In the U.S., small towns have their own way of honoring the things that make them different. Big cities are having huge concerts sponsored by corporate events.
In contrast, these secluded communities have festivals that, apart from the occasion, still feel very different—their festivals may be paying respect to local myths or celebrating unusual customs, or just being creative in finding reasons for gathering the whole town for fun activities. These gatherings often started as simple community get-togethers and grew into beloved annual traditions that draw visitors from all over.
Here’s a list of 14 unique festivals happening in small-town USA that showcase the creativity and character of communities you might never have heard of.
Nederland’s Frozen Dead Guy Days
Nederland, Colorado, throws one of the strangest celebrations you’ll find anywhere in March. The festival honors Bredo Morstoel, a Norwegian man whose frozen body has been stored in a Tuff Shed since the 1990s after his family’s cryogenic preservation plans went sideways…