Mark your calendars for the most legendary weekend East Texas has to offer! The 2025 Texas Bigfoot Conference is coming to Jefferson October 17-19, and this isn’t just another conference – it’s the original annual Bigfoot Conference in Texas, established way back in 2001 by the Texas Bigfoot Research Center.
For over two decades, this event has been the go-to gathering for anyone curious about the mysteries lurking in our East Texas forests. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or someone who just loves a good mystery, this weekend will give you stories that’ll last a lifetime.
Meet the Heavy Hitters
This year’s speaker lineup reads like a who’s who of Bigfoot research. You’ve got Matt Moneymaker, the guy who’s made cryptid hunting a household name. Lyle Blackburn brings his expert knowledge of Texas cryptids and mysterious creatures. Michael Mayes, Shelly Covington-Montana, Ryan Edwards, and Mitchel Whitington round out a roster of people who’ve dedicated their lives to uncovering the truth about what’s out there in the wilderness.
These aren’t armchair theorists – they’re field researchers who’ve spent countless nights in the woods, collected evidence, and talked to eyewitnesses. When they share their findings, you’re getting the real deal.
Your Weekend Adventure Breakdown
Friday Night: Get to Know the Experts
The weekend kicks off Friday, October 17th, with a 7:00-9:00 PM “Meat ‘n Greet” dinner at the historic Haywood House. This is your chance to sit down with the speakers, ask questions, and hear stories that won’t make it into the formal presentations. At 9:00 PM, there’s a special presentation that sets the tone for the entire weekend.
Saturday: The Main Event
Saturday, October 18th, is where the magic happens. From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, you’ll dive deep into the world of Bigfoot research at the Jefferson Tourism and Visitor Center. Then the evening gets even better with a catered BBQ dinner by Riverport BBQ from 6:00-8:00 PM, followed by another special presentation until 10:00 PM.
Sunday: Wrap Up and Reflect
The conference continues through Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to process everything you’ve learned and connect with fellow mystery enthusiasts.
Why This Matters to You
East Texas has more Bigfoot sightings per square mile than almost anywhere else in the country. The Piney Woods, Big Thicket, and Caddo Lake regions have been hotspots for decades. This isn’t about some creature halfway across the world – this is about mysteries in your own backyard.
Whether you’ve had your own unexplained encounter or you’re just fascinated by the unknown, this conference gives you direct access to the people who are actively investigating these phenomena. You’ll learn about the latest evidence, hear firsthand accounts, and maybe even get inspired to do some exploring of your own.
Make It a Complete Weekend
Jefferson is the perfect host city for this kind of event. The town is already steeped in mystery and history, from its famous ghost tours to its antebellum charm. Stay at the host hotel, Executive Inn & Suites (200 South Walcott), or check out other Jefferson lodging options to make it a full weekend getaway.
You can easily combine this with riverboat tours, historic home visits, or just exploring the shops and restaurants in one of Texas’s most charming historic districts. It’s the kind of weekend that gives you both mystery and relaxation.
What Makes This Special
This isn’t some fly-by-night operation. The Texas Bigfoot Research Center has been doing this for nearly 25 years, and they know how to put on an event. You’re getting quality research, credible speakers, and a community of people who share your curiosity about the unexplained.
The conference is part of the East Texas Mysteries collection, which means it’s connected to a larger network of events and research happening right here in our region. You’re not just attending a conference – you’re joining a community of people who believe there’s still mystery left in the world.
Your Next Step
This is one of those weekends that reminds you why East Texas is such a special place. We’ve got history, we’ve got mystery, and we’ve got people who aren’t afraid to ask the big questions about what might be sharing our forests with us.
Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled, but honestly, this is the kind of experience you’ll be talking about for years. Whether you leave convinced that Bigfoot is real or you just enjoy an incredible weekend of storytelling and research, you’ll have participated in something uniquely Texan.
The East Texas wilderness has kept its secrets for centuries. This October, you get the chance to explore them with the best researchers in the field.
Event Details:
- When: October 17-19, 2025 (Friday 7:00 PM – Sunday 2:00 PM)
- Where: Jefferson Tourism and Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St., Jefferson, TX 75657
- Friday Dinner: Haywood House (7:00-9:00 PM)
- Saturday BBQ: Catered by Riverport BBQ (6:00-8:00 PM)
- Host Hotel: Executive Inn & Suites, 200 South Walcott, Jefferson, TX 75657 (903-665-3700)
- Organizer: Texas Bigfoot Research Center / Craig Woolheater
Tickets:
- Friday Night Dinner & Special Presentation: $114.19 (includes dinner and presentations, advance payment required)
- Saturday Conference, Dinner & Special Presentation: $102.97 (reserved seating, includes BBQ dinner and evening presentations)
- Saturday Conference General Admission: $52.46 (general seating for Saturday conference only, 9 AM start)
- Saturday Night Dinner and Special Presentation: $58.07 (catered dinner and evening presentation only, 6 PM entry)
- Conference Sponsor: $563.21 (promoted as event sponsor with special recognition)
VIP Add-Ons:
- Matt Moneymaker Table Friday: $170.32 (must purchase Friday dinner package)
- Lyle Blackburn Table Friday: $114.19 (must purchase Friday dinner package)
- Matt Moneymaker Table Saturday: $170.32 (must purchase Saturday conference package)
- Lyle Blackburn Table Saturday: $114.19 (must purchase Saturday conference package)
Conference Poster: Pick up at event for $30.01 or mailed after event for $46.84
All tickets are non-refundable unless event is cancelled
Ready to explore East Texas’s greatest mystery? Your adventure into the unknown starts this October.
