Mothman Festival Draws 20,000 Fans to Point Pleasant WV

Point Pleasant, West Virginia, a small town of about 4,000 residents, annually hosts the Mothman Festival, attracting around 20,000 visitors who celebrate the legendary cryptid known as the Mothman. The creature first gained notoriety in 1966 when two couples reported being chased by a tall, winged humanoid with glowing red eyes near an old munitions site, followed by the tragic 1967 Silver Bridge collapse that killed 46 people, intertwining the disaster with Mothman lore as a possible ominous warning. The festival features music, food vendors, cosplay, and a large silver Mothman statue, drawing fans from across the country who embrace both the myth and the community spirit. Attendees like Eric Johnson from Chicago appreciate the blend of local culture, scenic riverside views, and the lively atmosphere, while cosplayers such as Summer Maddux from California showcase elaborate costumes inspired by the creature. Mothman has transcended folklore to become a cultural icon featured in books, films, podcasts, video games, and merchandise, boosting Point Pleasant's economy and tourism. This celebration reflects a unique fusion of cryptid mythology, local identity, and fan enthusiasm that sustains the town's vitality.