Have you ever heard of the Maury Island incident? In June of 1947, a man named Harold Dahl claimed to have witnessed UFOs off the shore of Maury Island in Washington. The next day, he was visited by a man in a black suit, who warned him not to speak of the incident.
Inspired by this story, the annual Men in Black Birthday Bash is a “festival that celebrates the absolutely true birthplace of the Men in Black mythology.” It takes place every June in Des Moines, WA.
The main event is the Men in Black Birthday Bash on Saturday, June 21. This cosplay party is ticketed and for ages 21+ only. However, leading up to it are several other fun events such as a movie and trivia night, and many of these events are free and for all ages. All of the events take place in Des Moines, which is about a 30-minute drive south of downtown Seattle.
Ready to celebrate all things extraterrestrial? Here are all of the festival events this June:
Friday, June 13: Lookalike Contest
This lookalike contest hosted by Marina Mercantile in Des Moines invites you to pay homage to Kate McKinnon’s SNL character “Ms. Rafferty,” who was abducted by aliens multiple times. You can come as a Ms. or Mr. Rafferty. Ages 21+ only. Free but tickets required.
Cost: Free!
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Address: 22341 Marine View Dr S Suite A, Des Moines, WA 98198
June 13-20: Exhibits and scavenger hunt
Westfield Southcenter Mall is displaying Maury Island Incident and Men in Black interactive exhibits from Friday, June 13 through Friday, June 20. While you’re there, partake in the scavenger hunt for the chance to win a grand prize.
Cost: Free!
Address: 2800 Southcenter Mall, Seattle, WA 98188
Friday, June 20: Movie and trivia night
You can see the Maury Island Incident film at the Southcenter AMC Theater at Westfield Mall, then stick around afterwards for a sci-fi trivia night with prizes. The movie is ticketed but the trivia and snacks are included. There will also be a cash bar.
Cost: $20
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Address: 2800 Southcenter Mall, Seattle, WA 98188
Saturday, June 21: The Men in Black Birthday Bash
The main event! Ages 21+ are invited to cosplay as men/women in black at Quarterdeck in Des Moines to “celebrate your 1947 UFO roots with music, comedy, awards, quirky surprises and traditions, legendary swag, insider information about the pending invasion, and more.” Tickets are on sale now.
Cost: $44
Time: 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Address: 22307 Dock Ave S #1, Des Moines, WA 98198
Saturday, June 21: Arcade Afterparty
The Men in Black Birthday Bash afterparty will be held at Waterland Arcade, where there will be over 50 arcade games, a DJ and a space-themed soundtrack, and craft beer and cider. All ages are welcome and there will be a 20% discount off the arcade entrance fee for cosplay guests and MIBBB attendees.
Cost: $15 for adults
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Address: 22306 Marine View Dr S, Des Moines, WA 98198
Sunday, June 22: Sparky’s Revenge Flying Disc Dog Tournament
This disc tournament for dogs at Des Moines Field House is honor of Sparky the dog, who was allegedly killed by the flying discs during the Maury Island Incident in 1947.
Cost: Free!
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Address: 1000 S 220th St, Des Moines, WA 98198
To get tickets and more information about any of the events, visit the Men in Black Birthday Bash Fest website.