MCMINVILLE, Ore. – The 26th annual McMenamins UFO Festival is set to land in McMinnville this weekend, bringing together UFO enthusiasts, researchers, skeptics and curious visitors from across the Northwest for two days of extraterrestrial-themed entertainment.
Hosted at McMenamins Hotel Oregon, the festival has grown into one of the country’s best-known UFO celebrations. The event is inspired by the famous 1950 McMinnville UFO sighting, when a local couple photographed what they believed was a flying saucer hovering above their farm. The images later drew national and international attention and helped cement McMinnville’s place in UFO folklore.
This year’s festival will feature speaker presentations, live music, podcast recordings, vendor booths, costume contests, themed parties, trivia and sci-fi film events. Organizers are also bringing back crowd favorites including the UFO parade through downtown McMinnville and fun-run events that encourage participants to show up in their best alien-inspired attire.
In addition to the entertainment, local restaurants, breweries and businesses throughout downtown McMinnville are expected to join in the celebration with themed food, drinks and activities.
Some festival activities are free to attend, while tickets are required for select presentations and special events.
For more information and ticket details, visit UFOFest.com.
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