First Contact Day
April 5, 2026
First Contact Day on April 5th commemorates a fictional date in the future when an alien species visits Earth and makes contact with Earthlings for the first time.
#FirstContactDay
While the fictional date of 2063 is less than half a generation away, mere humans contemplate the possibilities the further we explore space. Not only do the modern explorers keep our interests piqued, but the science fiction genre continues to pour out stories that thrill and excite us.
One of science fiction’s common themes depicts the first meeting between humans and extraterrestrials. Conspiracy theories surround Area 51, but a popular one speculates that first contact was made there. UFOs often stir up theories about the first contact, too. The earliest documented sighting of a UFO took place in 1639 and was recorded by the governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, John Winthrop.
While celebrating the first contact could mean many things, this celebration focuses on one kind – the Vulcan/humankind meeting. That’s right. It’s a “final frontier” kind of celebration.
HOW TO OBSERVE FIRST CONTACT DAY
- Brush up on your Star Trek history before you board the U.S.S. Enterprise. Actually, you’ll need to study a little more recent history of sorts.
- In any case, here are some ideas for your celebration.
- Attend a first contact re-enactment party
- Practice your Vulcan greeting
- Watch the film Star Trek: First Contact
- Visit Bozeman, Montana
- Share your first contact stories
- Participate in online celebrations
- Play the song “A Magic Carpet Ride”
- Download and print the day’s coloring page.
- Use #FirstContactDay to share your experiences and to join the conversation on social media.
