Carbondalien Festival Fund
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
Scranton Area Community Foundation$865
raised by 25 people
$5,100 goal
The Carbondalien Festival is a quirky annual UFO-themed festival held in Carbondale, PA. It celebrates a famous local mystery from 1974, when residents reported that a glowing object crashed into the pond at Russell Park. The event resulted in overnight investigations and stories told over decades by residents of Carbondale that remember the phenomenon. Some people believed it was a UFO, while skeptics said it may have been a railroad lantern or another ordinary object. The mystery became part of local folklore and continues today with the annual event.
The festival started as a way to honor that story and has grown into a big community event with:
A kickoff glow parade in downtown Carbondale
A live reenactment of the alleged 1974 crash, as reported by several sources
UFO and paranormal speakers
A passport to the downtown businesses
Live music and local art displays
Food vendors and supernatural vendor tents
Community partner tables with fun activities and information
Hot air balloon rides and themed activities
Family-friendly entertainment
Costume contests and dressed character meet and greets
A train ride from Scranton to Carbondale
…And much more!
It’s held every year on the first weekend in November in downtown Carbondale, PA. The event mixes small-town fun, sci-fi culture, paranormal curiosity, and local history. Admission is generally free, though some attractions require tickets.
Propel us to our area 51 goal of $5,100.00 for this year’s NEPA Gives! We are exploring new territory by participating in this year’s biggest fundraising event of the year. By supporting the Carbondalien Festival on June 4th and 5th during NEPA Gives, we will be able to expand on programming for all ages this November.
Family and Friends Blast-Off Challenge:
Join our family and friends challenge by pledging $25-$50 towards our NEPA Gives goal
Small Business Planet Drive:
Join our small business planet drive by pledging $100-$250 towards our NEPA Gives goal
Your support will contribute to expanding our family-friendly activities and programming for 2026! Thank you for your continued interest and support of our festival and we look forward to seeing your ship land in Carbondale on November 6th and 7th!