Every Season is UFO Season in McMinnville, Oregon!
Have you ever gazed at the starlit sky, wondering what it would be like to have a rendezvous with extra-terrestrial life? Or have you found tranquility in those all-consuming sci-fi novels with stories set in far-out galaxies? Well, nestled comfortably in the heart of Oregon’s wine country, the quaint town of McMinnville transforms your reveries into a surreal reality during its annual UFO Fest. It’s much more than just watching ‘The X-Files’ in your cozy Beaver State home on a rainy day. It’s an exciting plunge into a world that gleefully celebrates the unknown, gathering true believers and curious explorers alike.
Taking Flight with UFO Fest
As the second-largest UFO festival in the nation, McMinnville’s iconic UFO Fest encapsulates vibrant Oregonian spirit underneath its eerie theme. Its roots are tied to the historic Trent sighting in 1950 when a local farmer couple captured one of the most notorious and debated UFO photographs of all time. Each May, the festival takes flight in honor of our celestial visitors of yore with a lineup of activities that emphasize fun over fear, and excitement over the extraterrestrial.
A Celebration for Earthlings and Extraterrestrials
This whimsical UFO celebration rivals the stunning vistas from Multnomah Falls or the joy of tasting a fresh Voodoo Donut. It delivers a giddy stirring that only comes from embracing the delightful side of the unknown. It’s like hiking up Mount Hood to catch the sunset, only to realize that the sun just beat you by a couple of moments. But you smile anyway because you adore the serenity it offers. That’s the feeling of UFO Fest.
Invading Hotel Oregon
Hotel Oregon, a staple since 1905, is where the spaceship anchors each year. The historical heart of McMinnville, the locals just call it ‘Hotel O,’ revs up with live music, a massive costume parade, pet costume contest, alien laser tag and much more! But the real champions of the festival are the fascinating guest speakers that range from scientists to renowned UFOlogists leading riveting discussions. It’s the educational cherry on top of a very unusual sundae!
Local Notables Like No Other
Oregon, known for its mustache-clad, flannel-wearing hipsters, has its quirk and charm on full display during the festival. They are out swooning by 3rd Street Pizza Company, sauntering around Linfield College, and swapping UFO stories outside Serendipity Ice Cream. UFO Fest is a sweet testament to the humor, free spirit, and relatable charm that Oregonians are famous for. It’s kind of like getting a taste of every distinct microbrewery in Bend rolled into one!
Beyond Earthly Delights
Free from the peculiar lingo of the Portlandia show, the UFO Fest doesn’t just win hearts, it teleports them straight into a world of wonder and intrigue. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a skeptic, curious observer, or a die-hard UFOlogist. Roving around rural Willamette Valley, capturing the mesmerizing sighting that is the UFO Fest, sprinkles a layer of magic on an otherwise ordinary Oregon weekend.
A Stellar Conclusion
Just like gazing up at the surprisingly clear sky in Crater Lake National Park, the UFO Fest in McMinnville is a beguiling descent into the exciting realm of the unknown. It’s not just another entry in the Oregon Festivals Guide, but an incredible journey to other worlds brimming with vibrant costumes, lively chatter, and a great dose of good old Oregonian spirit.
Next time you pass the Tillamook Cheese factory and head for a scenic drive on the Pacific Coast Byway, remember McMinnville’s open invite to the UFO fest. Whether you’re drawn by the serene Willamette Valley winds or the rumor of an intergalactic party at Hotel Oregon, rest assured the UFO Fest welcomes all. It’s just like a warm “howdy, neighbor!” on a quiet Oregon morning. So, whether you believe or not, why not join the fun?