Our company might be named “RunSignup”, but it turns out that we sign people up for a lot more than just runs. Between our registration (RunSignup) platform and our ticketing (TicketSignup) platform, we eaily handle the unique needs of some truly unique events. Events can BYO domain and fully customize their event website, meaning they can pick their platform for functionality, not branding.
Today, we’re celebrating the weird and unexpected with a look at ten of the most unique events of 2025!
1. The Burning of Zozobra
The Burning of Zozobra isn’t exactly new – the first edition took place around a hundred years ago – but that doesn’t make it less unique. The annual event features the burning of a giant, 50-foot marionette stuffed with peoples troubles. In addition to selling tickets to the spectacle, The Burning of Zozobra’s ticketing site enabled people to buy a “Gloom” submission. That is, to submit their worries and troubles via a calculated store item so it will be included in the burning.
Want to KNOW when your Gloom is burned? For a small fee, people can even select where in Zozobra they want their Gloom placed.
2. Running Is For Everyone Turkey Trot
At first glance, this appears to be the most common of events: a local Turkey Trot. Or at least, that’s what one man wanted it to look like. But no money actually changed hands, and no results were ever posted. Instead, this was actually a “fake” 5K that the “customer” (Daniel) used as an inconspicuous way to get his girlfriend (Christina) to go to the run location so that he could propose to her. The RunSignup page to made it seem more legitimate.
The ruse worked, and Christina said yes!
3. Georgia Dachshund Races
On it’s face, this is “just another race”. The difference? All racers are under 50 pounds, on a leash, and nude. The Dachshund race used ticket groups to create racing categories for puppies, senior dogs, mixed-breed runners, and even dogs in wheelchairs. But it’s not just racing: tickets are also available for dogs competitions for the best costume, the longest Dachshund, the shortest Dachshund, and event the best nose.
While we usually recommend registration for races, the unique needs of this race made TicketSignup the ideal platform.
4. Shakori 40 Running Festival
In addition to having the brightest, boldest race website around, the Shakori 40 makes an impact because it’s much more than just a race. Yes, there is running – a lot of it – but there is also on-site camping, live music, and a Friday party so good that they sell tickets for non-runners to join the fun. With a 4 mile race, a 40 mile race, and a 40 mile team relay all on a 4 mile course, the Shakori 40 is one busy weekend.
The Shakori 40 makes great use of the RunSignup race website, with custom components for the Strava course, integrated volunteers, an accessible store, and an unmissable email capture form. But our very favorite part just might be their custom AI Chatbot with a truly unique icon.
5. International Horseradish Festival
TicketSignup is an ideal solution for festivals, and we see festivals of all types: oysters, beer, music, and even mac and cheese. But the Horseradish Festival in Illinois stands out as one of the most unexpected festivals out there. Admission is free, but there are on-site activities that require advance tickets – and these options, too, are memorable! Attendees can register for a cornhole tournament, compete in a Horseradish Pageant, or join a Horseradish pizza eating contest!
Of note: the pageant isn’t about beauty, it’s about horseradish (of course). The event uses custom questions to collect a few pieces of information about contestants in advance, the most important of which is a “Fun Fact About Horseradish”.
6. John Colter Run
The John Colter Run is part race, part adventure, part reenactment. Runners follow a treacherous course like the one John Colter ran in 1808 to escape his captors. The race is seven miles, 5.5 of which are on rugged trails. It includes two railroad crossings and two water crossings (up to waist deep!) on a course marked with rock cairns, flags, stakes skulls, bones, and beer bottles. There is even a “John Colter” running the race; the first 50 runners to beat him to the Dam at mile 6.5 win a special prize.
As you might imagine, the John Colter Run carries some extra risk for participants. The race uses their integrated RunSignup email to make sure all runners have access to the full, detailed course information.
7. 7-Foot Santa
This might be the simplest event on this list: a normal, “take a photo with Santa” meet-and-greet during the holiday season. But it’s the little details that make this one interesting – specifically, that this Santa is 7 feet tall.
TicketSignup’s Calendar-Based Timed Entry ticketing solution allowed the historic Bradlee-McIntyre House to eliminate lines by offering specific time slots to each family.
8. Estes Park Skijor
If you are a part of the small but enthusiastic Skijor community, the Estes Park Skijor competition is just another day. But for the rest of us, attending a Skijor competition definitely qualifies as one of the most unique events of the year. In this adrenaline-packed event, a horse pulls a skier as fast as possible through an obstacle laden course.
Estes Park Skijor actually needs two layers of technology for their snowy cowboy competition – a TicketSignup site to sell spectator tickets, and a RunSignup registration site for competitor sign ups.
9. Wisconsin Art of Cheese Festival
We know. A Cheese Festival doesn’t really sound like the most unique event of 2025. But if you dive in a little deeper on this one, you’ll see why it made the cut – it’s not just a little tasting. In addition to a plethora of tastings, tours, and cooking classes, attendee options include a golf tournament, a cheese train car dinner, a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin, a Cheese Ball with a gala glam dress code.
True to the “Art” in their name, the Wisconsin Art of Cheese festival artfully uses a list display on their event website to lay out the details of each and every Cheese Festival opportunity. And, with so many events across the festival, the Tickets App for Check-In makes it easy to track attendance across multiple locations and days.
10. Ground School
The last on our list of most unique events of 2025 is sort of like Flight School…but the kind that takes place in a mall. Ground School is a hands-on learning space where aspiring aviators of all ages explore the science and excitement of flight. With immersive simulator sessions and FAA ground school prep, this school is more serious than it’s location might suggest.
Despite the range of options, it’s quick and easy to navigate the classes and sign up for the right one for you (or, to simply purchase a gift certificate for future use!).
Organizing a your own truly unique event for 2026? We’d love to feature you next year! Email marketing@runsignup.com to share how you’re using RunSignup, TicketSignup, or GiveSignup for a fun and fabulous event in 2025.