Every July, the area in front of the Mugs Away Saloon in Laguna Niguel, California, fills with laughter, cheers, and countless bare backsides. The Amtrak Mooning Festival began in 1979 as a bar prank and has since grown into a legendary event where hundreds to thousands gather nationwide to drop their pants and “moon” passing Amtrak trains—a uniquely American celebration of freedom and fun.
Held annually on the second Saturday of July, the festival welcomes locals, bikers, road trippers, and curious tourists alike. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned mooner, the summer sun, cold beer, and train whistles create an irresistibly silly and addictive experience for everyone.
Main Attractions The Butt LineupThe heart of the event is the line of participants along the fence by the railroad tracks. When the distant whistle of Amtrak or Metrolink trains sounds, people of all ages simultaneously drop their pants or lift their skirts to moon the train. Passengers respond with surprise, laughter, and sometimes wes. The clicking of cameras, bursts of laughter, and train whistles blend into a lively summer atmosphere filled with camaraderie.
Key EventsMooning continues from the first train around 7:30 a.m. until the last just before midnight. Nearby parking lots and bars buzz with beer in hand, photo sessions, and impromptu costume contests. At its peak in 2008, the crowd swelled to nearly 10,000, but recent years he seen attendance settle between 100 and 1,000 due to increased security. Still, the festive and free-spirited vibe remains strong.
Costumes and DecorationsWhile bare butts are the stars, many participants express their individuality with quirky underwear, body paint, mooning-themed T-shirts, hats, and wigs. Banners and signs adorn the fence, and beer advertisements decorate the bar. The scent of sunscreen, sweat, and beer mingles in the warm summer air.
Cultural and Historical BackgroundThe event began in 1979 when a patron at Mugs Away Saloon bet that he would buy drinks for anyone who mooned the next passing train. The following year, the anniversary was celebrated again, and the tradition grew. By 2008, it attracted up to 10,000 participants. After some public disturbances and stricter city regulations, the crowd size decreased, but the event remains a beloved local tradition symbolizing irreverence, freedom, and communal laughter—quintessentially American traits.
For many, it’s a rare moment to forget daily worries, laugh freely, and celebrate a quirky piece of California folklore.
Participant Voices “I gathered my courage and joined in! The moment everyone dropped their pants, the laughter was unstoppable. Even strangers felt like family in that instant of shared silliness.” Fun Facts The tradition started in 1979 with a bar bet to moon the next passing train. Train engineers often slow down or we at the mooners in response. While public nudity and drinking on public roads are prohibited, mooning itself is legal when done responsibly. Festival DatesThe Amtrak Mooning Festival is held every year on the second Saturday of July in front of Mugs Away Saloon, Laguna Niguel, California.
The event schedule is subject to change. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.