Nestled in between the Adirondacks and Vermont is a small town (Whitehall) with a big love (Sasquatch.) These days, he has his own branded festival – the Sasquatch Calling Festival, held each year on the banks of the Champlain Canal!
Let’s explore what to expect at this unique Washington County, NY event!
Where did it start?
In 2016, the first-ever Sasquatch Festival took place in Whitehall, NY, including two main events: film screenings and a calling contest. Originally organized by David Molenaar, a member of the Whitehall Beautification Committee, the idea was to find a way to celebrate Whitehall. By 2018, the event had reached a majority of New York’s media market, but Molenaar had decided to step back as the primary organizer. It was then that current organizer Barbara Spoor took over.
What about now?
Since 2019, Barbara Spoor has taken pride in the Sasquatch Calling Festival, organizing over 5 festivals (as well as the 2020 event that never was.) Each year, the festival takes place on the last Saturday of September in the historic town of Whitehall, NY. Attendance has grown exponentially, welcoming thousands of fans, researchers, and Sasquatch lovers each year. From Canada to Alaska, Rhode Island to Australia, the festival attracts visitors from around the globe to celebrate Sasquatch!
The Vendors & The Beer Garden
Eventually, the festival grew so popular it began to span across two parks. In 2019, the festival had 40 vendors – and in 2024 there were over 125 vendors including crafts, merchandise, and food trucks!
Now, the festival includes the entire Riverside Park, which is referred to as the Beer Garden. In the garden, attendees 21 and older can enjoy alcoholic beverages and food from vendors while listening to live music. Amongst these vendors are several local businesses, such as Cigar Brothers Brewing and A Taco Situation!
The Sasquatch Calling Contest
Each year, thousands gather in anticipation of the main event: the Sasquatch Calling Contest! There, contestants compare their ability to emulate the best call of Sasquatch based on their encounters, research or hypothesis.
Of course, the contest has both an adult and children’s division so all ages can share their best call of the beast. And, many return year after year to fight for the title!
The Brand
In 2024, committee member Louis Pratt (first-year college student and proud Whitehall native) took over as the Creative Design Director for the festival. Overseeing the entire brand management, marketing, and advertising for the festival, Louis designed the logo and built a new brand for Sasquatch from scratch, a process he calls “branding the beast.” Be sure to pick up some Sasquatch Festival merch to commemorate your visit!
Make Your Plans Now to Attend Next Year’s Sasquatch Calling Festival in Whitehall, NY
The Sasquatch Festival is the pride and joy of Whitehall residents. Run completely by volunteers in the local community who work effortlessly each year, the festival draws an incredible amount of attraction to local businesses on the day-of.
Mark your calendars now, because the 2025 Sasquatch Festival will take place Saturday, September 27th, 2025. Same place, same time.
Make Your Trip to the Sasquatch Calling Festival Even Better
Of course, the festival is just one of the many fun things to do within Washington County, New York! Explore our many outdoor recreation options, from fishing and paddling down the Battenkill to horseback riding, cycling, or golfing. Or, check out some of the neat things to explore around Whitehall! These include the Skenesborough Museum, Skene Manor, Adirondack ATV Tours and Freakopolis Geekery.
Additionally, If you’re looking for great places to stay, you’ll find accommodation ranging from farm stays and campgrounds to renovated historic structures and quaint bed & breakfasts. So, we hope to see you here in Washington County, NY soon!
