Bigfoot Days festival returns to Colorado this April with races, film premieres and even a calling contest

A lot of people think Bigfoot is hanging out in the Pacific Northwest, but I personally think the Colorado mountains would be the perfect hiding spot. Clearly I am not alone as there is a full festival dedicated to the mythical creature.

Bigfoot Days festival returns to Estes Park for a two-day celebration of all things Sasquatch, blending genuine cryptozoology enthusiasm with the kind of mountain-town fun that has turned the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park into one of Colorado’s quirkiest event destinations.

The weekend kicks off Friday, April 24, with a ticketed Bigfoot BBQ dinner at the Town of Estes Park Events Complex. The evening promises food, drinks, live music and a chance to mingle with the festival’s celebrity guests, including appearances from well-known TV Bigfoot personalities and researchers. Organizers say tickets are limited and going fast.

Saturday’s main event is a free outdoor festival in Bond Park, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The schedule includes expert talks and Colorado Bigfoot sighting stories, a half-marathon and 5K run, live music, craft and food vendors, family-friendly activities and the festival’s signature event: a Bigfoot calling contest, where participants compete to produce the most convincing Sasquatch howl.

New this year are two film screenings at the Historic Park Theatre, the oldest continuously operating movie theater west of the Mississippi River, built in 1913. “The High Strangeness of Colorado’s Bigfoot” will screen at 3 p.m., followed by the premiere of “SQUATCH” at 7 p.m. Both screenings will feature a red carpet arrival, photo and autograph opportunities with the cast, a live comedian set and a Q&A panel with directors and actors.

Saturday’s festival in Bond Park is free. Tickets for the Friday night Bigfoot BBQ are available at eventsinestes.com. More information is available at visitestespark.com.