McMinnville’s annual UFO Festival draws crowds and curiosity with science panels, costumes, and cosmic-themed entertainment
McMINNVILLE, OREGON — May 25, 2025 — Thousands of UFO enthusiasts from across the country gathered this weekend in McMinnville, Oregon, for one of the nation’s largest festivals dedicated to extraterrestrial exploration and the unexplained. The 2025 UFO Festival, held from May 23 to 25, turned the city’s streets into a cosmic carnival, complete with science panels, alien-themed costumes, and a parade celebrating humanity’s curiosity about what lies beyond Earth.
The festival, now in its multi-decade run, continues to grow in size and popularity, drawing both die-hard believers and casual fans of the paranormal. At its core, the event commemorates the famous 1950 sighting by Paul and Evelyn Trent, who photographed what many believe to be a flying saucer over their rural property near McMinnville. These images, still widely discussed today, are often cited as among the most credible early evidence of unidentified flying objects.
Festival Fun and Spectacle
This year’s festival offered an eclectic mix of educational, entertaining, and interactive programming. Attendees took part in UFO-themed trivia contests, attended workshops on alien abductions, and enjoyed classic science fiction movie screenings in local theaters. Throughout downtown, vendors sold everything from tinfoil hats to glow-in-the-dark merchandise, while food trucks dished out playful “galactic grub” like meteorite meatballs and Saturn-shaped donuts.
The highly anticipated UFO Parade returned with spectacular flair. Participants marched in elaborate alien costumes and spaceship-inspired floats, drawing large crowds of spectators who lined the streets. Local school bands and community groups joined in, adding to the family-friendly atmosphere.
“We come every year,” said one family from Seattle, all dressed as different planets in the solar system. “It’s educational and fun — something our kids will never forget.”
Serious Conversations About the Unknown
While the festival is lighthearted and fun, it also serves as a serious platform for discussing unexplained aerial phenomena. Panels featured scientists, retired military officials, and authors who presented research and shared personal accounts related to the existence of extraterrestrial life.
One highlight included a session exploring the implications of recent government acknowledgments of UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena). Discussions emphasized the importance of continued research, data transparency, and scientific inquiry into aerial anomalies.
Speakers addressed the tension between skepticism and belief, encouraging attendees to remain open-minded while maintaining critical thinking. Topics ranged from the psychology of UFO sightings to the technology required for interstellar travel, offering content that appealed to both newcomers and seasoned researchers.
Boost for the Local Economy
McMinnville’s local businesses embraced the event, with hotels reporting full occupancy and restaurants experiencing high traffic. Many establishments offered themed menus, discounts, and special events to capitalize on the influx of visitors.
Shops sold out of festival merchandise early, and tour companies offered guided walks to local UFO-related landmarks. The festival has become a dependable source of revenue and a cultural anchor for the community, reinforcing the town’s unique identity.
The city’s mayor praised the event for its positive community impact and ability to attract national attention. Residents volunteered in large numbers, showcasing the pride and hospitality that has helped the festival maintain its welcoming atmosphere year after year.
Looking Toward the Stars
As the 2025 UFO Festival concluded, organizers announced plans to expand next year’s event to include more guest speakers, additional science exhibits, and interactive experiences for all ages. The consistent growth of the festival reflects the public’s enduring fascination with space, mystery, and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
Whether attendees came in search of evidence, entertainment, or simply a good time, the McMinnville UFO Festival once again proved that exploring the unknown brings people together in unexpected and meaningful ways.
To learn more about future events and how to participate, visit the official website at ufofest.com.