REMINDER: MIBBB Fest this weekend will celebrate local ties to iconic ‘Men in Black’ mythology

The Men in Black Birthday Bash Fest will take place this coming weekend in Des Moines, celebrating our region’s connection to the mythology of the iconic “Men in Black.“

This year’s fest will feature three days of memorable and quirky events based on little-known Puget Sound history around “The Maury Island Incident,” an historic 1947 UFO sighting that included the first known “Man in Black” encounter.

Tickets for all MIBBB events are of limited availability at EventBrite. Please note that Friday night’s Film + Dance Party is sold out at this time.

The fest will kick off on Friday, June 21, 2024 with a MIBBB VIP Pre-Party at Marina Mercantile – where attendees can enjoy the newest “Maury Island Cocktail” created at the Area 51 Bar in Port Townsend, while getting the insider scoop on all the festival’s activities.

Following the pre-party is the SOLD OUT second annual MIBBB Film Fest – a night of curated short films from around the world to get your “X-Files” vibe on. This year’s Dance After Party will feature Seattle’s very own BOOTS! go-go party dancers and the opportunity to share your best moves, with the best of company, under the mirror ball!

On Saturday, June 22, 2024, the signature Men in Black Birthday Bash will take place once again down at the Quarterdeck. Parents, grab your babysitters, and everyone, grab your best black and white (or anywhere along that scale!) attire – and join in for the cosplay party that celebrates the start of it all!

To round out the festival, come on over to Waterland Arcade for the first ever MIBBB Games. As the official Men In Black Birthday Bash Debrief event, it’s here that festival-goers can test their skills at classic arcade games from Pac-Man to Street Fighter to pinball, and most importantly for men and women in black, the MIB recruiting tool, Space Invaders. With over 50 classic arcade games, and a space-themed soundtrack, this is a celebration for all ages. For those 21+, there are over 40 options of ice cold craft beers and ciders to enjoy.

Why the fuss?

On June 22, 1947, one day after Harold Dahl saw six flying discs of Maury Island, Washington, he encountered history’s first alleged “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.

Interested in learning even more? Check out www.MIB622.com.