Men in Black Birthday Bash Fest introduces MIBBB Games on Sunday, June 23

MIBBB Fest – the three-day festival celebrating the mythology of the iconic Men in Black – will wrap up with a day of classic retro gaming at Waterland Arcade in Des Moines on Sunday, June 23, 2024.

At MIBBB Games, festival-goers will test their skills at classic arcade games from Pac-Man to Street Fighter to pinball, and most importantly for men and women in black, Space Invaders.

According to MIBBB Fest co-founder Steve Edmiston:

“We have information that classic arcade games make the perfect assessment tool for recruitment into the Men in Black ranks. We can’t reveal our source–that’s classified–but think about it: why wouldn’t an elite player of Galaga or Space Invaders be a top flight candidate?”

Waterland Arcade owner Jason Bliss is excited to partner with MIBBB Fest.

“Our classic games and retro atmosphere make this a perfect place for MIBBB Fest attendees to debrief after the Men in Black Birthday Bash,” Bliss said. “We’re going to play a lot of beloved space-themed tunes, throw in a few surprises, and chase some aliens.”

Event Details

• WHAT: MIBBB Games – Sunday, June 23, 4–7 p.m.
• WHERE: Waterland Arcade (22306 Marine View Dr. S., Des Moines)
• TICKETS: $7.50 – available at EventBrite.

About Waterland Arcade

Waterland Arcade has more than 50 classic arcade and pinball games and over 40 ice cold craft beers and ciders. It has been named “Best of Seattle Pinball” by Seattle Refined, and Only in Your State called it “not only extremely entertaining but also fun for the whole family… a true neighborhood gem.” Seattle Southside says “it’s the welcoming and laid-back vibe” that makes the arcade special.

About MIBBB Fest

On June 22, 1947, after Harold Dahl reported seeing six flying discs while boating near Maury Island, he was visited by history’s first “Men in Black.” Each year MIBBB Fest commemorates the first-ever Men in Black encounter. The Men In Black Birthday Bash (MIBBB) is held on the shores of Puget Sound, in view of Maury Island. Follow MIBBB Fest on Facebook and Instagram.

MIBBB Film + Dance Party – Friday, June 21, Harper Studios, Des Moines

Men In Black Birthday Bash – Saturday, June 22, Quarterdeck, Des Moines

Tickets for all MIBBB events are available at EventBrite.

About Steve Edmiston

Steve is an appointee to the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau, and has keynoted the Washington State Historical Society, Smith Tower Rumrunners Club, McMenamin’s History Pubs, multiple conferences, festivals, and other events. He is also an independent film screenwriter/producer. His award-winning shorts include The Maury Island Incident, The Day My Parents Became Cool, and Thr33.