2023 McMenamins UFO Fest

Photo courtesy of McMenamins

McMenamins is hosting its annual festival for believers and skeptics alike. Head to the 23rd annual UFO Fest this May.

The festival is inspired by the 1950 UFO sighting on a farm outside McMinnville. The story goes that on the night of Thursday, May 11, 1950, Evelyn Trent went out to feed her animals and was surprised by a large, disc-shaped object hovering silently in the sky. She ran to the house to fetch her husband Paul, yelling for him to grab the camera. The photographs taken by the Trents are still some of the most noteworthy images of a UFO.

Each year, believers, skeptics and every being in between are welcome to come out and celebrate extraterrestrials at the annual McMenamins UFO Fest.

Best of all, most of the activities during the festival are free to attend. Enjoy a parade, costume contests, live music, vendors, interviews and more.

2023 McMenamins UFO Fest Free Events

The 2023 McMenamins UFO Fest is taking place Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20, 2023 along with a special kickoff night on Thursday for early arrivers. This festival has a bunch of free events held in and around McMenamins Hotel Oregon in McMinnville. These activities are open to all ages.

Thursday, May 18

Live Music

7-10 p.m.

Enjoy live music with Kirby Swatosh & the Moon Rock Patrol.

Friday, May 19

Sci-Fi Film Festival

All Day

Enjoy a selection of film fest entries all weekend long featuring otherworldly and ethereal films at the Moonlight Theater.

Into the Parabnormal with Jeremy Scott

10-11:30 a.m.

Jeremy Scott interviews some of the featured speakers at this year’s festival.

Travis: The True Story of Travis Walton Film Screening

12 p.m.

See Travis: The True Story of Travis Walton in Mattie’s Room at the hotel. Order drinks or lunch from Hotel Oregon’s menu to enjoy while watching the movie.

Landing Party

4-10 p.m.

Attend a glow-in-the-dark light party. Food and beverages, UFO merchandise and McMenamins Passport stamps are available in the event tent. Live music takes the stage with Ships to Roam 5-7:30 p.m. and The Police Cars 8-10 p.m.

Live Music

7-10 p.m.

Enjoy live music with Kirby Swatosh & the Moon Rock Patrol in Mattie’s Room.

Saturday, May 20

Sci-Fi Film Festival

All Day

Enjoy a selection of film fest entries all weekend long featuring otherworldly and ethereal films at the Moonlight Theater.

Vendor Booths

10 a.m.-8 p.m.

McMinnville’s downtown streets close to vehicle traffic letting you shop the out-of-this-world vendors. There will be an array of people dressed in costume for the festival.

Hotel Oregon Tent and Live Music

10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Order food and beverages, peruse the gift shop, get your passport stamped and and enjoy live music at the event tent.
The tent will host the Alien Costume Contest and Alien Costume Ball.

Live music schedule for the tent includes:

1:30-3:30 p.m. Camp Crush
5-8 p.m. DJ NON’s UFO Dance Party
8:30-11 p.m. Alien Costume Ball with Super Secret Band

Alien Costume Contest

Noon-1:30 p.m.

Show off your best galactic costume and join the contest. Sign up starts at the Hotel Oregon tent at 10 a.m.

Kids Fun Run

3:30 p.m.

Kids get to kick off the UFO parade with a fun run along the route. Wear your wackiest alien attire or come in casual clothes to join in on the fun. Sign in is open 2:45-3:30 p.m.

UFO Festival Parade

3:30 p.m.

Watch the wildly fun and colorful UFO Costume Parade as it careens and cartwheels through downtown McMinnville.

Alien Pet Costume Contest

5 p.m.

A short walk from Hotel Oregon, the Granary District hosts a contest for dogs donning their extraterrestrial best. All other friendly pets are welcome, too.

Live Music

7-10 p.m.

Enjoy live music with Kirby Swatosh & the Moon Rock Patrol in Mattie’s Room.

Alien Costume Ball

8:30-11 p.m.

Come in costume and show off your dance skills with live music from Super Secret Band.

There are also some paid events, including talks with renowned experts of the unknown. View the full schedule of events.

The UFO fest is taking place at McMenamins Hotel Oregon, 310 NE Evans St. in McMinnville. For more information, visit the event website.

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