Skeptics, believers and everyone in between will have a chance to make up their minds about UFOs this weekend in Conway.
UFOs — unidentified flying objects — will take center stage during the 2025 South Carolina UFO Festival this Saturday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Conway Sports and Fitness Center.
The educational event will feature vendors, guest speakers who are local experts on all things aliens and UFOs, plus trick-or-treating, a costume contest, bouncy houses and more.
“This is something we wanted to do because we knew it would be family friendly and good for kids, parents and everyone,” said Ashley Smith, the City of Conway’s Director of Parks and Recreation. “We knew we could have some fun with it. You’ll have some aliens, you’ll have some storytellers and some people who have really researched UFOs.”
Smith says Sasquatch might even make an appearance.
“There’s going to be some craziness,” Smith said. “So, come in with an open mind. You absolutely have to come in with that open mind.”
The festival, put on by Banana Jack Murphy Productions, has UFOs as a backdrop, but Saturday’s event will be as much of a fun weekend community event as anything else. Over 50 vendors are signed up to attend, ranging from food, arts and crafts, and more.
Inside the center, several classrooms will feature speakers to provide rich entertainment and information to discuss for enthusiasts and non-believers alike.
“It’s a community gathering within a UFO festival,” Smith said. “We’re going to have a bunch of food vendors, arts and crafts, things to see and buy.”
She promised something for everyone. “We’re excited about hosting a community event in such a unique way.”
The family friendly and sensory-friendly festival features free admission.
As the “City of Halloween” continues its October celebrations, other events in Conway will surround the festival this weekend.