The Ultimate Weekend Guide to Westminster, South Carolina
Published: August 2026
Last Updated: (keep updating this every year for SEO)
Quick Facts
South Carolina Bigfoot Festival 2026
📅 Dates: Friday, October 9 & Saturday, October 10, 2026
📍 Location: Historic Main Street, Downtown Westminster, South Carolina
💲 Admission: FREE
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly: Yes
🎵 Live Music: Yes
🎤 National Bigfoot Speakers: Yes
🛍️ Vendors: Hundreds
🌮 Food Trucks: Throughout downtown
🥾 Nearby Waterfalls: Less than 30 minutes away
Why the South Carolina Bigfoot Festival Should Be on Your Fall Bucket List
Every October, one of South Carolina’s smallest towns hosts one of its biggest festivals.
Home to just over 2,500 residents, Westminster welcomes an estimated 35,000 visitors during the South Carolina Bigfoot Festival, turning its historic downtown into a lively celebration of Appalachian folklore, live music, local businesses, and outdoor adventure.
What began in 2019 as a fun community event has quickly become one of the Southeast’s premier Bigfoot festivals, drawing everyone from dedicated Sasquatch researchers to families simply looking for an unforgettable fall weekend.
But here’s what many visitors don’t realize:
The festival is only half the experience.
Westminster sits in the heart of Oconee County, surrounded by waterfalls, mountain overlooks, scenic drives, hiking trails, and Lake Hartwell. Instead of making it a day trip, you can turn it into one of the best fall weekend getaways in South Carolina.
Where Is the Festival?
The South Carolina Bigfoot Festival takes place along Historic Main Street in downtown Westminster, about:
- 1 hour from Greenville
- 40 minutes from Anderson
- 25 minutes from Clemson
- 2 hours from Atlanta
- 2½ hours from Charlotte
That makes it an easy weekend road trip from much of South Carolina, Georgia, and western North Carolina.
Festival Hours
Friday
Vendor setup begins Friday morning, with the festival opening around noon and continuing into the evening with live music, contests, and speakers. Vendor hours are listed as 12:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Saturday
Saturday is the busiest day, with vendors open from 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. plus presentations, contests, shopping, and entertainment throughout downtown.
What You’ll Find
Visitors can expect:
- Nationally known Bigfoot researchers
- Author presentations
- Live music
- Bigfoot costume contests
- Kids’ activities
- Hundreds of craft vendors
- Food trucks
- Local restaurants
- Bigfoot merchandise
- Tree-knocking competition
- Look-alike contests
- Historic downtown shopping
Whether you’re a true believer or just along for the fun, there’s plenty to keep you entertained all weekend.
Parking
Parking is one of the biggest questions people ask.
Fortunately, downtown Westminster offers numerous public parking areas.
Handicap Parking
Available at:
- 300 E Main Street (former Walgreens)
- Blue Ridge Bank
- Dogwood State Bank
General parking is available throughout Main Street, Windsor Street, and surrounding side streets. ATMs are also located downtown.
Pro Tip: Arrive before 9:30 a.m. on Saturday if you want the easiest parking.
Festival Rules
A few things worth knowing before you go:
- Service animals are welcome.
- Pets should be left at home.
- No coolers.
- No glass containers.
- No smoking.
- Alcohol is only permitted in designated areas.
Our Recommended Two-Day Itinerary
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Friday
Breakfast at Palmetto Biscuit Company before the crowds arrive.
Spend the morning exploring nearby Chau Ram County Park before heading downtown when the festival opens.
Browse vendors.
Watch the costume contests.
Grab dinner at Park Place Drive-In.
Finish your evening listening to nationally known Bigfoot researchers.
Later, enjoy sunset over Lake Hartwell at Boondocks on Lake Hartwell.
Saturday
Wake up early.
Drive to Brasstown Falls before the crowds.
Return to downtown for the keynote speakers.
Shop the vendor village.
Watch the famous Bigfoot Look-Alike Contest.
Finish the weekend with dinner at The Overlook at Chickasaw Point overlooking the golf course.
Five Things First-Time Visitors Don’t Know
Friday is the hidden gem.
Most people only come Saturday.
Friday is noticeably less crowded.
Westminster is surrounded by waterfalls.
Within about 30 minutes, you can visit:
- Chau Ram County Park
- Brasstown Falls
- Yellow Branch Falls
- Issaqueena Falls
- Stumphouse Tunnel
Few festivals offer this combination of entertainment and outdoor adventure.
Wear comfortable shoes.
You’ll walk far more than you expect.
Bring cash.
Most vendors take cards, but some smaller booths are cash only.
Stay overnight.
You’ll enjoy the festival much more if you aren’t trying to squeeze everything into one day.
Best Places to Eat
Breakfast
- Palmetto Biscuit Company
Lunch
- Festival food trucks
- Downtown restaurants
Dinner
- Boondocks on Lake Hartwell
- The Overlook at Chickasaw Point
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the festival free?
Yes. Admission is free.
Is it family friendly?
Absolutely.
Are dogs allowed?
Only service animals. Festival organizers ask visitors to leave pets at home.
Where do I park?
General parking is available throughout downtown, with designated accessible parking areas.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and layers. October mornings in the Upstate can be cool, while afternoons are often pleasantly warm.
Why We Think This Festival Is Worth the Trip
Even if you don’t believe Bigfoot exists, the South Carolina Bigfoot Festival is one of those events that’s simply fun to experience.
Between the quirky contests, live entertainment, local food, mountain scenery, and nearby waterfalls, it’s easy to see why tens of thousands of visitors return every year.
Westminster may be one of South Carolina’s smallest towns, but for one weekend every October, it becomes one of its most memorable destinations.
