Activities, events and the UFP experience

The UFP is much more than a Star Trek fan club. We are a community of friends who come together to celebrate our shared love of Star Trek through a wide variety of activities throughout the year. Whether we're attending conventions, exploring Arizona, giving back to our community, hosting movie premieres or simply sharing a meal and great conversation, there is always something happening.

Our members come from all walks of life, all age groups and many different cultural backgrounds. What brings us together is a shared appreciation for Star Trek and the values it represents, along with a welcoming spirit and a desire to build lasting friendships. Whether you have been a fan since the Original Series or are just discovering the franchise, you'll find a place where you can boldly join in the fun.

Convention Adventures

The UFP is a familiar sight at science fiction and literary conventions throughout Arizona and beyond. We help organize conventions behind the scenes, staff booths at fan events and street fairs and proudly represent the club in uniform.

Our members host a variety of entertaining and informative convention panels covering everything from Star Trek to science fiction fandom. We are also known for our crowd favorite game show, Star Trek Pictionary, which always draws plenty of laughs and audience participation.

The club also attends major events like Star Trek Las Vegas and Phoenix Fan Fusion. Membership dues help us bring celebrity guests to Arizona for special appearances and, on occasion, private dinners with our club members.

Potlucks, Picnics, BBQs and Game Nights

Some of our favorite memories are made around the dinner table. Throughout the year we host potlucks and game nights at members' homes across the Valley, giving everyone a chance to relax, laugh and enjoy great company. Sometimes we'll eat outside, renting ramadas at nearby parks for BBQs and picnics.

Many gatherings feature fun themes, including our annual chili cookoff and specialty cocktails inspired by the Star Trek Cocktails recipe book. The famous Warp Core Breach has become a club favorite.

Exclusive Member Events

Being a member has its perks. The UFP regularly hosts exclusive events that are only available to club members.

We have enjoyed private big screen premieres of new Star Trek series such as Strange New Worlds and Picard at the Marston Theater at ASU. The theater has also hosted fascinating planetary science lectures and other special presentations for our members.

Wine Tastings

For members who enjoy great conversation and good company, our wine tastings have become a favorite tradition.

We have hosted tastings across the Valley and in members' homes, sometimes with the guidance of a professional sommelier. Officially licensed Star Trek wines have made these events even more memorable. Add cheese boards, charcuterie and fellow fans, and you have the perfect evening.

Outdoor Adventures

Arizona offers incredible places to explore, and the UFP loves taking advantage of them.

Members enjoy hiking scenic trails, camping under the stars, staying in mountain cabins, geocaching, launching model rockets and swimming during the summer months. Our pool parties often feature fun themes, puppy play dates and Star Trek trivia hosted by Vic.

Our adventures also include Spring Training baseball games, boating on Tempe Town Lake, visits to the 7th Avenue Street Fair and plenty of new activities throughout the year.

Holiday Parties and Celebrations

The UFP knows how to celebrate. Every year we gather for favorite traditions including our costume Halloween party, Christmas gift exchange and New Year's Eve celebration.

These events are filled with laughter, friendly competition and opportunities to spend time with friends who share interests.

Community Service

Serving our community has been part of the UFP since the club was founded in 1975. Giving back is one of our longest standing traditions.

Each holiday season we participate in Christmas Angels by purchasing science, educational and creative gifts for children in need. We have also supported Arizona Small Dog Rescue and other local charities over the years.

Our history of service even includes helping KAET Channel 8 during its annual PBS fundraising telethon in the 1980s, when a full panel of UFP members staffed the phone lines.

Fundraising Auctions

Our annual fundraising auctions are one of the highlights of the year.

Members donate Star Trek and science fiction collectibles, books, artwork and memorabilia to be auctioned within the club. Every dollar raised goes back into the club treasury to support future events, catered gatherings and special celebrity guest appearances at conventions.

Away Missions and Road Trips

Adventure is always on the calendar.

The UFP regularly plans day trips and weekend outings to some of Arizona's most interesting destinations. Past adventures have included Lowell Observatory, The Arizona Renaissance Festival, The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, Pima Air and Space Museum, The Musical Instrument Museum and The Titan Missile Museum, where scenes from Star Trek: First Contact were filmed.

Every year brings new destinations, new experiences and new memories.

Twice-a-month Meetings

At its heart, the UFP is still what it was when it began in 1975: friends gathering together to talk about Star Trek, watch episodes, share ideas, plan future events and enjoy a slice of pizza.

Our twice-monthly meetings include club business, officer elections, event planning and plenty of casual conversation. We also occasionally meet on Zoom for members who cannot attend in person.

Join the fun

If this sounds like your kind of community, we would love to meet you.

The best way to experience the UFP is to visit one of our meetings, meet our members and see what we're all about. Whether you are a lifelong Star Trek fan or simply looking for a welcoming group of science fiction enthusiasts, there's a place for you here.