Alien aficionados, ufologists, and paranormal proponents gather each year in June to celebrate the world’s first encounter with the iconic Men in Black.
MIBBB Fest (aka “Men in Black Birthday Bash“) is inspired by the 1947 appearance of UFOs off Maury Island, just across the water from Des Moines, and the first reported visit from a mysterious Man in Black.
Now in its fifth year, MIBBB Fest’s anchor event, the “Bash,” kicks off Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Quarterdeck in a Special Limited Edition, featuring classic MIBBB Fest cosplay and mythology, a return of last year’s smash event – a Colleen Rafferty Alien Abductee Look-Alike Contest – and a dance party, all in one night.
The 2026 Special Limited Edition is, in part, a recognition of a pending invasion of the Pacific Northwest by soccer fans headed to the FIFA World Cup. To avoid a wobble in the MIBBB Fest orbit, the 2026 Festival does not overlap FIFA World Cup game days.
Colleen Rafferty Alien-Abductee Look-Alike Contest
This limited edition, one-time-only MIBBB Fest will revolve around the Colleen Rafferty Alien-Abductee Look-Alike Contest that was so popular last year. The contest is inspired by the Colleen Rafferty character played by Kate McKinnon on Saturday Night Live. The recurring sketch features MIB-style government agents interviewing an abductee allegedly kidnapped by aliens. Participants come dressed as Colleen Rafferty, ready to perform a line from an SNL bit.
“This is a cosplay event, and we’re excited to launch this Special Limited Edition with something for everyone,” said Co-producer Anita Bar. “Bash attendees traditionally come in black and white. The alien abductee look-alikes will come and compete dressed as Colleen (or Carl) Rafferty. And the aliens, well, aliens are never invited, but they crash anyway, and you really can’t tell them what to wear.”
Tickets Go On Sale April 15
Save the date for Saturday, June 20, at the Quarterdeck at the Des Moines Marina.
Tickets for the Bash will go on sale April 15 at Eventbrite.
The event is open to anyone 21+.
ALERT: Additional events (currently Top Secret) may or may not be announced at a future date.
About MIBBB Fest
Held each year in Des Moines, Washington, MIBBB Fest commemorates history’s first encounter with the Men in Black, the infamous 1947 Maury Island Incident, and the top secret government intervention that followed.
This local festival was founded in 2022 by a small group of Des Moines residents, including Des Moines natives Steve and Melody Edmiston, who are passionate about sharing the fascinating stories of their hometown’s history.
