Carbondalien Festival
November 7th, 2026 | 11am to 5pm
About the Festival
The Carbondalien Festival is a quirky annual UFO-themed festival held in Carbondale, PA. It celebrates a famous local mystery from 1974, when residents reported that a glowing object crashed into the pond at Russell Park. Some people believed it was a UFO, while skeptics said it may have been a railroad lantern or another ordinary object.
The festival mixes small-town fun, sci-fi culture, paranormal curiosity, and local history. Admission is generally free, though some attractions require tickets.
Pubdalien: Pre-Launch Party
November 3 | 7:30–10 PM at The Honesdale Pub
The Honesdale Pub, Northern Lights Salt Cave & Counseling, and the Carbondalien Festival are teaming up for PUBDALIEN—a festival pre-kickoff party! Come meet fellow alien enthusiasts and get excited for the main festival with a night of extraterrestrial fun!
- First 20 guests get a take-home tin foil hat kit!
- Costume contest—break out your best extraterrestrial attire for a chance to win!
- Out-of-this-world drink specials
- Photo ops
- Music and plenty of cosmic fun
- Space is limited to 50 people, so gather your crew and get ready for the pre-launch!
Landmark Sculpture Unveiling
Friday, November 6th, 5PM | Carbondale Public Library
The Carbondalien Festival Committee will unveil a landmark sculpture created by local artist Scott Nichols. The sculpture will become a permanent fixture for downtown Carbondale and will be installed on the front grounds of the Carbondale Public Library. The sculpture was made possible through grants from PA Creative Industries, The Armature and Valley in Motion.
All the Important Info
Schedule of Events
Check out the all festival events happening Saturday and the Friday before!
Event Speakers
Hear from a variety of themed presenters and leading experts on Paranormal topics.
Russel Park Experience
The Russell Park Experience returns with new stories and memorable characters!
Festival Locations
Anthracite Center
Carbondale City Hall
Downtown Carbondale, PA
Hotel Anthracite
Official 2026 Carbondalien
Meet the Zooks!
The Zooks are a curious race of tiny extraterrestrial tourists obsessed with exploring strange worlds, cultures, and oddities. They travel in swarms, arriving in chaotic bursts before scattering in every direction to collect new experiences.
After hearing rumors of the 1974 UFO crash and Carbondale’s extraterrestrial legends, the Zooks made Earth a must-visit destination. During the 2026 Carbondalien Festival, sightings are expected to increase dramatically as they flock to witness one of the strangest celebrations in the galaxy.
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Sponsors & Partners
Dr. Thomas Majernik
Mike Parker
