Fans of the mysterious Mothman bring its West Virginia hometown new life

toggle caption Rich-Joseph Facun for NPR

POINT PLEASANT, W. Va. — Every September, the streets in this tiny town along West Virginia's border with Ohio are taken over by Mothman, a mysterious creature that, like Bigfoot, has inspired books, movies, podcasts and devoted fans.

It's the 2025 Mothman Festival, and many attendees are in costume, walking beneath giant inflatables ranging from Mothman — with filigreed wings and bulging red eyes — to the Ghostbusters Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man. For an event celebrating a dark and mysterious being, the vibe is surprisingly uplifting.

"West Virginia's beautiful," says Eric Johnson, who's visiting from Chicago. "And Mothman is to die for," he adds with a smile.

Mothman's local origins lie in a late-night sighting in 1966, when two young couples reported seeing — and being chased by — a towering winged humanoid creature just outside of town (more on that below).

Sponsor Message

The extraordinary story sparked furious interest and established Mothman as a famous cryptid, or unverified creature. But its effect on Point Pleasant, its residents and economy — and its many fans — is undeniably real.

Johnson, who learned of Mothman through playing the video game Persona, hopes to snag a spot on a tour taking visitors through the area where the creature was reported. It's his third time at the festival; he says he likes the music and food, but his favorite thing is the town itself: "I like the riverside.