Everything You Need to Know About the 2024 Chehalis Flying Saucer Party
The annual Flying Saucer Party returns to Chehalis on September 13 and 14 this year. This year’s theme is “UFO Disclosure,” and the party will be packed with more events than ever before. Here’s everything you need to know about the Chehalis Flying Saucer Party, whether you’re an avid UFOlogist, an enthusiast or “experiencer,” or a parent looking for something unique and fun to do with your family on the weekend.
History
In June of 1947, Idaho-based pilot Kenneth Arnold flew out of the Chehalis Airport toward his home and, ultimately, an unforgettable sight that turned the entire nation’s eyes toward the sky. Shortly into his flight, Arnold witnessed what he described as nine “flying discs” moving at startling speeds in a chain formation above Mineral, WA. Arnold’s report introduced the term “flying saucer” into the international dialogue, which became a pop culture sensation. (DID YOU KNOW: You can find depictions and allusions to Arnold’s sighting and the Flying Saucer Party in some of our downtown murals?) This historic event is the original inspiration behind the Chehalis Flying Saucer Party, a weekend-long festival that first launched in 2019.[1] For five years, eventgoers have descended upon downtown Chehalis to celebrate this event and the generations of subsequent stories that continue to thrill and intrigue.
The Chehalis Flying Saucer Party launched shortly after Executive Director Jason Mattson joined the Lewis County Historical Museum. Mattson partnered with Vince Ynzunza, producer of the web series Pacific NorthWEIRD, to plan, coordinate, and produce the event. The goal is to celebrate some of the Pacific Northwest’s quirky history by increasing awareness of historic sightings and our small town’s mark on “UFOlogy” and modern culture. Mattson’s hope is that visitors “have fun and maybe learn something new, [whether they] believe it or not.”
Free & Family-Friendly Activities
Most of the events in the Flying Saucer Party lineup are family-friendly and free to attend. The Lewis County Historical Museum will be open from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. with free admission, highlighting their Kenneth Arnold exhibit which tells the story of Chehalis’s sensational connection to the “otherworldly.” Visitors can also create their own upcycled flying saucer at the museum’s craft station or browse the vendor fair.
At 1:00 P.M. the public is invited to participate in the ALL-NEW Alien Invasion Parade on Front Street – costumes and accessories are encouraged! Parade lineup will occur at the intersection of Front and Park Streets at 12:30 P.M. Immediately following the parade, zoom over to the museum parking lot to catch your own flying discs with fun prizes as they are tossed from the gazebo. This “Saucer Drop” is a zany and beloved local tradition you won’t want to miss.
Mere steps away from the museum, UFO enthusiasts can enjoy live music at McFiler’s restaurant or a spaced-out art display at Mint City Coffee Roasters. Swing by Mint City at 4:00 P.M. to catch the Timberland Regional Library’s Flying Saucer Storytime and pick up a specialty coffee while the kids are otherwise engaged.
Dash for Disclosure 5K and Costume Karaoke
Want to get even more mileage out of your stellar alien costume? Take it for a spin around town when you sign up for the “Dash for Disclosure” 5K run or walk. Take your mark in front of the museum at 8:30 A.M. and dash through Chehalis to warm up for the rest of the day’s shenanigans. To register, contact director@lewiscountymuseum.org. If your tentacles and antennae are still up for it, wrap up your night at the karaoke costume contest, which will be held at McFiler’s restaurant beginning at 7:00 P.M.
Speakers & Film Festival
This year, speakers will be hosted at the McFiler’s Chehalis Theater on Market Boulevard. The lineup includes Charlton Hall, Steve Edmiston, Kevin Day, and Connie Willis. Sessions will cover many topics related to the burgeoning trend of UFO Disclosure and global dialogue and will be held at 9:30 A.M., 11:00 A.M., 2:00 P.M., and 3:30 P.M., followed by a speaker panel at 5:30 P.M. Tickets start at $15 per person per session or are included in the VIP package. Find ticketing and speaker information online here.
Per tradition, the Flying Saucer Party initiates with the Northwest Flying Saucer Film Fest on Friday night at McFiler’s Chehalis Theater. The Film Fest begins at 6:00 P.M., and tickets are sold at the door. On Saturday night, McFiler’s Chehalis Theater will also phone the entire party home with a showing of Men in Black at 7:30 P.M.
No matter how you choose to partake, the Flying Saucer Party will inspire curiosity, fun, and giggles. For the full experience, pick up a VIP package, which includes an all-access pass to speakers and films, Flying Saucer Party merchandise, a goodie bag from downtown businesses, and more. Tickets for individual sessions can be purchased online. All proceeds benefit the Lewis County Historical Museum, so they can continue to bring our local history to life.
Looking for another way to support the museum? Memberships can now be purchased online! Visit https://lewiscountymuseum.org/about/membership/ to purchase yours.
[1] The Chehalis Flying Saucer Party; https://www.flyingsaucerparty.org/history
Written by Chelsea Sonnenberg