Join us for the Men in Black Birthday Bash, a celebration of the first MIB encounter in 1947!

The festival that celebrates the absolutely true birthplace of the Men in Black mythology, and launched the 1947 Summer of the Saucers!

What happens at MIBBB Fest? A men-and-women in black cosplay party on the shore of Puget Sound; a film party; UFO history walking tour; speaker presentations on how Washington State spawned “the men in black,” and more, all in the shadow of Maury Island, Washington.

Why?

On June 22, 1947, one day after Harold Dahl saw six flying discs off Maury Island, Washington, he encountered history’s first alleged visit from the “men in black.” And unknowingly launched a mythological and pop culture juggernaut we all know today. So, each year, on the anniversary of that first-ever “men in black” warning, MIBBB Fest celebrates the event - in “black-and-white” - on the shores of Puget Sound, in the sunset shadow of Maury Island.

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Colleen Rafferty (Alien Abductee) Lookalike Contest! - June 13
5:30 -7:30 p.m. at Marina Mercantile
One full week before the Bash! Hosted by Marina Mercantile, 22341 Marine View Dr S, Suite A, Des Moines; presented by Harper Studios. Launch into a week of MIBBB Fest with the world’s simplest – and funniest – cosplay on this or any other planet. Kate McKinnon’s legendary SNL character “Ms. Rafferty” has been repeatedly abducted by aliens, released, and interviewed by the MIB; the character has proven so popular that she was abducted on at least 9 episodes. Let’s pay homage to comic genius! The rules? Come as a “Ms. Rafferty” (or a "Mr."). 21+ Free but ticketed - space is limited! Pick a "CR Compete" ticket to enter, and a "CR Watch" ticket to watch.

Alienvitation Experience and Scavenger Hunt - June 13-June 20
Westfield Southcenter Mall
Presented by Explore Seattle Southside. Invite those 1947 aliens back! Experience the new, museum-quality Maury Island Incident and Men in Black interactive exhibits at Westfield Southcenter mall! Enter the scavenger hunt: solve the clues, take the pictures, collect your prize and enter for the grand prize!
Free; no tickets required.

Alienvitation “Saucers & Sass” Movie & Trivia Night - June 20
6:30 p.m. at Southcenter AMC Theater, Westfield Mall
It’s an out-of-this-world night presented by Explore Seattle Southside. Come see The Maury Island Incident film on the BIG screen at the AMC Southcenter 16 Theaters, followed by sci-fi themed trivia, prizes, and performances—all hosted by our favorite drag queen! Movie is ticketed and trivia night ticketed, snacks included. Cash bar. Space is limited.

The Men in Black Birthday Bash - June 21
5:30 p.m. at Quarterdeck

Waterland Arcade Afterparty Featuring DJ ECM - June 21
9:30 p.m. at Waterland Arcade
Debrief! With DJ ECM and Compound Records providing an out-of-this-world MIB Alien dance music set. Test your skills at classic arcade games from Pac-Man to Street Fighter to pinball, and most importantly for men and women in black (and aliens), Space Invaders. Waterland Arcade has more over 40 ice cold craft beers and ciders, and has been named “Best of Seattle Pinball” by Seattle Refined. Standard Arcade entry rates apply - with 20% for MIBBB Bash attendees or MIB/Alien cosplayers!

Sparky’s Revenge Flying Disc Dog Tournament - June 22
11:00 a.m. Des Moines Field House
Presented by Destination Des Moines.
In 1947, the flying discs tragically killed Sparky the dog. Now, 78 years later, the dogs finally bite the flying discs back! Flying discs and leaping dogs from Summit Disc Dogs, tournament style - and there can be only one “Sparky” at the end of the day! Free to the public.