Events
There is a Yearly UFO Festival in Oregon and We’re Obsessed
Hey, have you heard about the yearly UFO Festival in McMinnville? Yep, you heard us right: The McMinnville UFO Fest has been held annually in McMinnville, Oregon since the year 2000. The McMinnville UFO Fest was originally started as a way to honor the 1950 Trent UFO sightings in McMinnville, Oregon and attracts both enthusiasts and skeptics.
The 1950 Trent UFO Sightings
The 1950 Trent UFO sightings stand as a notable incident in the history of UFO encounters. On May 24, 1950, Paul Trent and his wife Evelyn reportedly witnessed an unidentified flying object near their farm in McMinnville, Oregon. The couple claimed to have seen a metallic disc-shaped object hovering in the sky and managed to capture two photographs of the mysterious craft. The images gained widespread attention, sparking debates about the authenticity of UFO sightings and the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation. While some skeptics have questioned the photographs’ legitimacy, the Trent UFO incident remains a well-known case among UFO enthusiasts and researchers, contributing to the broader discourse surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena.
So, what can you expect at a UFO festival? Well, we’ll tell you!
Engaging Presentations and Speakers
The McMinnville UFO Fest features an impressive lineup of renowned speakers, experts, and authors who share their insights, research, and experiences related to UFO phenomena. Attend captivating presentations, panel discussions, and workshops that delve into the mysteries of the universe, providing attendees with thought-provoking discussions and a broader understanding of the UFO field.
Past speakers have included: Whitley Stieber, Irena Scott, Bryan Bender, Kathleen Marden, Heidi Hollis, Katie Griboski, Michael Masters, Ray Hernandez, David Pauides, Bob Lazar, George Knapp, Randall Nickerson, Jeremy Corbell, Peter Daveport, Yvonne Smith, Robert Hastings, Dr. Robert Jacobs, David Schindele, Melanie Young, Dr. Lynne Kitei, Jonathan Dover, Stanley Milford Jr., Sue Watson, Frances Barwood, and so many more!
The UFO Parade
One of the McMinnville UFO Festival’s highlights is the UFO Parade, where otherworldly-themed floats, costumes, and decorations flood the streets of McMinnville. There’s no better place to represent some extraterrestrial spirit!
Alien-Inspired Art and Exhibitions
From paintings and sculptures to multimedia displays – immerse yourself in the world of UFO-inspired art exhibits and installations showcased throughout the festival. Who could ever say that art is boring?!
UFO Film Screenings
Indulge in sci-fi movie screenings that explore themes of extraterrestrial life, space exploration, and the mysteries of the universe. These screenings provide an entertaining and immersive experience, further fueling the intrigue surrounding UFOs. Don’t forget to bring some popcorn!
Alien Costume Contests
Join in the extraterrestrial festivities by dressing up as your favorite alien, astronaut, or intergalactic being. The festival hosts costume contests, allowing participants to showcase their creativity and compete for coveted prizes (and bragging rights, of course).
Vendor Booths and Exhibitors
Explore the McMinnville UFO Fest’s vendor booths, where UFO enthusiasts and local businesses showcase an array of unique merchandise, collectibles, and UFO-related products. Discover a variety of books, artwork, jewelry, and memorabilia that celebrate the otherworldly.
UFO Museum and Historical Sites
While attending McMinnville UFO Fest, take the opportunity to visit the famous McMinnville UFO photographs’ original location, which has become a historical site in its own right. Additionally, explore the McMinnville UFO Museum, where exhibits chronicle the fascinating history of UFO sightings, encounters, and investigations.
Community Engagement and Extraterrestrial Connections
The festival provides a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with like-minded individuals, engage in discussions, and share personal stories and theories about UFOs and extraterrestrial encounters. You know what they say: it’s time to let your freak flag fly!
Alien Abduction Dash
The McMinnville UFO Fest hosts an “Alien Abduction Dash” 5K every year in conjunction with the yearly festival. The 5K starts at Joe Dancer Park, and costumes are very encouraged. Please note: the participation fee to run this 5K is $30 and is separate from admission to the festival.
Alien Pet Costume Contest
Seriously, does anything sound better than this? As part of the McMinnville UFO Fest, an alien pet costume contest is held where leashed pets are encouraged to dress up in their “alien best” before prancing around a designated stage in downtown McMinnville. This event is free and open to the public, even to those who didn’t register for the actual event.
Alien Costume Ball
This festive costume ball takes place at the Hotel Oregon Tent, whereby attendees are encouraged to dress up in their alien best and dance all night long to live music!
Interested in attending the 2024 UFO FEST? Head over to their website to get notified of when tickets go on sale.
