
Strange sightings, cosmic conversations, and plenty of community fun as the Australian UFO Festival returns to Cardwell this August with an action-packed program that’s as educational as it is out-of-this-world.
Running from Friday, 8th August to Sunday, 10th August 2025, this annual event is one of the region’s quirkiest and most beloved gatherings. With something for believers, sceptics, families and fun-seekers alike, it’s no wonder people from across the country are circling this date on their calendars.
The weekend kicks off with free events on Friday, including a Planetarium experience and the storytelling evening Stories in the Stars, both held at the Cardwell Community and Sports Halls. These events set the tone for a weekend that blends scientific curiosity with wonder and entertainment.
At the centre of the festival is the C-Files Forum, a two-day speaker series delving into UFOs, personal encounters, and cosmic mysteries. Hear from researchers, contactees, authors, spiritual and scientific leaders as they delve into the ancient and modern mysteries surrounding the alien unknown
For those wanting to explore Cardwell’s UFO connections firsthand, C-Files Tours run throughout the weekend, guiding curious minds through the local sites and stories that put this seaside town on the paranormal map.
The festival also celebrates local talent and creativity, with events like the Hinchinbrook Regional Arts Mosaic Workshop and the Star People & Ancestral Connections Workshop delving into spiritual and cultural interpretations of the cosmos.
Families are especially well catered for. Saturday night’s Alien Invasion Fancy Dress Party on the foreshore promises fun for all ages, with costume competitions (judging at 6.30pm for kids and 7.30pm for adults), food vans, and live music by Six Rocco. If you’re planning to stay late, a courtesy bus will shuttle partygoers home from 5pm to midnight.
Sunday keeps the energy high with the Monster Market Day, Cosmic Kids activities, Crab Races, and a classic Aussie BBQ at the RSL. Even practical minds have something to explore, with a Moon Phases Workshop, a car boot sale and many galactic tour options rounding out the festival’s many offerings.
Whether you’re stargazing, shopping, learning, or just soaking in the quirky atmosphere, the Australian UFO Festival in Cardwell proves that community spirit and cosmic curiosity can be a perfect match.
For tickets and bookings, head to www.australianufofestival.com.au or check out the event’s social media pages.
