Albuquerque residents will have a chance to embrace their inner cyrtid enthusiast at the city’s first-ever Bigfoot Bash, set for Nov. 10 at Rio Grande Social. The event, which raises funds for the YMCA of Central New Mexico, promises an evening of raffles, trivia, storytelling and Bigfoot-themed fun.
The idea for the event started close to home. Event organizer Wendy Deetz, who also serves on the board of the YMCA of Central New Mexico, said she was inspired after attending Bigfoot festivals out of state and realizing that New Mexico didn’t have anything quite like them.
“My husband is a huge Bigfoot fan, and we had gone up to Kelso Longview to a Bigfoot festival that was really fun and amazing,” says Deetz. “I thought, there’s nothing like that here in the state.”
With her connection to the YMCA, Deetz saw an opportunity to bring the same sense of fun and community to Albuquerque. The event will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m., with tickets priced at $10 and free entry for kids. All ticket sales will benefit the YMCA.
Attendees can expect plenty of lighthearted entertainment, from storytelling and raffles to a Bigfoot calling contest. “There’ll be story sharing, if you have a story of Bigfoot, if you’ve had an encounter, or where you’ve seen them,” says Deetz. “The other thing we’re going to do is a little bit of trivia to win prizes.”
While this year’s bash is designed as a smaller community gathering, Deetz hopes it’s just the beginning. “The ultimate goal is to have a weekend festival,” says Deetz. “This is just a very basic beginning — a little teaser.”
For Deetz, the event isn’t just about myth and mystery, it’s about connection. “If you have a love for the myth of Bigfoot, this is going to be the group that you want to be around,” says Deetz. “It’s for all people to have a good time and celebrate the man, the myth the legend.”
Proceeds from the Bigfoot Bash will help support YMCA programs that serve thousands of families, children, and seniors across Central New Mexico. “It’s super inexpensive to come, and all the ticket sales go directly to the YMCA,” says Deetz.
For more information or to RSVP, visit nmbigfootbash.com.