coast, with a focus on Virginia, and has become a respected voice in the Bigfoot research community. He has shared his work at libraries, universities, conferences, and public events, encouraging thoughtful discussion and critical examination of evidence.

Daniel has been featured in several documentaries, including Elusive Legend: An E.C.B.R.O. Story, The Beast of Elkhorn Lake, Hunt for the Shawnee Sasquatch, and I Believe in Bigfoot. He also hosts the ECBRO Bigfoot Radio podcast and the Bigfoot Zone (ECBRO) YouTube channel, where he interviews researchers and witnesses while sharing educational content and field investigations.

Through his work, Daniel continues to bridge the gap between folklore, field research, and scientific curiosity.

Chadwick Gales

Chestnut Ridge Paranormal

Chadwick Gales is the founder of Chestnut Ridge Paranormal, an investigative group dedicated to exploring paranormal phenomena and unexplained encounters. His journey into paranormal research began after a personal UFO experience outside his home, sparking a lifelong interest in investigating the unknown.

Since then, Chadwick has documented numerous unexplained experiences while conducting field investigations throughout the region. One of his most notable discoveries was a series of 14-inch, three-toed tracks found along a remote sandbank during an active investigation—an encounter that only deepened his commitment to researching unexplained phenomena.

Today, Chadwick shares his experiences and investigative methods with audiences interested in the paranormal, encouraging curiosity, open-minded discussion, and thoughtful exploration of the mysteries that continue to challenge conventional understanding.

Chette Nichols Jr.

Chette Nicholos Jr. is a wildlife conservationist and independent researcher with a passion for exploring the natural world and its enduring mysteries. Combining interests in anthropology, geology, archaeology, and biology, he approaches each investigation with curiosity, careful observation, and a deep respect for nature.

Through field exploration and research, Chette examines the landscapes, history, and wildlife that shape our understanding of the outdoors, while also exploring reports of unexplained phenomena and legendary creatures. His work reflects a commitment to conservation, discovery, and encouraging others to look more closely at the world around them.

As a speaker, Chette shares his experiences from the field, offering audiences a thoughtful perspective on the intersection of science, history, folklore, and the natural environment.

James Dameron

A Charlottesville, Virginia native, James Dameron has spent a lifetime exploring the rivers, streams, forests, and mountains of Virginia. He learned to hunt and fish from his father and brother at an early age and was roaming the banks of the Rivanna River on his own before reaching his teenage years. Those early experiences helped him develop a deep knowledge of wildlife, animal tracks, tracking, and the Virginia outdoors.

Around 30 years ago, he returned to one of his greatest passions: fly fishing for trout in the Virginia mountains and designing his own trout flies. That pursuit has taken him through the drainages of more than 300 Virginia trout streams, along with more than 300 additional streams across other states.

His outdoor experience includes 20 years as a trout guide and instructor, more than a decade serving on the Virginia Council of Trout Unlimited Executive Committee, and years in which he spent more than 100 days annually in the field. His travels have taken him throughout Shenandoah National Park, Virginia’s mountain forests, and far beyond.

After a lifetime spent studying and exploring these mountains, his connection to the Bigfoot phenomenon came unexpectedly.

As he puts it: “I went fishing, and Bigfoot found me.”

John Stasko

Information coming soon.

Chairlift rides at Bigfoot Fest begin at 12:00pm.
Ages 13+ $12
Ages 6-12 $8
Resort lodging guests and 2026-27 Season Pass Holders $5.
Children 5 and under ride free.
Wintergreen Club Members receive complimentary rides with valid passes or proof of purchase.
Payment can be made by cash or card.

Buy Tickets Now

 

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