Beam yourself into Seattle Southside this June as the galaxy’s quirkiest festival returns: The Men in Black Birthday Bash lands Saturday, June 21 at Quarterdeck at 6:00 p.m., anchoring a weeklong lineup of hilarious, interactive, and conspiracy-laden events during MIBBB Fest 2025.
What began as a cheeky nod to the 1947 Maury Island Incident has grown into a full-blown celebration of alien encounters, government secrets, and local lore. Hosted in the heart of Des Moines and Tukwila, Washington, the Bash brings together fans, skeptics, and comedy lovers from across the cosmos.
NEW EVENTS FOR 2025:
June 13 – “Colleen Rafferty” Lookalike Contest
5:30 p.m. | Marina Mercantile | 21+ | Free, ticket required
Pay homage to Kate McKinnon’s alien-abductee legend from SNL. Whether you’re a “Ms.” or “Mr.” Rafferty, show up in your best confused, bedhead glory and compete for laughs and low-level trauma. It’s the galaxy’s simplest cosplay.
June 13–20 – “Alienvitation” Experience & Scavenger Hunt
Westfield Southcenter Mall | Free
Explore two brand-new, museum-quality interactive exhibits on the Maury Island Incident and the Men in Black, then dive into an all-ages scavenger hunt with clues, photos, prizes, and a shot at the grand prize. No ticket required.
June 20 – “Alienvitation” Saucers & Sass Movie & Trivia Night
Men in Black 2024-Sean Puno
6:30–9:30 p.m. | AMC Southcenter 16 | $15
Hosted by a fabulous Seattle drag queen, this event includes a screening of The Maury Island Incident film on the big screen, with additional films to follow. Come for sci-fi trivia, snacks, prizes, and a cash bar. Costumes, camp, and conspiracy theories welcome.
June 21 – Men in Black Birthday Bash
6:00 p.m. | Quarterdeck | $35
The legendary bash returns with more history, more comedy, more mythology—and a crowd full of extraterrestrial energy. Expect surprise guests, live music, lore, and laughter.
June 21 – Waterland Arcade Afterparty
9:00 p.m. | Waterland Arcade
The party continues with retro games, alien-themed cocktails, and 20% off admission for Bash attendees or anyone in MIB cosplay.
FESTIVAL FINALE:
June 22 – Sparky’s Revenge | Flying Disc Dog Tournament
11:00 a.m. Des Moines Field House | Free
In 1947, a Tacoma man reported seeing six flying discs while boating off Maury Island. He claimed molten slag from one of the discs fell on the boat, killing his dog, Sparky. This year’s Men In Black Birthday Bash will pay homage to Sparky with this brand-new flying disc dog tournament held at the Des Moines Field House.
“This isn’t your typical festival,” says co-founder Steve Edmiston. “It’s a deep dive into Pacific Northwest history with a huge dose of humor, heart, and pop culture. We’re inviting everyone to come laugh, learn, and experience the extraterrestrial in a new way.”
This paranormal party comes on the heels of Explore Seattle Southside’s new UFO Mysteries Trail, a new mobile adventure that guides visitors through the key locations of the infamous Maury Island Incident, with the chance to win prizes along the way.
“MIBBB Fest is a perfect reflection of what makes Seattle Southside unique—our passion for storytelling, our love of community, and our ability to not take ourselves too seriously,” said Mark Everton, CEO of Explore Seattle Southside. “From historic roots to hilarious new twists, this festival draws visitors who want something unforgettable, offbeat, and truly authentic.”
