Forget Times Square: This Tiny PA Town Drops a Flying Saucer and Parties on 'Mars Time'

A Town with an Identity Crisis (The Best Kind)

Located in Butler County, Mars is a town that has fully leaned into its celestial name. The local high school teams are the "Fightin' Planets," the local diner is a hub for "Martian" gossip, and the town square features a 3,000-pound flying saucer made from two repurposed oil tanks.

But the real draw is the Mars New Year Festival. Because it takes roughly 1.88 Earth years for the planet Mars to complete one orbit around the Sun, the town celebrates "New Year" on a schedule that would confuse any standard wall calendar.

NASA Comes to Town

This isn't just a local bake sale. The celebration has become so iconic that NASA regularly partners with the borough. During festival years, the streets are lined with:

• STEAM Activities: NASA scientists host exhibits on Martian exploration and robotics.
• Costume Contests: Expect to see more "little green men" than humans.
• The Saucer Hub: Everything centers around the iconic silver UFO that has become one of Pennsylvania's most photographed roadside attractions.

Mark Your Calendars (Both of Them)

If you missed the last one, don't worry—the Martian orbit is predictable, even if the town's celebrations are out of this world. For those looking to experience the quirkier side of the Keystone State, the Mars Brew Fest (a fundraiser for the main festival) is slated for June 6, 2026.

Whether you're there for the space science or to see a town that refuses to be "down to Earth," Mars offers a glimpse into a community that turned a map coincidence into a cosmic legacy.

Sources

• Mars New Year Official Committee: Scheduling of the Martian orbit festivals and NASA partnership details.
• Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau: Tourism impact and history of the Mars flying saucer landmark.
• NASA Science Mission Directorate: Collaborative efforts for public outreach in Mars, PA.