Mitchell County leads North Carolina in UFO sightings and this annual gathering celebrates that out-of-this-world distinction in style. Hear national speakers share encounter and sighting stories, browse 200+ artists and vendors, and enter the costume contest. Live music, kids activities, pub crawl, river race, and more fill the day along Locust Street in downtown Spruce Pine. More than 50,000 attendees showed up in 2025! The Children's Close Encounter Zone is a ticketed area with amusement rides and carnival games.