Beast Fest takes its name from the Beast of Bladenboro, a creature blamed in local reports for a series of unusual animal deaths during the winter of 1953 and 1954. Witness descriptions varied, often suggesting a large cat-like animal, and the mystery was never conclusively settled.
Since 2008, Bladenboro has used that story as the theme for a downtown community festival. Visitors can expect live entertainment, food and craft vendors, carnival rides and games, children’s activities and references to the local Beast legend. General attendance is free, while rides, food and purchases from individual vendors cost extra.