Nestled between the Adirondacks and Vermont is a small town with a big love for Sasquatch.
And every September, the quiet town of Whitehall, NY, transforms into the ultimate gathering spot for believers, skeptics, researchers, and adventurers, all with one mission: to celebrate the annual Sasquatch Festival!
The festival is proudly organized by the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce, led by President Cheryl Putorti and a dedicated planning committee of community members. Together, they’ve grown this quirky event into one of Washington County’s most famous traditions. Mark your calendars now, because the 2025 Sasquatch Festival will take place Saturday, September 27th, 2025.
Let’s explore what to expect at this unique Washington County, NY event!
From Local Fun to Global Phenomenon
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. 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!
For 2025, more than 150 vendors are expected to fill not one, but two parks in Whitehall! Festivalgoers can look forward to browsing handmade crafts, unique Sasquatch merchandise, delicious local eats, and plenty of surprises.
The Vendors & The Beer Garden
In the Beer 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! Highlights of the day include:
- The Sasquatch Calling Contest – sponsored by Arrow Bank
- Live entertainment and speakers at the amphitheater.
- Special “cryptic cruises” with Mohawk Maiden Cruises, offering a mysterious journey along the water. These cryptid circles are unlike anything you’ve experienced before—check them out at mohawkmaidencruises.com.
Speaker and Event Schedule at the Amphitheater
10 AM: John Sheridan, Jr. – “Adirondack Bigfoot”
10:30 AM: Paul B. Bartholomew – “Bigfoot & Whitehall’s Role in the Unexplained”
11 AM: Alexandar Petakov – “Granite State Bigfoot: History of Encounters in New Hampshire”
12 PM: Steve Kulls – “Bigfoot: A Real World Investigator’s Take”
1 PM: Bruce G. Hallenbeck – “The Kinderhood Creature & Other Mysteries”
2 PM: Dave McCullogh – “The Journey”
3 PM: Brian Gosselin – “The Abair Road Incident & Beyond”
4 PM: Mike Anne – “The Benefits of Bigfooting”
5 PM: Whitehall Sasquatch Festival Calling Contest
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!
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! Take a tour of the Skenesborough Museum, enjoy the view from Skene Manor, shop at local favorites like Freakopolis Geekery and Misses Whipple’s Mercantile, or grab a bite at the RailYard or the Big Apple Diner. If you’re looking to keep your adrenaline pumping, Adirondack ATV Tours is nearby for some fun on the trails.
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!
