Encounter Atlas

Places / California / Festival or event

Contact in the Desert

Indian Wells, California

Billed as the biggest UFO conference around: five days of talks, workshops and night sky watches in the Coachella Valley.

Usually late May into early June. 2027 dates have not been announced yet.

Official siteDirections

Map pin is approximate: it marks the nearest town or the general area.

The creature

Flying sauceraka Disc, Flying discThe classic disc-shaped UFO that launched the modern era of sightings.

Nearby

40 mi · Roadside attraction · Landers, CAThe IntegratronA wooden dome George Van Tassel began in the 1950s after messages he said came from Venusians. Today it hosts booked sound baths.Sound baths by booking108 mi · Roadside attraction · Baker, CAAlien Fresh JerkyAn alien-themed jerky store on the way to Vegas, with spaceship props and flavours like Abducted Cow Teriyaki.Free to visit182 mi · Expedition or tour · Las Vegas, NVArea 51 Day Tour (Adventure Photo Tours)A 10-hour trip from Las Vegas in a small 4x4 to the edge of the Area 51 restricted zone, with a driver-guide, lunch and snacks included.About $228 to $295 per person270 mi · Roadside attraction · Hiko, NVAlien Research CenterA Quonset-hut gift shop at the start of the Extraterrestrial Highway, guarded by a giant silver alien.Free

Source: nbcpalmsprings.com. Hours, prices and dates change, so confirm with the organizer before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.