Back on a cold December evening in 1965, something happened that would change the small Western Pennsylvania town of Kecksburg forever. Countless people across the state – and the United States – tell of seeing a streak of light bolt across the sky. Nobody knew what it was, even after it landed in a field in Kecksburg. Locals claim it was a spaceship. Whatever it was, the U.S. Army spirited it away, and a legend was born.

Fast forward more than 20 years when, in 1990, Robert Stack and the crew of Unsolved Mysteries rolled into town to film an episode about that mysterious crash of a UFO long ago. To tell the story, the show created a replica spaceship that looked just like an acorn. You can see the popular “space acorn” in town.

Today, townspeople celebrate the legend with this Pennsylvania UFO Festival.

You'll likely drive past the crash site on your way to the darling town of Kecksburg, where the UFO landing is still celebrated to this day.
Flickr/Hawaiian Sea
The space acorn is easy to spot perched high above the ground and offering the perfect opportunity to snap photos.
Flickr/Hawaiian Sea
After a year's hiatus, the Kecksburg UFO Festival returns for its 17th season, from July 22-24, 2022. Festival proceeds benefit the Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department.
Facebook/Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department
The weekend promises a ton of fun for the whole family - from a parade to a cornhole tournament. You'll have plenty of photo ops and might even run into an alien or two.
Facebook/Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department

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Create your own rolling bed and sign up for the bed race, or just sit back and watch the fun. Trophies are awarded to the winners, and other fun events are planned.
Facebook/Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department
The festival's all about good food, featuring an assortment of vendors, including the beloved Bernie's Kettle Corn.
Facebook/Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department
Take some time to check out the many craft vendors who will be on hand. Don't forget to stock up on Kecksburg and UFO souvenirs.
Facebook/Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department
If you're a craft vendor, you can apply for a booth at the festival.
Get all of the latest details on the Kecksburg UFO Festival on the official website of the Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department. Or, stop by its Facebook page.
Facebook/Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department

Have you been to this Pennsylvania UFO Festival? Share your experience in the comments! Looking for more summer fun? Meander down Lake Erie on this sunset dinner cruise in Pennsylvania.

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