In 1974, this charming coal town was buzzing with authorities, UFO experts, and investigators in a legendary UFO incident that became known as the Carbondale UFO Crash. While several explanations have been offered – and even reported in the local newspaper as a Railroad lantern that fell off a train – the mystery of the sighting has remained part of the city's culture and history. Today, the annual Carbondalien Festival features vendors, music, food, and family-friendly activities that promise to be out of this world.
In its second year, the alien festival takes over Downtown Carbondale and includes even more vendors, food, and activities. UFO believers, history buffs, and those simply looking for a quirky fall festival can soak up scenic landscapes and the cozy atmosphere of this small town while exploring the fun and offbeat vibe of this truly unique event.
Free Admission
Admission to the Carbondalien Festival is free for everyone! Please note that select experiences — such as the Supernova Concert, Russell Park Experience, Alien Hot Air Balloon Rides, and the Extraterrestrial Express Train Excursion — require separate tickets for entry.
New for 2025! The fun kicks off Friday night, November 7, with the Carbondalien Lighted Parade, a costume contest, and a special concert—setting the stage for a weekend of out-of-this-world entertainment. On Saturday, November 8, enjoy the main event from 11 AM to 5 PM, with family-friendly fun, local eats, and surprises for Earthlings of all ages.
Start the Carbondalien Festival with a cosmic spectacle — the Light Parade in Downtown Carbondale! Enjoy illuminated floats, upbeat music, and a special appearance by Steve the Alien as Main Street shines bright. Guests and their pets are invited to get creative with alien-inspired costumes for a chance to win fun prizes!
Line-up: 5:30 PM | Step-off: 6:00 PM
Begins at PNC Bank and continues down South Main Street to the Greater Carbondale YMCA
Supernova Concert at Hotel Anthracite 🎶
Concert starts at 8:00 PM
After the Light Parade, the fun continues with Supernova, a family-friendly concert held in Gravity Hall at Hotel Anthracite. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of live music headlined by Tom May of The Menzingers, joined by an incredible lineup of talented performers!
The Landing Pad Marketplace in downtown Carbondale is the vibrant center of the annual UFO Festival! Enjoy live music, family-friendly entertainment, and a cosmic marketplace featuring eclectic vendors with unique art, crafts, and galactic goodies. Savor delicious food, local beer, wine, and artisan spirits. Don’t miss the first-ever Alien Art Walk, showcasing 12 local artists inspired by the otherworldly. Snap photos with Star Wars Stormtroopers from Garrison Carida and other surprise intergalactic guests. Whether you're here for the fun, the food, or the aliens, this festival promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages!
The Russell Park Crash Site Experience
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM • Shuttles from Downtown Carbondale to Russell Park
In partnership with the Lackawanna Historical Society, step into history — and a bit of mystery — at Russell Park, the actual site of Carbondale’s famous 1974 UFO incident. This immersive theatrical experience transports visitors back to the night it all happened, casting you as a member of the press, uncovering the truth behind the crash. Located just outside the downtown festivities, a convenient shuttle will take guests to and from the park. Enjoy food and beverages available for purchase as you witness the story come to life in the very spot that sparked decades of intrigue.
Shuttles to Russell Park will depart from downtown Carbondale at designated time slots between 11:00 AM and 4:20 PM.
Cost: Tickets are $15 per person (limited number available). Available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ages: This experience is most suitable for attendees aged 10+
2:30 PM - 5:30 PM • Shuttles from Downtown Carbondale to Russell Park
Experience a close encounter in the sky with a tethered ride in the Alien Hot Air Balloon at Russell Park! Soar above the UFO crash site, Silt Pond, and scenic park grounds for an unforgettable view from an otherworldly perspective. Rides take place on Saturday, November 8th, from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, departing every 30 minutes. Don’t miss this unique photo opportunity and festival highlight!
Cost: Tickets are $20 per person—Cash Only. Tethered rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the site.
Ages: All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Supernatural Speaker Series
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM • Carbondale City Hall, 2nd Flr in Council Chambers
Enjoy the Supernatural Speaker Series during the Carbondalien Festival! This free event features an out-of-this-world lineup of talks and presentations from leading experts on UFOs, Bigfoot, the paranormal, and UAP culture. Sessions will be hosted at Carbondale City Hall on the second floor in the Council Chambers. Whether you’re a believer or just curious, this series promises fascinating insights into the mysteries of the unexplained.
Speaker Sessions
• 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM | Gene Sticco Infinity Disclosed: From Soviet Design to U.S. Deniability — The UFO Blueprint Washington Can’t (or Won’t) Acknowledge
• 12:30 PM – 1:45 PM |Tom Carey My [35 Year] Search for Roswell
• 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM |Jim Krug Presidents and UFOs: The Untold Story
Film Screening at the Chamber of Commerce
• 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM WVIA Presents: The Day Carbondale Stood Still
(10-minute film playing continuously throughout the day)
• 1:00 PM – Special Q&A Session
With Kat Bolus and Alexander Monelli
Alien Open Swim
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM • Greater Carbondale YMCA
Make a splash at the Alien Open Swim during the Carbondalien Festival at the Greater Carbondale YMCA! This free, family-friendly event runs from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM and offers a fun, otherworldly way to cool off between festival activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Courtesy of Greater Carbondale YMCA's Facebook
Alien Mini Golf
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM • Carbondale Public Library
Putt your way through an alien-themed mini golf course at the Carbondale Public Library during the Carbondalien Festival! This all-ages activity runs from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and offers a fun, family-friendly way to join in the festival excitement.
Extraterrestrial Express: Steam Train Ride to Carbondale
Train departs Scranton at 10:45 AM
🚨 This train ride is canceled due to the 2025 United States federal government shutdown.
All aboard the Extraterrestrial Express! Take a scenic train ride from Steamtown National Historic Site in Downtown Scranton to the Carbondalien Festival in Downtown Carbondale, presented in partnership with the Iron Horse Society. The train departs Scranton at 10:45 AM, arrives in Carbondale at 12:00 PM, departs for the return trip at 3:00 PM, and arrives back in Scranton by 4:15 PM.
Tickets are available for pre-purchase only, with fares set at $18 for adults (ages 13–55), $12 for seniors (55+), $10 for children (ages 3–12), and $8 for active military, veterans, and first responders. A limited number of combination tickets that include both the Russell Park Tour and Train Ride will be available for purchase.
Make your Carbodalien Festival weekend even more unforgettable with a stay at Hotel Anthracite, located in the heart of Downtown Carbondale – just steps from the festivities. This modern boutique hotel blends contemporary comfort with the city's rich coal heritage, offering spacious rooms, upscale amenities, and an on-site restaurant and bar perfect for unwinding after a day of alien encounters.
Whether you're here for the live music, the stellar vendors, or the UFO lore, Hotel Anthracite puts you right at the center of the cosmic action.
Carbondale, also known as The Pioneer City, is nestled in the upper reaches of the Lackawanna Valley. It's a small town with lived-in charm, featuring historic red brick architecture, such as the City Hall with its classic clock tower, as well as intimate cafes and diners, and seasonal parades and street fairs.
Carbondale was a hot spot for the railroad and coal industries around the turn of the century, and has settled into its new personality after the boom years. A charming destination for county locals and those across state lines, it is only 15 miles from Scranton and an easy day-trip from Allentown and New York City.
