Got tix yet? Fourth Annual Men in Black Birthday Bash is Saturday, June 21

The fourth annual Men in Black Birthday Bash will occur on June 21, 2025, at the Quarterdeck in Des Moines, celebrating the iconic Maury Island Incident of 1947. Attendees will dress in black-and-white attire and partake in themed activities, including light bites, comedy, and the MIBBBY Awards for best costume. The event will commence with a countdown at 6:22 p. m. , symbolizing the time of the first reported appearance of a Man in Black.

This year’s festival theme, “Sparky’s Revenge,” honors a family dog allegedly struck by UFO debris during the original incident. Additional events throughout MIBBB Fest 2025 include an Alien Abductee look-alike contest and a drag queen trivia contest. The festival aims to commemorate the first recorded UFO sighting, which sparked widespread interest in extraterrestrial encounters. Organizers expect significant local participation, highlighting Des Moines’ unique historical ties to UFO lore. Tickets for all events can be purchased via EventBrite.