‘Men in Black’ MIBBB Fest Bash is at the Quarterdeck on Saturday, June 21

Holy flying saucers! The Men in Black Birthday Bash (aka MIBBB Fest) is landing again starting June 13, 2025, bigger, funnier and quirkier than ever in 2025.

This year’s celebration of the Washington State origins of the mythic Men in Black will boast nine days of events.

The festival commemorates the historic Maury Island Incident. This 1947 UFO sighting prompted the first reported encounter with a Man in Black, right here in the Pacific Northwest.

The festival’s signature cosplay event, the Men in Black Birthday Bash (MIBBB Fest), happens at the Quarterdeck in Des Moines on Saturday, June 21. Guests come dressed in variations of black and white for an evening of music, entertainment and quirky traditions that celebrate the origin story of the iconic Men in Black. The Waterland Arcade hosts an afterparty with DJ’d, space-themed music. Bash attendees and cosplayers will receive a discounted entry.

Full Event Schedule

Here’s a complete rundown of MIBBB Fest 2025 special events:

• Friday, June 13, 5:30 p.m. – Alien Abductee Colleen Rafferty Look-alike Contest: Marina Mercantile, Des Moines. Sponsored by Harper Studios. Free with ticket.
• June 13-20 – Alien-vitation Scavenger Hunt: Westfield Southcenter Mall, daily during mall hours. Sponsored by Explore Seattle Southside. Free, no ticket required.
• June 20, 6:30 p.m. – Alien-vitation Saucers with Sass: Maury Island Incident film screening and drag queen trivia contest, AMC Southcenter 16 Theater. Sponsored by Explore Seattle Southside. Ticketed.
• June 21, 5:30 p.m. – Men in Black Birthday Bash: Quarterdeck, Des Moines. Ticketed.
• June 22, 11:00 a.m. – Sparky’s Revenge Dog Flying Disc Tournament: Des Moines Field House. Sponsored by Destination Des Moines featuring Summit Disc Dogs. Free, no ticket required.

Tickets & Info

Tickets for all events are available at Eventbrite.