Each September, the quiet riverside town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, undergoes a surreal transformation. Streets fill with costumed fans, vendors sell “moth floss,” and music flows from riverfront stages. At the center of it all? A red-eyed, winged creature of legend known as Mothman.
Welcome to the 2025 Mothman Festival, a celebration of one of America’s most enduring and eerie cryptids. For a town with a population of just over 4,000, this weekend brings thousands of visitors, turning Point Pleasant into a buzzing hub of myth, mystery, and community spirit.
“West Virginia’s beautiful,” says Eric Johnson, a returning festival-goer from Chicago. “And Mothman is to die for,” he adds with a wink.
Despite the legend’s dark origins, the festival is anything but grim. Giant inflatables — including Mothman with intricate filigreed wings and glowing red eyes — float above crowds. The Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters even makes a cameo. It’s quirky, it’s nostalgic, and it’s become one of the most beloved small-town events in the country.
A Legend Born from Fear
The Mothman story began in November 1966, when two young couples reported a terrifying encounter just outside Point Pleasant. They claimed to have seen — and been chased by — a massive winged humanoid with glowing red eyes near an abandoned TNT plant. News of the creature spread like wildfire, making national headlines and spawning waves of panic, fascination, and investigation.
The legend grew from there. Some tied Mothman sightings to the collapse of the Silver Bridge in 1967, which killed 46 people. Others believed the creature to be a harbinger of doom, while some theorized it was extraterrestrial, interdimensional, or even a misunderstood animal.
Whether feared or beloved, Mothman became a fixture of American folklore. He’s been immortalized in books, documentaries, and the 2002 film The Mothman Prophecies starring Richard Gere. For fans of the paranormal, Mothman holds a special place in the pantheon of mysterious beings — right alongside Bigfoot, the Jersey Devil, and the Loch Ness Monster.
From Cryptid to Cultural Icon
What began as a chilling local tale is now a source of pride and economic revival for Point Pleasant. Each year, the Mothman Festival draws tens of thousands of tourists. In addition to boosting the local economy, it has helped preserve the town’s history and folklore.
“People used to associate the town with tragedy,” said a local shop owner. “Now it’s about curiosity, fun, and embracing the unknown.”
Visitors come from all over — some out of fascination, others just for fun. Eric Johnson first heard about Mothman through the video game Persona, and after some late-night Googling, he became hooked.
“This is my third time here,” he says. “I love the music and the food, but honestly, the town itself is my favorite part. I like the riverside. It’s beautiful.”
For Johnson and many others, Mothman isn’t just a cryptid. He’s a cultural mascot — a bit spooky, a bit funny, and uniquely Point Pleasant.
Festival Highlights: Music, Merch, and the ‘Shiny Hiney’
The Mothman Festival is a full-blown spectacle. On a sunny September weekend, downtown Point Pleasant becomes unrecognizable. Bands perform in the riverfront amphitheater along the Ohio River. Food vendors sell everything from lemonade and tacos to deep-fried novelties and, of course, Moth-themed treats.
One fan favorite? “Moth Floss” — pastel-colored cotton candy that’s become a sugary symbol of the event.
Merchandise lines the streets: t-shirts, mugs, plush toys, and even handmade Mothman-themed jewelry. Panels and talks by cryptid researchers and paranormal investigators draw curious crowds, and local artists showcase spooky, surreal artwork inspired by West Virginia’s strangest legend.
And then there’s the Mothman statue — a large silver monument with spread wings and glowing eyes. While the front of the statue inspires awe, it’s the back that gets the most attention. Known affectionately as the “Shiny Hiney,” the statue’s sculpted rear end has become a cheeky photo op for thousands of visitors. Some tourists even come prepared with costumes, posing beside the statue in homemade Mothman wings or ghost-hunting gear.
A Safe Space for the Strange and Curious
What makes the Mothman Festival stand out isn’t just the cryptid itself — it’s the people. There’s a warm, almost whimsical energy that welcomes fans of all stripes: paranormal investigators, horror lovers, cosplay enthusiasts, skeptics, and curious families just out for an adventure.
“It’s like Halloween, Comic-Con, and a block party rolled into one,” said one attendee.
More than anything, the festival has become a rallying point for believers in the unexplained — a space where it’s okay to embrace the unknown, indulge in weirdness, and be part of a community that finds joy in legends.
As the sun sets over the Ohio River and the glow of string lights replaces daylight, the vibe is one of celebration. Whether you believe in Mothman or not, there’s no denying the power of a good story — especially one that brings people together.
The Legacy of Mothman Lives On
Long after the food trucks roll out and the inflatables come down, Mothman remains a lasting symbol for Point Pleasant. His eerie red eyes continue to watch over the town — from statues, murals, t-shirts, and stories passed down from one generation to the next.
In an age of fast news and fleeting trends, Mothman endures because he represents something timeless: our human love of mystery.
And for at least one weekend every year, the world descends on Point Pleasant not just to chase a legend — but to celebrate it.
