Kecksburg UFO festival

Name: Kecksburg UFO festival
Start: 2026-07-18
End: 2026-07-20
Location: Mt. Pleasant Township

The Kecksburg UFO Festival is an annual community gathering in Mt. Pleasant Township, Pennsylvania, held to support the local volunteer fire department. The three-day event commemorates the 1965 sighting of a mysterious acorn-shaped object that reportedly landed in the area. It blends traditional fair activities, such as parades and specialty races, with presentations from researchers and authors who specialize in extraterrestrial phenomena and regional folklore.

Date: Jul 18-20, 2026
Location: Mt. Pleasant Township

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Event summary

Highlights

Bed race on wheels
Parade featuring a procession of fire engines
Presentations by UFO researchers and folklore authors
Corn hole competition

Established in 2005, the Kecksburg UFO Festival serves as the primary fundraiser for the Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department. The event centers on the historical mystery of December 1965, when a metallic, acorn-shaped object was seen flying over several states before landing in the woods of Kecksburg. This incident has made the neighborhood a significant site for those interested in cryptids and paranormal history.

The festival typically runs from Friday through Sunday, drawing between 2,000 and 3,000 visitors annually. Activities include a parade of fire engines, a corn hole competition, and a unique "bed race" where participants compete using beds mounted on wheels. A wide variety of vendors attend, often selling alien-themed crafts and liquid-epoxy creations, alongside diverse food stalls.

Educational sessions are a core part of the weekend, featuring authors and investigators like Stan Gordon. These experts share witness accounts and discuss ongoing research into the 1965 incident and other regional legends. The event attracts a mix of die-hard paranormal enthusiasts and families looking for a unique community experience in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Practical details

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.