World UFO Day (June 24 & July 2)
World UFO Day is a time for stargazers, sci-fi fans, and skeptics to reflect on the unknown.
Whether you believe or just enjoy the mystery, it’s a day to explore UFO sightings, alien theories, and government secrets.
Marked on both June 24 and July 2, this oddball celebration continues to spark curiosity worldwide. It also lands right in the middle of the weird days in June.
When is the Holiday?
World UFO Day is celebrated on two dates: June 24 (marking the first major UFO sighting by Kenneth Arnold in 1947) and July 2 (linked to the Roswell Incident). Both dates honor pivotal moments in UFO lore.
Who Invented It?
There’s no official founder. It started as a grassroots movement among UFO researchers and fans who wanted to raise awareness, share sightings, and push for government transparency.
The History of the Holiday
The idea of World UFO Day took shape as interest in UFOs surged post-World War II, particularly in the U.S. With the Cold War escalating, the public grew increasingly fascinated, and suspicious, about what might be lurking in the skies.
The 1947 Kenneth Arnold sighting and Roswell incident fueled decades of speculation, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the idea of setting aside a specific day to reflect on these events gained traction.
UFO enthusiasts, researchers, and citizen advocacy groups began promoting July 2 and June 24 as days to honor key milestones in UFO history.
The goal was both cultural and political: to raise awareness about unexplained aerial phenomena and to encourage governments to declassify documents related to such events.
By the 2010s, World UFO Day had gained international visibility. Celebrations began popping up across the globe, from organized skywatches and conferences to themed museum exhibits and digital campaigns.
Over time, the day has grown into a mix of grassroots science advocacy, fringe curiosity, and pop culture fandom, all orbiting around one enduring question: are we alone?
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
World UFO Day events often include skywatching parties, film screenings, and lectures.
June 24, 1947, is when the term “flying saucer” was coined.
The Roswell debris sparked conspiracy theories that still fuel documentaries today.
The U.S. government’s UFO disclosures in recent years have added new legitimacy.
Organizations like MUFON and CUFOS were formed to collect and study sightings.
Activities to Celebrate
Tune into a UFO-focused podcast or audiobook, perfect background while crafting or relaxing under the stars.
Plan a movie night with classic extraterrestrial films like E.T., Close Encounters of the Third Kind, or Arrival for an immersive UFO experience.
Set up a backyard skywatch with binoculars or a telescope, and log any strange sightings or celestial events.
Explore famous UFO cases with friends or family, read eyewitness accounts or dive into documentary footage together.
Get creative with alien-themed crafts and activities for kids. Check out the free templates and ideas in the resource section below.
Links to Resources
Alien Paper Bag Puppet – Turn a paper lunch bag into an adorable alien puppet using the free printable. Easy and quick to prep, perfect for younger kids.
How to Draw a Spaceship – A step-by-step guide perfect for kids learning to draw. This spaceship doodle tutorial is easy to follow and great for adding some creativity to your World UFO Day celebration.
Alien Headband Craft – Includes a free printable template to help kids make their own alien headbands. Ideal for dress-up, classroom celebrations, or themed playdates.
Space Playdough Mats – Printable mats that encourage sensory play while reinforcing space vocabulary and creativity. Great for preschool and kindergarten activities during space-themed lessons.
DIY Alien Sugar Scrub – These Toy Story–inspired alien sugar scrub cubes double as fun party favors or gifts. Easy to make with kids, especially for a space-themed celebration.
Paper Plate Flying Saucer Craft – Simple craft using a paper plate and clear plastic cup to make a classic “UFO.” A great option for younger kids learning about space or aliens.
Aliens Love Underpants Story Spoons – Create your own storytime props based on the popular children’s book. Fun for literacy centers or alien-themed reading sessions.
Related Holidays
National Alien Abduction Day (March 20) focuses on stories, pop culture, and playful speculation about encounters with extraterrestrial life, often celebrated with alien-themed crafts and films.
National Science Fiction Day (January 2) honors the genre that brought UFOs and space exploration into mainstream imagination.
International Space Day (1st Friday in May) encourages interest in space science and astronomy, often featuring school events, public talks, and skywatching.
National Look Up To The Sky Day (April 14) reminds us to pause and observe the skies, whether it’s for weather, stars, or the occasional unidentified flying object.
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