Embark on an otherworldly journey as we delve into Roswell alien attractions, a fusion of UFO history and cosmic festivities. From the enigmatic Roswell UFO incident to the renowned UFO Festival, explore the mysteries that make Roswell a hub for alien enthusiasts.

Recent revelations of the government’s secret investigations have cast a new light on what they call UAPs (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena.) Congressional hearings into reported crash sites and remains have piqued the interest of millions. Go now to investigate Roswell alien attractions for yourself.

The Roswell Alien Incident: A Pioneering Encounter

When a loud noise forced foreman William Mack Brazel to hop in his pickup truck and inspect Foster Ranch, he found such strange debris in a cornfield that he assumed it was the remnants of a UFO and potential evidence of an alien encounter. This intriguing incident took place on July 2, 1947.

About 75 miles away, the closest New Mexico town — Roswell — quickly became known as the “flying saucer crash site.” Roswell has long played on that heritage with charm and skill, giving off its strongest extraterrestrial vibe during the annual UFO Festival celebrated each July 4th weekend.

Since 1996, it has blossomed into a commercial extravaganza (more than 40,000 people attended in 2019) for dealers of alienabilia and scientists studying extraterrestrial life. This adds to the allure of the town’s alien encounter history.

Where the two meet is what makes a visit to Roswell so interesting.

Unraveling the Enigma: The 1947 Roswell UFO Incident

The next day, Mack Brazel gathered some of the remains and took them into the Roswell Sheriff’s office. Due to the proximity of the Roswell Army Air Field (RAAF), the Sheriff called in the Army Counter-Intelligence Corps to investigate, and many believe the rest is a coverup.

On July 8, 1947, the RAAF’s PR office issued a press release to AP Wire about recovering a crashed flying saucer. “RAAF Captures Flying Saucer on Ranch in Roswell Region” made the front pages nationwide. Neighbors talked about seeing a UFO in flames and heard that child-size coffins had been ordered from the funeral home.

By the next day, after government officials had interviewed witnesses, public accounts of the incident went about-face: New news headlines called it a weather balloon.

In 1994 – nearly a half-century later — the Air Force admitted that the weather balloon carried test dummies and was, in truth, part of the secret spy mission Project Mogul. The case was officially closed. Really?

Facts & Fiction about the Roswell Incident

Flying saucers. Little green men. Serious study of reported encounters with life from other planets has long been relegated to Buck Rogers-style fantasy.

The Roswell incident and alleged coverup, however, prompted immediate examination. In addition to the unusual metallic and fabric debris in the wreckage, witnesses all described the same unidentifiable remains of small victims – whose color, large pear-shaped heads, big eyes, nostril holes and mouth slit led witnesses to call them “aliens.”

The final word – the official Air Force Roswell Report: Case Closed (1995) – postulates that so-called witnesses conflated events several years apart and no victim remains — neither crash dummies nor aliens — were found in 1947.

Descendants of those witnesses to the scene 75 years ago claim that government agents threatened their ancestors to remain silent. Even today, after decades of document requests through the Freedom of Information Act, scientists studying the incident have never been given access to classified records of that day. Some speculate that vehicle debris, removed by the military from the top-secret site, is stored underground in New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns.

Or so the story goes.

Cosmic Celebrations: The Roswell UFO Festival

Picture thousands of fans of “Star Wars,” “Star Trek,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” and other Sci-Fi movie franchises and their families descending on Roswell to see aliens at the UFO Festival.

Friday night, the festival blasts off with an outdoor film screening and concert; in 2018, it was “Independence Day,” followed by Curtis Grimes. The Alien Chase 5K/10K Run or Walk launches on Saturday.

The fun-to-watch Alien Pet Contest follows on the courthouse lawn; see our video above. The downtown pedestrian zone is crowded with Barbecue trucks, Alien Hot Dog stands, craft brewery setups, and snow cone vendors selling a break from the surface-of-the-sun heat.

During the afternoon, people come out to the high school auditorium for the good-natured Alien People Costume Contest to see fantasy alien costumes, cosplay (dressed as favorite other-worldly characters from the movies or TV), and self-created personas. For example, the indescribably indomitable “Futuristic Mary Poppins” took home a top prize at our visit.

A highlight: the Electric Light Parade winds downtown after sunset, encouraging everyone to participate. Watch for illuminated silver saucers skating by and aliens chugging beer. This is the place to see some fantastic store-bought alien costumes.

Alien Adventures for All Ages

Another highlight for visitors, whether science nerds, Libertarians, or conspiracy theorists, is three days of intensive lectures and panels done by a roster of well-known researchers and authors (plus some relatives of abductees.) Sessions are held at the town’s International UFO Museum and Research Center and are usually standing-room only.

There’s a genuine effort throughout the festival to engage kids with STEM topics. In addition to Alien Hat Making (reams of tin foil put to good use), there is an Alien Makeup booth where creativity peaks at painted cat whiskers.

Most intriguing are several free sessions of Alien Autopsy, where an educator helps kids dissect an alien organism. The biophysicist in charge revealed that specimens being poked with toothpicks and putty knives were, on earth, dill pickles stuffed with spiral pasta. Kids had a blast recording their observations in science notebooks.

Roswell’s Space Connection

New Mexico’s long association with rocket science and the space program round out the trip for those interested in science. Does Alamogordo conjure memories of the Manhattan Project, J. Robert Oppenheim’s secret program to build a nuclear bomb during World War II?

Alamogordo’s Museum of Space History features a few spent spacecraft and rockets outside for selfies. Trinity Site, where the first plutonium bomb was tested in 1945, can be seen on escorted tours only in April or October.

Some scientists speculate that the 1947 UFO was flying over Roswell because space neighbors were attracted to Earth by radiation from the atomic blast.

Much more intriguing for the family is Very Large Array, a collection of radio telescopes listening for life (and other events) in the farthest reaches of space. Run by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, it has supercomputers that correlate all the data flying in from outer space to create usable research that scientists around the world can interpret.

The NRAO Visitors Center presents a fascinating short film about their work, an exciting display, and a fun, self-guided walking tour (plus occasional guided tours) that puts you amid a field with 27 huge white dishes that comprise the VLA Telescope.

Stand still and listen for a faint babbling.

Can You Get a Space Fix at Spaceport America?

New Mexico may have scored big in 2006 when it persuaded Sir Richard Branson and his fledgling Virgin Galactic space airline to make Sierra Country the home of Spaceport America. However, due to the high-risk development of sub-orbital flight testing, it wasn’t until Aug. 10, 2023, that the VSS Unity spaceplane carried its first civilian passengers. Check the Spaceport America Visitors Center for information on public tours operated by Final Frontier.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

What are the dates for the Roswell UFO Festival?

The festival typically takes place during the July 4th weekend. Check the official festival website for the an updated information about Roswell alien attractions for specific dates and events.

Are there guided tours of the UFO Museum?

Yes, guided tours of the UFO Museum are available, providing in-depth insights into the history and exhibits. Check with the museum for tour schedules.

Is the UFO Museum open year-round?

Yes, the UFO Museum is open year-round. It allows visitors to explore the history of the Roswell UFO incident at any time.

Are there accommodations for those with special dietary preferences?

Yes, Roswell offers a variety of dining options, including vegetarian and vegan choices. Check with local restaurants for specific dietary accommodations.

Roswell’s Alien Enigmas and Extraterrestrial Revelry Wrap-Up

Roswell, New Mexico, invites you to explore its unique alien attractions, where history and cosmic wonder converge. From the historic Roswell UFO incident to the annual UFO Festival, Roswell promises an unforgettable journey into the unknown. Plan your adventure and uncover the secrets of Roswell’s extraterrestrial legacy.

Year-Round Alien Delights in Roswell Alien Attractions

Regardless of your beliefs, Roswell is truly a bargain landing pad. The UFO Museum, open all year, has old-fashioned exhibits for all ages. It has from “Star Wars” to “War of the Worlds” fans. Beyond the perimeter of the fun gift shop, kids will need guidance. It has through the timeline of the 1947 events, period newspapers, and models of the crash site.

There’s hearty dining at El Toro Bravo at 102 S Main Street. With a to-go chicken grill and a Mexican bakery providing extra options, it is a must-try. Culinary standouts along the North Main Street highway. It includes Cerritos Mexican Kitchen for lively music, fresh chilaquiles, and Classic Custard. A drive-in custard stand with alien and familiar toppings. Beam down to North Main Street. Plenty of strip malls between small and comfortable $80 hotels and $50 motels exist.

Happy (alien) hunting.

If this article makes you itch to try traveling these Roswell alien attractions, consider also checking out these other articles below –

• A Sister Discovers Brotherhood in an Alien Worldl
• A smile and a story makes my fear of aliens go away!
• 50 Cosmic Ways To Celebrate Space
• Becoming An Astronaut On Cape Canaveral