Marietta’s most mysterious night out is returning this fall, and it comes with coffee, s’mores, and plenty of legendary creatures. Coffee, Campfires, and Cryptids1 will take over Atherton Square on Friday, September 12, 2025, starting at 6 pm. Hosted by the City of Marietta’s Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department, this award-winning event shines a light on the strange side of Georgia folklore.
Guests will gather around a glowing campfire to hear stories of Bigfoot sightings in the North Georgia mountains, sea monsters near Savannah, and chilling tales of the Wendigo2 and Mothman3. For those curious about the infamous Skunk Ape4, this is the night to see if the stories hold up. The evening blends storytelling, fun activities, and a few shivers down the spine.
Attendees can sip on coffee or hot chocolate from Cool Beans or enjoy a beverage from one of the local restaurants. The Reading Attic will be on hand with folklore-inspired finds, and the Marietta History Center will share resources about local legends. In addition to storytelling, the night includes crafts, vendors, and even a screening to set the mood.
This event is free and family-friendly, making it the perfect outing for fans of tall tales, eerie myths, and a good marshmallow roast. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and their best campfire curiosity. Atherton Square, situated between the Marietta History Center, the Marietta Welcome Center, and the former Red Hare Brewing Company’s alley, sets the perfect backdrop for a night that blends mystery with fun.
Date:
September 12, 2025
Time:
6 pm to 9 pm
Admission:
Free
Address:
Atherton Square Park
4 Depot Street
Marietta, GA 30060
For more information, please contact the City of Marietta Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department at 770-794-5601
Know Your Cryptids
- Cryptids are creatures whose existence is rumored or claimed but not scientifically proven. These legendary beings are subjects of folklore, cultural stories, and anecdotal evidence, with examples like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster.
- Wendigo is a malevolent creature or evil spirit from North American First Nations folklore, particularly among Algonquian peoples, that embodies greed, excess, and cannibalism. It is depicted as a gaunt, skeletal, and emaciated humanoid with an insatiable hunger for human flesh.
- Mothman is a winged, cryptid human-like creature with large, red, glowing eyes. The legend claims the creature was seen gliding, not flapping its wings, and was often connected to premonitions of disaster.
- Skunk Ape is described as a large, bipedal, ape-like creature with shaggy, reddish-brown fur that inhabits the forests and swamplands. It is often considered a Southern equivalent to Bigfoot or Sasquatch and is known for its foul, skunk-like odor.
