This year’s Fourth of July marks 250 years of American independence, making it all the more important to find the best way to celebrate. Roswell offers a celebration meant to dazzle the cosmos. Since 1996, Roswell has taken the traditional community barbecue setting with fireworks and blended it with the UFO Festival. Over the Fourth of July weekend, aliens take over the streets while fireworks and drones light up the sky in true UFO fashion. Unsurprisingly, this strategy has attracted large crowds each year, all ready to learn about what could be real-life sci-fi.
Before you go, get in the know. Download a festival map for directions to all of the attractions, as well as a guide to the different elements of the notorious Roswell Incident. If you’ve never been to Roswell, here is a brief history. If you have, scroll a little further down to pick out all the activities you want to attend while celebrating America’s 250th.
A brief history
In 1947, an event known as The Roswell Incident inspired what would become the largest tourist attraction in the state, perhaps in all of the Southwest. A ranch had discovered unusual debris, which the local military initially called a flying disc. Quickly, officials retracted the statements, but not before the community caught wind of the claims. Unsurprisingly, videos, photographs, and conspiracy theories surfaced shortly after the retraction, adding to the mystery, lore, and—subsequently—the skepticism surrounding the incident.
“Bodies” recovered there were said to be alien, prompting the release of doctored videos and photos showing science-like dissections. 50 years later, the government released information claiming that the debris belonged to a top-secret U.S. spy balloon project that was meant to detect Soviet nuclear bomb tests. The bodies that were recovered were explained as dummies from parachute tests used in aerospace research. Despite the reasonable Cold War explanations—released shortly after the end of the war—the Roswell Incident has attracted believers far and wide, revealing a strong base of people who want to believe. After all, Occam’s razor rarely has a place in conspiracy theories.
Rather than steering away from the bizarre, Roswell has embraced the claims, wearing the UFO Incident like a badge of honor. In 1996, just a couple of years after the case was officially “closed” and explained away, Roswell launched the UFO Festival. Leaning into the conspiracy has created a town aesthetic that locals describe as both kitsch and fun.
Streetlights are designed to look like alien faces, the UFO Museum sits prominently on the main drag, and Fourth of July offers a celebration that draws in a large crowd, which is great for commerce and bed tax. So whether or not the Roswell Incident really involved extraterrestrial ships and aliens or was simply a hoax, it remains an important part of the culture, even nearly 80 years later. Check out the Fourth of July celebration and decide for yourself.
Fourth of July line-up
Fourth of July events begin as early as Thursday, July 2, and last through Saturday, July 4. With a blend of traditional and out-of-this-world events, there is a little something for everyone—even your furry friends.
Thursday, July 2
The UFO Galacticon
The UFO Galacticon is for the UFO nerds who enjoy cosplay, cars, and special speakers. 2026 will see Steve Garcia, an animator and illustrator who has worked on mainstream TV shows—think “The Simpsons” and “Rugrats.” Along with his speech and energy, he will bring with him the Jetson’s car, a real car that drives yet resembles a spaceship. Among the crowd of those dressed in their alien best will be Ghostbusters in action, special booths, and much, much more. Admission is only $5 for those aged 11+ and free for those 10 and under. Be sure to check out the UFO version of Comic-Con while you can.
Where: 119 N. Main Street
When: Thursday through Saturday
Alien caricatures
Ever wonder what you would look like as a cartoon? How about as an alien? How about both? The visitor’s center will have an artist ready to draw you as an alien caricature; all you have to do is stop by!
Where: Roswell’s Visitor’s Center
When: Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Walk of Fame
The sci-fi culture of this town was not an accident. Visionaries Tom Jennings and Stan Crosby deliberately transformed the Roswell Incident into the Roswell experience. In 1996, they launched the first UFO Festival, which has proven to be a valuable way to attract tourism and generate tax revenue that better serves the town. Thursday night offers a chance to celebrate those who created the culture through the “Walk of Fame.” Meet with the guys, celebrate the town, and gather with the community as you soak in the evening.
Where: Pioneer Plaza
When: 6 p.m.
Drone Show
As you walk around downtown on Thursday night, look up at the sky. Your eyes will not deceive you as you see lights that silently whir around to create images and dazzling displays. This sight is not a UFO, though. It is the annual Drone Show, which officially launches the festival.
Where: Downtown
When: 9 p.m.
Friday, July 3
Crazy Alien Hair Salon
Give your hair that star treatment at the Crazy Alien Hair Salon. This is where to go to transform your everyday locks into an extraterrestrial piece of art, complete with wacky buns, green spray, googly eyes, and beyond.
Where: Roswell Visitor’s Center
When: Friday and Saturday
The UFO Invasion
Are you an enthusiast of all things UFO? The UFO Museum hosts the Ufologist Invasion, which welcomes both novices and experts in the field of the cosmos. This year will see nearly a dozen guest speakers meant to educate, mesmerize, and make you critically think about life in the sky. This is the perfect place to go if you want to believe.
Where: UFO Museum
When: Friday through Sunday
Alien Costume Contest
Are you into costuming and cosplay? Whether you love to dress up or simply love a good look, a largely celebrated part of UFO Fest is the alien costume contest on the courthouse lawn. Dozens dress in their alien best to simultaneously blend in and stand out in the crowd. So bust out the green face paint, the shiny boots, and get ready to dazzle.
Where: Chaves County Courthouse lawn
When: 5 p.m.
UFO Festival Parade Float Contest
Friday night sees numbers that rivals the fireworks’ crowd. Beginning at 9 p.m. at 912 Main Street, the UFO Festival Parade Float contest begins its descent down Main. With competitive categories for most humorous, best alien encounter, and crowd favorite, there are sure to be several memorable floats. Lights, quirky displays, and themes help the judges on the lawn determine which float wins the cash prizes of each category.
Where: Chaves County Courthouse lawn
When: 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 4
Alien Chase 5k/10k
Lace up those sneakers and get ready to break a sweat at the Alien Chase 5k/10k run and walk. Beginning at 7 a.m., runners, joggers, and power walkers dress up as aliens and enjoy the cardio. If you’re like me, though, running a race is alien enough—even without the costumes!
Where: Cielo Grande Recreation Area
When: 7 a.m.
Alien Pet Costume Contest
Although some downtown shops are not pet-friendly, this festival is. In fact, pets are encouraged and even part of the festivities! Is Fluffy willing to wear a costume without chewing it to shreds? Consider entering your cutie into the Alien pet costume contest for some fun prizes, clout, and the reassurance that yes, Fluffy is the cutest and bestest fur friend around.
Where: Chaves County Courthouse Lawn
When: 9 a.m.
Street Invasion UFO Car Show
For the second year in a row, there will be a Street Invasion UFO car show that is free to attend but offers prizes to those showing off the vroom-vrooms. A total of 10 prize categories means there is a great deal to ogle and celebrate. Admire trucks, imports, classics, bikes, motorcycles, and more.
Where: 200 S Main Street
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m
Great American Block Party
As the aliens pack up and fly off, the Great American Block Party begins. Filled with family fun, free hot dogs, and a fireworks show that starts at 9 p.m., this is the old-fashioned Fourth that the less eccentric among us can appreciate. Since it is America’s 250th this year, expect an even larger, more spectacular display in the sky—and warm up those oohs and ahhs. This will be one you want to remember.
Where: Cielo Grande Recreation Area
When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Bonus fun
From Wednesday through Sunday, pop over to the Miniatures & Curious Collections Museum. The special extended hours for the UFO Fest are meant to draw in a crowd to see the Unusual Figments & Objects installation. This installation is a free, community-created display that transforms upcycled, recycled, and found objects into art worthy of display at the UFO Fest.
Where: 320 N Richardson Avenue
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
