Experience the McMenamins UFO Festival 2026 in McMinnville, just 40 miles from Portland. Alien costume balls, parades, and otherworldly Oregon fun await.
The Stay Portland Team
275+ vacation rentals across Portland
Every May, the small town of McMinnville transforms into Oregon's unofficial extraterrestrial capital. The McMenamins UFO Festival returns in 2026 with its signature blend of campy costumes, craft beer, and conspiracy theories—all set against the backdrop of the historic Hotel Oregon.
Just 40 miles southwest of Portland along Highway 99W, this peculiar celebration has become one of the most unique Oregon festivals, drawing believers, skeptics, and everyone in between for a weekend of otherworldly entertainment.
McMinnville's UFO connection dates back to May 11, 1950, when farmers Paul and Evelyn Trent photographed what appeared to be a flying saucer hovering over their farm. These images, published in LIFE magazine, remain among the most credible UFO photographs ever taken.
The McMenamins brothers, known for transforming historic Oregon properties into pubs and hotels, seized on this legacy when they renovated the 1905 Hotel Oregon. Today, the rooftop bar features UFO-themed murals and serves cocktails like the "Cosmic Blueberry" while offering views of the exact skies where the Trent sighting occurred.
The festival kicks off Friday evening with speaker presentations in the Hotel Oregon's cellar bar. Local UFO researchers share their latest findings while festival-goers sip McMenamins' specially brewed "Alien Amber" ale. The historic downtown fills with food trucks along NE 3rd Street, offering everything from cosmic corn dogs to "spacecraft" shaped funnel cakes.
Saturday brings the festival's signature events:
10 AM - Alien Costume Parade Starting at the Yamhill County Courthouse on NE 5th Street, the parade winds through downtown McMinnville. Expect elaborate homemade spacecraft, green-painted families, and at least one person dressed as Fox Mulder.
2 PM - UFO Pet Costume Contest Linfield College's nearby campus green hosts the beloved pet parade. Past winners include a pug dressed as E.T. and a golden retriever sporting aluminum foil antennae.
8 PM - Alien Costume Ball The Hotel Oregon's ballroom transforms into an intergalactic dance floor. The $25 ticket includes one drink and prizes for best costumes in categories like "Most Likely to Be From Another Planet" and "Best Couple from Outer Space."
Sunday offers a mellower vibe with UFO documentary screenings at the historic Mack Theater on NE 3rd Street. The weekend concludes with the "Extraterrestrial Experts Panel," where attendees can ask burning questions about crop circles, Area 51, and whether aliens prefer IPAs or lagers.
From Portland, take I-5 South to Highway 99W. The drive takes about an hour, winding through Oregon wine country. Stop at Ponzi Vineyards in Sherwood for a pre-festival Pinot Noir tasting—aliens might not drink wine, but you're only human.
While the Hotel Oregon books up months in advance for festival weekend, McMinnville offers several charming alternatives:
Extend your Portland day trip into a full weekend by exploring McMinnville's thriving food scene. Golden Valley Brewery on NE 3rd Street serves Oregon-raised beef burgers alongside their award-winning beers. For Sunday brunch, Community Plate on NE 3rd Street offers farm-to-table breakfast with ingredients sourced from the surrounding Willamette Valley.
Wine enthusiasts should venture 10 minutes outside town to the numerous tasting rooms dotting the hills. Domaine Drouhin and Argyle Winery both offer spectacular valley views—perfect for spotting UFOs or just enjoying Oregon Pinot Noir.
The McMenamins UFO Festival embodies everything that makes unique Oregon festivals special: local history, craft beer, community spirit, and just the right amount of weirdness. Whether you're a true believer or simply someone who appreciates a good costume party, this McMinnville Oregon event offers an escape from the ordinary.
As you plan your Portland weekend trips for 2026, consider timing your stay to coincide with this otherworldly celebration. After a day of alien encounters and UFO theories, you'll appreciate returning to your Portland short-term rental, where you can process the experience over local coffee and plot your next adventure in Oregon's wonderfully weird landscape. Book your Portland home base early—festival weekend attracts visitors from galaxies both near and far.
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