UFO Festival Set To Land In Cardwell This August

The 2026 Australian UFO Festival will return to Cardwell from 6th to 9th August, bringing four days of entertainment, guest speakers, markets, live music and extraterrestrial intrigue to the Cassowary Coast.  

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The countdown is officially on for the 2026 Australian UFO Festival, with organisers confirming a packed four-day program that is expected to once again draw visitors from across Queensland and beyond to the Cassowary Coast.

Running from 6th to 9th August in Cardwell, the festival has grown into one of the region's most recognisable events, combining mystery, entertainment and community in a way few festivals can match.

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The Queensland Government has recognised the festival's significance, supporting the event through Tourism and Events Queensland's Homegrown Fund.

Queensland Environment, Tourism and Science Minister Andrew Powell said the festival plays an important role in showcasing both Cardwell and the wider Cassowary Coast.

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"It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the Australian UFO Festival, an event that celebrates the energy and diversity of the Cassowary Coast," Mr Powell said.

"The Queensland Government is proud to support the Australian UFO Festival through Tourism and Events Queensland's Homegrown Fund, which backs events developed in our state and helps connect them with the unique destinations they call home.

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“Homegrown events play an important role in showcasing new ideas, celebrating culture, and creating memorable experiences for visitors, all while contributing to Queensland's vibrant and diverse events calendar."  

The minister also encouraged festival-goers to take advantage of everything the region has to offer during their stay.

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"Beyond the Australian UFO Festival, there is so much to see and experience in the Cassowary Coast. I encourage visitors to take the opportunity to explore the area and enjoy the wide range of tourism opportunities that Queensland has to offer."

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The official festival program has now landed, featuring a diverse lineup of events including the popular C-Files Forum, Galactic Roll-Off Barefoot Bowls, Films on the Foreshore, Alien Abduction Night, Alliance of Earthlings, the C-Files Tour, Alien Invasion Foreshore Party and Monster Market Day.

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Family-friendly entertainment will also feature prominently, including appearances from Superconscious Dave, who will bring interactive activities and children's entertainment to the festival throughout the weekend. For those keen to start planning their visit, the full list of confirmed events can be found in our official Cassowary Coast Life Event Guide on page 12.

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In perfect timing, skywatchers across Queensland recently found themselves looking upward after reports of a Chinese rocket launch created a bright plume visible from parts of the state. Social media quickly filled with photos and speculation as residents debated whether the mysterious light was a rocket, a UFO, or something else entirely.

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While the answer turned out to be firmly earthbound, the sighting has only added to the excitement surrounding Australia's only dedicated UFO festival.

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Whether you're a lifelong believer, a curious sceptic or simply looking for an unforgettable weekend by the waterfront, Cardwell is once again preparing to welcome visitors for what has become one of the Cassowary Coast's most unique and talked-about events. And with another mystery recently spotted in the skies above Queensland, festival organisers might argue there has never been a better time to keep looking up.

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