The 7 Most Unusual Festivals in the U.S.

If unusual rhymes with a nation, the prize obviously goes to the United States! 

Here are 7 festivals, each one more extravagant than the last, celebrating a little bit of everything, from music to typically American culinary specialties!
 

#1. Burning Man 

Black Rock Desert, Nevada

If you think that popular festivals in the USA are just about music and overpriced food trucks, let me tell you about Burning Man. Each year, at the end of summer, a remote part of the Black Rock Desert in Nevada transforms into an ephemeral city called Black Rock City. For one week, about 80,000 people gather there to experience something unique: a celebration of art, community, and, to be honest, joyful chaos.

First, forget the rules of the outside world. Here, no sponsors, no Wi-Fi, and especially no money. Everything operates on a system of giving and sharing. A bar might offer you a beer if you give the bartender a sincere compliment, while another might ask you to tell your worst joke. (Warning: if it's really bad, you might end up with two beers.)

The atmosphere at Burning Man is like a mix between a museum, a funfair, and a Halloween party where everyone is motivated! The artworks there are absolutely gigantic and often interactive. One day, you might admire a 20-meter sculpture that lights up at night, and the next, climb a fire-breathing metal dragon. Among the most memorable creations is a giant carriage in the shape of an octopus that moves around spewing flames. If you ask why? They will likely reply, “because, Burning Man!”. 

Speaking of Burning Man, at the heart of the event is "The Man", an immense wooden effigy burned on the last night. It is the climax of the festival, a moment loaded with symbolism and emotion, akin to a giant birthday cake ending in ashes. 

But Burning Man is not just about art and bonfires. It’s also a space where everyone is invited to participate. You could decide to offer pancakes at 3 AM, organize a stilt yoga session, or even ride a bike covered in glitter. What might seem extravagant elsewhere is entirely normal here.

And then there is the dust, omnipresent in the desert. It gets everywhere: on your clothes, in your hair, even in your coffee. Regulars affectionately call it "playa dust". Some even say it’s a rite of passage: if you haven’t tasted the dust, you haven’t truly experienced Burning Man.

In short, Burning Man is much more than a simple festival in the desert. It’s an adventure where imagination has no limits, where absurdity is celebrated, and where one might discover a new facet of oneself. If you’re looking to disconnect from daily life and dive into a completely new world, it’s the place to go. But be prepared: once you've experienced Burning Man, you will never see the world the same way again!

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#2. Electric Daisy Carnival

Las Vegas, Nevada

The Electric Daisy Carnival (or EDC for insiders) is a bit like stepping into an electro-futuristic dream where music, lights, and creativity blend perfectly. Each year, thousands of electronic music fans arrive in Las Vegas for this giant event, which transforms the Las Vegas Motor Speedway into a psychedelic amusement park.

As soon as you step through the doors, you are greeted by a flood of colors, neons, and sounds. Imagine massive stages adorned with luminous flowers, robotic sculptures that spew flames, and a fortune wheel worthy of a science fiction movie. If you thought you had seen impressive festivals, EDC takes it all to the next level. Here, everything is oversized, including the energy of the participants, many of whom dance the entire night under the stars.

What makes EDC unique is also its audience. Festival-goers, called Headliners, compete with each other in creativity with their outfits. You’ll encounter people dressed as unicorns, anime characters, or even light-up cheeseburgers (yes, that exists). The beaded bracelets they exchange, called Kandi, are a ritual in themselves. You might be offered a bracelet in exchange for a special handshake, a smile, or just because you complimented someone's outfit.

Music, of course, is at the heart of the festival. Legendary DJs (including Tiësto, Martin Garrix, and Deadmau5) take the stage to offer sets that transport you to another dimension. Each stage has its own universe: one looks like a futuristic cathedral, while another evokes an enchanted jungle. A tip: bring good shoes, because chances are you’ll be dancing until the sun rises.

But EDC isn’t just about bass and lasers. It’s also an open-air circus. Acrobats swing above your heads, giant puppets roam among the crowd, and fireworks explode in the sky every night. Fun fact: during one edition, a participant proposed... on top of a Ferris wheel, under a firework show. 

I promise, you will leave with memories that shine as brightly as the festival's neons... and even the light-up cheeseburgers will start seeming normal!

#3. Underwater Music Festival 

Looe Key Reef, Florida

We move from the West Coast to the East Coast to talk about the Underwater Music Festival. Each year, this one-of-a-kind event transforms the crystal-clear waters of Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys into an underwater musical stage! Yes, you read that right: here, the musicians play not only for a human audience but also for fish, sea turtles, and perhaps even a few curious sharks.

This festival, which usually takes place in July, is a celebration of music while highlighting marine conservation. Participants dive underwater with a mask, snorkel, or oxygen tank to listen to tracks broadcast through speakers specially designed to work underwater. And to make the experience complete, musicians play with unexpected instruments: plastic saxophones, guitars decorated with corals, and even flutes that look like seaweed are part of the show. Obviously, they don’t really produce sound, but the visual effect is magical.

But don’t be fooled by the lighthearted atmosphere: the Underwater Music Festival also carries a serious message. It is organized to raise awareness about the preservation of coral reefs and encourage responsible diving practices. Between tracks, volunteers explain how to protect corals, avoid damaging them, and support conservation efforts. Imagine learning fascinating facts about the ocean while listening to "Octopus’s Garden" by the Beatles underwater… it’s a unique experience.

What makes this event even more memorable is the diversity of participants. Some come with their families and children, others are seasoned divers, and there are always a few novices struggling a bit with their fins.

So, if you’re looking for an extraordinary adventure, the Underwater Music Festival is for you. It promises unforgettable memories, and maybe a bit of water in your ears.

#4. Humungus Fungus Festival 

Crystal Falls, Michigan

A festival in honor of a giant mushroom, does that ring a bell? No, I’m not talking about so-called magic mushrooms, but rather a real giant. This underground mushroom, of the Armillaria species, spans about 37 hectares, weighs several hundred tons, and is considered one of the largest living organisms in the world. 

But instead of just sticking to this impressive scientific discovery, the residents of Crystal Falls, Michigan, decided to make a festival out of it. The result? A festival as absurd as it is entertaining, where mushrooms are king and humor is omnipresent. Don’t expect the same scale as the previously mentioned festivals. This is a local celebration, where the small town's populace gathers, parades down the main street, and showcases their culinary creations! Among the highlights, there’s the giant mushroom omelet, prepared in a gigantic frying pan by chefs handling spatulas almost as big as themselves. 

The festival also features hilarious competitions, such as the mushroom costume contest where participants dress up as morels, porcini mushrooms, or even as "mushroom and pepperoni" pizza. One contestant, dressed as a giant morel, even won by singing a parody of "We Are the Champions," renamed "We Are the Fungus." Another iconic event: the "mushroom toss," a kind of weight-throwing where the projectile is replaced by a fake mushroom.

But once again, it’s not just about entertainment. There is also an educational aspect, with workshops on mushroom cultivation and lectures on their essential role in the ecosystem. 

The essence of the Humongous Fungus Festival is a combination of knowledge, creativity, and lightheartedness, without great pretensions! 

#5. Krewe du Vieux

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Krewe du Vieux is one of the wildest, most irreverent, and hilarious parades in New Orleans. While Mardi Gras is a grand celebration in its entirety, this parade, which officially opens the season, is anything but conventional. Here, anything goes, or almost, especially when it comes to political, social, or cultural satire. Imagine colorful, handmade floats parading through the narrow streets of the Vieux Carré, each displaying themes and messages as funny as they are irreverent. Add to that participants dressed in extravagant costumes, often with double (or even triple) meanings, and an atmosphere where beer flows freely, and you have an unforgettable evening.

The very name of the parade sets the tone. Unlike more modern and structured parades, the Krewe du Vieux makes fun of everything, including traditions that are a bit too "clean" for its taste. The themes chosen each year are often a clever mix of sarcasm and provocations. One year, following a political scandal, one of the floats depicted an alligator in a lawyer's suit with a sign reading "Swamp Justice." Another time, amid an urban planning debate, a float featured a giant construction cone with the mention: "Eternal Works - Eternal Patience."

What makes this parade so unique is that it takes place in the French Quarter, a place where the atmosphere is already electrifying in normal times. The floats snake through the narrow streets, often accompanied by brass bands playing rousing tunes. The proximity to the audience makes the experience even more immersive. Here, no barriers or distance from the spectators. Participants throw "throws" (bead necklaces, toys, or goodies), but be warned, some "surprises" can be a bit daring, so I would advise against going with young children.

The Krewe du Vieux is also a celebration of music. Local brass bands are an integral part of the parade. The sounds of brass and percussion echo through the streets, encouraging everyone to dance, sing, or at least tap their feet. If you're looking for an evening where art, culture, and humor blend into a joyful chaos, this is the place to be. But beware: it’s reserved for those with a sense of humor and who aren't afraid to poke fun at the world, and sometimes a little at themselves. Because at the Krewe du Vieux, everything is laughed at, without filter, and that’s what makes it so charming.

#6. Spam Jam Festival 

Waikiki, Hawaii

No, it's not a typo! Do you know the famous SPAM, that canned pork and ham that resembles a bit like cat pâté? Well, every year, Waikiki, in Hawaii, celebrates the famous SPAM as if it were a national treasure. And honestly, here, it is one. Since World War II, SPAM has been part of Hawaiian culture, and this festival pays homage to it with a good dose of humor, creativity, and, of course, completely improbable recipes.

As soon as you arrive, the smell of grilled SPAM greets you, and it's everywhere: in street stalls, food trucks, and even in some cocktails (yes, someone dared to do that). They offer classics like SPAM musubi, a kind of sushi with SPAM instead of fish, but also bolder creations. One year, a stand served SPAM ice cream. Verdict from the brave souls who tasted it? "It's strange, but surprisingly good." Another time, a chef offered a wedding cake made entirely of SPAM. The bride and groom were delighted, the guests a bit less.

But the Spam Jam is not just about food. It's also a completely wacky atmosphere where everyone plays along. The costumes are a spectacle in themselves: people dress up as giant SPAM cans, SPAM sandwiches, or even stylized pigs. 

There's no shortage of activities either. The festival offers cooking workshops, where you'll learn to incorporate SPAM into dishes you never imagined, like tacos or carbonara pasta. And for those who prefer to watch, there are culinary competitions where local chefs compete to create the most original dish. 

The SPAM Jam is also a family festival. Local musicians play on stage, hula dancers perform, and there are even games for children, like the SPAM can toss (yes, that's a thing). All of this takes place on the Waikiki beachfront, with stunning ocean views. And even if you're not a fan of SPAM, the cheerful and relaxed atmosphere will make for a great time.

#7. Surfing Santas 

Cocoa Beach, Florida

The Surfing Santas Festival is proof that in Cocoa Beach, Florida, Christmas is not celebrated like anywhere else. Here, there are no snowy trees or winter coats, but Santas in swimsuits swapping their sleigh for a surfboard. Every December 24th, hundreds of surfers dressed as Santa Claus (and sometimes reindeer or elves) ride the waves. It's a show that mixes absurdity, festivity, and a hefty dose of cheer.

It all started in 2009 when a local surfer decided to have fun by dressing as Santa Claus to catch some waves on Christmas day. Since then, the idea has snowballed, and today, Surfing Santas is a major event that attracts thousands of spectators and participants. Cocoa Beach transforms into a true tropical Christmas festival, where the heat doesn’t stop anyone from donning a white beard and a red hat. A little note, though: some Santas opt for climate-appropriate outfits. You’ll see Santas in shorts, bikinis, and even diving suits adorned with bells.

The costumes are a true parade of creativity. One year, a surfer arrived dressed as "Santa Shark," with a shark-shaped board and a red hat attached to his dorsal fin. Another time, a participant showed up with an inflatable Santa suit.

The festival isn’t just about surfing. There's also a festive vibe all around: food booths, live music bands, and even costume contests for those who prefer to stay dry. But what makes Surfing Santas truly special is its community spirit. The event is free and raises funds for local charities, notably to help sick children. Participants and spectators come as much to have fun as to support a good cause, and that's what gives this day such a warm atmosphere.

So, if you want to experience a Christmas like no other under the warm sun, the Surfing Santas Festival is the place to go. After all, even Santa Claus deserves to catch a wave (or two) before heading off to deliver his gifts, right?

So, which of these festivals would you like to experience?

Let us know in the comments section below!