The Snallygaster is a hybrid bird-reptile cryptid first reported by the German immigrants who settled Frederick County around the early 1700s, then known as schneller geist or “quick ghost.” With the American folklore community growing over the past few decades, the Snallygaster became an icon of local Maryland mythology, being included as an enemy in Fallout 76, having its own ice cream flavor at South Mountain Creamery, and even getting its own museum in nearby Libertytown.

The Snallygaster also serves as inspiration for a Frederick music festival now operating in its fifth year, Snallyfest. Brain Dead Live recently announced Snallyfest ‘25 will be held across three stages in downtown Frederick for an all-day festival and celebration of the local music community. This event looks to be

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