Small Towns, Big Personality: Wild and Weird Festivals Worth the Road Trip

Looking for a travel experience that breaks the mold? Skip the big city conventions and head to the quirky corners of North America—including Canada—where small towns celebrate the bizarre, the hilarious, and the downright unforgettable. These are not your average street fairs or seafood fests. From coffin races to duct tape couture, these unique festivals are well worth the detour. For a bit of road trip fun, you can check out ToonieBet – they have a large variety of different games for adults.

Nederland, Colorado – Frozen Dead Guy Days

Yes, there's a frozen corpse in a shed above this tiny mountain town. And yes, they throw a massive festival in his honor every March. Frozen Dead Guy Days is a three-day party complete with coffin races, costumed polar plunges, and "frozen T-shirt" contests. It's weird, wonderful, and surprisingly heartwarming. Locals say it's not about death—it's about celebrating life (with a side of absurdity).

Avon, Ohio – Duct Tape Festival

Every Father’s Day weekend, the "Duct Tape Capital of the World" embraces its sticky claim to fame with parades, fashion shows, and life-sized sculptures—all made entirely from duct tape. The event is sponsored by Duck Brand and includes contests for the most elaborate creations. Bring your imagination... and maybe an extra roll.

Collingwood, Ontario – Elvis Festival

Every summer, the town of Collingwood transforms into a rock 'n' roll haven as thousands of Elvis impersonators and fans descend for the Collingwood Elvis Festival. From hip-shaking performances to themed parades, tribute contests, and street parties, it’s a dazzling homage to the King. The energy is infectious, the costumes are over-the-top, and the love for Elvis is alive and well north of the border.

Conconully, Washington – Outhouse Races

This former mining town transforms each January into a racetrack for outhouses-on-skis. Teams of costumed racers push creatively designed (and fully functional-looking) outhouses down snowy streets in a contest of speed and ridiculousness. It’s a family event—with just enough toilet humor to keep everyone giggling.

photo credit: Alan Bauer Photography

Nanaimo, British Columbia – Great International World Championship Bathtub Race

Every July, the coastal town of Nanaimo draws crowds for its iconic bathtub race across the harbor. Participants pilot motorized bathtubs decked out in wild themes, while spectators cheer from the shore. It’s fast, fun, and proudly Canadian.

Capture the moment - ideas for photo opportunities:

●      Frozen Dead Guy Days: Coffin racers in costume, sprinting through snow.

●      Duct Tape Festival: Teens in full-length duct tape prom dresses.

●      Elvis Festival: A rhinestone-clad performer striking a pose on stage.

●      Outhouse Races: A pirate-themed outhouse mid-race.

●      Bathtub Race: Bathtub boats splashing across the harbor with Canadian flags flying.

photo credit: Kevin Saunders

So, why go?

These festivals aren’t just about the odd attractions—they’re windows into real communities that lean into their weirdness with pride. They offer homemade food, wacky competitions, and a chance to meet locals who don’t take themselves too seriously.

Forget overpriced hotel chains and bland tourist traps—especially when the open road through Canada offers so many oddball gems worth discovering. If your road trip doesn’t end with a frozen T-shirt contest or someone racing a porta-potty—or a bathtub—did you even leave home?